COMBAT MilTerms: C

M I L T E R M S :

C : CHARLIE

CA :

in air operations, meaning Combat Assault, which flight time counted more than resupply (ASH 'n' TRASH) or surveillance (VR); and in ground operations, meaning Civil Affairs (or Community Affairs), as related to Civic Action Program (CAP) missions, including DENTCAP, ICAP, and MEDCAP, as conducted by the proverbial "5 shop", as S-5/G-5/J-5 (v: J-CODES); see DP, CAG, PHIL CAG, CAT, CAP, CAMG, USAID, IVS; compare UW, FID, PSYOPS, DA, SF, SOF. [nb:Civil Affairs sections have been redesignated as Resources, and enumerated S-/G-8; while J-5 has been designated the Plans section in latest references] Also, designated U.S. Navy armored heavy cruiser; a type of WARSHIP; compare CL.

CAB :

CAB

abbreviation for the Combat Action Badge, approved 27 May 2005, for US Army personnel present and engaged in active ground combat while serving at brigade level or smaller sized units in an area designated for Hostile Fire or Imminent Danger supplemental pay, but who are not eligible for either the Combat Infantryman's or the Combat Medical Badge. This award culminates the extensive efforts to recognize the combat service of artillerymen, tankers, cavalrymen, combat engineers, and military policemen with a distinctive badge; and it may be earned by other support personnel if so engaged. If a servicemember is entitled to more than one combat badge, only one may be worn at a time on the uniform, with the CAB of lowest precedence. This badge was known as the "Close Combat Badge" during its design and development (officially announced 11 Feb 2005), but someone probably noticed that Nazi Germany presented an award of the same name for the same service during WWII, which undoubtedly hastened the change of designation. During and after the VIETNAM WAR, an enlarged specialty branch insignia surrounded by a wreath was circulated as an unofficial "combat badge" for REDLEGs, MPs, and others. See CIB, CMB.

CABLE :

any strong heavy ROPE or CORD made of twisted strands, especially one made with metallic wire; see LINE. Also, a thick HAWSER made of ROPE, wire, or chain. Also, a strong heavy ROPE or CORD that operates a mechanism. Also, a unit of length equal to 720 feet on land, or 606 feet at sea; see FATHOM, NAUTICAL MILE, KNOT, KLICK. [nb: 12 inches = 1 foot, 3 feet = 1 yard, 6 feet / 2 yards = 1 fathom, 16.5 feet = 1 rod (aka: pole or perch), 66 feet / 4 rods = 1 chain (90 feet / 15 fathoms = 1 anchor chain), 10 chains / 660 feet (1/8 statute mile) = 1 furlong, 120 fathoms / 720 feet = 1 land cable, 101 fathoms / 606 feet (1/10 nautical mile) = 1 cable, 3 statute miles = 1 land league, 3 nautical miles = 1 sea league / shot] [nb: a "geographic mile" is the length of a minute of longitude on the equator]

CAC :

the Marine Combined Action Company; compare CACO, see CAP. Also, the rude Vietnamese word for "shit", as in "bu cac toi"; see TRA CA, DUMP, TROTS, SQUIRTS, SLOP CHUTE, CAT HOLE, SLIT TRENCH, LATRINE.

CACA DAU :

Vietnamese phrase for "kill you" or "you die". May be personalized "I'll kill you" as TOI CACA DAU.

CACHE :

a hiding place for munitions, supplies, or other valuables, a stash or hidey-hole; derived from "pack together" or stow. See GLORY HOLE, SMUGGLER'S TRAP, DUMP, DEPOT. [nb: the cellar or cache known as "The Douglas Larder" derives from the incident, on Palm Sunday 1307, when Sir James Douglas regained his castle by a ruse and, knowing that he could not hold it, caused all the provisions to be heaped together, along with the bodies of the slain prisoners and dead horses, pouring drink and casting salt over all, then the castle entire was fired; cf: wolverine]

CACO :

(kak-ko) in the Navy and Marine Corps, the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer, being a duty detailed to someone of equivalent RANK who is stationed near the home of the servicemember's next of kin (NOK), often accompanied by a chaplain, so as to initiate burial and survivorship procedures; this procedure is known as Casualty Affairs or Survivor Assistance in the other service branches. See KINFORMING, HUG SQUAD, GHOUL, SKY PILOT, GOD SQUAD, WIA, DOW, KIA, MORTUARY AFFAIRS, GRAVES REGISTRATION. Also, abbreviation for Marine Combined Action COmpany; compare CAC, see CAP.

CACTUS :

the CODENAME for Guadalcanal during Operation Watchtower during the period 31 July - 3 September 1942 in WWII.

CACTUS AIR FORCE :

the ensemble WWII Allied air power assigned to Guadalcanal, particularly that operating from Henderson Field; which phrase derives from the CODENAME ("Cactus") for the island.

CACTUS CURTAIN :

(forthcoming); see GITMO Compare STAR WARS, MAGINOT LINE, SMEZ, BERLIN WALL, IRON CURTAIN, BAMBOO CURTAIN, BAR LEV LINE, McNAMARA'S WALL, McNAMARA LINE, CHINESE WALL, DEW LINE, PHASE LINE. [cf: Hadrian's Wall, Antonine Wall, Great Wall of China] [nb: "The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the men who defend it." by Genghis Khan]

CADENCE :

rate of march, as coordinated by rhythmic beats or chants. See JODY CALL, CHANTEY, HEP, BY THE NUMBERS, QUICK TIME, DOUBLE TIME, FUNERAL PACE, PARADE, MARCH, MARK TIME, ROUTE STEP, STUTTER-STEP, WALK LIKE A PUSSY, DITTY-BOP, HOISE, BEATERS 'n' BLEATERS, TOOTER. [cf: ballad, chanson, lay, air, tune, ditty, carol]

[eg: C-130 comin' down the strip,
Airborne daddy gonna take a little trip.
Stand up! Hook up! Shuffle to the door!
Jump right out and count to four.
If my chute don't open wide,
I've got another one by my side.
If that chute don't open round,
I'll be the first one on the ground.
If I die on the ol' Drop Zone,
Pack me up and ship me home.
Bury me in the leaning rest,
Tell my folks I did my best.]

CADET :

USMA svc cap

a student of military science in a school/academy, or a subaltern enrolled in an officer training course, culminating in a commission in the Armed Forces; such as OCS, ROTC, US Air Force Academy, US Military Academy ("West Point"), US Naval Academy ("Annapolis"), Virginia Military Institute (VMI), The Citadel, etc. Just as enlisted (EM) trainees are given distinguishing designations (eg: pup, TADPOLE, YARDBIRD, MAGGOT), so freshmen in officer training are identified by unflattering names (eg: plebe, midshipman, DOOLIE, DOGSBODY, SNOTTY). The term CADET literally means "small head", as the younger son of a headman, chief, CAPTAIN, or noble. See BOAT SCHOOL, HUDSON HIGH, TRADE SCHOOL, RING-KNOCKER, MERCHANT MARINE, COASTIES, RECYCLE, SQUARE MEAL, BRACE, SHORT-SHEET, WOC, SMACK, MISTER, OFFICER, AIDE, PIP, OC, OCS, WETSU, GREMLIN. [v: West Point slang; Military Schools] [nb: the word "caddie", with the same origin as CADET, and sometimes shortened to "cad" (irresponsible, dishonorable), was the 17th century term for a gentleman who learned the military profession by serving in the army without a commission; henceforth, it was applied to a person seeking employment (cf: coronet)] [nb: Vietnamese term: Sinh Vien Si Quan; Chuan Uy (DRV Third Lieutenant Aspirant)] [v: Viet-Nam Military Terms]

CADRE :

the complement of officers and enlisted men (NCO, EM) permanently assigned to an organization, from regular TO&E units to training centers; see STAFF, PERMANENT PARTY, SHIP'S COMPLEMENT, PLOWBACK, HOUSE MOUSE, OC, OSUT.

CAF :

the Marine Combined Action Force, being the administrative element in III MAF that directed the Combined Action Program; see CAC, CAP, CAG.

CAG :

Carrier Air Group, or designated Carrier Air Group commander. Also the Marine Combined Action Group; see PHIL CAG, CAP, AID, HOPE, PROMISE.

CAISSON :

a two-wheeled wagon, used for carrying artillery ammunition; see LIMBER, ARTY. Also, an ammunition chest. Also, a wooden chest containing bombs or explosives that was formerly used as a MINE. Also, any of various structures used as a protective environment for workers in underwater construction, consisting of a pressurized watertight chamber. Also, a float for raising a sunken vessel, that's submerged beside the vessel, made fast to it, and then pumped out to make it buoyant; also called "camel" or PONTOON. Also, an adjustable structure built against the damaged area of a HULL to render it watertight; also called "cofferdam". Also, a boatlike structure used as a gate for a dock or the like.

CAKEWALK :

routine mission or uneventful operation; such "going through the motions" operations often lulled troops into false security. See PIECE OF CAKE, LAUGH A MINUTE, WALK IN THE PARK, DUCK SOUP, NO SWEAT, MILK RUN, TURKEY SHOOT.

CAL :

caliber.

CALIBER :

the bore diameter, measured from land to land, of a firearm or gun, expressed in either hundredths of an inch (eg: .45 cal) or in millimeters (eg: 9mm); and the BULLETs sized to pass through particular barrels. See CARTRIDGE, DUMDUM, SHELL. [nb: RIFLEd guns are denoted "inch" (eg: 3" Field Gun called "three incher"), which is the diameter of the projectile, while SMOOTHBORE cannons are denoted "pound" (eg: 12# Mountain HOWITZER called "twelve pounder"), which is the weight of the projectile] [nb: although "gauge" is actually a measure of weight (not size), representing the bore diameter sized to equal the number of lead balls of that diameter to weigh one pound avoirdupois (12ga converts to .69cal), but the so-called ".410ga" SMOOTHBORE barrel is actually a caliber] [v: Firearms Glossary]

CALL ON THE CARPET :

the formal censure or reproach of a subordinate by a superior, with the existence of an office carpet implying a very senior supervisor, which chiding may require a defensive or apologetic response, oral or written (RBI), or may escalate into preferred charges and punishment; also called reprimand, rebuke, upbraid, admonish, berate, scold, reprove, chastise, castigate, revile, vilify, tongue-lash, dress-down, bawl-out, chew-out, sail-into, rap-on-the knuckles, slag-off, or carpet dance. See CONFAB, FANG, NASTY-GRAM, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, HAWK, BLANKET PARTY, GOOD ENOUGH FOR GOVERNMENT WORK, GIG, DR, DRUMHEAD, SMACK, ARTICLE 15, RIOT ACT, UCMJ.

CALL-SIGN :

radio or field telephone station identification, known as "handle" or moniker; could be qualified by appending "actual" (eg: Bayonet 6 Actual) to indicate the person speaking was not the operator (RTO). After initial contact between stations, the formal CALL-SIGN would be abbreviated (eg: "Six, one, WILCO, over."); and a distinctive voice or style could eliminate any need for SIGNATUREs. Compare CODENAME, CODEWORD, NICKNAME, COVER, PASSWORD; see HAND, SOI, SSI. [nb: the numeric suffixes of CALL-SIGNs do not match STAFF designations (eg: S-6 = commo but CALL-SIGN-6 = commander, S-5 = civil affairs but CALL-SIGN-5 = executive officer or deputy commander, etc)]

CALL TO ARMS :

a BUGLE CALL to rally the MILITIA; see MUSTER, VOLUNTEER. [cf: warison; v: clarion call]

CALL TO THE COLORS :

evocative phrase akin to "rally 'round the flag", meaning to ACTIVATE the militia, in the same sense that a "call to arms" or to "man the barricades" invites VOLUNTEERs to defend their community or their standards. Due to Johnson's simultaneous NATION BUILDING in SEAsia and Great Society "war on poverty" at home, an agenda of both bullets and butter, only one reserve unit (Co D, 151st Inf (LRP/Rngr), Indiana NG @ II FFVN: 20 Nov 69 - 10 Apr 70) was ACTIVATEd for service in combat during the VIETNAM WAR. See DRAFTEE, DRAFT LOTTERY, McNAMARA'S HUNDRED THOUSAND, VOLUNTEER, MUSTER, TOTAL FORCE. [cf: warison; v: clarion call] [nb: "One volunteer is worth a score of [im]pressed men." anonymous proverb]

CALTROP :

an obstructive device consisting of four projecting spikes, such that at least one always points upward when emplaced on the ground; formerly used to inhibit cavalry. Variously sized for anti-personnel or anti-vehicular obstruction, they may be seeded from AIRDROP. The name originally designated a tropical plant with spiny burs or bracts, but derives from Medieval Latin for "heel trap", and is also spelled "caltrap" or "calthrap". See PUNJI STAKE, FRAISE, ABATIS, HEDGEHOG, BOLLARD, DRAGON'S TEETH.

CAMARADERIE :

comradeship or good-fellowship; see COMRADE, HOOAH, OORAH, GUNG-HO, FIDO, GUSTO, WETSU.

CAMELBAK :

commercial name for the "personal hydration system" supplied with the MOdular Lightweight Load-bearing Equipment (MOLLE) issued to field troops; see CANTEEN. [nb: the latest iteration of the humble water bag, now labeled a "personal hydration system", is the container and sipping tube supplied with the MOLLE gear that's commercially marketed as CamelBak; contrived from an intravenous setup by a competition bicyclist, its alleged benefits in specific situations are offset by its greater defects, the greatest being the additional care required to maintain sanitation and prevent temperature damage. The advantage of tube-feeding water from a backpack-mounted storage container without halting the march tempo or removing bulky gear ignores the necessity of rest stops, of movement paced to terrain, and of gear removal to prevent bodily injury. all flexible containers, which are quieter and lighter, are more prone to puncture and leakage than firm or rigid containers, but the heaviest part of any container is its contents, and no CANTEEN is bulletproof. Although the tubes and valves of this demand delivery system are detachable, replaceable, and interchangeable with an insulated type, every complex system has a greater potential for failure than a simple system; and when one large container holds all of a person's water, any small problem can rapidly become a large problem that will leave the user without water.] [nb: a vest-packed soft canteen accessed by a drinking tube was described in the novel: Tunnel in the Sky by Robert A. Heinlein (1955)]

CAMG :

Civil Affairs and Military Government; see USAID, CA, CAP, CAT.

CAMMIES :

camouflage FATIGUES or Battle Dress Uniforms (BDU) of various patterns, including LEOPARD, TIGER STRIPE, WOODLAND, CHOCOLATE CHIP, or three-/six-tone DESERT, as used for protective coloration. Each disruptive pattern has featured different styles of uniform. Probably the first patterned cloth camouflage was the hunting tartan worn by Scots, but the original camouflage field uniform was British KHAKI (subdued from "redcoats"), and both German gray and French blue were selected for their subtility during dawn and dusk operations, being the time when most enemy action occurs. During WWI, both Allied and Axis powers formed "camouflage corps" to study color perception, concealment and distortion, which resulted in various spotted or mottled patterns being adopted by the end of the war. During WWII, the earlier research resulted in the limited use of spotted or striped uniforms for select units, such as Marine parachutists, but the scale and urgency of the war made wider production of mottled cloth uniforms impractical. Furthermore, technological advances, such as infrared (IR) detection, made camouflage uniforms obsolete. The EDRL leaf pattern uniform that was introduced during the VIETNAM WAR included infrared dispersion dyes in its mottling; this feature became standard on later field uniforms. See ACU, ABU, DIGITALS, FLUFF 'n' BUFF, DRESS, HELMET-COVER, CAMO, GILLIE SUIT; compare FATIGUES, DUNGAREES.

CAMO :

truncation of CAMOuflage; designed to either conceal or distort an object, either blending or disrupting an object's context by imitation or deformation, and by natural or denatured coloration, so as to confuse or disguise perception of it. See DECEPTION, CONCEALMENT; compare HELMET-COVER, CAMMIES, LEOPARD, TIGER STRIPE, ERDL, WOODLAND, GILLIE SUIT, DESERT, CHOCOLATE CHIP, DIGITALS, ACU, ABU, KHAKI, DAZZLE, COUNTERSHADING, WAR PAINT, WAR FACE, CORK, GRAYBACK. [cf: parti-colored, mottle, variegate, pied/piebald]

CAM ON :

(kham-mon or gam-mug) Vietnamese idiom for "thank you", usually combined with the polite gender designation (eg: Cam On Ong); may be elevated to "Xin Cam On Ong Lam Lam" for emphasis.

CAMPAIGN :

one of a series of military operations, as a systematic course of aggressive activities, for a specific purpose or objective as part of a war. Also, a style of furniture, paraphernalia, accouterment, or equipage formerly used by soldiers and explorers when outfitting for campaigns, fieldwork, or foreign travel; see CAP-A-PIE, RIG, FOOTLOCKER, DUFFEL BAG, WAR BAG.

CAMPAIGN HAT :

campaign hat

a broad-brimmed and high-crowned felt hat that's been in active service in various styles since the antebellum period, including the Hardee slouch (1850s), the cavalry center crease (1880s), and the "Montana Peak" (1899). Adopted in 1911 as the Army's service cap, it was replaced by the more convenient OVERSEAS CAP during WWI, but has since been retained for special purposes due to its military appearance. The CAMPAIGN HAT is most commonly associated with drill sergeants (DI), but has also been worn by marksmanship cadre, honor guards, drill teams, ROTC cadets, and others. Worn by the Army SCOUTs who staffed the national parks before the National Park Service was instituted, it remains part of the Forest and Park ranger uniform (called a "Smoky the Bear" hat); as well as being worn by many state and local POLICE forces. See HEADGEAR. [nb: the wearing of the CAMPAIGN HAT in a distinctive manner by certain groups or units has necessitated a "wetting down" INITIATION composed of various rituals and arcane rites, normally including a bout of drinking from the inverted hat, together with other high jinks and hilarity; see ] [nb: the Australian and New Zealand slouch hat, which is similar to the American campaign hat, is worn by AUSSIEs with a central fore-and-aft "bash" in the crown, while KIWIs shape the crown into a "lemon squeezer" peak (like American "Montana Peak") that sheds rainwater; one side of the slouch hat brim is pinned-up only when under arms, so as to clear the rifle at the shoulder or on its sling]

CAMPAIGN MEDAL :

informal reference to a "service medal", such as the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) or Vietnam Service Medal (VSM), which indicates service during one or more campaigns authorized for that award; see GONG, FRUIT SALAD, BATTLE STAR, DEVICE.

CAMPAIGN WIFE :

a female companion or sex partner adopted for the period of "hardship" assignment outside of CONUS or away from home; and distinguished from a SHACK-JOB by being another dislocated government or military employee, instead of a foreign national (v: SLEEPING DICTIONARY). Officers have more of an opportunity to acquire a suitable surrogate without jeopardizing the CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES OF THE SERVICE (ie: morale is adversely affected when leaders "get their bread and meat" at the same place) and social conventions (eg: pregnancy, divorce, etc). Although some foreign military services assign attractive EMs as "personal aides" (an implicit CAMPAIGN WIFE) to senior officers, the informal practice is a classic opportunity to introduce a DANGLE for a "honey trap" extortion. See DISTAFF, CLASS-B DEPENDENT, DRAG, CAMP FOLLOWER, STRANGE, SPLIT, SNATCH, BITCH, ROUND EYE, SKIRT.

CAMP BUCCA :

a military detention facility located near Umm Qasr in Iraq, used for Islamic TERRORISTs; see CLUB FED, GULF WAR.

CAMP FOLLOWER :

a CIVILIAN not officially connected with a military unit, but who settles nearby for personal or economic reasons, especially sutlers and prostitutes, also called "blow fly" or "barracks blow fly", but this rubric also includes dependent wives and BRATs; see SEPARATE RATS, ARMY SOUP, SKIRT, DOUGHNUT DOLLY, SALLY, DISTAFF, CLASS-B DEPENDENT, DRAG, BITCH, STRANGE, SPLIT, SNATCH, BUTTERFLY, SHORT-TIME. [nb: many young women during WWII, enthralled by the wartime drama and excitement, became "uniform groupies" who were sufficiently "khaki wacky" to express their ardor by casual favor or intimacy bestowed upon almost any serviceman for simple companionship; such patriotic chippies or amateur trollops were known as "V-girls" (probably by analogy to B-girl), with the dual implication of "victory" and "venereal"] [nb: the American GI's standard reference for a "woman of easy virtue" during WWII was Mary Quicklay, during Vietnam was Susie Rottencrotch or Mary Meatgrinder, while any Asian was either Madam Butterfly or Suzie Wong] [cf: vivandière] [nb: the "comfort girls" who were employed as contract prostitutes to serve the sexual needs (TRICKs) of Imperial Japanese troops in the field, usually at a COMFORT STATION or SIN CITY, were called "shock absorbers" by the Allied POWs who happened to observe their (mis-)treatment] Also, a person who espouses the aims of a group without belonging to it; see BTDT, WANNABE, PAY DUES. [nb: "In the moment of failure (at Bannockburn) the sight of a body of camp-followers, whom they mistook for reinforcements to the enemy, spread panic through the English host." by J.R. Green, A Short History of the English People (1874)]

CAM TU :

Vietnamese phrase for suicide squad, as depicted on unofficial RANGER-style scroll worn by I&R, LRRP, or LRSP teams. Suicidal tactics often indicate desperation or fanaticism (eg: TERRORIST) but also represent deep devotion and high dedication; and fails in its intended purpose, like STRATEGIC BOMBING, of demoralizing and discouraging their targeted opponent, enemy, or adversary. See SUICIDE SQUAD, SPEARHEAD; compare IOTA. [v: Viet-Nam Military Terms] [cf: Vietnamese phrase: Queyet Tu (ready to die)] [v: Japanese kamikaze, Nazi self-sacrifice mission or total mission]

CANBERRA :

Martin B-57 twin-jet tactical bomber, some of which were extensively modified for reconnaissance missions over southeast Asia; see BIRD.

CANDLESTICK :

designation given to UC-130 aircraft used in nighttime SCAR operations.

CANDY :

non-accountable funds or unvouchered money made available to select agencies and special units for "deniable" training or BLACK operations; see GOLDEN SHOWER, SLUSH FUND, CUMSHAW, JUICE, CARPETBAGGERS. Also, a euphemism for analgesics, anesthetics, euphorics, or other pharmaceuticals used to relieve PAIN or suffering incurred by MIL-PERS during training exercises or combat operations; the oft quoted Ogden Nash verse ("Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker.") does not apply in this case; compare ASA, APC; see RANGER CANDY, JUNK, DOPE, STONED, COLORS, LSD, SMACK, TAR, STICK, GRASS, HAY, BUMMER, HUBBLE-BUBBLE. [v: gateway drug, hard drug, soft drug, designer drug, prodrug; cf: miracle drug, wonder drug] [nb: a widely circulated but spurious WAR STORY alleges that post-war criminal violence and other antisocial nonconformity by crazed veterans is the direct result of unauthorized drug experimentation that was secretly conducted by medical personnel, many of whom were ignorant of this classified test, which was designed to increase combat aggressivity in soldiers, hence the fictitious "Rambo" account that allegedly attempted to disclose the purported "truth" behind the CODENAME of the program; actually, LRRP teams were only issued amphetamines, and Special Forces teams were also issued kits containing: 12 Darvon, 24 codeine, 6 dextroamphetamines, and 4 SYRETTEs of morphine sulfate.]

CANDY-ASS :

any wimp, wuss, or whiner who performs unsatisfactorily in the field, or anyone who has a safe, clean, and comfortable job; probably originated as homosexual slang, like PUNK and POGUE. See REMF, DUD, MOAN 'n' GROAN, CLERKS 'n' JERKS, PENCIL PUSHER, ACETATE COMMANDO, CHAIRBORNE, FOBBIT, TOCROACH, ORIFICE, BTDT, WANNABE, THE NAM, POGY BAIT, FAG. [nb: support personnel who try to make their jobs seem more vital or dangerous than they really are invite ridicule; such as Special Services claiming to be "Special Forces" and Merchant Marines claiming to be "Marines"!]

CANDY BAR :

an Overseas Service Stripe for six-months of duty; see HERSHEY BAR. Also, a unit recognition bar or "half-flash" worn on a beret by trainees or unqualified MIL-PERS assigned to SOF units [nb: this practice was discontinued during the organization of US Army Sp Opns Cmd (ARSOC) and the reorganization of the interservice US Sp Opns Cmd (USSOC) from the Sp Opns Cmd (SOCOM)]; see FLASH.

CANISTER :

anti-personnel munition containing ball-bearings or pellets, being the modern equivalent of "grapeshot"; also called "canister shot" or CASE SHOT. See BIG SHOTGUN, SHOTGUN; compare BUCK, NAILS, BEEHIVE, FLECHETTE, SHRAPNEL.

CANNIBALIZE :

to scavenge for repairs; to extract parts from a recovered vehicle, engine, or machine for use in repairing a similar unit; sometimes called "parting-out" or "knacker"; compare PM; see DUMP, MOTHBALL, BONEYARD. Also, to extract people or materials from existing resources in order to develop something similar. Also, the eating of the flesh of an animal by another animal of its own kind, whether for ritual or survival purposes, especially of human flesh ("long pig") by another human being. [nb: benchmark study on hunger was conducted on x volunteers (all conscientious objectors who were selected for their good health and mild temperament) by Ancel Keys at the University of Minnesota's Laboratory of Physiological Hygiene during WWII; subject group lost 25% of body weight on controlled regimen of essential nutrition and regular exercise, with everyone exhibiting "starvation neurosis" symptoms (ie: irritability, sleeplessness, lethargy, paranoia)]

CANNON-COCKER :

ARTILLERYMAN or artillerist; see REDLEG, FAG, TUBE MONKEY, BULLET HEAD. [nb: Vietnamese term: Phao Thu (cannoneer)]

CANNON FODDER :

all available people considered as impersonally expendable, also called "fresh meat", "new meat", or "raw meat" [v: enfants perdus, forlorn hope]; see CHERRY, FNG, NEWBEE, TOY SOLDIER, ZAP, WASTED, BITTER END, SNOWBALL, DIDDLY, RAT RACE, SUICIDE SQUAD, SPEARHEAD, BASTARD, BELL THE CAT. [nb: patriotism and other noble ideals will only sustain combatants if they understand the purposes of war, and know that their personal sacrifices won't be vaingloriously squandered by careless commanders; but even when the objectives are clear, troops are demoralized by criminally stupid operations ... Passchendaele and Anzio, Heartbreak Ridge and Pork Chop Hill, Khe Sanh and Hamburger Hill ... and this crisis of confidence over dereliction of duty can cost the war. Confederate General James "Pete" Longstreet, who wanted to save lives rather than test character, said: "I would not give the life of a single soldier of mine for a barren victory."]

CAN SA :

(kan sah) Vietnamese for marijuana, literally "water parsnip", as to fall down from the herb making drunk/stoned; also known as bhang, blunt, cannabis, charas, dacca/dhaka, ganja/ganjah, GRASS, hash, hashish, HAY, hemp, herb, hydro (hydroponic), J/jay, joint, locoweed, Mary Jane, pot (wine or brandy steeped [derived from potiguaya or potaguaya, apparent contraction of potaci�n de guaya, drink of grief]), reefer, rope, STICK, spliff, tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC), THAI STICK, wacky weed, weed. See STONED, FIVE FINGERS, TAR; compare DOPE, JUNK, SMACK, HUBBLE-BUBBLE, PIGTAIL. [cf: chillum, bong]

CANTEEN :

a small container (from quart to gallon), as used by soldiers and outdoorsmen, for carrying potable liquids, especially water; the molded plastic CANTEEN, some with screen filters, and collapsible BLADDER BAGS were introduced to replace the older aluminum version. A small flask (flagon) was designed to fit in the lower-leg pocket of a PILOT's FLIGHT SUIT to serve the function of a CANTEEN. Prior to metal and plastics, the American military issued wooden CANTEENs. See WATER PURIFICATION TABLET, CANTEEN CUP, PISTOL BELT, WEB GEAR, MOLLE, DEUCE GEAR [v: bota, wineskin]. [nb: the latest iteration of the humble water bag, now labeled a "personal hydration system", is the container and sipping tube supplied with the MOLLE gear that's commercially marketed as CamelBak; contrived from an intravenous setup by a competition bicyclist, its alleged benefits in specific situations are offset by its greater defects, the greatest being the additional care required to maintain sanitation and prevent temperature damage. The advantage of tube-feeding water from a backpack-mounted storage container without halting the march tempo or removing bulky gear ignores the necessity of rest stops, of movement paced to terrain, and of gear removal to prevent bodily injury. all flexible containers, which are quieter and lighter, are more prone to puncture and leakage than firm or rigid containers, but the heaviest part of any container is its contents, and no CANTEEN is bulletproof. Although the tubes and valves of this demand delivery system are detachable, replaceable, and interchangeable with an insulated type, every complex system has a greater potential for failure than a simple system; and when one large container holds all of a person's water, any small problem can rapidly become a large problem that will leave the user without water!] Also, a snack bar or cafeteria for military personnel, where sundries are often included for sale; see ANNEX, DIRTY SHIRT, SLOP CHUTE, O CLUB, DINING-IN, SIGG [cf: barrelhouse, cocktail lounge, saloon, roadhouse, speakeasy, blind pig / blind tiger, pub, ginmill, public house, tavern, cantina, bar, barroom, grogshop, watering hole, honky-tonk, dive, brasserie, bistro, taproom, beer joint, beer parlor, alehouse, rathskeller, cabaret, nightclub, drinkery]. Also, a place where free entertainment is provided for military personnel; such as a recreation hall or social club. Also, a box or chest for cutlery, utensils, tableware and other cooking implements; an officer's MESS chest; compare MESS KIT, MESS, GALLEY [cf: chuck box, grub box].

CANTEEN CUP :

a large capacity self-standing drinking cup or mug with a folding handle that can be heated directly; may also serve as a bowl. The CANTEEN CUP helped to shape and support the smaller BLADDER BAG. If a GRUNT wanted to lighten his packload, he would eliminate the MESS KIT, and carry two CANTEEN CUPs (one for food and the other for hot drinks). The size of the CANTEEN CUP accustoms MIL-PERS to large servings, hence normal tableware seems inadequate. See CANTEEN, PARTISAN'S SECRET WEAPON, KFS, SPOON, GIMBAL. [v: cup, mug, tumbler, schooner, beaker, tankard, toby / toby jug, pilsner, stein (steinzeugkrug), seidel, growler, stoup, thermos cup, travel mug, commuter cup, carry cup, road cup]

CAO DAI :

founded by Ngo Van Chieu, and revised by Le Van Trung, as an evangelical universalistic religion, blending Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and spirituality into an eclectic pantheon, that was governed by the deity, Cao Dai, since its revelation in 1926. It foresees a coming Messiah, Minh Vuong. This congregational church of graduated mediums and liturgical gradients was most popular in the southeastern provinces of VN.

CAP :

most commonly, a Civil Action Program, such as a MEDCAP or a DENTCAP, during which "hearts and minds" were enticed by government largess into military cooperation, voluntary intel reporting, and political allegiance. Conducted by designated S-5 elements, Civil Affairs MOS branch teams (CAT), and detached specialists, a cavalry, infantry, or military police unit usually provided security for these charitable programs. See AID, HOPE, PROMISE, COUNTERPART, CAG, PHIL CAG, CA, CAMG, USAID, IVS. Also, this acronym identifies the Marine Combined Action Program (CAP). The Marine CAP units operated like reinforced advisory teams, by living in the hamlets where they operated, patrolling the same area regularly, and training the local RF/PF for combined unit operations in their district. The Marine CAP was originally designated CAC (Combined Action Company) until commanders realized the similarity to the Vietnamese word for "shit". Marine CAPs and CUPPs were organized under four Combined Action Groups (CAG), which included 42 officers, 2 physicians, 126 medics, and over 2,000 EMs; and existed from August 1965 to May 1971. [nb: Vietnamese term of Marine CAP: Luc Luong Hon Hop] Also, abbreviation designates Combat Air Patrol, typically flying an oval RACETRACK pattern "on station" to monitor or surveil a specific area in case of air/ground action; to fly high-cover (HIGH 'n' DRY) or UMBRELLA, as opposed to Close Air Support (CAS); includes several distinct applications, such as TARCAP (TARget CAP), BARCAP (BARrier CAP), SARCAP or RESCAP (REScue CAP) on Search And Rescue operations; compare ABNCP.

CAPABILITY :

the ability to execute a specified COURSE OF ACTION. Also, the COURSEs OF ACTION within the power of the military for accomplishing its mission by attaining the operational objectives assigned. Also, those COURSEs OF ACTION of which the military is physically capable and that, if adopted and implemented, will affect the accomplishment of the mission, which not only includes the general COURSEs OF ACTION open to the military, such as attack, defense, reinforcement, or withdrawal, but also all the particular COURSEs OF ACTION possible under each situation, including time, space, weather, terrain, force strength, force disposition, and all other known factors affecting military operations. See STRATEGY, TACTICS, BY THE BOOK, ABSTRACTION, FIELD EXPEDIENT, KNOW YOUR ENEMY, OPLAN.

CAP-A-PIE :

(kapuh-pee) from head to foot, usually with reference to arming or accoutring; also spelled "cap-à-pie". See CAMPAIGN, RIG, DRESS, HEADGEAR, POCKET LITTER. [v: tire]

CAPSTONE :

link joint doctrine to national strategy and the contributions of other government agencies, alliances, and coalitions see KEYSTONE, USJFCOM.

CAPTAIN :

the junior / company-grade officer RANK (CPT/Capt) or RATING (O-3) intermediate between First Lieutenant (1LT) and Major (MAJ) in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, and symbolized by twin silver bars (called RAILROAD TRACKS or "First Lieutenant, Second Award"); equivalent to a Lieutenant in the USN/USCG, intermediate between Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) and Lieutenant Commander (LCDR); see OLD MAN, CO, AIMING STAKES, OFFICER. [nb: a peculiarity unique to the USMC rank insignia for captains is that the connections between the bars are traditionally set at the outer ends, not inset like Army and Air Force RAILROAD TRACKS] Also, the senior officer RANK (Capt) or RATING (O-6) intermediate between Commander (CDR) and Rear Admiral Lower-Half (RADML) in the Navy. Also, an officer of any rank who commands a military, naval, or merchant vessel; compare SKIPPER. Also, a person in authority over others, as a leader (LDR), CHIEF, or boss; see HONCHO, WALLAH, CO, OLD MAN, TOP DOG, MOTHER HEN.

CAPTAIN AMERICA :

(forthcoming); a fictional character deliberately created to promote patriotism and to counter Nazism and Fascism at the outset of WWII

CAPTAIN'S MAST :

summary disciplinary judgement of a sailor or Marine by his immediate commander, which may result in fines, extra duty, or confinement in the BRIG. See ROCKS 'n' SHOALS, KEELHAUL, MASTER-AT-ARMS, UCMJ.

CAPTURE THE FLAG :

an informal game, used for recreation or training, that's played by teams of children or adults in a variety of settings by various rules, with the objective being to win the contest by capturing the goal ... that is, crossing from home territory into enemy territory to seize the flag and return with it. As in chess (and actual warfare), the objective is paramount, with territory and prisoners being incidental ... so if the goal can be attained with few confrontations, then the achievement is masterly. Basically, the competition occurs on a field that's subdivided into sectors for each team, with lines of sight obstructed such that no team can survey the entire area. Each sector shall include places designated for a flag mount and guardhouse. Team members are assigned duties, such as defense or offense, and they execute their roles within the rules of the game. Before commencing the game, the "flag" (any appropriate object) is identified, inner and outer boundaries are defined, time limits are established, contingencies for recapturing the flag are set, provisions for prisoner rescue agreed, the number of participants regulated, and the permissible types of contact restricted. Some CAPTURE THE FLAG games are moderated by an umpire, and some teams are captained for coordination. The game may be varied by combining with ORIENTEERING, or by sanctioning jailbreaks under particular circumstances. Other variants include: urban terrain, players on roller or ice skates, players on snowshoes or X-C skis, an indoor or high-rise building milieu, more than two teams competing at once ... interactive video and internet versions also exist. In 1981, CAPTURE THE FLAG engendered the paint-ball game that became a nationwide craze among PARAMILITARY buffs. A static variant, called 'Base Capture', uses a fixed flag that does not need to be taken to the home territory, being comparable to KING OF THE HILL. See BATTLE ROYAL, CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE; compare DUCK ON DRAKE, DUCKS AND DRAKES, TUG OF WAR, PRISONER'S BASE, WAR GAMES.

CAR :

USAF Colt Commando

M-4 carbine

carbine, any compact, lightweight, short-barreled rifle, especially USAF Colt "Commando" Automatic Rifle, the XM-177E2 / CAR-15 "Shorty-16" rifle, and the later M-4 "Scout" carbine [nb: M-4 Scout mounts the small non-telescopic M-68 gunsight incorporating a "red aiming dot"]. Although a carbine may be sized about the same as an SMG, it fires the more effective RIFLE cartridge, instead of PISTOL AMMO. The M-1 and M-2 .30cal carbines were the only wooden stocked rifles in the US inventory that fit the bodies of Asian allies without modification. See SMG, ACTIV, ACOG, RIFLE, BLACK MAGIC, WIDOW MAKER, TUPPERWARE. Also, the abbreviation for the "Combat Action Ribbon" awarded to Naval, Marine, and Coast Guard personnel, equivalent to the Combat Infantryman's Badge (CIB); compare CAB.

CARBINE :

see CAR, ACTIV, BLACK MAGIC, WIDOW MAKER, TUPPERWARE; compare SMG, RIFLE.

CARE :

acronym of Co-operative for American Relief Everywhere, established in 1945 to distribute food, clothing, books, and tools to displaced persons (DP) and refugees after WWII; this nonsectarian federation of relief agencies has since absorbed the Medical International Cooperation Organization (MEDICO) and the Partnership for Productivity International. Also, term widely used to designate gifts (ie: CARE package) sent from home, as if they were manna from heaven! See MAIL CALL.

CAREEN :

to cause a vessel to tip, lean, list, or heel over to the side; see ROLL, compare PITCH, ATHWART. Also, to clean or repair the HULL of a vessel by laying onto its side. Also, a headlong rush, as rash, impetuous, or uncontrolled action.

CAREER TRACK :

MIL-SPEAK for "professional development" as a rigid automaton; see LIFER, RIGHT ARM, TICKET-PUNCHER, RABBI, SEA DADDY, PATRON SAINT, CYA.

CARGO BAY :

the large central area of a transport vehicle, vessel, or craft in which PAYLOADs and support equipment are carried; also known as "cargo area", "payload bay", or BAY.

CARGOMASTER :

Douglas C-133 aircraft.

CARGO NET :

a flexible open-weave mesh, fabricated of fiber or wire, that is used to conveniently secure, sling-load, and/or otherwise handle loose objects that are transported to or from a CARGO BAY, HOLD, or other receptacle; compare CONTAINERIZATION, PLS, CONEX; see DUNNAGE, NET, SNAKING. Also, such a mesh used when scaling, as during INSERTION or EXTRACTION, but especially during debarkation from or embarkation of a transport ship; see DEBARKATION NET, JACOB'S LADDER, RATLINE, GP, NET. [v: escalade]

CARIBOU :

CV-2 or C-7A, a twin-engine, piston-driven, lightweight, small-capacity, Short Take-Off-and-Landing (STOL) transport aircraft; also called "BOU". See WALLABEE.

CARPETBAGGERS :

name given to the select disbursement committee which mismanages the unit's non-appropriated SLUSH FUNDs for their own benefit; from the looters and scalawags who plundered the spoils of the southern states during Reconstruction. During the post-VN era, those privileged and ambitious aspirants who exploit the trust of their good offices to enhance their personal power and garner other opportunities, similar to civilian social climbers, have also been labeled as CARPETBAGGERS, or more fashionably as "Gucci-baggers", with the implication that they are transient (are even fly-by-night), and that their portable (and infinitely expandable) luggage contains everything about them that's valuable. See RHIP, KHAKI MAFIA, ROUGHSHOD, SPOILS OF WAR, WAD; compare RING-KNOCKER, BUMMER. [cf: comprador/compradore]

CARPET BOMBING :

a saturation bombing pattern by B-52s covering an area 1km wide by 2km long. Because these AIR STRIKEs were invisible and inaudible to ground troops, the Vietnamese called them "whispering death". See ARC LIGHT, BOMB 'EM BACK TO THE STONE AGE, BOUNCE THE RUBBLE, STRATEGIC BOMBING. [nb: this concentrated bombardment technique was developed by the Germans flying in the Spanish CIVIL WAR (1936-9)]

CARRY-ON :

verbal command to resume or continue whatever was interrupted by protocol; often interchangeable with AS YOU WERE. Compare RECOVER, BELAY.

CARS :

Combat Arms Regimental System; triangular organization. Compare PENTAGONAL; see TO&E, OB, DIV, RGT.

CARTE BLANCHE :

meaning "blank paper", being a paper with only the signature written on it, so that the recipient may write his own terms upon it, knowing they will be accepted, as in an "unconditional surrender". This expression is now used figuratively as when granting full discretionary power or absolute freedom of action. See WAR, TRUCE, DIKTAT, ENTENTE, DETENTE, RAPPROCHEMENT, APPEASE, PEACE. [v: Diplomatic Terms]

CARTER DOCTRINE :

in response to Soviet encroachments, the 1979 foreign policy declared by James Earl Carter that America will actively protect its interests in the Middle East; see EAGLE CLAW, PRESIDENTIAL DOCTRINE, NATION BUILDING.

CARTRIDGE :

specimen
rifle
cartridge

a unit of SMALL ARMS ammunition (AMMO), consisting of a case, primer, propellent, and BULLET; also called a "round". See ELDEST SON, DUMDUM, SABOT, DUMMY, SRTA, CALIBER, CASING, BRASS, DROPPY, RIFLE GRENADE; compare SHELL. [v: Firearms Glossary]

CAS :

Close Air Support, air-to-ground missions flown perpendicular to or parallel with the FCSL in support of friendly forces engaged in hostile contact, requiring detailed integration of each AIR STRIKE with the fire and movement of those forces; also called TAC-AIR; see SORTIE, STRAFE, GUN RUN, BIRD. Also, abbreviation for Combined Area Studies; a CIA program using SF and SEAL trainers to field a covert military (ie: "Mountain Scouts", "Sea Commandos") during 1961-1962, as authorized by National Security Memorandum 52. Also, "Controlled American Source" for the Saigon office of the CIA.

CASEMATE :

a vault or chamber, as in a rampart or fortification, with openings (EMBRASUREs) for artillery; see BUNKER, PILLBOX, TOMB, BLOCKHOUSE, REDOUBT, BLACK HOLE, BOMB-PROOF. Also, an armored enclosure for guns in a WARSHIP; see TURRET, SPONSON, BARBETTE. [v: Military Earthworks Terms]

CASE SHOT :

a casing, formerly metal, filled with ball-bearings, pellets, bullets, darts, grapeshot, chain, and other SHRAPNEL objects to fire, as from cannon or rocket, at massed enemy personnel; also known as "canister shot". See CANISTER, FLECHETTE, BEEHIVE, BUCK, NAILS, KILLER JUNIOR, KILLER SENIOR, BIG SHOTGUN, BLOOPER, THUMPER, SHOTGUN, SMOOTHBORE.

CASHIER :

to DISMISS someone from a position of command, responsibility or trust, especially with disgrace; see FACE THE MUSIC, ROGUE'S MARCH, DISCHARGE. Also, to discard or reject; as derived from break or shatter.

CASING :

a container or housing, as for the propellent in a CARTRIDGE or SHELL, especially those emptied or expended after firing or DISCHARGE; also called BRASS or DROPPY.

CASUS BELLI :

an event or incident that is used politically to bring about hostilities, or is used to validate a declaration of war; literally meaning an occasion or an occurrence of war. See BLOODY SHIRT, JUST WAR, SABER-RATTLING, GUNPOINT, CROSS THE RUBICON, CAT AMONG THE PIGEONS, FIGHTING WORDS, FIGHTING MAD, TONKIN GULF INCIDENT, WAR POWERS ACT, GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY, BIG STICK DIPLOMACY, LAWS OF WAR, UCMJ, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE), BATTLE, WAR. [nb: historically adequate justifications include "a place in the sun" or "lebensraum"; cf: bellicose, antagonistic, hostile, pugnacious, Firebrand, fire-eater] [v: Diplomatic Terms]

THE CASTLE :

slang designation for the monolithic U.S. Naval prison at Portsmouth NH, so called by its resemblance, although Kafkaesque influences may pertain; compare HOT HOUSE, see BRIG, CROSSBAR HOTEL, DEADLOCK, CHL, STOCKADE, DEADLINE, CLUB FED. Also, an informal metaphor for the ORIFICE where MILICRATs generate RED TAPE, FORMs, REPORTs, WHITE PAPERs, SPAGHETTI and other LITTER; after the book of the same title by Franz Kafka (1926).

CASTOFF :

to let a ship go, to loose a vessel from its mooring, or to launch a BOAT; also spelled "cast-off", and also known as SHOVE-OFF or simply "cast", as derived from 'throw'. Also, to turn the head of a sailing ship away from the wind, especially when getting underway or during departure. Also, to discard, reject, or abandon people or things, as a castaway; see FLOTSAM, WAVESON, JETSAM, LAGAN. Also, the characteristic blood-splatter or droplet pattern resulting from specific weapons that are used in particular ways; see PECKER TRACKS, TRACE, TRAIL, TRACK.

CAT :

Combat Analysis Team; see ACTIV, CDEC, CMEC, CDTCVN. Also, abbreviation for Civil Action Team, or Civic Action Team, or Civic Affairs Team, or Civil Affairs Team, which are typically numbered (CAT47) and under the command of an advisory mission; see CA, CAP, CAMG, USAID. Also, short form of CATAPULT, being a device used to launch a missile from an emplacement, or to launch an airplane from the deck of a ship.

CATAFALQUE :

a raised structure on which the body of a deceased person lies or is carried in state, a bier; as derived from the wooden scaffold used as a siege tower. See GARDEN OF STONES, BONEYARD, BOX JOB, NATIONAL CEMETERY, MORTUARY AFFAIRS, GRAVES REGISTRATION; compare LAID BY THE WALL.

CATALINA :

high-wing Boeing PBY (OA-10 patrol boat) seaplane, commonly called DUMBO; see FLYING BOAT, BIRD.

CATALYTIC ATTACK :

an attack designed to bring about a war between major powers through the disguised machinations of a third power; also called "catalytic war", "catalystic war", or "surrogate war".

CAT AMONG THE PIGEONS :

to cause alarm, to make trouble, or to create havoc; as "to put...", "to let...", or "to set the cat among the pigeons"; see SABER-RATTLING, GUNPOINT, HEAD TO HEAD, CROSS THE RUBICON, BLOODY SHIRT, ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR, JUST WAR. [cf: "when the cat's away, the mice will play"]

CAT AND MOUSE :

to tease or mistreat someone before a final act of cruelty or unkindness; compare CAT AMONG THE PIGEONS, CAT'S-PAW, FALL GUY, TERRORIST.

CATAPULT :

a structure that provides an auxiliary source of guidance and thrust to an aircraft or MISSILE, combining the functions of directing and accelerating the vehicle during its travel on the platform; a CATAPULT serves the same functions for a MISSILE as does a gun tube for a SHELL.

CATBIRD SEAT :

an advantageous situation or dominant position; also called "sitting pretty" or "standing pat".

CATCH-22 :

a frustrating situation wherein contradictions paradoxically entrap the participants in an illogical dilemma; as derived from fictitious military regulations depicted by Joseph Heller in 1961 novel of the same name. [nb: originally dubbed "Catch-18", but Mila 18 by Leon Uris had already achieved success that year, so Heller changed the number]

CATERPILLAR :

an escorted CONVOY of military and civilian vehicles moving at irregular intervals on a secure road; see ACCORDION, INDIAN FILE, COMBAT SPREAD, HEADWAY.

CATERPILLAR CLUB :

an unofficial association initiated during WWII comprising aircrew who had been compelled to bail out in action and been saved by their PARACHUTE. Begun by the Irvin Parachute Company, survivors reported the control number of the equipment that saved their life in exchange for a small gold caterpillar pin representing the silkworm, which supplied the material from which parachutes were formerly made. A similar society, called the GOLDFISH CLUB, was formed for seafarers saved by their necessary resort to a rubber dinghy or LIFEBOAT.

CAT HOLE :

a field LATRINE for one person; the surplus propellent from mortar and artillery fire can be ignited to sterilize such a cesspool, and thus maintain local sanitation. See SLIT TRENCH, TROTS, SQUIRTS, DUMP, CORK, E-TOOL, LATRINE, BLUE CANOE, COMFORT STATION.

CAT'S-EYES :

reflective markers, usually arranged in patterns, placed on the back of patrol caps and helmets for identification and orientation on night operations; phrase derived from similarity of appearance to chatoyant luster or luminous eyes glowing eerily in the dark. Sometimes called "glow tape" or "fluorescent paint". See LIGHT STICK, BLINKER, AIS, BUD LIGHT, GLINT TAPE, HEADGEAR, IR MARKERS. Also, the small separate housing that replaces the normal headlights and taillights on vehicles, used for maintaining an appropriate COMBAT SPREAD and safe driving intervals during night operations, especially in CONVOY.

CAT SKINNER :

slang designation for any wily or beguiling person, skilled in DECEPTION, artifice, or stratagem, such as an innovator; derived from the classic phrase about "more than one way to skin a cat". See HINKY, COC, IA, BRIEF-BACK, GABRIEL, GHOST WALK, AIR CAV, DARPA, BIGGER BANG FOR THE BUCK. [cf: "There's more than one way to kill a cat than to choke it with cream." adage]

CAT'S-PAW :

a person who is exploited for some ulterior end, a tool, pawn, dupe, gudgeon, or foil; also spelled "catspaw"; see FALL GUY, HACK, SANDBAG, FALSE FLAG, DECEPTION, DECOY, RED HERRING, TROJAN HORSE, STALKING HORSE, DARK HORSE, MUSHROOM; compare CAT AND MOUSE, CAT AMONG THE PIGEONS. Also, a light breeze that ruffles the surface of the water over a small area; see FETCH. Also, a retaining hitch taken in the bight of a rope or LINE. [nb: phrase derives from the fable about a monkey using the paw of his friend the cat to pull chestnuts from a fire; also alludes to tampering or meddling in the "get your fingers burned" phrase]

CATWALK :

a narrow walkway mounted high on the interior walls (parapet) of a fortification or bastion, as used for surveillance and defense; not "cat's walk". See BANQUETTE, DEFILADE. [cf: widow's walk, cock of the walk, DUCK-WALK, GHOST WALK, CAKEWALK]

CAV :

contraction applied to both air cavalry (AIR CAV, AIRMOBILE) and to armored cavalry (ACR) using lightly armored TRACK vehicles; see HHT, TRP, SQDN, HELIBORNE, LAAGER, YELLOWLEG, DRAGOON, LONG KNIFE, PONY SOLDIER, SPUR RIDE. [nb: the last U.S. Army horse-mounted cavalry attack was not the 1916 Pershing campaign into Mexico, but the 1942 defense of Manilla against Imperial Japanese occupation] [nb: a scrap of largely blue and red tartan, with the thread count falling in sevens, entitled "The 7th Cavalry Tartan", appears in a Scottish pattern book of the 19th century, which researchers now conclude was a design commissioned by George Armstrong Custer for outfitting a regimental marching band of pipers and drummers, which order was interrupted by the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn]

THE CAVE :

slang for the Combat Information Center (CIC), which is also known as "combat"; compare OPIUM DEN, see WAR ROOM, TOC. [nb: alternatively, only the detection and tracking module within the CIC]

CAYUSE :

the Hughes (500C) Light Observation helicopter (OH-6A); see LOH, SILVER EAGLES, compare LITTLE BIRD.

CBI :

the China-Burma-India theater, including SEAC, during WWII; as differentiated from Southwest Pacific theater. The abbreviation was also interpreted as: "Confusion Beyond Imagination" and "Confused Bastards in India".

CBR :

Chemical-Biological-Radiological warfare agents, classified as strategic weapons, and sometimes called "Tech Weapons" or "Germ Warfare". They have also been designated: Atomic Bacteriological Chemical (ABC), Nuclear Bacterial Chemical (NBC), Chemical Biological Warfare (CBW), or Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The equivalent 21st century version of this genocidal threat has been designated Genetic-Nanotechnological-Robotic (GNR). More than 140 nations ratified the "Biological Toxins and Weapons Treaty of 1972", but this convention on prohibiting the development, production, stockpile, and disposal of biological, bacterial, and toxin weapons hasn't stopped research nor prevented use in subsequent low-intensity conflicts, including YELLOW RAIN in Southeast Asia. According to historians, the 18th century was a period devoted to advanced mathematics, the 19th century was a period devoted to chemistry, the 20th century was devoted to physics, and the 21st century will be devoted to biology. See RANCH HAND, AGENT ORANGE, COCKTAIL, YELLOWCAKE, HEAVY WATER, HOT GREASE, MANHATTAN PROJECT, FALLOUT, EMP, NUKE, TOMB, COFFIN, NEST, GAS MASK, BUNNY SUIT, CPOG, JSLIST, MOPP, BOONIES; compare DEMILITARIZE, HAZMAT. [nb: by extension from fumigating houses, the Chinese military used bellows-driven (see ZIPPO) burned mustard, stink bombs, poisons, and excrement against enemy tunnels and strongholds during the seventh to the fourth centuries BC; and is known to have used a form of "tear gas", made by burning powdered lime and sulphur, during the second century AD. Alexamder of Macedon hurled diseased corpses into fortifications.] [nb: "stinkpot" is term for combustible container of suffocating vapors; now meaning any mean or nasty person (mephitic stinkpot)]

CBRNE :

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high yield Explosives; see CBR, GNR, WMD, NUKE, EXPLOSIVE, GENOCIDE, APOCALYPSE.

CBT :

combat; see CMBT.

CBU :

Cluster Bomb Unit, or Cluster Bomb; a generic term for a number of different CBUs: "SADEYE/BLU-26B" Cluster Bombs, later NICKNAMEd "guava" bombs by the Vietnamese. These one-pound, baseball-sized bombs were usually dropped in lots of 600 or more. The bomblets were released from a dispenser in such a way as to spread them across a wide area. When they hit the ground, they exploded sending out smaller, steel balls embedded in their cases. There were also CBU-24; CBU-25; and CBU-49, a canister of time-delayed, baseball-sized bomblets that go off randomly over a thirty-minute period, each blasting out 250 white-hot ball bearings. There was Clamshell CBU, which exploded in a donut pattern, creating a circle of fire in a hollow; and Rockeye CBU, a thermite device used for burning targets. See BUTTERFLY BOMB, IRON BOMB, GBU.

CBW :

Chemical Biological Warfare; see CBR, CBRNE, GNR, WMD, GENOCIDE, APOCALYPSE.

C&C / C & C / C-and-C :

Command and Control, or C2; sometimes called "eye in the sky" or "eye spy", from looking over everyone's shoulder. The exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission. Command and control functions are performed through an arrangement of personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures employed by a commander in planning, directing, coordinating, and controlling forces and operations in the accomplishment of the mission. See ABCCC, ABNCP, C3, C4, UMBRELLA, CROW'S NEST, OVERSIGHT.

CCB :

Command & Control Boat. A converted landing craft of the Monitor class of riverine boats, packed with radios, designed for forward command and communications. Traveling with the flotilla of boats and landing craft of a typical riverine operation, it was used for relaying communications between the commanders in the field and the Army's Tactical Operations Center (TOC) and Fire Support groups. By using larger antennas than would be practical in the field, communications range could be extended 10 to 15 miles. See MRF.

CCIR :

Commander's Critical Information Requirements, being that information that directly affects the commander's decisions and dictates the successful execution of tactical operations; CCIR normally requires three types of information: priority intelligence requirements, essential elements of friendly information, and friendly force information requirements. See PIR, IR, MI, INTEL.

C-CLIP :

slang for a curved or extended magazine (MAG), typically 30- or 40-round type; see BANANA CLIP. Also, slang for a 100-round magazine (MAG); see DRUM.

CCRAK :

Combined Command for Reconnaissance Activities Korea, being the precursor, along with the 8240th and 8242nd Army Units, of the United Nations Partisan Forces Korea (UNPFK / UNPIK). The covert techniques established by OSS, enhanced by UNPFK and JACK, were inherited by SOG, and have since been passed to Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) and US Special Operations Command (USSOC). Compare MGF, MSF, MIKE FORCE; see SPECIAL OPERATIONS.

CCT :

USAF Combat Control Team. Also, Combat Crew Training.

C-DAY :

Commencement-Day; the unnamed day on which a deployment operation commences or is intended to commence, including movement of troops, cargo, weapon systems, or any combination thereof, using any type(s) of transport. See L-HOUR, TIME.

CDEC :

Combat Development and Evaluation
Command patch

CDEC

(see-deck, not "c-d-e-c") Combat Development and Evaluation Command; based at Camp Hunter Liggett with testing teams detached to RVN. See ACTIV, CAT, CDTCVN.

CDO :

Navy and Marine designation of Command Duty Officer; compare OOD, JOOD, SOPA, SDO.

CDTCVN :

Combat Development and Test Center Vietnam; see ACTIV, CDEC, CAT.

CE :

Combat Engineer, sometimes called "demolition commando" and "assault pioneer"; see ENGR, SEABEES, RED HORSE, PIONEER, SNIPE, SAPPER, BREACHER, EOD, SATCHEL CHARGE, JERRV, CEV. Also, Civil Engineer, also known by their function of repairing "Roads and Commodes"; see SMART, PRIME BEEF, CHIPS [nb: the person who builds "targets" to be destroyed by the mechanical engineer, who builds weapons]. Also, abbreviation for Counter-Espionage; see ESPIONAGE. Also, abbreviation for character and efficiency (C&E) rating; see ER, EER, NCOER, OER, FITREP.

CEASE-FIRE :

the order to interrupt or discontinue the discharge of firearms; sometimes "check-fire" is used, but this phrase can be misunderstood. Also, a temporary cessation of hostilities; a TRUCE or armistice. [v: Diplomatic Terms]

CEDAR FALLS :

major ground operations in IRON TRIANGLE beginning Jan 1967.

CEDAR WALK :

a Direct Action (DA) project of SOG during 1969 for raid missions in Cambodia utilizing ethnic BODEs; see SALEM HOUSE.

CEILING :

the maximum altitude at which an aircraft can operate under specified conditions. Also, the height above ground level of the lowest layer of clouds that cover more than half of the sky. Also, the OVERHEAD; compare DECK, BULKHEAD.

CEIP :

Communications Electronics Implementation Plan; also, CEIPA for Comm Electr Implement Plan Amendment.

CENTRAL HIGHLANDS :

the Central Highlands region of Southeast Asia, a plateau area at the southern edge of the Truong Son Mountains, was a strategically important region of South Vietnam throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Nearly one million people, primarily MONTAGNARD tribesmen, lived in the 20,000 square miles of the Central Highlands in 1968. The region was economically known for its production of coffee, tea, cinnamon, upland rice, and various vegetables. See SEVEN MOUNTAINS.

CEV :

Combat Engineer Vehicle; such as the M-728 which mounts a 165mm MAIN-GUN for demolition on an M-60A1 TANK chassis. Compare JERRV.

C4 :

Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (CCCC = C4); including Battle Management CCCC and Intelligence (BMC4I), CCCC CounterMeasures (C4CM), CCCC and Intelligence (C4I), CCCC and Intelligence for the Warrior (C4IFTW), CCCC Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), CCCC Systems (C4S), Global CCCC Assessment (GC4A). See C&C, C2, C3, ABCCC. Also, Combat Casualty Care Course. Also, designation for the Lockheed-Martin TRIDENT submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

C-4 :

Composition C-4, being the fourth variant in the Composition C formulation; a very stable, malleable, and lightweight plastic explosive, that was widely used in the VIETNAM WAR because of its high potency, great versatility, and easy portability. As a plastic explosive, it was not destabilized by water, which was an important factor in that climatic region. With a semi-soft texture similar to putty, "play dough" or modeling clay, it could be readily formed into a SHAPED CHARGE of any configuration. C-4 would not explode without use of detonation devices, even when dropped, beaten, shot, or burned. Because it could be safely burned, and was more accessible than Sterno (which had to be privately purchased on a rare trip to the PX/BX), C-4 was often used to heat RATIONS, boil coffee, and warm FOXHOLES or BUNKERS. Originating as a mixture of TNT [TriNitroToluene (C7H5N3O6)] with a plasticizer, it was developed by the British during WWII as Composition C (C3H6N6O6) or Research Department Explosive (RDX) at Woolwich England. See HEP, COCKTAIL, SOUP, IED, EXPLOSIVE.

CFR :

Code of Federal Regulations; see ORDER.

CG :

Commanding General. Also, Civil Guard. Also, Communications Group. Also, Coast Guard / USCG (qv).

CGIS :

(c-g-i-s) U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; see NCIS, NIS, CID, OSI, DCIS, DIS, FBI, BUTTON, POLICE.

C&GS :

abbreviation for the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC), and currently designated the U.S. Army General Command and Staff College (GCSC), a ten-month curriculum taught at Fort Leavenworth Kansas; see WAR COLLEGE, JEDI KNIGHT, HUDSON HIGH, BOAT SCHOOL, OCS, ROTC. [v: Siwash ("At Good Old Siwash" by George Helgeson Fitch (1911)]

CHAFF :

strips of metal foil dropped by an aircraft to confuse enemy RADAR; this countermeasures invention by the British during WWII was originally known by its CODENAME "window"; see MUSIC, NOISE, ECM. Also, any worthless matter or refuse, as in processing harvested food; compare CONFETTI, CHATTER.

CHAFFEE :

M-24 light TANK, having two gas-powered engines linked to two separate transmissions, which were impossible to properly synchronize; replaced in 1953 by the M-41 WALKER-BULLDOG. Served in Vietnam as bridge pillboxes, and chassis formed body of DUSTER. See WIDOW MAKER, TANK, TRACK.

CHAIN GUN :

a class of externally powered, link-fed , chain driven, single-barrel, selective-fire weapons (eg: M-242 25mm; Mk-38/Mk-46; M-230 30mm) that are mounted on vehicles and aircraft, and capable of effectively firing 200 rounds per minute at lightly armored, thin-skinned, and SOFT TARGETs more than a mile distant; this term refers to the use of a roller chain that drives the bolt back and forth when the TRIGGER is activated. Unlike most firearms, the CHAIN GUN does not depend on blow-back or recoil to actuate its firing system; instead, it uses a 1hp DC motor, positioned in the receiver, to drive the chain and dual-feed system, which uses sprockets and extractor grooves to feed, load, fire, extract, and eject rounds. A system of clutches provides for an alternate sprocket to engage the dual-feed system and thus allows the gunner to remotely switch between armor piercing and high explosive rounds without changing AMMO belts. Ammunition options include: Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot with Tracer (APDS-T); Armor-Piercing, Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot With Tracer (APFSDS-T ); High Explosive Incendiary with Tracer (HEI-T); High Explosive Incendiary with Tracer and Self Destruct (HEI-TSD); Target Practice with Tracer (TP-T); and Target Practice Discarding Sabot with Tracer (TPDS-T). The CHAIN GUN weapon system design was begun in 1972 by Hughes Aircraft, further developed by McDonnell Douglas (later acquired by the Boeing Corporation), coming to fruition in 1981, and since manufactured by Alliant Techsystems (ATK) of Mesa, Arizona. The latest modifications include: chrome-lined barrel, high-efficiency muzzle brake, enhanced feeder, enhanced receiver, quick-detachable link covers, larger breech assembly, longer recoil, integral round counter, extended-life firing pin and spring, and triple-spring drive clutch.

CHAIN LOCKER :

a storage compartment for the proper stowage of CABLE and HAWSER aboard a vessel.

CHAIN-OF-COMMAND :

the sequential structure of authoritative leadership in the military hierarchy, from Tm Ldr to ChJCS, and exclusive of supporting service and technical staff; also referred to as the "food chain" and "pecking order". See CO, SKIPPER, HONCHO, 10, WALLAH, GADGET, ACTING JACK, CHIEF, OLD MAN, MOTHER HEN, LDR, COMBAT EFFECTIVE, COMMAND RATIO, OVERSIGHT, CAPTAIN'S MAST, OFFICE HOURS, COMMAND ELEMENT, FIRST SHIRT, TOP KICK, FIELD FIRST, SHAKE 'n' BAKE, HIGHER, VFR DIRECT, RHIP, ROUGHSHOD, RHIP, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN, WO, GREEN TAB, LOOEY, BUTTER BAR, FULL BULL, FLAG OFFICER, MILICRAT, RANK, JCS, NCA, CINC / POTUS. [nb: although individual commanders and separate battles during the American CIVIL WAR demonstrated the tendency, WWI was the first full-scale war in which commanders did not lead from the front. Despite technological advances, this practice was reversed during WWII combat. When the VIETNAM WAR engaged conventional forces, command was again detached from the point of contact, and marginal technology substituted for decisive leadership.]

CHAIRBORNE :

a STAFFer or MILICRAT who represents himself as a "desk-bound warrior", regardless of qualifications or experience; derived by combining CHair with AIRBORNE, and also called "chair warmer". Compare KICKSTANDED; see ACETATE COMMANDO, TOCROACH, FOBBIT, BEAN-COUNTER, PENCIL PUSHER, MILICRAT, HOMESTEADER, PERMANENT PARTY, PUKE, HEADQUARTERISM, RED TAPE, ORIFICE. [cf: apparatchik, nomenklatura, nabob, nibs] [v: 'claque' for group or coterie of BROWN NOSERs]

CHALK :

the FILE of airlift infantry which conforms to the size of the transport aircraft, regardless of regular TO&E assignment; as derived from temporary group assignment numbers CHALKed onto the helicopter hulls. Compare STICK; see AIRMOBILE, AIR ASSAULT, AIR CAV, HELIBORNE, LZ, CLZ, PZ, CHOPPER, MOTHER HEN.

CHALK COMMANDER :

the qualified individual who is responsible for and in control of the group of AIR CAV, AIR ASSAULT, or HELIBORNE troops embarked under the same chalk number; sometimes called MOTHER HEN; see STICK.

CHALK NUMBER :

the number designating the transport carrier and its complete load of men and materiel.

CHALLENGE COIN :

reverse side of
challenge coin

some organizations, including both military units and fraternal societies, began selling specially produced and serial numbered coins to unofficially raise funds for unit activities and recreation; which coins could be called forth (ie: COINING) for comparison to settle wagers and challenges, or contested to raise even more money. It is possible that 'unit identification' or commemorative coins were specially made for the British officers in the Boer War (1899-1902) or for the American volunteer pilots flying with the RAF in WWI, but these were more mementos or SOUVENIRs, because they weren't serial numbered, and because the "challenge ritual" had not yet come into existence. In a similar vein, the 10th SFGAbn commissioned an overstrike of a German coin [nb: it's illegal to deface, disfigure, or deform U.S. coinage] as a commemorative for its early Bad Tolz detachment, but this too lacked the sequence and protocol of the later CHALLENGE COINs. It is believed that the first genuine CHALLENGE COINs (those made primarily to raise money and settle wagers) were produced by the (then) 77th SFGAbn at Ft Bragg around 1957, and their popularity quickly spread to cover many other units, operations, and special events. As with most PISSING CONTESTs, the more elaborate and involved the competition, then the better the competitors like it, and it's all for a "good cause". See SHORT SNORTER, SLUSH FUND, HARD TIMES TOKEN. [nb: after the Great War (WWI), surviving British conscripts made a coin key chain, representative of having taken the King's shilling, which served as a subtle recognition signal to fellow combatants of their veteran status] [v: obverse/reverse, cross/pile]

CHANDELLE :

an abrupt climbing turn in which an aircraft almost STALLs while using its momentum to gain a higher rate of climb; derived from "candle". See AEROBATICS.

CHANGING TUNE :

refers to the switch in BUGLE CALLs from "charge" to RETREAT, indicating withdraw or RETROGRADE; see BEAT FEET, CUT AND RUN, HAUL-ASS, BAILOUT, ROUT; compare COUNTERMARCH, DEFEAT. [nb: to skedaddle or scarper in a disorderly or panicked manner is an unmilitary reversion to primaeval atavism; "Retreat, hell! We're attacking in a different direction!" by O.P. Smith; "Retreat, hell! We just got here!" by Lloyd Williams; "If he can fight, he advances and takes the offensive; if he cannot fight, he retreats and remains on the defensive. He will invariably conquer who knows whether it is right to take the offensive or the defensive." by Chang Yu]

CHANTEY :

a rhythmic work song, especially used by sailors; also spelled "chanty". See HOISE, CADENCE, JODY CALL, HEP, BY THE NUMBERS, HEAVE-HO, GUNG-HO, BEATERS 'n' BLEATERS, TOOTER. [cf: ballad, chanson, lay, air, tune, ditty, carol]

CHAO :

Vietnamese salutation used in greeting or departing; usually combined with polite gender designation (ie: Chao Ba, Chao Co, Chao Ong).

CHAPAKAO :

CALL-SIGN of HMONG T-28 TALON fighter pilots.

CHAPARRAL :

a mobile Surface-to-Air (SAM) MISSILE platform consisting of STINGERs mounted on a HMMWV (HUMVEE or "Hummer"). See FAV, MULE, JEEP.

CHAPLAIN :

a non-denominational ecclesiastic who conducts religious services and offers pastoral counseling to interested servicemembers; such a clergyman is commonly known as a SKY PILOT. The motto of the Chaplain's Corps is "For God And Country" ('Pro Deo Et Patria'). See TS CARD, GOD SQUAD, SYMPATHY, FOXHOLE CONVERSION, ARMY CHRISTIAN, PRAYER; compare HUG SQUAD, GHOUL.

CHAPTER TEN / CHAPTER 10 :

Army discharge in place of court martial, as prelude to Undesirable Discharge; see DISCHARGE.

CHARGE :

an impetuous onslaught or attack by soldiers; Vietnamese term: "Tien Lien"; see STORM, WATCH MY SMOKE, compare FOLLOW ME, MOVE OUT. Also, the drum signal or BUGLE CALL for such an onset or assault. [cf: warison] Also, a command or injunction; see ORDER. Also, an entrusted DUTY, responsibility, or superintendence; see NCOIC, OIC, OOD, SDO. Also, the amount of explosive, powder, or similar substance required to perform a task, by type and placement; see SATCHEL CHARGE, FAE, SHAPED CHARGE, DEMO, EXPLOSIVE. [nb: the pan is the depressed part of the lock holding the priming in old guns, so a "deadpan" facial expression derives from a musket's flash-pan being empty, that is, without any primer to set-off the charged barrel when the hammer falls to strike a spark of ignition] Also, the power or amount of energy necessary for task performance; see JUICE. Also, a formal and authoritative accusation of wrongdoing, as an offense or violation; see ROCKS 'n' SHOALS, BLUE BOOK, OFFICE HOURS, CAPTAIN'S MAST, YELLOW SHEET, ARTICLE 31, ARTICLE 15, UCMJ. Also, a fee, price, cost, expense, or debit; see CHIT, DEAD HORSE, CHARGE SHEET. Also, any distinctive heraldic figure borne on an escutcheon. [nb: an insignia emblematic of the honors and lineage of a military organization, unlike familial "coats of arms", may be individually enhanced but not personally heritable; v: Heraldry]

CHARGE SHEET :

accounting FORM that deducts the value of wrongfully damaged or lost property from an individual's base pay; exclusive of any lawful penalties for "willful destruction" or "intentional mistreatment" of accountable gear, and also exclusive of combat loss or destruction of issue items. Misappropriation of materiel is chargable with penalties. Accidental liability is at command discretion. Replacement for "normal wear and tear" is not individually charged. See DX, SALTY DOG, ADRIFT, SCROUNGE, SOUVENIR, MIDNIGHT REQUISITION.

CHARGING HELL WITH A BUCKET OF WATER :

an allusion to a perilous or desperate enterprise, a vain or forlorn hope (enfants perdus), a lost cause; also expressed as "charge hell with a bucket of water" and "charging into hell with a cup (teaspoon) of water". In another context, Matthew Arnold said of an institution that cherishes traditional honor: "Home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names, and impossible loyalties!" (1865).

CHARLEY HORSE :

slang for a painful involuntary muscular cramp, typically of an arm or leg, that results from excessive strain, blunt-force trauma, or nutritional deficiency; sometimes misspelled "charlie horse", being an Americanism of obscure origin from the 1880s.

CHARLIE :

slang for the VIET CONG (VC), being the irregular forces operating in SVN under the direct control of NVN by the political artifice of the NLF; from shortening the phonetic representation of Victor Charlie. The VC was also called "Chuck", "Charles", and "Mister Charles", with varied intonations to imply derision or respect in recognition of the enemy or his performance; also spelled "charley". See VIET MINH, NLF, LUKE THE GOOK, LONGHAIR, GOOK, PRG, PLA, GOMER, BO DOI, PAVN; compare MARVIN THE ARVN, BAD GUYS. Also, an epithet used instead of a given name when imputing impersonal characteristics or universal status, in the same sense as everyman, anyone, pal, bub, buddy, gink, GUY, dude, bloke, cove, CHUM, brother, friend, fellow, Joe Blow, John Doe, Joe Doakes, John Q. Public, Richard Row, Joe Bloggins, Joe Bloggs, Jack Tar, Peter Collins, Tommy Atkins / TOMMY, GI JOE; such as good-time Charlie, champagne Charlie, christian Charlie, sorry Charlie, circus Charlie, creeping Charlie, chainsaw Charlie, Mister Charlie, Uncle Charlie, cheap Charlie, bed-check Charlie, washing machine Charlie, and TAIL-END CHARLIE. See CHARLIE NOBLE. Also, the word assigned to represent the letter "C" in the international phonetic alphabet; at various times in different spelling schemes, it has also been acrophonetically represented as Cast. See ALPHABET SOUP, PHONETIC ALPHABET. [v: Alphabet Codes & Signal Flags]

CHARLIE NOBLE :

the exhaust or vent pipe from a ship's GALLEY, which duct may debouch into a larger flue or smokestack.

CHARM SCHOOL :

slang for the introductory program setup by most major units that was designed to acclimate newly arrived troops IN-COUNTRY, to refresh their field/operational skills, to enable weapons familiarization or zero, and to instruct in the latest procedural techniques derived from "lessons learned" on the BATTLEFIELD. Replacements were informed of unit standard operating procedures (SOP), of immediate action (IA) practices, and of security protocols, together with geographic orientation to the operational area (AO). Notable examples of refresher courses setup to improve the survivability of troops included the 1st Cav Div "First Team Academy" (FTA) and the 101st Abn Div "Screaming Eagle Replacement Training School" (SERTS). Such a prep-course was also known as "cherry school". Compare COC, ACTA, RECONDO; see Q-COURSE, BUDDY SYSTEM, CHERRY, FNG, NEWBEE, TURTLE, RETREAD, REPL' DEPOT, AFEES. [nb: the initials of the "First Team Academy" (FTA), widely understood to mean "Fuck The Army", was an ironic example of the unfortunate decisions made by otherwise sane and insightful persons, similar to the initials of the political action group named the "Committee to Re-Elect the President" (CREeP) setup on behalf of Richard M. Nixon] [v: Siwash ("At Good Old Siwash" by George Helgeson Fitch (1911)]

CHART :

a marine or hydrographic map, as derived from "papyrus roll"; see UTM, SIDE-SCAN SONAR, LORAN, GPS, GRID COORDINATES, GRID LINES, AZIMUTH, CONTOUR LINES, TOPO, DEAD-RECKONING, COMICS, MOSAIC MAP, MAP, ATLAS, NIMA. Also, an outline or graph, as a display of diagramatic or tabular information.

CHASE :

medical corpsman or team in a trailing aircraft, such as a medic chasing a RECON insert or PJs following a bomb run; ready to lend immediate assistance or emergency EXFIL, including COMMO and close combat.

CHATTER :

the overwhelming plethora of potentially useful information that must be sorted and assessed to discern valuable intelligence; being that inundating deluge of intercepted data that runs constantly in the background while pertinent material is simultaneously isolated and analyzed in the foreground; that surfeit or excess, surplus or overage, overabundance or superabundance of resources from which actionable INTEL is collated. Compare NOISE, MUSIC, CROSS-TALK, STATIC, FLAK, CHAFF, CONFETTI, DISINFORMATION, CONTROLLED INFORMATION; see CONFAB, EAR-BANG, RUMOR, PROPAGANDA, PSYOPS. [nb: an MI axiom states that obtaining good INTEL from CHATTER is like "trying to sip from a fire hose"]

CHATTERBOX :

sardonic reference to the United Nations (UN) complex beside the East River in New York City, which is seemingly devoted to talking about problems until they no longer exist, as long as everyone discussing the issues is polite and comfortable. Monies are sometimes appropriated, but since nobody at the UN really knows where money comes from, it's merely a ritual without expectation of result. Troops are sometimes dispatched to global HOT SPOTs to act as police or referees under the aegis of the UN, but they aren't allowed to actually shoot anybody doing something wrong (whatever "wrong" might mean at any particular place or time) ... since these troops, who are attractively dressed in bright blue berets or helmets, are enticing targets for all sides in any of the disputes they are monitoring, the UN authorizes the award of medals for serving in NO MAN'S LAND between the various combatants. See DIP CO.

CHEAP CHARLIE :

the enterprising Asian merchant, being a vendor of everything from food and fine art to gimcrack and gewgaw; most often a peddler, packman, chapman, duffer, or cheap-jack but also a hawker, hustler, huckster, or COWBOY. Because markets, fairs, and shops are political extensions, most dispossessed or disenfranchised traders operate portable businesses. Compare HAJJI SHOP, SLICKY BOY; see CYCLO, SLOP CHEST. [cf: comprador/compradore] [nb: Unlike the agora, the marketplace originated as a secure location for the sale of particular goods or produce at specified times and prices under governmental regulation]

CHECKERBOARD :

a specific sweep technique, dividing a fixed area into blocks, into one of which a ground element is inserted while mechanized or armor elements operate around the periphery to completely saturate the area and prevent enemy escape (SQUIRTER). See LEAP FROG, HOPSCOTCH, BUTTERFLY, CLOVERLEAF, BUTTONHOOK, ZIGZAG, DASH.

CHECKING THE DICTIONARY :

verifying confusing instructions or questionable orders; compare OFF THE RESERVATION. Also, verifying the proper procedure; see SOP, TM, FM, TC, MANUAL OF ARMS, THE BIBLE, SCRIPTURES, UNODIR, OVERSIGHT, READ-BACK, NO EXCUSE, WIGGLE ROOM, VFR DIRECT, SALUTE. [cf: vade mecum] [nb: real life always transcends the rule book]

CHECK IT OUT :

a slang as ubiquitous as "okay" or "ya know" during the late Sixties, meaning to have a close look at something or someone, to get an "eye-full"; to gaze, gawk, or gape so intently that "eye-tracks" or "eye-prints" are left behind. The saying was prominently featured in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Miss Saigon". See HAIRY EYEBALL, DOUBLE-O, A-OK, GUSTO; compare EYE-BALL, STACKING SWIVEL, VR, THOUSAND-YARD STARE, FLASHBACK. [v: "custody of the eyes"]

CHECKMATE :

security stop or check-point.

CHECK RIDE :

an evaluation flight administered by the unit's designated Instructor Pilot (IP) to verify the PILOT's qualification and establish the ability of every newly reporting PILOT. If a weakness is detected, the PILOT may be assigned as PETER PILOT and required to remedy the deficiency; or the PILOT's rating may be suspended. See UP CHECK; compare NICKEL RIDE.

CHECK OUT :

to die, or be killed, to be slain or croaked, a goner; as to depart from life's metaphoric hotel without leaving a forwarding address, or to withdraw from corporeal human affairs; most often expressed in the context of COMMO, as to CHECK OUT of the NET ... which is distinguished from being "log-out" or "log-off" of the NET. Sometimes expressed as "cashing in" or "cashing out", as from life's gambling game. See BUY THE FARM, ZAP / ZAPPED, WASTED, BITE THE DUST, PUSHING UP DAISIES, SNOWBALL, TWEP, KIA, DOW, SOL, BITTER END, BELIEVER. [nb: "shuffled off this mortal coil", from the "to be or not to be" soliloquy (Hamlet by William Shakespeare), refers not to cyclical or inevitable death, but to the confused intrigues of life's affairs ... "Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep; To sleep; perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub; For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause...."] [cf: And we are here as on a darkling plain / Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, / Where ignorant armies clash by night" by Matthew Arnold, Dover Beach]

CHEONGSAM :

(forthcoming); a close-fitting, knee/floor-length dress with slitted-skirt and an upright or mandarin collar, worn chiefly by Oriental women; as derived from "long dress". aka: Ch'i-P'ao / Qipao / Mandarin gown (from Manchu) vs traditional Han Chinese clothing called Hanfu / Hanyu or Hanzhuang / Huafu worn before 1644 The traditional Vietnamese AO DAI was derived from the CHEONGSAM; the American fashion of imitating Chinese dress was made popular by "The World of Suzie Wong". compare AO DAI, KIMONO, HANBOK.

CHERRY :

a new trooper or inexperienced replacement, a novice or tyro; being the same as FNG or NEWBEE, and sometimes called "rookie", "tenderfoot", "greenhorn", "cheechako", FRESH CATCH, "fresh meat", "new meat", or "raw meat". See TURTLE, CHUM, SHOWER SHOE, NUGGET; compare RETREAD. [nb: showing an astonishing sophistication, a new Russian soldier in the USSR during WWII was known as an "ingénu" [masculine form of ingénue], which is both quite accurate and very descriptive] Also, slang for the burning tip of a cigarette or the plug of burning tobacco in a pipe, especially during inhale at night so it glows in the surrounding darkness.

CHERRY BLAST :

slang for someone's first parachute jump, whether civilian or military; equivalent to a trainee's solo excursion after ground school; see WINGING. Also, a PARATROOPER's first jump with an assigned AIRBORNE unit after finishing JUMP SCHOOL training; being the sixth jump for soldiers, and the eleventh jump for Marines; see BLAST, PROP BLAST, HOLLYWOOD BLAST, ABN,PARACHUTE.

CHERRY JUICE :

slang for hydraulic fluid, especially in the TURRET traversing system of TANKs, which is so called due to its color.

CHICKEN PLATE :

slang for bulletproof chest protector (body armor) worn by helicopter gunners, so called due to similarity of resemblance caused by protective pyroceramic inserts; compare FLAK JACKET, HAPPY SUIT, OTV, IOTV, ESAPI, SAPI, FLAK VEST.

CHICKEN SHIT :

any petty, trivial, or niggling enforcement of the letter (rather than the spirit) of the law; thus making military life much more difficult and exasperating than it needs to be in order to function properly. ELEPHANT SHIT is an enormous quantity of CHICKEN SHIT; but both are distinguished from "bull shit" and "horse shit", which describe brags and lies instead of harassment. See OCS, BEAN-COUNTER, AIR FORCE GLOVES, FLUFF 'n' BUFF; compare MICKEY MOUSE, BLOW SMOKE, HOT AIR.

CHICOM :

(cheye-kom) a term designating a Chinese Communist (Chi-Com), or the weapons manufactured in mainland (People's Republic of) China, or "Red China"; their military is formally known as the People's Liberation Army and Navy (PLAN). Compare CHINAT, PAVN; see CHINK, PRC, BAD GUYS. [nb: due to the relatively unprepossessing appearance of their plain green uniforms with red and gold insignia, the Chinese communists (CHICOM) who "volunteered" for service in the KOREAN WAR were sometimes called "laundryman" / "laundrymen" by GIs, which appellation may be related to the stereotypic "Chinese laundry" operated by Asian immigrants to America; during the egalitarian era of the 1967-77 Cultural Revolution, the PLAN abandoned the wear of rank and insignia altogether; then in 2007, emulating the military dress of other nations, the PLAN has adopted "07" dress, duty, and battle fatigue styles, with ground forces in pine green, air forces in deep blue/gray, and naval forces in dark blue, all with chest insignia]

CHIEF :

headman or boss, as of an office or department, as derived from "head", being the basis for CAPTAIN and CADET; see HONCHO, DI, FIRST SHIRT, TOP, TOP DOG, JCS, LDR, WONK, WIZARD, RAINMAKER, WALLAH, PROFESSOR, POGUE, PUKE. Also, title for master of a craft or vessel; compare PILOT, CREW CHIEF, BOATSWAIN, SKIPPER. Also, informal address for a senior Warrant Officer (CWO) or a Naval Chief Petty Officer (CPO); see TOP, GUNNY, MISTER, SARGE, NCO; compare PO. Also, slang for any ethnic AmerIndian tribesman in an integrated unit [nb: some reserve units are racially homogeneous due to their locale] [nb: by an ACT OF CONGRESS on 24 June 1924, all AmerIndians were granted U.S. citizenship]; see REDBONE.

CHIEU HOI :

(choo hoy) meaning "Open Arms"; the name of the program under which SVN/GVN offered amnesty to VC defectors, who were called HOI CHANH. See PSYOPS, DEATH CARD.

CHIGGIE BEAR :

(forthcoming) [nb: porters (CHIGGIE BEARs) were employed by US and UN forces to deliver resupplied military materiel in the formidable terrain of the KOREAN WAR by using DUMMY STICK yokes and A-frames; also served as litter bearers when departing the MLR] may be derived from the corrupt pronunciation of 'hurry bearer' ("chogi barán") compare DAN CONG; see LITTER, CHOGI, DUMMY STICK, YO-HO POLE [nb: according to the international LAWS OF WAR, a civilian compelled to act as a military porter by transporting weapons or munitions and materiel becomes a bona-fide combatant, subject to treatment as a de-facto soldier, and forfeits the protection of civilian noncombatant status; international law includes rules on the treatment of prisoners of war, but only extends protection to combatants, excluding any civilians who engage in hostilities, and those unconventional forces that do not observe restrictions for combatants]

CHIKUNGUNYA :

(chik-un-gunya) a febrile disease resembling Dengue Fever, caused by an arbovirus transmitted by aedes mosquitoes, and characterized by sudden onset, chills and fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, arthralgia, and rash. First described in epidemic form in 1952-1953, and seen mainly in Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. The most prominent frequent feature of CHIKUNGUNYA fever is severe arthritis, and the name derives from "that which bends up", referring to the posture of afflicted patients. See FUO, MALARIA, BONE BREAK FEVER, YELLOW JACK, HORSE PILL; compare DAPSONE, CORK.

CHILDREN'S BRIGADE :

see BABY BRIGADE. [nb: "A child is a general without an army." folk saying]

CHINA MARINE :

(forthcoming); 6th Mar Rgt serving embassy duty and river, coastal, and compound patrol (1927-40) See GYRENE, SNUFFY, SEAGOING MARINE, JARHEAD, GUNNY, THE CROTCH, MAMELUKE SWORD, USMC.

CHINAT :

(cheye-nat) a term describing a Chinese Nationalist (Chi-Nat), or resources derived from Taiwan (the "Little Tiger"); compare CHICOM, CHINK. [nb: the Republic of China (RoC) was established in 1949 by the Nationalist Chinese leader Chiang Kai-Shek (Chiang Chung-Cheng; called "Shanker Jack" by GIs) on the island of Formosa/Taiwan, which had been forfeited by Imperial Japan] [nb: the official history of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) notes that Vietnamese communist forces acted as MERCENARY rebels across the border in southern China so as to monopolize elements of the Kuomintang army, enabling Maoist revolutionaries to elude the remainder, thus preventing a Nationalist Chinese (CHINAT) victory]

CHINA WHITE :

purest form of white crystalline heroin (derived from 1895 German trademark based on "hero" from induced euphoria) produced in GOLDEN TRIANGLE region; see SMACK; compare DOPE, JUNK, HOT SHOT, STICK, STONED, SILVER TRIANGLE, GOLDEN CRESCENT.

CHIN BUBBLE :

(forthcoming); see NOSE, CHOPPER.

CHIN CHIN :

pidgin Chinese-English for talk, a discussion or conference, purportedly originated as the polite expression "please-please" (ch'ing-ch'ing); see BRIEFING, CONFAB, CROSS-TALK, HALF-MAST, CHATTER, EAR-BANG, POWWOW, SUMMIT.

CHINDIT :

a corruption of the Burmese word ("chinthe") for the lion-headed winged dragon that graces the outside of Burmese pagodas, it was adopted as the device of the troops under MG Orde Wingate operating behind the Japanese lines in the China-Burma-India (CBI) theater during 1943-5 (Wingate was killed in an aircrash in March 1944). The CHINDIT and Cachin Chinese, together with the OSS, supported the 5307th Composite Unit (MERRILL'S MARAUDERS).

CHINESE WALL :

a ban on passing sensitive or classified information, especially detrimental material, from one department or agency to another; originated with confidential financial data, and alludes to the Great Wall of China; compare STOVEPIPE; see COMPARTMENTALIZATION, RIG. [v: D-Notice] Also, the Great Wall of China, being a 1500 mile long fortification winding across northern China, running mostly along the southern edge of the Mongolian plain from Gansu to Hebei provinces on the Yellow Sea, it was erected to guard against invading nomads. An amalgamation of many walls, some brick, others earthen, it has an average height of 25 feet, an average base width of 23 feet, a top width of about 12 feet, interspersed with guard stations and watchtowers. Begun in the Ch'in dynasty, it was abandoned during the Ming dynasty because it proved ineffective, but since 1949, a portion north of Beijing is being restored, and is open to visitors. See MACV; compare BAMBOO CURTAIN, STAR WARS, MAGINOT LINE, SMEZ, BERLIN WALL, IRON CURTAIN, BAR LEV LINE, CACTUS CURTAIN, McNAMARA'S WALL, McNAMARA LINE, DEW LINE, PHASE LINE. [cf: Hadrian's Wall, Antonine Wall] [nb: "The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the men who defend it." by Genghis Khan]

CHINH HUA :

Vietnamese phrase for the NVA indocrination sessions for all party leaders; compare DAU TRANH.

CHINK :

disparaging slang for a Chinese, especially a Chinese communist soldier during the KOREAN WAR; also called "chinkie" or "gooey"; see CHICOM, CHINAT, NUNG, DINK, GOOK, SLOPE, SLANT-EYE, RICE BALL, ZIP, NIP, JAPE, WOG, LITTLE PEOPLE; compare BUDDHAHEAD, BASKET HEAD, LITTLE BROWN BROTHER, INDIG, DESEGREGATION. [nb: due to the relatively unprepossessing appearance of their plain uniforms, the Chinese communists (CHICOM) who "volunteered" for service in the KOREAN WAR were sometimes called "laundryman" / "laundrymen" by GIs; this appellation may be related to the stereotypic "Chinese laundry" operated by Asian immigrants to America] Also, a narrow crack, cleft, or fissure, as in an otherwise solid and impervious surface, hence a vulnerability or weakness; a "chink in the armor" or "chink in one's armor" is a potentially deadly defect or fatal flaw, as derived from the gapped join or overlap in a knight's armor-plate; see ACHILLES HEEL.

CHINOOK :

Boeing CH-47 twin-engine, large (12-ton) capacity, transport or cargo helicopter operational since 1962; also called HOOK, "Shit Hook", or "Flying Oscar" (after Oscar Meyer wiener). See GO-GO SHIP, compare Naval SEA KNIGHT version.

CHIPS :

NICKNAME for a shipwright, millworker, or other woodworker, including artificer and armorer. See PRIME BEEF, SMART.

CHIT :

informal vouchers, often elaborately decorated, used for promissory payment on food, drinks, and entertainment; receipts valid only within club of issue, similar to "running a tab" for later settlement. Shortened from India "Chitty/chitti"; see CHARGE, compare DEAD HORSE, HARD TIMES TOKEN, MPC, BLOOD CHIT. [nb: formerly "Orders on the Paymaster" (OPs) were accumulated by sutlers for assigned troopers against the next pay disbursement, as a precursor of the CHIT tabulation system of billing or accounting] [cf: vivandière] Also, in NavSpeak, any authoritative document or official piece of paper, such as a "leave chit", "light duty chit", or the like.

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG :

a catch-phrase used among combatant peers, especially in an informal atmosphere, to describe an engagement or skirmish in a somewhat humorous or dismissive manner by employing an elaborate pose of relaxation and using an exaggerated Texican ("Frito Bandito") accent: "... an' all of a sudden it was a shitty shitty bang bang!" This phrase was adopted by Vietnam vets from the then current book and film. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a 1968 film that was based upon a 1964 children's book about a magical car by Ian Fleming; inspiration for the fantastic car came from a series of aero-engined racing cars built by Count Louis Zborowski in the early 1920s at Higham Park, which had been christened "Chitty Bang Bang" at the time. See FIREFIGHT, CONTACT, CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE, AMBUSH, MEETING ENGAGEMENT, WAR STORY, BEANER.

CHL :

Confinement at Hard Labor; see YARDBIRD, STOCKADE, BRIG, THE CASTLE, CROSSBAR HOTEL, HOT HOUSE, LBJ, DEADLOCK, DEADLINE, DEAD-TIME, PAIN, UCMJ, DISCHARGE.

CHOCK :

a wedge to fill-in a gap or a device to BRACE an object, any support or reinforcement; also called "chock block", and derived from "choke", as close or tight. See CLEAT, BLOCK, SHORE; compare FAIRLEAD. [v: quoin]

CHOCOLATE BOMBARDIER :

slang for the pilots and crewmembers who flew the air transports that delivered food and fuel into the blockaded city during the BERLIN AIRLIFT (Jun 1948 - Sep 1949).

CHOCOLATE BUNNY :

any prostitute who charges BLACK GIs less than white GIs for the same service; also known as "coal burner". See SHORT-TIME, BOOM-BOOM, FUCK, CHURNING BUTTER, BUTTERFLY.

CHOCOLATE CHIP :

chocolate chip camo

a distinctive GULF WAR-era variant of the DESERT camouflage Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) that added brown splotches or blotches to the mottled tan and green pattern; this color variant did not alter the basic BDU, which was replaced in 2004 by the Army Combat Uniform (ACU). See CAMMIES, CAMO, DRESS.

CHO DE :

Vietnamese term for "son-of-a-bitch"; literally 'given birth by a dog'.

CHOGI :

to hurry or move out quickly; also spelled "chogie", and sometimes expressed as "cut a CHOGI", "boogaloo", or SKY. This Korean term was brought to Vietnam by soldiers who had previously served in the KOREAN WAR. See ASAP, PDQ, STAT, GOYA, SCRAMBLE, FORTHWITH, HAUL-ASS, SCRAM, JUICE, CHIGGIE BEAR; compare TOCSIN, KLAXON.

CHOI OI :

Americanization of Vietnamese TROI OI (qv), an expression used as an exclamation.

CHOKE :

C-RATION peanut butter. Compare HAM 'n' MOTHERS; see BEANS, CHOW. [v: sample menu of C-RATIONS]

CHOKE POINT :

any natural constriction (eg: ford, defile) or tactical funnel (eg: air corridor, artillery-fan) that constricts movement, maneuver, or fire; also called "area of vulnerability", "bottleneck", or "fatal funnel". Command or regulation of these transit points is a FORCE MULTIPLIER against a superior enemy. The classic example is Thermopylae, where Spartans delayed the Persian INVASION, at odds of more than twenty to one, so Greece could evacuate noncombatants and rally a defense. See SPIN DOWN, BRIDGEHEAD, STRONGPOINT, KEY TERRAIN. [cf: sally port]

CHOKER :

a high-necked service dress jacket or BLOUSE with a "standing" or "upright" collar, as used by US Navy ("choker whites") or USMC ("choker blues") personnel. The redesigned DIGITAL combat uniforms (eg: ACU) also employ an "upright" collar, not for the display of insignia, but for coverage and comfort behind the newer high-necked FLAK VEST. The Army has not utilized a CLASS-A uniform with a "standing" collar since WWI. See WITH BELLS ON, DRESS.

CHOP :

pidgin Chinese-English for a document; probably derived from the Asian stamp used to seal or the mark used to identify something, which acquired a distinction or value (chop = good) of its own; see PIP, ENSIGN. Also, to be detached or "seconded" for service with some other organization; see TDY, TAD, SHEEP-DIPPED, VULCANIZE. Also, cut or cut-off, made redundant or expendable; as "to get the chop"; see RIF. Also, the coordination and synchronization of timepieces or timers for the accurate commencement of a mission or operation; also called HACK; see TIME. Also, an irregular or turbulent wave motion, as at sea. Also, to authorize or acknowledge by marking with one's initials. Also, NICKNAME of the supply and stores officer on-board ship; probably derived from both the accountability mark and the official paperwork.

CHOP CHOP :

pidgin Chinese-English for an urgent document; and by extension, anything hurried or critical. Compare SKOSH, TEE-TEE.

CHOP LINE :

NavSpeak for a border, boundary, ambit, or PERIMETER demarcating the operational area assigned to each command, such as the separation between the Atlantic and Pacific fleets, or the distinction between northern and southern commands; compare AO, TAOR, TO, MOA, AOR, OA, UA, LINE, CORDON, BLOCKING FORCE, SCREEN.

CHOPPER :

any helicopter, sometimes called helo, 'copter, fling-wing, WHIRLY BIRD, EGGBEATER; including APACHE, BLACKHAWK, CAYUSE, CHINOOK, COBRA, COMANCHE, DOLPHIN, FLYING CRANE, HUEY/IROQUOIS, HUSKY, IROQUOIS/HUEY, JAYHAWK, JOLLY GREEN GIANT, KINGBEE, KIOWA, LITTLE BIRD, ORION, OSPREY, SEA COBRA, SEA HAWK, SEA KING, SEA KNIGHT, SEA SPRITE, SEA STALLION, SHAWNEE, SIOUX, SKYCRANE, SPERM. See AIRMOBILE, HELIBORNE, AHC, FLARESHIP, GUNSHIP, ARA, HOG, LOH, SCOUTSHIP, BIRD, WARBIRD, SLICK, LZ, GREEN LZ, RED LZ, CLZ, PZ, HELIPAD, SHELL GAME, FALSE INSERTION, FLIP-FLOP, LIFT, EAGLE FLIGHT, COMPANY LIFT, DUSTOFF, MEDEVAC, AIR AMBULANCE, CHASE, FIREFLY, SNOOPY, ASH 'n' TRASH, LOG BIRD, LAAGER, IR MARKERS, BROWN-OUT, WHITEOUT, ZERO-ZERO, FLAT LIGHT, CHIN BUBBLE, NOSE, JESUS NUT, TAILBOOM, SPOOL-UP, BLADE TIME, PULL PITCH, FLARE, AUTO-ROTATE, AUGER-IN, PANCAKE, CHECK RIDE, UP CHECK, NICKEL RIDE, DUNKER, GREEN PLATOON, DASH, HOT HOIST, JUNGLE PENETRATOR, FCSL, NO FLY ZONE, PETROL, TOP-OFF, POL, HOT-FUELING, STRIP ALERT, APRON, REVETMENT, LPH, ROTOR HEAD, WOBBLY, WOP, PROP JOCKEY, PILOT, GOOD STICK, SILVER EAGLES. [nb: Vietnamese term: Phi Co Len Thang, Phi Co Tuc Thang] [v: An Aerobatics and Aviation Lexicon] [nb: it has been said that a helicopter is a random collection of rotating parts spinning around, and reciprocating parts thrusting about, unable to fly, but acting so ugly in operation, that the earth tries to immediately expel or repel them into the atmosphere! The Chinese devised a pinwheel toy or "helicopter top" during the fourth century AD based upon the dragonfly, called "bamboo dragonfly", and they were sometimes added to kites; which inspired experiments with manned-flight like a dragonfly (ca1809-1853), after earlier(ca550-577) attempts to fly like a bird. Igor Sikorsky flew the first prototype helicopter (VS300) on 14 Sep 1939, and delivered a fully operational helicopter (XR-4) to the USAAF in May 1942.]

CHOPS :

CHief of OPerationS.

CHOP SHOP :

slang for a surgery / operating room (OR), or a morgue. See BONE CUTTER, SAWBONES, DOC, SICK CALL, AID STATION, MASH, EVAC, FST, CSH, FIELD HOSP, CRACKER BOX, BAND-AID, MEDEVAC, DUSTOFF, AIR AMBULANCE, HOSPITAL.

CHOPSTICK :

one of a pair of Asian eating utensils, being a pair of tapered sticks held in one hand; meaning "fast + tool". Called "wari-bashi" (parallel sticks) or "wari-kogai" (pick sticks) in Japanese. See PARTISAN'S SECRET WEAPON, SPOON, KFS, RICE, NUOC MAM; compare BREAK CHOP. [cf: muddler, swizzle/swizzle-stick]

CHOW :

food or meal; derived Chinese "dog". Sometimes called fare, tack, fixings, grub, tucker, hash, victuals/vittles, stew (Brunswick Stew, Irish Stew, Hunter's Stew, Shepherd's Pie), mulligan, nosh, scoff/scarf, fricassee, goulash, daube, carbonnade, lobscouse, hot pot, ratatouille, blanquette, ragout, gallimaufry, burgoo, tzimmes, cassoulet, risotto, chop suey, sukiyaki, pepper pot (hasenpfeffer), pottage/poddidge, matelote, cioppino, bouillabaisse, sop, hotchpotch/hodgepodge, olla podrida (olio), mishmash, salmagundi, potpourri ("rotten pot"), slumgullion ("cesspool"). See BEANS, THREE SQUARES, C-RATIONS, CHOKE, HAM 'n' MOTHERS, SQUARE MEAL, SOUP, DOG, GI JOE, BUG JUICE, JUICE, IRON RATIONS, SOLDIER'S BREAKFAST, PITA, SANDWICH, SLIDER, PANCAKE, SINKER, SOS, MERMITE, EVAPORATOR, MESS, GALLEY, COOKIE, LIP SMACKING, FORAGE, SLOP, WASH, WAD. [v: beanfeast, wayzgoose] [nb: since the era of the CIVIL WAR, American troops have mockingly mislabeled salt pork as "Cincinnati chicken", just as ground or smothered entrees are now called "mystery meat"] [nb: American cuisine includes chow mein ("noodle pieces") and chop suey ("mixed bits"), a stir-fried combination of shredded meat and diced vegetables over noodles or rice in Chinese style] [cf: "battels" (probably a corruption of the obsolete 'battle', to feed) meaning the expense of board and provisions, or the board and provisions themselves; housing and meals, shelter and rations] [v: field cookware includes MESS KIT, CANTEEN CUP, billy/billy-pot/billy-can] [nb: it requires more time and fuel to cook at higher altitudes because the boiling point (212F/100C) of water is more difficult to attain as the atmospheric pressure decreases, leaving the food desiccated and partially cooked, so a small sealed container is needed to increase the pressure (which also increases the boiling point) for efficient food and beverage preparation, enabling a higher temperature to be reached before boiling occurs (water at 15psi boils at 252F/125C); although pressure cookers (aka: waterless cooker) reduce cooking time by a factor of three, they also prevent the escape of air and liquids below a preset temperature, which conserves their contents from evaporation ... one of the earliest models was called a "steam digester", invented by physicist Denis Papin in 1679; commercial kitchens use large volume "pressure canners" ... WARNING: as with boiling, the use of contaminated water in pressure cooking will not cleanse its impurities, since distillation requires evaporation (and condensing) to achieve potability] [nb: high-muckety-muck and high-muck-a-muck are corrupt Americanisms from Chinook jargon ("hayo makamak") meaning plenty to eat or much food, from the layer of whale meat between blubber and flesh]

CHOW HALL :

a dining room or refectory where meals are served to a group; also called MESS / MESSHALL, GALLEY, or Dining Facility (DFAC). See chow line, CANTEEN, ANNEX, DINING-IN, O CLUB, BEANS, CHOW, DOG, GI JOE, COMFORT STATION, KP, DRO, COOKIE.

CHOWING DOWN :

eating, to eat a hearty meal, especially when very hungry; see CHOW, BEANS, C-RATIONS, MESS, GALLEY. Also, having oral sex, especially cunnilingus; see DAISY CHAIN, HAT TRICK, LOVE HANDLES, BUSH PILOT, MUFF DIVER, HEAD, HUMMER, WINGS, BIB, DIDDLY, STEAM 'n' CREAM, HOOKUP, CHURNING BUTTER, BOOM-BOOM, SHORT-TIME, HELL ON WHEELS, SHACK-JOB, FUCK. [aka: 60, 69, oral sex, oral copulation, cunnilingus, cunny-delicious, rug / carpet muncher, eat / eating out, lickety-splitter, cunt licker, pussy eater, pussy chewer, cunt chomper, tongue 'n' groove, lip sucker, lick the cat, eat the beaver, taste tuna taco, go down / -on, pearl diver, deep dive, Aussie kiss (a French kiss down under); fellatio, head / -job, blow job, bj, hummer, suck / -off, deep suck, deep throat, cocksuck / -ing, gob job, gobble, go down / -on, blumpkin] [nb: 'lecher' derives from "to lick gluttonously"]

CHOW LINE :

a selection of foods, arranged buffet- or cafeteria-style (like a smorgasbord), presented for the expeditious feeding of large numbers of MIL-PERS at one time, whether indoors or outside. Also, the line of MIL-PERS passing such a table, counter, or array of containers for obtaining such foods at mealtime. See CHOW, BEANS, C-RATIONS, MESS, GALLEY, PIPING HOT, COMFORT STATION, CANTEEN, CHOWING DOWN.

CHRISTMAS TREE :

to turn-on or activate all navigation and/or landing lights on an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle; used as a distress signal, as a safety measure during midair refueling, as a diversion or distraction, or as a dramatic display during a FLYOVER or other PARADE; most commonly phrased as "like a ..." or "going CHRISTMAS TREE". Compare BLACKOUT, IR MARKERS, SQUAWK, DIRTY; see PORT, STARBOARD, BOW, PROW, STEM, AFT, STERN.

CHROME-DOME / CHROMED-DOME :

a chrome-plated helmet or argent-painted helmet liner, often with distinctive insignia and non-standard webbing, as worn by performance drill teams and headquarters or embassy guards. As with other TOY SOLDIERs, "palace guards", and "glitter guards", their "kabuki theater" costumes are usually embellished or elaborated to the point of dysfunctional impracticality. See MILITARY PRESS, SAM BROWNE BELT, SPIT 'n' POLISH, MILITARY TUCK; compare SNOWDROP, BRASS HAT, FUGLEMAN, CANNON FODDER.

CHU LAI :

named in honor of Marine General Victor Krulak (later Commandant), who was an Asian linguist and scholar, being the Chinese version of his surname.

CHU LUC :

Vietnamese term for a MAIN FORCE (MF) element; compare LOCAL FORCE.

CHUM :

in NavSpeak, a play on words for a novice sailor or a seaman on his first FLOAT or initial cruise on-board a ship; term overtly claims friendship but also refers to "waste" or "bait" which indicates the inexperience of the tyro. May also imply variegated color (as Chum or Chinook Salmon) from the sea sickness of new sailors [cf: greenhorn]. See SWABBY, SQUID, NUGGET, POLLYWOG, DRYBACK, TADPOLE, FRESH CATCH, CHERRY, SHOWER SHOE, FNG, NEWBEE.

CHURCH KEY :

a beverage can-opener [in the pre-Pull-Tab / pre-Pop-Top era] for pressing neat triangular holes into the top for drinking, and/or bottle cap lifter [in the pre-Twist-Off-Cap era], being a useful item of personal property that could also convert, by the addition of several triangular vents, an empty C-RATION can into an individual cook stove fueled by some C-4 or HEAT TABS. If no CHURCH KEY was available, a knife could make a crude opening for drinking, and any solid object (like an AMMO case) could serve for striking-off a bottle cap. Originally manufactured as the "Quick & Easy Opener" by the Vaughan Novelty Company in 1935, the term apparently derives from its large size and "fancy" ends, which resembled (especially after numerous beers!) a large ornate key, as for unlocking a church. Allegedly called a "B-52" by some vets, as a contrast with the P-38 (qv) C-RATIONS can-opener. [nb: cork disk screw cap (1856, 1889); wired mechanical cap (1875); Crown Cork (1892); ROPP Aluminum Cap (Roll-On Pilfer Proof, 1936); Pull Tab (Pepsi, 1962; detachable, banned 1975); Tear Tab (Iron City Beer, 1962; detachable, banned 1975); Tab Top (1962; detachable, banned 1975); Pop-Top (1963; detachable, banned 1975); Soft Top (aluminum, 1963); Twist-Off Crown Cap (1966); Sta-Tab (1975; non-detachable); Twist-Off (Labatt, 1984)]

CHURNING BUTTER :

having sex; see BOOM-BOOM, SHORT-TIME, FUCK, DIDDLY, TRICK, BUTTERFLY, CHOCOLATE BUNNY, DU, STEAM 'n' CREAM, HOOKUP, HELL ON WHEELS, ACT OF CONGRESS, CHOWING DOWN, HUMMER, BUSH PILOT, MUFF DIVER, LOVE HANDLES.

CHUTING STARS :

(shooting stars) US Navy precision aerobatic PARACHUTE team used for public ceremonies and demonstrations; later included US Navy SEAL demonstration team called "Leap Frogs". Compare GOLDEN KNIGHTS; see PDT.

CI :

CounterIntelligence; the aspect of military intelligence (MI) activity devoted to destroying the effectiveness of hostile foreign intelligence activities, to protection of information against espionage, of individuals against subversion, of installations and materials against SABOTAGE. See CIC, CE, COUNTERESPIONAGE, INTEL, MI, OSS. Also, abbreviation for Confidential Informant; see PROVOCATEUR, DECOY, DANGLE, KA, THROW-AWAY, LEGEND, LIFTED SKIRT, TRADECRAFT. Also, representation for Classified Information, which is not a legal or formal categorization; see OPSEC, EYES ONLY, FOUO, UNCLAS, NOFORN, NEED TO KNOW, COMPARTMENTALIZATION.

CIA :

Central Intelligence Agency; also called "The Agency", "The Company", "Clowns In Arena", "Christians In Action", or "Culinary Institute of America" [nb: not the legitimate one in Hyde Park]. The Central Intelligence Group was formed after the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was disbanded, and the CIA was organized as an independent agency from it on 18 Sept 1947. The CIA motto is from the Biblical book of John: "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free"; but it has been rephrased by agency employees as: "You'll know the truth, and it'll piss you off!". See DCI, DO, DDO, DI, DDI, CAS, CIO, SPOOK, SECRET AGENT, SINGLETON, NOC, SACO, SHEEP-DIPPED, THE FARM, THE PICKLE FACTORY, TRADECRAFT, PARASOL, SWITCHBACK, PROPRIETARY AIRLINE, FIRST FLIGHT; compare MERCENARY, LETTER OF MARQUE. Also, abbreviation for Captured In Action; see POW.

CIB :

CIB third award

Combat Infantryman's Badge, NICKNAMEd "Chevy Bar"; depicts an elliptical oak wreath surmounted by a blue bar displaying a 1795 Springfield musket, which represents the Infantry Branch as the first official Army shoulder arm. The CIB is awarded to infantrymen engaged in ground combat while assigned to a line unit. Only infantry MOS personnel (not Artillery FOs attached to an infantry unit; not Engineer or Quartermaster personnel who temporarily perform infantry roles) are eligible for award of the CIB, making it one of the most coveted awards. Authorized on 7/27 October 1943 to recognize the unique role of the infantryman, its award included an additional $10/month for recipients; it was approved on 8 February 1952 for award in later conflicts with the addition of stars ... there have been fewer two-star CIBs awarded for participation in a third war than Medals of Honor (MOH) bestowed. A similarly restrictive decoration for direct enemy confrontation is awarded to Marine and Naval/Coast Guard personnel as the "Combat Action Ribbon" (CAR). Compare EIB, GREEN TAB; see CMB, CAB.

CIC :

Combat Information Center aboard ship, commonly called "combat" or THE CAVE; including Engagement Controller, Ship's Weapons Coordinator (SWC), Display and Decision module, Electronic Warfare module, Weapons Control module, Fire Control Systems Coordinator (FCSC). Also, Communications and Information Center, but not aboard ship. Also, Counter Intelligence Corps; see INTEL, MI, MIS, FLAPS 'n' SEALS; compare CINC.

CID :

Criminal Investigation Division; Army equivalent of Air Force OSI and Navy NIS. See BUTTON, FLAPS 'n' SEALS, FBI, POLICE.

CIDG :

Mike Force

(sidge or c-i-d-g) Civilian Irregular Defense Group, composed of INDIGenous tribesmen and villagers trained as security and reaction forces, from platoon to battalion size, advised and equipped by U.S. Army SPECIAL FORCES (USSF); initiated under the "Tribal Area Development Program", the "Village Defense Program", and the STRATEGIC HAMLET program. See SWITCHBACK, PARASOL, STRIKER, MIKE FORCE, BORDER DEFENSE RANGER, VIETNAMIZATION. [nb: not to be confused with RVN's Civillian Defense Force ("Nhan Dan Tu Ve") which was only a part-time MILITIA]

CINC :

Commander-IN-Chief, or President of the United States (POTUS), being the chief executive officer of the armed forces, and Head of State; see OLYMPUS, compare CIC. [nb: the military discontinued its use of "cinc-" prefixed abbreviations to avoid any confusion with POTUS] [nb: the word 'emperor' (derived "impera") originally meant "one who gives orders"] [nb: "Executive: an officer of the Government, whose duty it is to enforce the wishes of the legislative power until such time as the judicial department shall be pleased to pronounce them invalid and of no effect." by Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce]

CINCAD :

commander-in-Chief Aerospace Defense command; compare CINCNORAD.

CINCLANT :

Commander-in-Chief Atlantic Forces

CINCLANTFLT :

Commander-in-Chief Atlantic Fleet

CINCMAC :

Commander-in-Chief, Military Airlift Command.

CINCNORAD :

Commander-in-Chief North American Aerospace Defense command; compare CINCAD.

CINCPAC :

Commander-in-Chief, Pacific, properly known as USCINCPAC; see PACOM.

CINCPACAF :

Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Air Force.

CINCPACFLT :

Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet.

CINCSAC :

Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Air Command; see SAC.

CINCUSARPAC :

Commander-in-Chief, US Army Pacific; see USARPAC.

CINDERELLA PASS :

a shorter range and more limited time period for being OFF-DUTY, which expires at midnight; also called "Cinderella Liberty" by Naval and Marine personnel ... "sign-in before midnight or turn into a pumpkin!".

CIO :

Central Intelligence Organization, the Vietnamese term of the CIA.

CIPHER :

a secret method of writing, as by CODE; see ENCODE, ENCRYPT, DECODE, DECRYPT, ALPHABET SOUP, KAK, SHACKLE, SCRAMBLE, NULLITY, BURST, 10-CODES, TAP CODE, DUNGEON, CRYPER, INTEL. Also, the key to a secret method of writing. [nb: Kerckhoffs' Principle of Secure Cryptography states that a cryptosystem should be secure even if everything about the system, except the key, is public knowledge; Schneier's Law states that "Any person can invent a security system so clever that s/he can't think of how to break it."] Also, a combination of letters, as the initials of a name, forming a monogram or ACRONYM; see CODE, BREVITY CODE, PROWORD, INTERCO, CODEWORD, CODENAME, NICKNAME, ALPHABET SOUP, ABBREVIATION. Also, a person or thing of no value or import, something worthless, as naught, rush, zilch; see ZERO, ZIP, NULLITY, SQUAT, DIDDLY. Also, any Arabic numeral or figure. Also, to use figures or numerals arithmetically; to calculate numerically.

CIRCLE JERK :

a cooperative perversion, analogically based upon the homosexual act of masturbating one's nearest companion (instead of oneself); as a situation with beneficial consequences only for those who participate, such as cover-up, Black Marketing, boondoggle, RING-KNOCKING, etc. Compare FIRING LINE, PISSING CONTEST, FUCK-UP, FUCKED-UP, CLUSTER FUCK, WTFO, SOL, BOHICA, SEAT OF THE PANTS, TURN IN THE BARREL, CHICKEN SHIT, MICKEY MOUSE; see POGUE.

CISO :

Counter Insurgency Support Office, the logistical support depot for SOG; being a quartermaster unit located on Okinawa under nominal command of US Army Pacific. Among numerous other items, the CISO provided Asian-sized BODY BAGS, imitation NVN GEAR, replica NVN uniforms, PIR meals, SOG BOWIE knives, and "gift packs". One "gift pack" freely distributed to NVN contained a yard of fabric with sewing needle and thread (HOUSEWIFE), in colors and design reminiscent of the SVN flag. Another "gift pack" included a toy rubber ball in colors or pattern resembling the SVN flag.

CITADEL :

NICKNAME for 17 Pho Ly Nam De (geo: 21 02 09N 105 51 02E; UTM: 48QWJ88362615), site of major NVN prison camp for captive allied population; also known as [nb: some names only refer to sections within this prison] Plantation, Country Club, Camp Four, Funny Farm, Holiday Inn, Lows or Lowes Camp. Dates US POWs present: 6 Jun 67 to 30 Jul 70, and 25 Nov 70 to 16 Mar 73. The villa at the north end of this COMPOUND was the family residence of a French military officer during the French era. After the French departed, the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) motion picture department took over the COMPOUND. The PAVN film department was subordinate to PAVN's General Political Directorate, one of the PAVN's three principle staff components (the others were the General Staff Directorate and the General Directorate for Rear Services). In 1967, the Enemy Proselyting Department (another component of the General Political Directorate) took control of the COMPOUND and used it to detain American POWs. The Enemy Proselyting Department was the principle PAVN element responsible for administering American POWs, and administered this camp until, in about April 1972, the newly formed Office 22 of PAVN Group 875 assumed responsibility for administration of this and other American POW camps in North Vietnam. (The Enemy Proselyting Department apparently retained responsibility for interrogation, indoctrination, and records keeping.) After 1973 the COMPOUND was returned to the PAVN motion picture department. The building on the east side of the COMPOUND that housed American POWs was demolished in about 1992 and replaced by a three or four story building that houses offices of the PAVN motion picture institute. See POW.

CIVIL AFFAIRS AGREEMENT :

an agreement governing the relationship between allied armed forces located in a friendly country and the civil authorities and people of that country; compare SOFA.

CIVILIAN :

a nonprofessional or outsider, as anyone regarded by members of a profession, institution, group, society, or the like, as not belonging; derived from "student of civil law". Term particularly applies to a person who is not on active duty with a military, naval, police, or fire fighting organization; used in the same sense as "layman" and "lay figure" [nb: discharged or ex-military persons may be identified as CIVILIANs (eg: sardonic USN usage of CIVPAC, for Pacific-area Civilian, or CIVLANT, for Atlantic-area Civilian), but retirees are never CIVILIANs!]. Also, a person employed by the government who is not authorized to wear a uniform, such as a civil servant, a civilian defense worker, a contractor or consultant; see ADVISOR. Also, a citizen, derived by combining city+denizen, being an inhabitant of a place, entitled to its privileges or protections, and owing allegiance to its government. Also, the "support structure" that aids and assists partisan, GUERRILLA, INSURGENT, TERRORIST, or any other IRREGULAR force operating counter to the government; being the protective and deceptive "sea of people" in which the FREEDOM FIGHTER or Maoist revolutionary "swims". [cf: "kindermorde" (slaughter of the innocent); nb: it is an irony of war that more civilians die during combat than do soldiers, sailors, and airmen; not just COLLATERAL DAMAGE from inadvertent propinquity, but due to starvation, disease, exposure and other mortal adversities] [nb: calculated rate of non-combat civilian casualties (except disease deaths) for WWII @ 1 civ KIA / 4 tons of munitions, for VN @ 1 civ KIA / 15 tons of munitions, and for GULF WAR @ 1 civ KIA / 38 tons of munitions] [nb: according to the international LAWS OF WAR, a civilian compelled to act as a military porter by transporting weapons or munitions and materiel becomes a bona-fide combatant, subject to treatment as a de-facto soldier, and forfeits the protection of civilian noncombatant status]

CIVILIAN SERVICE IN VIET NAM MEDAL / CSVN :

authorized by U.S. Department of State to be awarded for one year of aggregate service in country, or any part thereof if tour interrupted by injury or disability due to hostile action; equivalent to Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) presented to military personnel.

CIVIL WAR :

CWSM

any war between political factions or regions within the same country; see INSURGENCY, GUERRILLA WARFARE. Also, an American war from 12 April 1861 to 23 June 1865, initially disputing the right of 11 Southern states to secede from their constitutional union with the remaining 22 Northern states, which states' rights and tariff impositions evolved (after the Emancipation Proclamation) into a righteous crusade against slavery ... a political dispute that became a moral campaign; also called the "War Between the States", the "War of Southern Rebellion", and the "War of Northern Aggression", it remains the bloodiest encounter in American history. See MEDAL OF HONOR, H&I, "seine hauling" at SNATCH, WHISTLIN' DIXIE, "rebel yell" at BATTLE CRY, WHITE TRASH. [nb: "Among the rank and file, [in] both armies [in the Civil War], it was very general to speak of the different States they came from by their slang names. Those from Maine were call'd Foxes; New Hampshire, Granite Boys; Massachusetts, Bay Staters; Vermont, Green Mountain Boys; Rhode Island, Gun Flints; Connecticut, Wooden Nutmegs; New York, Knickerbockers; New Jersey, Clam Catchers; Pennsylvania, Logher Heads; Delaware, Muskrats; Maryland, Claw Thumpers; Virginia, Beagles; North Carolina, Tar Boilers; South Carolina, Weasels; Georgia, Buzzards; Louisiana, Creoles; Alabama, Lizards; Kentucky, Corn Crackers; Ohio, Buckeyes; Michigan, Wolverines; Indiana, Hoosiers; Illinois, Suckers; Missouri, Pukes; Mississippi, Tad Poles; Florida, Fly Up the Creeks; Wisconsin, Badgers; Iowa, Hawkeyes; Oregon, Hard Cases." by Walt Whitman, "Slang in America" in North American Review (Nov 1885; plagiarized from an unsigned list published 3 May 1845 in Broadway Journal]

CIVVIES :

civilian clothes, also spelled "civies", as distinguished from military uniforms; probably derived from skivvy-shirt or SKIVVIES (underwear), with the implication of being "out of uniform". See T-SHIRT, SINGLET, PARTY SUIT, MUFTI, GIG, DOG ROBBER. [v: dishevel, dishabille, disorderly]

CJSOTF-A :

CJSOTF-A

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan.

CJSOTF-AP :

CJSOTF-AP

Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Arabian Peninsula, a multinational interservice project headquartered in Balad Iraq, with a month-long RECONDO School setup at the K1 training base in Kirkuk Iraq.

CL :

designated U.S. Navy light cruiser, a type of WARSHIP; compare CA.

CLA :

Cambodian Liberation Army, Communist; Khmer Libra Armie. See KHMER ROUGE.

CLACKER :

a small hand-held firing device used for TRIGGERing CLAYMORE mines and other electrically initiated demolitions; slang term derives from sound made during use, that's also called 'exploder' or DETONATOR.

CLAMP :

security restrictions or operating restraints, as to "clamp down"; see NEED TO KNOW, COMPARTMENTALIZATION, CLASSIFIED. Also, an adjustable support or fastener; derived from CLEAT; compare PAD EYE, DEADEYE.

CLAMSHELL :

doughnut-pattern CBU (qv).

CLANDESTINE OPERATION :

an operation sponsored by governmental departments or agencies and conducted by specially trained personnel to function in such a way as to assure secrecy or concealment. In SPECIAL OPERATIONS, an activity may be both covert (where the identity of the sponsor is concealed) and clandestine (where the operation itself is concealed), and may focus equally on operational considerations and intelligence-related activities. Compare COVERT OPERATION, see SPECIAL OPERATIONS.

CLAP :

generalization for any venereal disease (VD) or sexually transmitted disease (STD), especially gonorrhea, being expressed as "a dose of the clap"; term derived from "brothel". See PRO KIT, SHORT ARM, ARC, ANTIBIOTIC. [re: syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydia, lymphogranuloma venereum, trichomoniasis, nongonococcal urethritis] [nb: before blatant sexuality abrogated etiquette, a polite inquiry into one's well-being could receive the jocular reply of "Passing well.", which meant micturating without difficulty, or being free from venereal infection, having the same amusing effect among friends as the modern query "How they hanging?" ... "passing well" could be interpreted as "fair to middling", and so was socially inoffensive]

CLASS-A :

the Army and Air Force uniform intermediate between DRESS MESS and FATIGUES, being either Army green or Air Force blue, tropical white or sun-tan KHAKI, as worn for inspection, PARADE, PASS, and the like; being equivalent to the Navy and Marine Corps "service dress" uniforms in blue, white, or tan. If the CLASS-A / service dress uniform is not "high neck" (CHOKER) or "open throat", a necktie or neckerchief is worn. See DRESS, CREST, PATCH, FRUIT SALAD, HERSHEY BAR, GREEN TAB, HEADGEAR, BRASS, FOOTWEAR, LOW-QUARTERS. [nb: sailors used to also have "undress blues" (and "undress whites") as a semi-work uniform without neckerchief or piping; but in 2006 the Navy exchanged its service dress blues and whites for a year around tan, and its DUNGAREES for digitized multicolor work utilities with an 8-point COVER, abolishing their traditional bell-bottoms and DIXIE CUPs] [nb: the human eye can discern more shades of green than any other hue; see AG, OG, OD, compare ASU] [nb: except for rifle regiments separate from infantry and dragoons from before the War of 1812, the U.S. Army wore blue uniforms until the adoption of KHAKIS and FATIGUES, so when the CLASS-A uniform was redesigned in 1954, the color Army Green (AG44) was selected for its historical link to the early riflemen and SHARPSHOOTERs]

CLASS-B DEPENDENT :

the strictly informal and unofficial designation for an extramarital lover living off-base stateside with a servicemember in shared civilian accommodations, and therefore eligible for the SEPARATE RATionS subsidy; being the polite form of SHACK-JOB, which cohabitation would not be tolerated in the SHADOW OF THE FLAGPOLE. Compare SLEEPING DICTIONARY, CAMPAIGN WIFE, DRAG, CAMP FOLLOWER, SKIRT.

CLASSIFIED :

arranged, divided, or containing classes or categories. Also, information or data assigned to a classification so as to control its access or use to authorized persons only; see EYES ONLY, NEED TO KNOW, COMPARTMENTALIZATION, RIG, CHINESE WALL, STOVEPIPE, OPSEC, FOUO, NOFORN, PASSWORD, UNDER LOCK 'n' KEY, SOI, SSI, CODENAME, CLAMP, TRADECRAFT, SHELL GAME, BUBBLE, CLEAN, LEGEND, PROPAGANDA, MUSHROOM, DEBRIEF, BURN BAG, DEMILITARIZE, UNCLAS. [nb: the color code for classified cover sheets is: UNCLASsified = white, For Official Use Only (FOUO) = green, Confidential = blue, Secret = red, Top Secret = orange, Eyes Only = yellow] [nb: "hush-hush" and "mum" mean 'silent' (don't talk about it), rather than 'secret']

CLASS SIX :

euphemism for a liquor store, sometimes called "package store" or "bottle shop"; based upon the resupply priority rating system, from essential Class One (eg: food, ammo, medicine, fuel) to non-essential Class Six (eg: clothing, reference manuals, furniture, spare parts). See BYOB, BREW, HOOCH, GROG, GROUP TIGHTENER, JUICE, THE DRINK, SUNDOWNER, DEAD-SOLDIER, O CLUB. [cf: barrelhouse, cocktail lounge, saloon, roadhouse, speakeasy, blind pig / blind tiger, pub, ginmill, public house, tavern, cantina, bar, barroom, grogshop, watering hole, honky-tonk, dive, brasserie, bistro, taproom, beer joint, beer parlor, alehouse, rathskeller, cabaret, nightclub, drinkery]

CLAYMORE :

fan-shaped anti-personnel land mine (M-18A1); as derived from broadsword (Gaelic "claidheamh mor"). The CLAYMORE used a curved block of C-4 explosive, shaped to blow all its embedded fragments outward in a 60-degree semicircular arc pattern, having an effect similar to an oversized SHOTGUN to a distance of 250 meters (effective 50-100m). With their directional pattern, CLAYMOREs were well-suited for perimeter-defense. Due to electric ignition of the firing device, CLAYMOREs could be selectively, serially, or cluster discharged by passive (TRIPWIRE) or active (manual or command detonate) triggers. Enemy sappers and infiltrators would reverse the direction of the perimeter CLAYMOREs, rather than disable them, in hopes of injuring the defenders. Some FNG troops pried the CLAYMORE casing open so as to steal C-4 to heat their rations, but always regretted it when the CLAYMORE was needed for defense. A "less than lethal" version (M-5 Modular Crowd Control Munition) that shoots rubber balls has been used for riot control at American embassies since 2006. See ALPHA-ALPHA, CLACKER, DET CORD, MCCM.

CLEAN :

the outfitting of an investigator or operative with the necessary weapons, tools, gear, and other effects that confirm (or will not contradict) the identity assumed for a particular mission. In covert operations, not being betrayed by clothing or equipment, by speech or mannerisms, including TATTOOs and dental work, is crucial for role performance. See SPOOK, CRYPTO, SLEEPER, MOLE, SWEEPER, STOOGE, DECOY, BABY 007, LEGEND, POCKET LITTER, LIFTED SKIRT, TRADECRAFT; compare STERILE.

CLEAR AND HOLD :

clearing an area of enemy activity, and holding it temporarily; compare SEARCH AND CLEAR, CORDON AND SEARCH, SEARCH AND DESTROY.

CLEAT :

a strong device, usually metal with one or more projections, that's used to secure tie-downs, as on a pier or DECK for mooring; see CLAMP, PAD EYE, DEADEYE, HARDPOINT, BOLLARD. Also, a wedge-shaped block or strip of resistant material fastened to a surface to serve as a check or support; also called a CHOCK. Also, a resistant strip fastened across a surface, as on a RAMP, to provide sure footing.

CLERKS 'n' JERKS :

rhyming phrase to show disregard or contempt for noncombatant support personnel; see REMF, BEAN-COUNTER, PENCIL PUSHER, RED TAPE, ORIFICE, MILICRAT, CANDY-ASS, ACETATE COMMANDO, CHAIRBORNE, FOBBIT, TOCROACH, POG, BTDT, THE NAM, WANNABE.

CLIENT STATE :

any country that's dependent on a richer or more powerful country for its political, economic, or military welfare; see NATION BUILDING, GARRISON STATE, FIFTY-FIRST STATER, WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS, GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY, PRESIDENTIAL DOCTRINE, PROXY WAR, CONTAINMENT, REALPOLITIK, INTERVENTIONISM; compare ISOLATIONISM. [nb: called "dollar diplomacy" during the William Howard Taft administration to characterize the policies of Secretary of State Philander C. Knox] [nb: "He may be a son-of-a-bitch, but he's our son-of-a-bitch." by Franklin Delano Roosevelt (referring to Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza); "He's a bastard, but he's our bastard." by William Casey (referring to Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega)]

CLINTON DOCTRINE :

(forthcoming); see PRESIDENTIAL DOCTRINE.

CLIP :

a narrow, slightly curved piece of metal that holds several rifle CARTRIDGEs in a row for conveniently loading a magazine (MAG) when fitted into a removable adapter [nb: with practice, the rounds could be inserted into a magazine without the bracket, or stripped from the CLIP and inserted singly]; also known as a "stripper clip". Rifle ammunition (AMMO) is manufactured for military service by placing CARTRIDGEs in a CLIP, two clips in a cardboard sleeve (enough for one magazine reload), paired CLIPs in a cloth BANDOLEER, and several BANDOLEERs in an air-/water-tight container (AMMO CAN) with a carrying handle. The term CLIP is widely but improperly used as a synonym for magazine, probably derived from the earlier use of internal magazines, which were reloaded from a "stripper clip" fitted into a built-in bracket on the rear-sight while the rifle bolt was locked open. Compare BANANA CLIP, C-CLIP, DRUM, LINK AMMO.

CLOAK-AND-DAGGER :

the use of subterfuge, guile, or intrigue in DECEPTION or CONCEALMENT operations; originating as a style of swashbuckling comedies called "cloak and sword" in Spanish and "cape and foil" in French theatricals from the 16th century. See SPOOK, CRYPTO, FIX, PROVOCATEUR, DANGLE, HANDLER, SWEEPER, DECOY, STOOGE, TRADECRAFT, PSYOPS, INTEL, ESPIONAGE.

CLOSE AIR SUPPORT :

see CAS.

CLOSE ORDER :

a formation of men or vehicles at near interval, primarily for drill or PARADE, but formerly used to concentrate force or increase power (including firepower) before advanced weaponry altered battlefield tactics; see CLOSE RANKS, THE BIBLE, MANUAL OF ARMS, SCRIPTURES; compare COMBAT SPREAD. [nb: "to close in" has the sense of approaching as well as constricting, but firepower cannot substitute for either ... "close with and destroy the enemy" is not a metaphor]

AT CLOSE QUARTERS :

generally fighting in close proximity, as when ships engage each other alongside, or when combatants engage in hand-to-hand fighting; also called CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE (CQB), "close combat", and "close battle". See SALVO, VOLLEY, FUSILLADE, ENFILADE, DRUMFIRE, BAYONET, ON GUARD, BUTT STROKE, DOUBLE TAP, BEARD THE LION, GABRIEL, JAP SLAPPER, UP-CLOSE 'n' PERSONAL, BATTLE, WAR.

CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE / CQB :

phrase referring to the tactical propinquity, sometimes intimate, of opposition forces when engaged, like the Maoist metaphor of "fishes swimming together in the sea" [cf: COUNTER-GUERRILLA / ASYMMETRIC WARFARE], and sometimes represented by the slang expression UP-CLOSE 'n' PERSONAL, but especially referring to combat encounters experienced by individuals or small units (ie: SQUAD and TEAM level). See BATTLE ROYAL, KING OF THE HILL, DOGFIGHT, FIREFIGHT, CONTACT, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, MEETING ENGAGEMENT, BEARD THE LION, FIGHTING MAD, JAP SLAPPER, BAYONET, ON GUARD, BUTT STROKE, DOUBLE TAP, BATTLE, WAR.

CLOSE RANKS :

the lending of mutual support in anticipation of attack, physical or verbal, literal or figurative, by "standing fast" or "staying the course", by "manning the barricades" or "defending the ramparts" whenever assailed by opposition; see CLOSE ORDER.

CLOSE SHAVE :

a narrow escape from danger or trouble, as an encounter, strait, dilemma, predicament, difficulty, plight, imbroglio, extremity, affliction, trial or tribulation; also known as "close call" or narrow SQUEAK.

CLOUD-CUCKOO-LAND :

slang for senior Headquarters (HQ) and its operations, with the implication of impractical, foolish, crazy, or fantastic missions originating from leaders who are out-of-touch with reality; derived from the ancient Greek play, "The Birds" by Aristophanes, depicting an imaginary city (Nephelokokkygia / Nephelococcygia) built in the air between the gods and the mortals. See BELL THE CAT, PUZZLE PALACE, MADHOUSE, HEADSHED, HEADQUARTERISM.

CLOVERLEAF :

a method of patrolling in which subordinate elements move out from a central area and "loop" back to the vicinity of the main advance's direction or starting point. Used as a technique of advance by units in unknown terrain. Also called BUTTERFLY; see CHECKERBOARD, LEAP FROG, HOPSCOTCH, BUTTONHOOK, ZIGZAG, DASH.

CLS :

Combat Life Saving/Saver, a first aid kit; see MED BAG.

CLU :

Command Launch Unit for portable missiles; can also be used as a stand-alone day/night sighting device.

CLUB FED :

phrase was ostensibly made popular by television's "Miami Vice" program, it refers to any minimum security federal prison, especially one with inmate facilities rivaling a resort (ie: tennis, golf, gymnasium, game room, auditorium, etc); patterned on the model of "Club Med" vacations. This phrase has also been applied to military detention or disciplinary barracks, such as those setup overseas, as at Abu Ghraib and Camp Bucca, Bagram Air Base and Guantanamo; see BRIG, STOCKADE, GUARDHOUSE, THE CASTLE, CROSSBAR HOTEL, HOT HOUSE, USDB, DEADLOCK, DEADLINE. Also, the NICKNAME for the FBI Academy, which is colocated with the Marine installation at Quantico Virginia, and is a separate facility from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Also, that coterie or clique of consultants (the inner circle or insiders) who are periodically employed as federal executives by one or another political administration to render guidance and to coordinate policy by virtue of their ostensible expertise, but actually due to their incestuous associations; see MANDARIN, BEST AND BRIGHTEST, POLITICIAN, BOY'S CLUB, KHAKI MAFIA, RING-KNOCKER. [cf: apparatchik, nomenklatura, nabob, nibs] [v: bailiwick] [v: 'claque' for group or coterie of BROWN NOSERs]

CLUSTER FUCK :

a combination or series of mistakes and failures, if not averted, halted, or reversed, culminating in disaster; being an inadvertent situation complicated by good intentions and compounded by inefficient persons promoted to their level of incompetence! Drill formation examples include "Mill Around Mill", "High Diddle Diddle, File From The Middle", "Accordion March", "Rear Ripple March", "Stagger-Step March", STUTTER-STEP, and "Convulsion By Columns". Also known as a "charlie foxtrot", "mix-up", "mess-up", "goof-up", "foul-up", "screw-up", "flub", "botch", "bungle", "blunder", "muddle", "pother", "Chinese fire drill", "goat fuck", GOAT ROPE, or FLAP; and related to BOHICA, FUCKED-UP, FUCK-UP, SHIT HIT THE FAN, WTFO, SOL, SEAT OF THE PANTS, CIRCLE JERK, TURN IN THE BARREL; compare CHICKEN SHIT, MICKEY MOUSE.

CLUTCH BELT :

term for ammunition belt worn by Marines, the same as Army PISTOL BELT; see WEB GEAR, LBE, DEUCE GEAR.

CLUTCH-UP / CLUTCHED-UP :

Navy slang for hesitate or falter, to be irresolute or indecisive; also known as seize-up, freeze-up, or "brain lock". Although this is a "normal" response to high stress and great confusion, the training solution of "do something even if it's wrong" can be worse than inaction in a combat scenario ... and the emotional aftermath for inexperienced leaders can be devastating. See TRAIN HARD - FIGHT EASY, DON'T DO NOTHING, PIG LOOKING AT A WRISTWATCH, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF, WAR GAMES, OPTEMPO, OP 'TIL YOU DROP, COMBAT EFFECTIVE. [nb: the dilemma of the centipede is that it walks perfectly until it's required to explain how it walks; v: Zen mind]

CLZ :

(c-l-z) Contingency Landing Zone, being the fallback alternative or tertiary reserve site to be utilized after discovering that the primary and secondary areas are unavailable or unusable; see LZ, PZ.

CMAA :

Chief Master-At-Arms in the US Navy, being the senior petty officer (PO) aboard ship who's responsible for discipline and accountability; supervises a parttime staff of deputy Masters-At-Arms (MAA) in each department; commonly called SHERIFF. See SP, POLICE, CAPTAIN'S MAST, ROCKS 'n' SHOALS, BRIG.

CMAC :

Capital Military Advisory (Assistance) Command.

CMB :

Army CMB

Combat Medical Badge, sometimes called "Combat Medic's Badge", and originating as the "Medical Badge", it was authorized 29 January / 1 March 1945 for actions from 7 December 1941, with a $10/month bonus payment being approved in July 1945. The CMB is awarded to Army, Navy, or Air Force corpsmen who serve in the field with line-troops actively engaged in ground combat (as distinguished from AID STATION and EVAC / FIELD HOSPital medics). The CMB is similar in appearance to the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) surrounded by an oval wreath, and stars added for awards resulting from subsequent combat actions authorized in February 1951. See CIB, CAB.

CMBT :

combat; see CBT.

CMC :

Commandant of the US Marine Corps.

CMEC :

Combat Materiel Exploitation Center, commissioned to evaluate new enemy weapons; see ACTIV, CAT, CDEC, CDTCVN.

CMOC :

Civil Military Operations Center, a command and control base for coordinating civil affairs (CA) and humanitarian relief, often interservice and multinational. See OPN.

CMR :

Court of Military Review.

CNAC :

(see-knack) China National Aviation Corporation, being the commercial airline ferrying passengers and cargo from India to China across the HUMP in support of the Nationalist Chinese (CHINAT) under PROPRIETARY contract to the Allies during WWII; also known as the "Flying Tigers Airline". See AVG, FLYING TIGERS.

CNO :

Chief of Naval Operations; instituted in 1916 to replace the Naval War Board, which existed to analyze opposing forces, assess situations, and advise SQDN COs, SECNAV, and POTUS on appropriate actions. See DNI, NIS.

CO :

abbreviation for Commanding Officer, being the designated leader and the highest ranking person in the CHAIN-OF-COMMAND of a particular unit; see COMMANDER, COMMAND ELEMENT, DOR, OLD MAN, SKIPPER, MC, TOP DOG, HONCHO, EXTRAORDINARY POWERS, OVERSIGHT. [nb: Vietnamese term: Chi Huy Truong] Also, abbreviation for COMPANY (qv). Also, the abbreviation for Conscientious Objector; see CORB, PACIFIST, NEUTRAL, PROTESTOR. Also, Vietnamese term for an unmarried adult woman, equivalent to Miss, Senorita, Senhorita, Fraulein, or Mademoiselle; compare BA, MAMA-SAN. [v: girl, lass, maiden, damsel, demoiselle, bachelorette, spinster]

COA :

see COURSE OF ACTION.

COASTIES :

U.S. Coast Guard

NICKNAME used to identify the servicemen and women (v: SPAR at SKIRT) of the United States Coast Guard (USCG); also known as "shallow water sailor". The USCG originated as the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790, was combined with the U.S. Life Saving Service in 1915, subsumed the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1939, and the Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation in 1942. To enhance rescue and recovery modalities, the USCG developed the "rescue swimmer" program in the post-VN era, but, unlike USAF PJs and other SAR team members, these rescuers are not PARACHUTE or SCUBA qualified. During peacetime, the USCG was a branch of the Department of Transportation (DoT) until the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but during wartime, at the direction of the president, is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Navy. Compare MERCHANT MARINE; see BROWN WATER SAILOR, MUD DUCK, USN, TRADE SCHOOL. [nb: Vietnamese term: Linh Phong Ve Duyen Hai, Phong Ve Duyen Hai]

COAX :

(ko-ax) shortened form of coaxial, having a common or coincident axis, as a multiplex cable (MUX) or a machinegun (MG) slaved to a MAIN-GUN.

COBRA :

Cobra attack helicopter

Bell AH-1 series of attack helicopter; NICKNAMEd by some as the "Shark" or "Snake" (Hindu symbol of eternal life) as represented in nose art. The COBRA carried 2.75s, MINIGUNs, and a 40mm gun mounted in a SPONSON under the nose of the aircraft. Other configurations, such as the SEA COBRA (AH-1J), also existed. The old "B" model HUEY gunships were fazed out, and the COBRAs used in greater strength, around 1968. Most of the COBRAs were painted with eyes and big, scary teeth like a shark (nose art similar to FLYING TIGERS of WWII) for psychological impact during Close Air Support (CAS). The COBRA evolved into the "Super Cobra" (AH-1W), and has been succeeded by the APACHE (AH-64).

COC :

Combat Orientation Course; established April 1968, and colocated with the MACV Recondo School on Hon Tre Island, this 8-day supplemental training program was designed to acclimate newly arrived troops, to refresh their field/operational skills, to enable weapons familiarization or zero, and to instruct in the latest procedural techniques derived from "lessons learned" on the BATTLEFIELD. Most of the major units established a similar introductory program designed to inform newly assigned personnel of unit standard operating procedures (SOP), of immediate action (IA) practices, and of security protocols; such as the 1st Cav Div "First Team Academy" (FTA) and the 101st Abn Div "Screaming Eagle Replacement Training School" (SERTS). See CHARM SCHOOL, BUDDY SYSTEM, CHERRY, FNG, NEWBEE, RETREAD, Q-COURSE, ACTA, RECONDO. [nb: the initials of the "First Team Academy" (FTA), widely understood to mean "Fuck The Army", was an ironic example of the unfortunate decisions made by otherwise sane and insightful persons, similar to the initials of the political action group named the "Committee to Re-Elect the President" (CREeP) setup on behalf of Richard M. Nixon] Also, abbreviation for "Combat Operations Center"; see CIC.

COCHIN CHINA :

name for the southern section of Vietnam under the French INDOCHINA Protectorate; compare ANNAM, TONKIN. [nb: 'China' suffix was added (ca1720) to 'Cochin' to distinguish region in Vietnam from region in India]

COCKPIT :

a forward space, usually enclosed, in the FUSELAGE of an airplane that contains the flight controls, instrument panel, and crew seats necessary for flight operations. Also, a sunken, open space, generally in the after part of a small boat, that provides access to the controls and instruments needed by the crew when operating a vessel at sea; compare BRIDGE, PILOTHOUSE, FLYING BRIDGE, HELM. Also, the space, including the seat, controls and instrumentation, surrounding the driver of a motor vehicle. Also, a place where a contest is fought, or a place which has been the scene of many contests or battles; as derived from the enclosed pit for cockfights (alectryomachy) [cf: Welsh Main]; see BATTLE ROYAL, WHITE FEATHER. Also, a space below the water line in a warship, that was formerly occupied by the junior officers as quarters, and used as a dressing station for those wounded in action; see AID STATION, DISPENSARY, BAND-AID, CHOP SHOP.

COCKTAIL :

a solution concocted of various ingredients, especially a chemical contaminant or biological agent for use as a weapon; also called "poison gas", and classified under Chemical Warfare (CW) or Chemical Biological Warfare (CBW) agents. The chemical agent color code includes: white for irritants [v: sternutator] (eg: tear gas); yellow for blister agents (eg: mustard gas); green for suffocation agents (eg: phosgene gas); blue for molecular inhibitors (eg: arsine gas); black for nerve agents (eg: sarin). See CBR, TOMB, GAS MASK, MOPP; compare HAZMAT, SOUP, MOLOTOV COCKTAIL, IED, YELLOWCAKE, HEAVY WATER, HOT GREASE, NUKE, RANCH HAND, AGENT ORANGE.

COD :

Carrier On-board Delivery aircraft, such as the C-2 GREYHOUND.

CODE :

to ENCODE or CIPHER; see ALPHABET SOUP, ENCRYPT, DECRYPT, KAK, SHACKLE, SCRAMBLE, RTP, PROWORD, INTERCO, CODEWORD, CODENAME, WILLIE PETE, ALFA, ZERO, NULLITY, BURST, BREVITY CODE, 10-CODES, ACRONYM, RTO, RADIO, MORSE CODE, TAP CODE, DUNGEON, CRYPER, INTEL, ASA, MI, CIC, ICAP, IR, COMICS. [v: Alphabet Codes & Signal Flags] Also, CREED, PROMISE, OATH, HONOR CODE, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN, CODE OF CONDUCT, DUTY, BRASS-COLLAR

CODEL :

acronym for COngressional DELegation, junketers; see IG.

CODENAME :

a unique personal identifier assigned to many officers and most ADVISORs, as distinct from a radio CALL-SIGN duty station assignment; most often used when reporting status, or passing BACK CHANNEL personal messages. Also, a COVER name or blind designation that specifies a project or operation without revealing its function, as a CODEWORD; see NEED TO KNOW, OPSEC, PASSWORD, compare NICKNAME, PROWORD, BREVITY CODE, INTERCO, ACRONYM.

CODE OF CONDUCT :

a clear and concise set of guidelines for personal behavior while serving in the Armed Forces, instituted after the KOREAN WAR in response to POW collaboration resulting from privation and BRAINWASHING. Just as MAAG and MACV ADVISORs were issued wallet-sized cultural "helpful hints" cards, the CODE OF CONDUCT cards were issued to everyone for personal use; see E&E, POW, DUTY, DELEGATE, BEARING, CREED, HONOR CODE, ABOVE BOARD, PROMISE, BRASS-COLLAR, WINTER SOLDIER, UCMJ. [v: Code of Conduct and Armed Forces Honor Code of Ethics] [nb: the modern military has now mandated the carry of "Ethics Cards" by all servicemembers. During the Crusades, if a captive was compelled to vow belief or disavow allegiance, upon his repatriation he would be excommunicated]

CODE TALKER :

an AmerIndian radio messenger ("Combat Communication Specialist") serving with forward elements of Army and Marine infantry, artillery, and aviation during WWII; consisting of enlisted members of Navajo, Hopi, Choctaw, Comanche, Muskogee, Creek, Ojibwa, Chippewa, Menominee, Apache, and Cherokee tribes who were trained to communicate military information in their native languages, which were indecipherable to the Axis enemy, by expanding their vocabulary with the introduction of code words and phrases (eg: mortar = squatting gun, machinegun = fast shooter, barrage = iron rain, grenade = potato, bomb = egg, observation airplane = owl, fighter airplane = hummingbird, bomber = buzzard, patrol airplane = crow, submarine = iron fish, destroyer = shark, battleship = whale, amphibious craft = frog, corps = clan, section = beads, officer = headman, commander = war chief, etc). This technique was much faster and more reliable than the typical encode/decode method of secure transmission, but the practice was abandoned after the war and has not been subsequently revived. In the National Guard divisions activated for WWI with substantial AmerIndian populations, such as the 36th "Lone Star" Infantry, the 90th "Alamo" Infantry, and the 91st "Wild West" Infantry, the Signal Corps units employed Choctaw, Apache, and other tribesmen as radio operators, who spoke in their own native dialect (without the code words and phrases later introduced during WWII) for rapid and secure transmissions. See CRYPER, ENCRYPT, DECRYPT, ALPHABET SOUP, PROWORD, INTERCO, CODEWORD, CODENAME, RTP, RTO, RADIO, TELEPHONE. [v: Alphabet Codes & Signal Flags]

CODEWORD :

a COVER name or blind designation that specifies a project or operation without revealing its character or function, as a CODENAME; see NEED TO KNOW, OPSEC, PASSWORD, compare NICKNAME, PROWORD, INTERCO, BREVITY CODE, ACRONYM.

COFFIN :

slang for the environmentally secure container that's used to safely transport HAZMAT toxins and other deadly CBR munitions for storage, use, or disposal; term alludes to their lethal contents. Compare TOMB, DUMP; see MOPP, BUNNY SUIT, DEMILITARIZE.

COFRAM :

Army high-fragmentation shell [nb: not to be confused with "Corfam" (see LOW-QUARTERS)].

COG :

Convenience Of the Government; an administrative discharge for the "good of the service". See CHAPTER 10, SECTION EIGHT, BOARD, DISCHARGE. Also, to activate reservists or DRAFT civilians onto active duty military service at the Convenience Of the Government.

COI :

Coordinator Of Intelligence/Information; the Office of the Coordinator Of Intelligence/Information (OCOI) was the predecessor, along with the JCS Office of War Information (OWI), of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII.

COIGN OF VANTAGE :

a favorable position for observation or action, a "vantage point"; see ESPY, TRAIL WATCHER, RECON, WATCHER, WEATHER EYE, ARGUS, GROUND OBSERVER CORPS, SPOTTER, PEEPERS.

COIN :

abbreviation for COUNTERINSURGENCY / COUNTER-INSURGENCY, which is a coordinated military and civic action (CA) program combating subversion and guerrilla warfare; See UW, CAP, SF, SEAL, SOF, ASYMMETRIC WARFARE GROUP, DImE; compare COUNTER-GUERRILLA, ANTI-TERRORISM. [v: uprising, insurrection, insurgency, revolt, rebellion, takeover, toppling, outbreak, break-out, overthrow, break-through, downfall, mutiny, turning point, putsch, coup, coup d'état, or intifada (der: "shaking off")]

COINCIDENCE :

(forthcoming);

COINING :

the challenge of matching unit or operational coins as a gesture of fellowship or as a means of raising funds, often at a bar or other social event, using somewhat elaborate or esoteric rules; see CHALLENGE COIN, SHORT SNORTER, HARD TIMES TOKEN, PISSING CONTEST, SOUVENIR. Also, the presentation of a unit, operational, or special event coin as a token of comradeship or recognition; such coins are usually not serial numbered or otherwise personalized. Allegedly derived from the practice of stealing the pendant medal from the uniform of the British Army officer who was awarded a decoration for the distinguishing act of a subordinate, being the only way for NCOs to recognize the deeds of their troops [cf: ranks of the recipients of the Victoria Cross]. During the GULF WAR, possession of a regional SOUVENIR coin (the higher the denomination the better) from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Iraq served to signify that "I was there", and can also serve as a CHALLENGE COIN. With the increased popularity of novelty coins, both authentic and imitative, they have lately been presented as 'calling cards' by high-ranking military members (ie: SUPER GRADEs and FLAG OFFICERs) and senior government officials (eg: POTUS) since the beginning of the Global War On Terror (GWOT). Coins have now been minted for every military occupation and qualification, course and school, unit and assignment, including "wife of ..." and "mother of ..." proclamations, making their superabundance a commercial windfall for vendors, and a petty distraction (if not a preoccupation) for MIL-PERS with better things to do! Compare EARRING, BRACELET, TATTOO, MEAT MARKER, CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES OF THE SERVICE. [nb: Desert Storm POWs SGT Troy Dunlap and MAJ Rhonda Cornum ("She Went To War") have been credited with initiating the practice of using local coins as campaign medallions for the GULF WAR] [nb: it's illegal to deface, disfigure, or deform U.S. currency; furthermore, the size and weight of commemorative medallions or commercial tokens (slugs) must be other than that of U.S. coinage] [v: obverse/reverse, cross/pile]

COLD CAMP :

a night position, usually RT or SQUAD sized, which is tactically prohibited from the usual amenities of hot food, fresh water, and secure sanitation; also known as a "fly camp". A similar rough base or camp for Marine or Naval personnel is called a "cold harbor"; compare "harbor site" at RON. See PERIMETER, NDP, RON, LAAGER, SPIKE, FOB, OB, CP, JUMP CP, BASE CAMP. [cf: line camp]

COLD WAR :

intense political, military, and ideological rivalry between nations, factions, or peoples that is just short of armed conflict, especially such rivalry after WWII between the Soviet Union and the USA, and their respective allies, until the 1989 demolition of the BERLIN WALL and 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union (USSR); this expression was first used in a 1947 speech given to Congress by financier Bernard Baruch that was written by journalist Herbert Bayard Swope. Compare SHOOTING WAR, PROXY WAR, FLOWER WAR; see CONTAINMENT, BATTLE, WAR.

COLLAPSE DEPTH :

the design depth beyond which the HULL structure of a submersible is presumed to suffer catastrophic failure to the point of total collapse; such "crush depth" is referenced to the axis of the PRESSURE HULL, and is affected by material defect or decline, by hull penetrations, or by other relevant factors. The "test depth" is the maximum safe depth rating to which a submarine is tested by actual or simulated submergence, as based upon design and manufacturing limits. The "maximum operating depth" is the lowest safe depth at which a submarine is not to exceed during normal operations; this "never exceed depth" is a determination made by naval authority in consideration of design and manufacturing limits, and has been specified as two-thirds (USN) of the test depth. See GIGGLES 'n' BANGS, PRESSURE HULL, CRASH-DIVE, SUBMARINE. [nb: the crush depth of WWII SUBMARINEs was estimated at 280m, while the COLLAPSE DEPTH of modern nuclear-powered BOOMERs has been calculated at 730m]

COLLATERAL DAMAGE :

the necessary and unavoidable harm done to noncombatants and non-military structures in order to effectively neutralize or eliminate a hostile target; as derived from accompanying, accessory, or auxiliary. When TERRORISTs, GUERRILLAs, and INSURGENTs have sought to limit COUNTERTERROR, COUNTERGUERRILLA, and COUNTERINSURGENT responses by increasing the moral and political criticism of OVERKILL and "over-reaction", this expression became a catch-phrase for "civilian casualties" [nb: also called MUSHROOMs, for their tendency to pop-up anywhere, and "lambs", as "to the slaughter"] ... with the blame always laid upon the ignoble military, and never upon the so-called "noble rebels". Also, any damage incidental and inferior to a predominant activity. See RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE), RFZ, NFZ, FREE FIRE ZONE, BDA, SOFT TARGET, HARD TARGET; compare TWEP. [cf: "kindermorde" (slaughter of the innocent); nb: "When the elephants fight, the ants get crushed." Hindu proverb] [nb: it is an irony of war that more civilians die during combat than do soldiers, sailors, and airmen; not just COLLATERAL DAMAGE from inadvertent propinquity, but due to starvation, disease, exposure and other mortal adversities] [nb: calculated rate of non-combat civilian casualties (except disease deaths) for WWII @ 1 civ KIA / 4 tons of munitions, for VN @ 1 civ KIA / 15 tons of munitions, and for GULF WAR @ 1 civ KIA / 38 tons of munitions]

COLLEGE EYE :

designation applied to airborne radar project; see BIG EYE.

COLLISION QUARTERS :

the damage-control station assigned to MIL-PERS during emergency situations, signaled by fire alarm or alert TOCSIN. Although not everyone is detailed during FIRE QUARTERS, everyone has an assigned post during "battle stations" and COLLISION QUARTERS, which may involve lifesaving or abandon ship routines. Compare GQ, FIRE QUARTERS, STAND-TO.

COLORBEARER :

the person who carries the standard, flag, or COLORS in a military formation; see GUIDON, STARS 'n' STRIPES.

COLOR GUARD :

military personnel who carry and escort the national standard, flag, or COLORS during PARADE or review; also called "flag guard". See GUIDON, STARS 'n' STRIPES, CLOSE ORDER.

COLORS :

variation of Franklin's Join
Or Die cartoon

cartoon variation

Gadsden flag

Culpeper flag

a flag or ENSIGN, particularly the national standard [nb: called "flag" on a building, "standard" when mounted on a moving horse or vehicle, and COLORS when hand-carried by marching COLORBEARERs]; see GUIDON, STARS 'n' STRIPES, HALF-MAST, STREAMER, SHIFT COLORS, BLOCK THE COLORS, HOIST, HALYARD, COLOR GUARD, COLORBEARER, SHOW THE FLAG, FACE THE MUSIC, BLACK FLAG, WHITE FLAG, FALSE FLAG, BLOOD CHIT. [v: Flag Terms] [nb: In a 1751 "Pennsylvania Gazette" commentary, Benjamin Franklin satirically proposed that colonists thank England for her practice of deporting convicts to America by reciprocating with rattlesnakes sent to Great Britain. Then in 1754, reflecting on the Albany Congress, Franklin published America's first political cartoon; depicting a segmented rattlesnake, severed into eight colonial sections, curved to resemble the coastline, and captioned with the legend "Join or Die". This cartoon exploited the then popular superstition about a dismembered snake being brought back to life if reunited before sundown ... leaving America vulnerable during the French and Indian War (1754-60). The rattlesnake became a popular symbol for Americans, being widely reprinted and adapted by many newspapers. In 1774, Paul Revere added it to the masthead of "The Massachusetts Spy", and showed the snake fighting a British dragon. By 1775, the snake symbol, no longer severed or generic but now a rattlesnake, had migrated from newspapers to paper money, uniform buttons, banners and flags. The Franklin legend became a motto, such as "Nemo me impune lacesset." ("No one will provoke me with impunity."), which would continue to evolve. The Second Continental Congress authorized the formation of the Continental Navy in 1775 to seize British arms and materiel for the revolution. At the same time, five companies of Marines were mustered for this mission, and they bore drums painted yellow with a coiled rattlesnake and the motto: "Don't Tread On Me". Observing this scene, Benjamin Franklin expressed, in December 1775 under the pseudonym "An American Guesser" to the "Pennsylvania Journal", the advantages of the rattlesnake as a suitable device on the armorial seal of this new country. Christopher Gadsden, an activist with the Sons of Liberty (nb: phrase coined by Isaac Barre, a veteran of the French and Indian War, when referring to colonists in rebutting Charles Townshend and the establishment of the 1765 Stamp Act), a South Carolina delegate to the Continental Congress, and a commander in the Continental Army, was one of three men responsible for outfitting and manning the ships assigned to raid British shipping. Colonel Gadsden presented a rattlesnake flag to Commodore Esek Hopkins as a distinctive standard; also giving a copy to the South Carolina legislature, which description survives in their legislative journal as the flag now known as the "Gadsden Flag" ... bearing a coiled rattlesnake on a yellow field with the motto "Don't Tread On Me!". Throughout most of the Revolutionary War, there was no single banner (nb: as later with the Confederacy, the last flag would be projected toward the beginning), and numerous state and unit flags employed some variation of the rattlesnake symbol. The flag used by the Virginia Minutemen of Culpeper County generally resembles the Gadsden flag with the addition of Patrick Henry's famous declaration: "Liberty Or Death".] [nb: the U.S. Army mandates (AR670-1: Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia) the wear of an American flag patch on each sleeve of the field uniform (ie: ACU, BDU) 0.5" below the shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI), with the patches oriented to the viewer "as if the flag were flying", that is with the starred union forward, which causes the flag on the right sleeve (identified as the 'reverse side flag') to be displayed "backwards" according to the federal flag code; to compound this long-standing (since Bosnia and Kosovo) controversy, the Army is the only service branch doing so, and such wear was not so improperly directed in previous wars (eg: WWII) ... quibbles over a 'patch' not being a 'flying flag' are irrelevant, since the federal flag code cites "depictions" and "representations" in various passages about respectful display; and the Army can be responsive, as when changing the full-color patch to subdued on desert camouflage, but it declines to emend this heraldic error: a sinister imputation of our national symbol] Also, any colored badge or uniform which signifies allegiance or membership, as "to show one's true colors"; see FEATHERS, LITMUS TEST, DRESS. Also, the temporary hallucinogenic visions or psychotic "trip" induced by psychedelic or psychotropic drugs, such as Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD); see STONED, JUNK, DOPE, SMACK, TAR, STICK, GRASS, HAY, BUMMER, HUBBLE-BUBBLE. [v: gateway drug, hard drug, soft drug, designer drug, prodrug; cf: miracle drug, wonder drug] [nb: a widely circulated but spurious WAR STORY alleges that post-war criminal violence and other antisocial nonconformity by crazed veterans is the direct result of unauthorized drug experimentation that was secretly conducted by medical personnel, many of whom were ignorant of this classified test, which was designed to increase combat aggressivity in soldiers, hence the fictitious "Rambo" account that allegedly attempted to disclose the purported "truth" behind the CODENAME of the program; actually, LRRP teams were only issued amphetamines, and Special Forces teams were also issued kits containing: 12 Darvon, 24 codeine, 6 dextroamphetamines, and 4 SYRETTEs of morphine sulfate.]

COLUMN :

a formation, comprising one or more files, functioning as a single longitudinal unit; compare FLANK, OBLIQUE, RANK, LINE; see STACK, LONG GREEN LINE, HERRINGBONE, RGT, FIFTH COLUMN, GAGGLE, CLUSTER FUCK. Also, a formation of ships in single FILE.

COMANCHE :

Y/RAH-66 helicopter

COMBATANT :

any person prepared for and actively engaged in fighting against an enemy, who is regulated by pertinent laws and directed by sovereign authority. Also, a group, nation, or other entity so directed and engaged with opposing forces. [nb: persons or groups engaged in violent conduct against a duly constituted authority or its designated adherents are not entitled to the protective provisions of domestic or international laws; see MILITIA, MINUTEMAN, PARAMILITARY, MERCENARY, GUERRILLA, INSURGENT, TERRORIST] [nb: the difference between a TERRORIST and a FREEDOM FIGHTER, a GUERRILLA and an IRREGULAR, a "militiaman" and a "defense warden", a "revolutionary" and a "criminal", a "Death Squad" and a "SWAT Team" has more to do with one's perspective and allegiance than with the il-/legality of the violent acts themselves; synonyms include: rebel, dissident, insurgent, raider, marauder, jayhawker, bushwhacker, scallywag / scalawag, firebrand, fire-eater, redneck, cracker, reaver / reiver, rascal, ruffian, brigand, outlaw, desperado, villain / villein, freebooter, pirate, buccaneer, privateer] [v: uprising, insurrection, insurgency, revolt, rebellion, takeover, toppling, outbreak, break-out, overthrow, break-through, downfall, mutiny, turning point, putsch, coup, coup d'état, or intifada (der: "shaking off")]

COMBAT BOOTS :

sturdy FOOTWEAR with a reinforced sole, Achilles tendon protector, and above-the-ankle leg-support upper; made of unitized manufacture in cloth and leather since the Vietnam-era, wear of all leather models is no longer authorized after 30 April 2008. See BROWN SHOE / BOOT, BLACK SHOE / BOOT, LPC, BOONDOCKERS, JUMP BOOTS, JUNGLE BOOTS, BATA BOOTS, TANKER BOOTS, DESERT BOOTS, FOOTWEAR.

COMBAT BUM :

a MIL-PERS, usually highly trained (eg: PILOT, RANGER, MEDIC, etc), who persistently extends his tour of duty to retain an operational assignment or combat posting; being a serviceman said to have GONE NATIVE or be "combat crazed", such as an "adrenalin addict" or "danger junkie". Rather than being admired or respected, these people are often viewed with suspicion, and given a compulsory transfer out of the combat zone after three contiguous tours. See SHADOW WARRIOR, BUSHMASTER, BODYGUARD, SNIPER, DECAPITATION, KILLER KANE, TWEP, STROLLER, SWEEPER, MERCENARY, SINGLETON, HACK, WHITE VC, TOUR BABY, HOMESTEADER, TWO-FISTED, SANDWICH.

COMBAT EFFECTIVE :

the ability of a military organization to achieve its assigned missions with the least expenditure of resources, both material and human, in the shortest amount of time; subtended by human, technical, and organizational factors. See CHAIN-OF-COMMAND, LDR, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN, WIGGLE ROOM, OPTEMPO, OP 'TIL YOU DROP, DON'T DO NOTHING, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF, CLUTCH-UP, TRAIN HARD - FIGHT EASY. ["The GI Offensive in Europe: The Triumph of American Infantry Divisions 1941-1945" by Peter R. Mansoor (1999)]

COMBAT FATIGUE :

formerly known as battle fatigue, combat exhaustion, or shell shock, and formally known as Acute Environmental Reaction, which is related to "survivor guilt" syndrome; see PTSD, FLASHBACK, TELESCOPING, THOUSAND-YARD STARE, BLACKOUT, FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT, FUO, JUNGLE ROT, ZOMBIE. [nb: "basket-case" is term for multiple amputee; now meaning an incapacitated or dysfunctional person, anyone or anything totally impaired]

COMBAT FATIGUES :

see FATIGUES, FATIGUE JACKET, UTILITIES, CAMMIES, BDU, ACU, DIGITALS, DRESS.

COMBAT JACKET :

see BATTLE JACKET, FIELD JACKET, FLIGHT JACKET, BATTLE DRESS, BLUE JACKET, FATIGUE JACKET, BLOUSE, DRESS.

COMBAT LIGHTNING :

designation given to TACS automation project.

COMBAT LOADED :

arrangement of supplies and equipment by combat classification, so off-loading can expedite delivery of the most urgent items to troops in, or going into combat. Because this is a more time consuming and less efficient way to pack, it is only done when necessary. See LOGISTICS, RED BALL, MSR, AIRDROP. [nb: derivation of lade/laden, as in "bill of lading", is load or burden; not carry or transport; v: fardel] Also, slang for "ready to fight", as a GRUNT with a full combat load of arms, ammo, medical supplies, food, water, technical gear, and clothing; as distinguished from prepared for training or GARRISON. See MISSION READY, CROSS-CHECK, CROSS-LOADING, UNLIMBER, FULL BATTLE RATTLE, LOCK 'n' LOAD, GOOD TO GO, FAT, SADDLE-UP, OP TEMPO, MOVE OUT, BATTAILOUS.

COMBAT NAP :

a short, light doze; to lightly rest in place; also called catnap, power nap, and forty winks. It's a way to temporarily relieve stress, or to recover from fatigue or exhaustion, without abandoning one's assigned position, which doze can even be performed while standing in formation or marching with eyes open; the COMBAT NAP is an acquired knack.

COMBAT READY :

also spelled "combat-ready"; see GOOD TO GO, MISSION READY, LOCK 'n' LOAD, OP TEMPO, FAT, SADDLE-UP, MOVE OUT, JUMP-START, UNLIMBER, COMBAT LOADED, FULL BATTLE RATTLE, CROSS-CHECK, CROSS-LOADING, BATTAILOUS.

COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT :

the segment of the military that indirectly supports combat forces, including: medicine, logistics, transportation, maintenance, administration, finance, and the like; abbreviated CSS. Compare COMBAT SUPPORT (CS). [nb: About 92% of IN-COUNTRY personnel served in non-combat support or administrative roles (including service, supply, and transportation occupations) during Vietnam, keeping the 8% combat element functional. Although similar ratios exist for WWII (@13%/87%) and Korea (@11%/89%), Vietnam showcased the success of support; later improved during the GULF WARs to a 7%/93% ratio.]

COMBAT SKYSPOT :

designation given to radar bombing project.

COMBAT SPREAD :

the optimal interval of troops, vehicles, or craft for security during movement or maneuver, or for maximum coverage of the target area during an assault or sweep; compare CLOSE ORDER, see HEADWAY, FILE, INDIAN FILE, STACK, COLUMN, CONVOY, TRAIN, ACCORDION, CATERPILLAR, ROMPER, STRAGGLER, FIREBALLING, ZIGZAG, CAT'S-EYES, IDENTIFICATION PANEL, EVOLUTION.

COMBAT SUPPORT :

the segment of the military that directly supports combat forces, without involvement in enemy contact, including: signal, military intelligence, military police, ordnance, and the like; abbreviated CS. Compare COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT (CSS). [nb: About 92% of IN-COUNTRY personnel served in non-combat support or administrative roles (including service, supply, and transportation occupations) during Vietnam, keeping the 8% combat element functional. Although similar ratios exist for WWII (@13%/87%) and Korea (@11%/89%), Vietnam showcased the success of support; later improved during the GULF WARs to a 7%/93% ratio.]

COMBAT TEAM :

a combination of military units, usually of different types, as infantry and artillery, temporarily under one command while assigned to perform a special combat mission; see TEAM, RCT, BCT, SBCT, FIRE BRIGADE, MTT, A TEAM, FIRE TEAM, SQUAD, STACK; compare ADVANCE GUARD, ADVANCE PARTY.

COMBAT ZONE :

that designated area where COMBATANTs engage in CONFLICT, BATTLE, or WAR; the place where BAD GUYS try to kill GOOD PEOPLE; see FEBA, MLR, FLOT, FRONT LINE, INDIAN COUNTRY, IN-COUNTRY, SANDBOX, DOWN RANGE, BOONDOCKS / BOONIES, THULE, FIELD ALLOWANCE.

COMBINED :

purportedly, the military uses the term "joint" (to join) to indicate two or more elements from the same service or nation, and the term "combined" (by twos) to indicate two or more interservice or international elements, hence a "joint action" might involve the Army and Navy, while a "combined action" might involve the US and UK; additionally, the term "composite" (put together) indicates a compound of disparate elements forming a whole, while the term "component" (put together) indicates constituent elements of a greater whole. See MERRILL'S MARAUDERS, MARS, DOUBLE FORCE, ALLY, SEATIC, SEATO, NATO, UN.

COMFORT STATION :

a refitment and personal hygiene facility containing showers, laundry, and barbershop, usually colocated with a field CHOW LINE, AID STATION, and resupply DEPOT in a rear area; also called a "delousing station", and being a euphemism for a toilet or lavatory in modern civilian usage. See LATRINE, HEAD, RAINROOM, GI SHOWER, DOUCHE BAG, HEAD CALL, BLUE CANOE, CAT HOLE, SLIT TRENCH, DUMP, WATERWORKS, GRAYBACK, CRAB; compare SUDS ROW, PRIME RIBS, SIN CITY, HELL ON WHEELS. [nb: the "comfort girls" who were employed as contract prostitutes to serve the sexual needs (TRICKs) of Imperial Japanese troops in the field, usually at a COMFORT STATION or SIN CITY, were called "shock absorbers" by the Allied POWs who happened to observe their (mis-)treatment]

COMICS :

military maps, especially ones plotted with military intelligence (MI) symbols from INTEL reports (IR); also called "funny papers" and "comic books". See AZIMUTH, GRID COORDINATES, GRID LINES, CONTOUR LINES, DEAD-RECKONING, SLANT DISTANCE, TOPO, CHART, MOSAIC MAP, ATLAS, MAP; compare FICTIONAL CHARACTER. [nb: the Army Corps of Engineers was assigned the responsibility for surveying America's borders and features in 1831, resulting in a separate Topographic Corps in 1838] [nb: during WWII, the OSS issued a playing card deck to some teams that, when laid out in a particular order, formed an operational map detailing the assignments for a specific mission; furthermore, escape maps hidden on playing cards in a deck were also provided to assist downed crewmembers evade capture in select areas] [nb: the source for military maps was changed from US Geologic Survey to Nat'l Imaging and Mapping Agency in Oct 1996 due to downlink satellite profiles, then renamed National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)]

COMMAND :

the office or mantle of hierarchical authority and responsibility employed for implementing and executing an assigned task; may be designated "C1". These command functions are performed through an arrangement of personnel, equipment, communications, facilities, and procedures employed by a commander and his subordinates in planning, directing, coordinating, leading and controlling all assigned and attached forces in operations that will accomplish their designated mission. See ABCCC, C&C, C2, C3, C4, LDR, COMMANDER, COMMAND PRESENCE, CHAIN-OF-COMMAND, COMMAND ELEMENT, DELEGATE. Also, an authoritative directive, injunction, or requirement; an SOP or ORDER, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE) or LAWS OF WAR. Also, a superior perspective or elevated viewpoint, as from a lookout; see CROW'S NEST, OP, FO, FAC, UMBRELLA, ORBIT, RACETRACK, STACK.

COMMANDEER :

to force people or things into military service, as the prerogative of impressment (qv). Also, to seize private property for military or other public use, as of vehicles or housing, provisions or provender; as the privilege of expropriation, requisition, or appropriation. This practice is also known as "eminent domain" and "purveyance"; and is distinguished from confiscation, preemption, and impoundment, which are penalty forfeitures. See PRESS-GANG, FORAGE, RANSACK, SPOILS OF WAR, DETAIL, DET, AD HOC, FIELD EXPEDIENT, SHANGHAI, DRAGOON, HEADQUARTERISM, UCMJ.

COMMAND ELEMENT :

consisting of unit commander, his deputy or vice commander, his Chief of Staff or Chief of Operations, and any designated assistants. Sometimes called "command group", "cmd grp", or "headquarters element". See CO, OLD MAN, HONCHO, TOP DOG, MOTHER HEN, MC, 10, DCO, XO, EXTRAORDINARY POWERS, OVERSIGHT, HEADQUARTERISM.

COMMANDER :

informal reference to the Commanding Officer (CO), being the designated leader and the highest ranking (DOR) person in the CHAIN-OF-COMMAND of a particular unit; see OLD MAN, HONCHO, TOP DOG, WALLAH, MOTHER HEN, MC, FLAG OFFICER, COMMAND ELEMENT, COMMAND PRESENCE, COMMAND RATIO. Also, the senior officer RANK (CDR) or RATING (O-5) intermediate between Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) and Captain (Capt) in the Navy, and equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps; compare CAPTAIN, see SKIPPER, OFFICER.

COMMANDO :

Curtis-Wright twin-engined C-46 cargo transport aircraft, also called "StratoLiner" when used as a passenger airliner; this reliable airplane was used like the C-47 DAKOTA from WWII through the Vietnam-era, including FARMGATE and JUNGLE JIM; see BIRD. Also, AIR COMMANDO; see PJ, USAFSOC. Also, by extension of the British designation for special operations forces (SOF), any specially trained combatant, typically covert or clandestine. Also, the absence of underpants (drawers, shorts, boxers, briefs, whity-tidy, smalls, codpiece, g-string, loincloth, breechcloth / breechclout) under the uniform, commonly called GOING COMMANDO; see SKIVVIES, T-SHIRT, SINGLET, DRESS.

COMMANDO DAGGER :

(forthcoming); [v: Knife Terms]

COMMANDO HUNT :

the CODENAME designation given to air interdiction operations of infiltration routes through Laos using ARC LIGHT and GUNSHIP missions by USAF, USN, and USMC aircraft, from the assumption of STEEL TIGER and TIGER HOUND operations in 1968 until its termination in January 1973. See HO CHI MINH TRAIL.

COMMANDO INDIAN :

designation given to airspace control facility project for military forces in the Pacific Ocean area; see AOC, FOC, TAOC; compare OPIUM DEN.

COMMAND PRESENCE :

the exhibition of personal magnetism or charisma in a leader, the acquisition or development of which tends to promote an aura or mystique that encourages loyalty and discipline in others, making them more enthusiastic and effective, for the betterment of the entire unit and the success of its mission; to paraphrase Thomas Alva Edison: talent is more perspiration than inspiration. See LDR, COMMANDER, RESPECT, BEARING.

COMMAND RATIO :

the proportion of subordinates to their COMMANDER, also called the "leadership equation", which is typically calculated on the basis of indirect authority, instead of direct responsibility, in the CHAIN-OF-COMMAND ... that is, a division CG, who has about 20,000 subordinates at his disposal, only has personal contact with his brigade COMMANDERs and his divisional STAFF officers, a group totaling about SQUAD size; on the other hand, a platoon leader exercises his command presence directly upon the 45 (or so) members comprising his unit, giving the LT quadruple the leadership role. Alternatively, the LT is only a figurehead, just like the MG, directing only the platoon sergeant and section leaders, with the "lowly" SQUAD leader taking the greatest direct supervisory role. The military is a reluctant bureaucracy, shuffling paperwork out of necessity, but responding vigorously to demonstrated charisma. It should be noted that, however the COMMAND RATIO is calculated, the military is becoming more and more "top heavy" with an inflation of both higher RANKs and more supervisory or administrative positions. In the U.S. Navy, for example, the officer to enlisted ratio has been: 1:11 in 1785, 1:11 in 1812, 1:23 in 1861, 1:14 in 1898, 1:23 in 1917, 1:9 in 1942, 1:9 in 1951, 1:8 in 1966, 1:7 in 1990; or, a ratio of 1 USMC general for every 5802 Marines in 1945 versus 1 USMC general per 2190 Marines during the GULF WAR. As a contrast between upper and lower ranking officers in the U.S. Army, there was 1 2LT for every 76 EMs in WWII (1945), 1 2LT for every 45 EMs in Korea (1953), and 1 2LT for every 71 EMs in Vietnam (1971); with 1LTs similarly distributed at 1:35, 1:44, and 1:41 for the same periods; but general officers had ratios of 1:4916 in WWII, 1:2953 in Korea, and 1:1952 in Vietnam! See GUSTO, HOOAH, OORAH, WETSU, GUNG-HO, FIDO.

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR / CSM :

being a SUPER GRADE non-commissioned officer (NCO) rated (E-9) between Master Sergeant (MSG) or First Sergeant (1SG) and Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA), and represented by three chevrons above three ROCKERs with a wreath enclosed star centered as sleeve rank insignia; this rank is rated equal to Sergeant Major (SGM). See SARGE, RIGHT ARM, FIRST SHIRT, TOP, TOP DOG, NCO, RATING, GRADE, RANK.

COMMISSARIAT :

the organized method by which food, equipment, and other supplies are delivered to armies. Also, the department of an army charged with supplying provisions; see QM, LOGISTICS.

COMMISSARY :

a store that sells food and other commodities on a military installation; a grocery concession for servicemembers and their dependents. Also, a dining room or cafeteria for employees; see CANTEEN. Also, a deputy, being a person to whom some role or level of responsibility is delegated by a superior authority; as derived from 'entrust' (committere).

COMMISSION :

authority granted for a particular action or function. Also, an authoritative order, directive, or charge, as an official assignment; a task or matter committed to one's charge. Also, a document granting authority; a document conferring authoritative rank or position to an officer in the Armed Forces or other public service. Also, the authority to act as agent for another or others in a binding transaction; the fee allotted to such a representative for services rendered. Also, to place in proper order or operating condition (ie: "out of commission"); to ready for service.

COMMO :

communications or signal capacity, personnel and equipment; being the proverbial "6 shop", as the section designated S-6/G-6/J-6 (v: J-CODES), and also known as "comm". See RADIO, CW, TWX, TELEPHONE, SATCOM, COMSEC, SIGINT, SOTA, RDF, LISTENING WATCH, EARS, RTP, RTO, COMM OP, WIGWAG, COMM SHACK, RRD, TROPO, TACAN, STACK, WHIP, ANTENNA FARM, SAT, NET, TRI-TAC, LANDLINE, PIGTAIL, COAX, SPAGHETTI, AFRTN, FBIS, BACK CHANNEL, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH.

COMMO CHECK :

when all elements report sequentially to their base station; or when a station on the comm net requests a reception evaluation. Evaluations of "loud" and "clear" are rated on a scale from one to five resulting in 25 permutations, including loud and unclear ("5 by 1"), weak and clear ("1 by 5"), weak and unclear ("1 by 1"), loud and clear ("5 by 5"). Operational units performed COMMO CHECKS hourly, if no other transmission was needed; except for recon units, which linked much less often.

COMMODORE :

the senior commander of a Naval squadron, FLOTILLA, or CONVOY during wartime, being a duty position and not a RATING. Also, a former RANK equivalent to Brigadier General (O-7), situated between Naval CAPTAIN and Rear Admiral, but now designated Rear Admiral Lower-Half (RADML). See FLAG OFFICER, ADMIRAL, FLEET ADMIRAL, LDR, CO, SKIPPER, USN, USCG.

COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS :

a voluntary association among Great Britain and its dependencies, certain former British dependencies, and some associated states, as founded under a charter entitled the "Statute of Westminster" in 1931, which declared that autonomous dominions, bound only by common allegiance, might specify legislation as assenting equals; composed of Great Britain, Canada, Newfoundland (Canadian since 1949), Australia, New Zealand, the Irish Free State (Republic of Ireland withdrew in 1949), and South Africa (withdrew in 1961). The other sovereign members of the COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS were: India, Pakistan, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Ghana, Federation of Malaya (Malaysia), Nigeria, Cyprus, Sierra Leone, Tanganyika (Tanzania), Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Malta, Gambia, Singapore, Guyana, Botswana, Lesotho, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Mauritius, Swaziland, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Western Samoa, Tonga, Bangladesh, Bahamas, Grenada, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe, Belize, Brunei, Maldives, Namibia, Nauru, and Tuvalu. Members (except Canada) are part of the sterling monetary exchange, with other economic ties shared in the fields of trade, investment, and development; but Britain's 1973 entry into the European Common Market (European Community) has redirected their economic relations. The periodic meetings of the COMMONWEALTH, made for the purpose of consultation and cooperation, issue no collective decisions that are binding. The COMMONWEALTH, also known as the British Commonwealth of Nations, has maintained a Secretariat in London since 1965. See UN, NATO, LEAGUE OF NATIONS, NAM, ASEAN, SEATO, PENTALATERAL AGREEMENT, ANZUS, KANZUS, HAGUE TRIBUNAL, NGO, QUANGO, GOCO, OGA, BELTWAY BANDIT; compare G10, G15, G20, G24, G77, ARAB LEAGUE.

COMM OP :

COMMunications OPerator, being the proper designation for a communications specialist, whether of RADIO or TWX or any other device, who's commonly NICKNAMEd EARS or DITTY-BOP; sometimes spelled "com op", "comm-op", or "com-op". Compare RUNNER, RADIO PUKE, RTO; see COMMO.

COMM SHACK :

COMMunications building or BUNKER, typically being a clean and cool area established to protect transcievers and transmitters, often including the message and mail center, and is therefore a popular place to visit for conversation or companionship at any time of the day or night; also known as "comm shed", "comm pit", "commo bunker", "commo shack", "commo shed", or "commo pit". See COMMO, NET, RADIO, CW, TWX, SAT, RRD, ANTENNA FARM, TROPO, CODE, COMSEC, SOTA, SIGINT, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH.

COMNAVFORV :

COMmander of U.S. NAVal FORces Vietnam.

COMPANY :

a company, abbreviated CO, is a military unit commanded by a captain (CPT/O-3), consisting of two or more platoons (PLT), and varies widely in size according to its mission. An artillery company is called a battery (BTY), and a cavalry company is a troop (TRP). The COMMAND ELEMENT of a company consists of its commander (CO), executive officer (XO), platoon leaders (Plt Ldr), first sergeant (FSG), and platoon sergeants (Plt Sgts); but does not include a STAFF. [nb: Vietnamese term: Dai Doi]

COMPANY LIFT :

a flight of helicopters sufficient to carry the assault elements of a rifle COMPANY in a single LIFT; see EAGLE FLIGHT, PZ, LZ, CLZ.

COMPANY STREET :

the access lane for unit formations, instruction, practice, arrival/departure; also used as unit "commons" for promenade or recreation. Before and during the VIETNAM WAR, most informal socializing was conducted on or around the COMPANY STREET, with individuals at windows and doorways, on BARRACK stoops, roving from MESSHALL and DAYROOM, checking the ORDERLY ROOM bulletin board. Some "tent city" BASE CAMPs simulated this arrangement IN-COUNTRY, but piecemeal rotations and replacements compromised the sense of "home" offered by COMPANY STREETS. Dormitories replaced WWII-style barracks during and after Vietnam, and bachelor NCOs no longer resided with their troops. See GRINDER, BIVOUAC.

COMPARTMENT :

a separated part, section, or division, as a group or department; see COMMAND ELEMENT, CHAIN-OF-COMMAND. Also, a partitioned area or space, as a cabin or HOLD on a vessel; see BILLET, SMACK, BOATSWAIN'S LOCKER, CHAIN LOCKER, BULKHEAD. [nb: water-tight COMPARTMENTS were first used on sea-going JUNKS as containers for adjustable liquid ballast, as well as for damage safety; such construction was inspired by imitation of bamboo]

COMPARTMENTALIZATION :

operational classification into NEED TO KNOW cutouts; discrete subdivision and discreet categorization so that isolated parts cannot jeopardize others or compromise the objective. Intricacy and complexity increases when assignments are double-cutout or double-blind, so neither the SECRET AGENT nor the HANDLER knows all of the important details ... unfortunately, this is also an instance of executive micromanagement that virtually assures failure whenever anything goes wrong, because the field operative cannot improvise a viable alternative. Concept also expressed as "compartmentation" and "compartmented". See RIG, HANDLER, NEED TO KNOW, CHINESE WALL, STOVEPIPE, BRIEF-BACK, TRADECRAFT.

COMPASS :

lensatic compass

an instrument used for determining directions and taking measurements, as by means of a freely rotating magnetized needle that indicates magnetic north, by a graduated mil-scale rotating bezel, and by a demarcated rule or protractor; with a sighting mechanism, it's known as a "lensatic compass", a "hand bearing compass", a "sighting baseplate compass", a circumferento or a "transit" (theodolite). A vehicle or vessel mounted compass must be adjusted for the distortion of its surroundings, as bearing compasses are affected by stray magnetic fields, nearby electrical power circuits, or nearby large masses of ferrous metals. Some military compasses use tritium, a radioactive material, in combination with phosphorus to illumine the pointer and direction indicators for nighttime navigation. See COMPASS CARD, COMPASS ROSE, BOX THE COMPASS, AZIMUTH, BEARING, DEVIATION, AIMPOINT, HEADING, DEAD-RECKONING, SLANT DISTANCE, GIMBAL, MAP, CHART, GPS. [v: back-bearing, declination, foresight, latitude, longitude, mercator projection, meridian, minutes, rhumb, vernier, lubber line, pelorus, marching lines, cardinal points, compass points, binnacle] [nb: the 4 cardinal points are subtended by 32 compass points, which are equivalent to 360 degrees or 6400 mils; as a rule of thumb: 1 mil subtends 1 meter at 1 kilometer] [nb: the south-pointing compass, including the recognition of magnetic declination, was devised for military navigation during the third century BC as an application of Chinese astrology and geomancy]

COMPASS CARD :

a circular card that displays the points of the compass beneath the directional pointer, and either rotates freely on a pivot or can be manually aligned so as to point to magnetic north.

COMPASS LINK :

designation given to satellite service project.

COMPASS ROSE :

a circle divided into 32 points (360 degrees or 6400 mils), and numbered clockwise from true or magnetic north, that's printed on a MAP or CHART as a means of determining the course of a vessel or aircraft. Also, a similar design, often ornamented, used on maps to indicate the points of the compass. Also, such a design, symbolic of "true direction", used as a referent for leadership; see LDR, LPC. [nb: the "universal" meaning of this symbol represents 'knowledge' in the same manner as the burning torch or lamp used by most schools]

COMPOSITION C :

originating as a mixture of TNT [TriNitroToluene (C7H5N3O6)] with a plasticizer, this explosive compound was developed by the British during WWII as Composition C (C3H6N6O6) or Research Department Explosive (RDX) at Woolwich England; this is a very stable, malleable, and lightweight plastic explosive that has high potency, great versatility, and easy portability. Plastic explosives are not destabilized by water, and have a semi-soft texture similar to putty, "play dough" or modeling clay, so it can be readily formed into a SHAPED CHARGE of any configuration. Composition C will not explode without use of detonation devices, even when dropped, beaten, shot, or burned. See HEP, COCKTAIL, SOUP, IED, EXPLOSIVE.

COMPOUND :

a separate area, usually fenced or walled, containing structures utilized for business or residence, such as offices and barracks; being a camp or installation, as derived from the Malay term for "village" (kampong / kampung). See VILLE, XA, AP, XOM, DODGE CITY, PERIMETER, GARRISON, POST, FORT, RESERVATION, PUZZLE PALACE, MADHOUSE, CLOUD-CUCKOO-LAND, SHANGRI-LA, GHOST UNIT, HQ, GODOWN, LSA, DEPOT, STOCKADE, CONCENTRATION CAMP, BASE, BASE CAMP, FOB, OB, STRONGPOINT, FSB, CP, JUMP CP, COMPANY STREET, COLD CAMP, BIVOUAC, NDP, RON, SPIKE, OP, LP, LAAGER, TANK PARK, AID STATION, DISPENSARY, HOSPITAL, COMFORT STATION, PUP TENT, TENT, BUTLER BUILDING, SEA HUT, QUONSET HUT, HANGAR, BILLET, HUTMENT, HOOCH, BOHIO, SHEBANG, HIDE, BOLT HOLE, SAFE HOUSE, SAFE ROOM, GLORY HOLE.

COMPRESS :

a sterile pressure bandage for direct application in dressing a wound (the non-sterile or backside marked to face outwards), furnished with integral ties but may be taped into place. The rule is to always use the victim's COMPRESS, but experienced soldiers know that they should carry two or more bandages, because many wounds require more than one dressing, and the victim's bandage may not be easy to find, or may not even exist. Sterile COMPRESS bandages, which were first manufactured on a large scale during WWI, inspired the creation of "sanitary napkins" for use during menstruation. Compare TAMPON, BAND-AID; see MED BAG, DOG BITE, BLOOD EXPANDER, SPILL THE GROCERIES, STRETCHER, MEDIC, TENT.

COMPTROLLER :

the finance officer, or chief government accountant, who supervises financial transactions and superintends the fiscal budget for the installation and its assigned units; derived from "compt" for count or accounting. The civilian equivalent in business finance is a "controller" [v: ADVISOR / "adviser"] [nb: a military 'controller' is not the same as a COMPTROLLER; cf: HANDLER]

COMRADE :

someone who shares activities, especially risk in the profession of arms, as a companion in mutual camaraderie; term of reference is reserved and discriminate, as differentiated from associate or acquaintance. Comradeship is a bond, based upon a shared commitment, that transcends stratification, that persists long after the fact, and that can only be broken by betrayal or death. Like colleague or confrere, it's similar to SHIPMATE or MESSMATE, and used with the same reliance as "swim buddy" or "ranger buddy". Originally referred to a group of soldiers BILLETed ("kamara": room, vault, chamber) together. Vietnamese term: "Tuong Huu", for kindred spirit, close companion. German version: "gemeinschaft" for 'community-ship' [nb: "gesellschaft" (companionship) is a formal partnership]. See ASSHOLE BUDDY, BUDDY SYSTEM, TRADE ENVELOPES. [nb: 'compadre' derived from "godfather"]

COMSAT :

a COMmunications SATellite, as produced by Communications Satellite Corporation. Compare SATCOM; see SYNCOM, NRO, ANTENNA FARM, SAT.

COMSEC :

communications security; sometimes spelled "commsec", "com-sec", or "comm-sec". See SIGINT, SOTA, RDF, COMMO, RADIO.

COM7FLT :

Commander, Seventh Fleet.

COMUSMACTHAI :

Commander, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Thailand.

COMUSMACV :

Commander, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.

CONAP :

CONcurrent Admissions Program; a cooperative program between the military and participating colleges which admit eligible soldiers while serving their enlistment. See ROTC, ACASP, DEP, NESEP, BOOTSTRAP, USAFI, SOC.

CONARC :

CONtinental ARmy Command.

CONCEALMENT :

to veil, mask, SCREEN, HIDE, or obscure from view; compare COVER, see CAMO, DECEPTION, COUNTERSHADING.

CONCENTRATION CAMP :

a guarded COMPOUND for the summary confinement of political prisoners, racial or ethnic minorities, or other social outcasts, such as the Scottish or AmerIndian clearances and the Romany or Jewish ghettos; also called "internment camp". Term originally applied to camps where noncombatants were confined during the Boer War (1899-1902). See GULAG, REEDUCATION, BRAINWASHING, PAIN, DP, POW, KEELHAUL. [v: dungeon, keep, oubliette, hock (sty or prison as a miserable place to live)] [v: U.S. removal of Eastern tribes of AmerIndians to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River (eg: "Trail of Tears"), or the exile of Western tribes onto Pan-Indian reservations or into prison camps on remote Army posts (eg: "The Long Walk"); cf: American persecution of Japanese (ie: Neisei, Kibei, Sansei) residents versus Nazi extermination of non-Aryan inhabitants]

CONCERTINA :

a BARBED WIRE or RAZOR WIRE coil, used to quickly emplace a temporary barrier which is easily retrieved and conveniently stowed; although derived from the musical instrument having a similar design, smooth or barbed wire that's stored on a spool tends to loop into entanglements unless stretched taut between posts. See BANGALORE TORPEDO.

CONCESSION :

a franchise conceded by the government for a concessionaire to operate a subsidiary business or service within a military installation, granting privileged access to servicemembers and their dependents; see PX, BX, NEX, COMMISSARY.

CONCRETE BATTLESHIP :

slang for the coast artillery or a shore battery, often heavily fortified; also called a "cement tank". [v: Military Earthworks Terms]

CONEX :

(kone-ecks) CONtainer EXpress, a large corrugated-steel container used for sealed self-contained transshipments of goods since its development in 1952 during the KOREAN WAR. Often re-used for protected or secure storage, or emplaced for intermediate resupply; the CONEX was often collected into clusters for working or living quarters when empty, becoming clinics or offices or clubs, because the theater of operations (TO) lacked such facilities. Sometimes used as a command post (CP) or BUNKER when modified and insulated against SPALLing. See CONTAINERIZATION, PLS, LOW-LEVEL EVACUATION DROP, DAISY CHAIN; compare CARGO NET.

CONFAB :

contraction of CONFABulation, being an informal and private conversation; to talk, converse, palaver, discuss, consult, confer, discourse, council, parley. See CALL ON THE CARPET, OFFICER'S CALL, BRIEFING, EAR-BANG, CROSS-TALK, CHATTER, HALF-MAST, CHIN CHIN, POWWOW, SUMMIT.

CONFETTI :

polite slang referring to lies and tales told by TAP-DANCERs to conceal their activity or intent, being a form of rigmarole SNOW or BLOW SMOKE malarkey (malarky); also called "fairy dust", and commonly known as bullshit. See TALK TRASH, COVER, NOC, LEGEND, LIFTED SKIRT, BRAVO SIERRA, SEA STORY, WAR STORY, SMACK, VERBAL DIARRHEA, SHOOT THE SHIT, GODDAM; compare SNOWFLAKE, CHAFF.

CONFIDENTIAL :

a delimiter qualifying duplication and restricting distribution of CLASSIFIED documents; see NEED TO KNOW, COMPARTMENTALIZATION.

CONFLICT :

a temporary or prolonged condition of opposition, being a state of struggle or strife, rivalry or enmity, incompatibility or discordance; as a dispute, argument, disagreement, breach, dissension, contention, discord, clash, dissidence, controversy, quarrel, squabble, wrangle, spat, scrap, tiff, fuss, rhubarb, row, hassle, misunderstanding, falling-out, open variance, difference, contradiction, discrepancy, or disparity. Also, a contention or collision, as an agonal or paroxysmal fight, being true combat; derived from "to strike together". See FIGHTING MAD, FIGHTING WORDS, DUEL, SIEGE MENTALITY, GANTLET, BLOODY SHIRT, JUST WAR, GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY, BIG STICK DIPLOMACY, SABER-RATTLING, GUNPOINT, HEAD TO HEAD, CROSS THE RUBICON, WAR POWERS ACT, BATTLE, HOT, SHOOTING WAR, WAR, COLD WAR, FLOWER WAR, INSURGENCY, LOW-INTENSITY CONFLICT, STRUGGLE, DIME, DODGE THE BULLET, ANTEBELLUM, TRUCE, DETENTE, RAPPROCHEMENT, PEACE. [nb: while fight and battle are subsumed by war, which is of indeterminate but finite duration, conflict and struggle have the potential of being persistent and relentless, with such an inexorable contumacy best represented by the concepts of "long struggle", "ceaseless struggle", "prolonged struggle", and manifest in endless war, perpetual revolution, continuous fighting, the long fight, everlasting resistance, perennial strife, and the long defeat; although struggle has marked human existence from the sustenance of life to the adoption of contending rationales, as a philosophical tenet, the struggle between realism and determinism has been best represented by Immanuel Kant, Ludwig Feuerbach, Friedrich Nietzsche, Arthur Schopenhauer, and Karl Marx] [v: gage; casus belli; lese / lèse majesté]

CONFLICT RESOLUTION :

a catch-phrase referring to the process of permanently resolving a dispute by adequately addressing the interests and needs of both opposing sides, or of all disputant parties, so that they are satisfied with the outcome; also known as "dispute resolution". This practice is juxtaposed to "conflict transformation", which refers to techniques or modalities for de-escalating or de-intensifying a long-term conflict by use of alleviating measures or crisis abatements, and to "conflict management", which refers to a long-term strategy for preventing the escalation or disintegration of intractable conflicts. See CONFLICT, STRUGGLE, WAR, PEACE. [cf: the conflict, a matter of conscience, in the empire of Lilliput between the Big-Endian and the Little-Endian parties; Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift (1726)]

CONFIDENCE COURSE :

a training course consisting of a series of staged challenges which are designed to develop problem solving skills, teamwork, trust, confidence, and reliance during their resolution or accomplishment. CONFIDENCE COURSEs are often compared to the "challenge courses" of Outward Bound, National Outdoor Leadership, White Stag Leadership Development, Scouts, and similar organizations, including corporate team-building workshops. Sometimes mistakenly called an OBSTACLE COURSE (qv); the completion of an OBSTACLE COURSE is an individual effort, while satisfying the requirements of a CONFIDENCE COURSE is a team or group effort.

CONFUSION :

disorder, disorganization, shambles, mess, muddle, chaos, upheaval, ferment, uproar, tumult, disorientation, perplexity, bewilderment, bafflement, stupefaction; originally meaning defeat, overthrow, or ruin. A classic military maxim states: "If you're not confused then you're misinformed." See PLAN B, CHECKING THE DICTIONARY, SMOKE 'n' MIRRORS, SEAT OF THE PANTS, HELMET FIRE, EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF, ALPHABET SOUP, FLAK, STATIC, NOISE, CONFETTI, SNOW, BLOW SMOKE, HOT AIR, TALK TRASH, FLAP, FUCK-UP, CLUSTER FUCK, FUCKED-UP, SHIT HIT THE FAN, SOL, WTFO, BOHICA, STOOGE. [v: anomie]

CONNING TOWER :

the housing over the main entrance to the interior of a SUBMARINE, accommodating its periscope and antennas, and used as an observation platform; also called the "sail" or FAIRWATER. Compare COCKPIT, BRIDGE, FLYING BRIDGE, HELM, PILOTHOUSE.

CONSTABULARY :

regular military personnel assigned the duty of law enforcement or peacekeeping; compare PROVOST GUARD, see PM, MP, SNOWDROP, AP, SP, QC, BUTTON, CID, OSI, NIS, FBI. Also, the body of POLICE officers or government agents, called "constables", organized in a military manner, and responsible for keeping the peace; see ANTI-TERRORISM, PATRIOT ACT, POSSE COMITATUS, WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' BADGES. [nb: "squad room" is an archaism retained by police forces for a PARAMILITARY structure no longer utilized]

CONSTELLATION :

Lockheed C-121 transport is a high-speed, low-wing, monoplane, powered by four reciprocating engines. The EC-121K is a special search plane with bottom and top radar antennas. The EC-121D/EC-121M is an electronic countermeasures configuration aircraft. Name originally designated the C-54 (or DC-4) transport aircraft.

CONTACT :

an engagement with enemy forces, as a skirmish, FIREFIGHT, or AMBUSH; being "in the shit" or CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG; compare SPOILING ATTACK, MEETING ENGAGEMENT, CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE, PITCHED BATTLE; see BATTLE. Also, to communicate, or to be a source of communication; derived from "touch"; see POC.

CONTAINERIZATION :

the use of transport containers (ie: CONEX, MILVAN, SEAVAN, RO/RO trailers) to unitize cargo for secure transport, supply, and storage, without intermediate handling of the contents during airlift, sealift, or roll-on/roll-off conveyance. A MILVAN is a DoD-owned 20-foot shipping container (20'L X 8'H X 8'W), which is the most commonly used container size for military deployments. Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) include TRICON (3=20'L), QUADCON (4=20'L), and the older CONEX for storage. These containers require special container handling equipment and vehicles. CONTAINERIZATION provides convenient accountability, security, centralization, specificity, damage control, and weather protection. CONTAINERIZATION aids strategic lift and military prepositioning missions. From the palletized load systems (PLS) of WWII, the Army's Transportation Corps began experimenting with CONTAINERIZATION in 1948 using the "Transporter" (Transporter, Household Goods, Shipboard), which was a rigid steel box (8'6"L X 6'3"W X 6'10"H) mounted on elevated skids, with a double door on one end and lifting rings on the top four corners. The "Transporter" immediately proved itself so valuable during the KOREAN WAR, where 90% of shipments were delayed by mishandling and 10% were lost to pilferage, that the Transportation Corps developed the Container Express (CONEX) in 1952. With CONEX delivery of cargo, efficiency halved transit time, and loss was markedly reduced ... making it possible to double the tonage transshipped to Korea over that shipped to Europe during WWII. During the VIETNAM WAR, container ships were first developed by Sea-Land Container Services, which led to the development of Inter-modal containers for conveyance by truck, rail, air, or ship. Military considerations for container selection include: cargo characteristics, container dimensions, payload restrictions, materiel accessibility, handling requirements, movement capabilities, and serviceability prior to packing. The unit movement officer must develop a loading plan to avoid deployment delays and equipment damage. With the exception of "dense cargo", like AMMO, the cubic area of the equipment is more important than its weight ("cube out before weigh out"). See CONEX, PLS, LOW-LEVEL EVACUATION DROP, DAISY CHAIN; compare CARGO NET.

CONTAINMENT :

to restrict the growth or expansion of hostile powers by economically, diplomatically, ideologically, or militarily intervening in their ambitions for influence or territory; so named in 1947 by George Kennan, a policy director in the State Department, which concept will guide U.S. foreign policy throughout the COLD WAR. Also, a restrictive enclosure that's designed to prevent the accidental release of radioactive material from a nuclear reactor; see FALLOUT, RAINOUT, SCRAM, NEST, BROKEN ARROW, FOOTBALL.

CONTEL :

CONsulate TELegram; see TWX, TTY, HOT LINE, TELECON, TELEPHONE, BACK CHANNEL, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH.

CONTOUR FLYING :

following terrain features and land outlines, aircraft flight as close to the earth's surface as vegetation and obstacles will permit; also called "nap of the earth" (NOE) flight. See GRASS, UNDER THE RADAR.

CONTOUR LINES :

lines representing terrain features and gradients on topographic maps, such as saddle, draw, pinnacle, depression. See TOPO, AZIMUTH, GRID COORDINATES, GRID LINES, DEAD-RECKONING, MILITARY CREST, MAP, COMICS. [nb: clay relief maps were used in Mesopotamia around 3000BC. The first carved stone relief map of a Chinese district was sent to the Emperor in 210BC, and it was so impressive as to scale and detail that all administrators were commissioned to similarly survey and map their districts, until the entire Empire was represented. To offset the inconvenience of stone and wooden maps, China began making silk maps around 266BC. Chinese archives document terrain modeling with rice, sawdust, and melted wax by various military commands in AD32. Scale-model relief maps were made portable by hinged folding and by segmental disassembly ca421-466 ... which inspired the creation of "jigsaw puzzles".]

CONTRABAND :

anything prohibited by law from being imported or exported, as illegal trade in prohibited goods, smuggling; term derived from against + proclamation (contrabando). A "contraband of war" is anything, such as arms or munitions, that a neutral may not supply to a belligerent except at the risk of seizure and confiscation; and "conditional contraband" is anything that may become a "contraband of war", such as food or medicine, if supplied by a neutral to a belligerent. During the American CIVIL WAR, a slave who escaped to, or was brought within the Union lines, was deemed to be "contraband". [v: malum prohibitum, malum in se]

CONTRAFOIL :

the decorative trimming or braid that ornaments a hat or sleeve; its size and complexity of placement are a function of the wearer's rank; see MESS DRESS, DRESS WHITES, DRESS, HEADGEAR, CORD, CORDON, WITH BELLS ON, FEATHERS.

CONTROLLED INFORMATION :

information or other indicators deliberately conveyed or denied to an adversary in a DECEPTION operation so as to evoke desired inferences, or generate invalid estimates, that result in actions advantageous to US or allied interests and objectives. See BIG LIE, RUMOR, FALSE FLAG, DISINFORMATION, PROPAGANDA, PSYOPS, UW, SPECIAL OPERATIONS.

CONUS :

(ko-nus) the CONtinental United States; see ZI, compare OCONUS.

CONVERSION SYMPTOMS :

any stress related sensory or physical impairments; such "performance anxiety" disabilities, both combat and non-combat in origin, may be persistent or recurrent. See FUO, JUNGLE ROT, PTSD, WATERWORKS, DISSOCIATION, OBJECTIFICATION, LINE OF DUTY, RIGHT STUFF.

CONVERTER :

slang designation for the Cessna T-37 TWEET, a twin-seat trainer, for its remarkable capacity to convert fuel into noise! The TWEET is also known as a "dog whistle"; compare SUPER TWEET, see BIRD.

CONVOY :

a fleet, flight, or group of vehicles accompanied by a protective escort; as derived from convey, conveier. Also, an armed force, warship, or the like that protectively escorts other vehicles or elements. Also, any group of military vehicles traveling together under the same orders, as a caravan or cavalcade; see TRAIN, LINE HAUL, FIREBALLING, K-DAY, HEADWAY, CAT'S-EYES, COMBAT SPREAD, ACCORDION, CATERPILLAR, EVOLUTION, ZIGZAG, ROMPER, STRAGGLER.

COOKIE :

NICKNAME for a cook, baker, mess sergeant, or steward, sometimes called "pot-walloper" or "slops-server"; see CHOW, BEANS, C-RATIONS, KP, DRO, ORDERLY, MESS, GALLEY. [nb: Vietnamese term: Nguoi Lam Bep]

COOK-OFF :

spontaneous or "runaway" firing, such as an automatic weapon that has been fired enough to continue firing without the trigger mechanism; an overheated machinegun (MG) can only be stopped by breaking the belt of LINK AMMO. Also, the unguided and uncontrolled discharge of burning ammunition, as when a DUMP is exploded or when a soldier is consumed by phosphorous (WP) or NAPALM.

COOLIE :

any Asian subsistence laborer, a civilian worker; as derived from pidgin Chinese-English for hireling. See HACK.

CORB :

Conscientious Objector Review Board. [nb: a common belief among professional MIL-PERS is that PACIFISTs should command the military, since they would be the most reluctant to commit them to senseless missions, and that warriors should set the terms of every peace treaty, since they would be the most reluctant to create the excuse for another conflict ... "Cursed be the peacemakers, for they make the next war harder than the last!"]

CORD :

a woven or braided device worn at or around the shoulder as a badge or decoration, as FOURRAGERE, AIGUILLETTE, or SHOULDER KNOT; see LANYARD, CORDON, CONTRAFOIL. Also, a distinctive edge-trimming (often called "edge-cord") on the cuff or curtain of the garrison cap to signify unit, branch, or rank. [nb: an insignia emblematic of the honors and lineage of a military organization, unlike familial "coats of arms", may be individually enhanced but not personally heritable; v: Heraldry] Also, cordage; see PARA-CORD, SPAGHETTI, GUY, LINE, ROPE, BOLTROPE, RATLINE, LET-DOWN ROPE, SHROUD, HAWSER.

CORDON :

a military line of sentinels, as posts or warships, enclosing (PERIMETER, ambit) or guarding (DMZ, YANKEE STATION) an area; compare BLOCKING FORCE, SCREEN, CHOP LINE. Also, a CORD, braid, or ribbon worn as an ornament, fastening, or badge; fourragere, LANYARD, CONTRAFOIL.

CORDON SANITAIRE :

a guarded line acting as a barrier when surrounding a quarantined hazard. Also, a buffer formed by a protective barrier between adversaries; as a group of neighboring states forming a geographical barrier between hostile states. [cf: lazaretto]

CORDON AND SEARCH :

operation to seal-off and search an area or village; also called "C&S". See COUNTY FAIR; compare SEARCH AND CLEAR, CLEAR AND HOLD, SEARCH AND DESTROY.

CORDS :

Civil Operations and Revolutionary (Rural) Development Support; a joint US military and USAID civil program that directed assistance, by providing assigned staff and contract civilian technical instruction and professional ADVISORs to the Government of Vietnam in support of its revolutionary (rural) development. Some program aspects were informally called "Rev-Dev" (Revolutionary Development) operations. See PHOENIX, PRU.

CORK :

slang for the drug (polymagnol) used in the field as an operational expedient to prevent defecation, especially in the treatment of diarrhea or dysentery; see TROTS, SQUIRTS, DUMP, HORSE PILL, MALARIA, YELLOW JACK. [nb: diarrhea, with its associated dehydration, is the condition most responsible for human death worldwide] Also, "burnt cork" was used for facial camouflage before cosmetic grease paint was developed; see WAR FACE, WAR PAINT, CAMO.

CORKSCREW :

slang for the distinctive flight pattern of a heat-seeking enemy shoulder-fired SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile), as is most acutely shown in the spiral, helical, or ZIGZAG pattern of trailing exhaust marking the sky as it locates its flying TARGET.

CORONA HARVEST :

designation given to Air Force project to evaluate airpower effectiveness in Southeast Asia.

CORPORAL / CPL :

the lowest non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank, equivalent to Specialist (SP4), and is commonly called MATING MOSQUITOES; this term derives from 'head of a body of men' ("caporale"), and not from 'body' (as in "corporal punishment). See SWINE LOG, MOSQUITO WING, MOSQUITO SMILE, EM, RANK, GRADE, RATING.

CORPORAL'S GUARD :

any small military detachment (DET) or DETAIL; see AD HOC.

CORPS :

2 Corps

3 Corps

The term "corps" has a dual meaning in the armed services. It can be used to designate a skill branch, such as any group of military personnel performing a similar function, like the Signal Corps or the Medical Corps. It's also a tactical unit that's larger than a division but smaller than a field army, which usually consists of two or more divisions, together with auxiliary arms and services. As an organizational element in the military hierarchy, a corps is a unit made up of at least two divisions that's responsible for the defense of a Military Region. The corps commander, typically a lieutenant general, controls combat operations by issuing directives to division commanders and coordinating the supporting elements. There were several corps operating in Vietnam during the war, including III Marine Amphibious Force, XXIV Corps, I Field Force Vietnam, II Field Force Vietnam, and USARV.

CORPSMAN / CORPSMEN :

medical aidman serving in Navy or Marine units, also called DOC or MEDIC; a "shank mechanic" or "pill pusher". See BAND-AID, BABY DOC, BAC-SI, Y-SI, BONE CUTTER, ANGEL, ORDERLY. [nb: Marines perform police functions for the Navy, and the Navy performs medical functions for the Marines] [nb: Vietnamese term: Quan Y Vien (military hospital / medical corpsman)] [nb: the field occupations most often targeted in combat, because their loss so immediately influences unit effectiveness and morale, are the leader, signalman, machinegunner, and medic]

CORSAIR II :

Vought A-7 single-engined subsonic fighter-bomber aircraft, as flown from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.

COSVN :

(koz-vin) Central Office for South Viet Nam; the communist regional headquarters from 1961, being a forward field command post situated along the Cambodian border, in or near Tay Ninh province; being the objective of the MENU air campaign, and the May-June 1970 Cambodian INCURSION.

COUGAR :

Grumman TF-9 aircraft. Also, a landmine- or bomb-resistant vehicle that's larger than the HUMVEE but less flexible and more expensive, utilizing a capsule design that was imported from South Africa in 1998, which protects passengers and key vehicle components from explosions, shrapnel, and small arms fire; the 4-wheel 7-ton COUGAR carries ten passengers, and the 6-wheel 12-ton COUGAR carries sixteen fully equipped troops; compare BUFFALO; see JERRV, TRUCK.

COUNT COUP :

to recount acts of courage, or recall deeds that defy combat injury or war death; as derived from AmerIndian practice of achieving battle honors for describing remembrances in tribal councils. See BTDT, PAY DUES, ATFU, PISSING CONTEST, BRAGGING RIGHTS, MACHO, WATCH MY SMOKE, DIEHARD, BITE THE BULLET, GUTS, MOXIE, SHOOT THE SHIT, SEA STORY, WAR STORY. [cf: warrior practice of adding FEATHERS to his hairdo or headdress for each battle honor]

COUNTERATTACK :

an attack by part or all of a defending force against an enemy attacking force, for such specific purposes as regaining ground lost, or cutting off, or destroying enemy advance units, and with the general objective of denying to the enemy the attainment of the enemy's purpose in attacking. In sustained defensive operations, it is undertaken to restore the battle position and is directed at limited objectives. Compare COUNTERFORCE, COUNTEROFFENSIVE.

COUNTERCULTURE :

the lifestyle of those persons who reject the values and behavior prevailing in the dominant society; also spelled counter-culture or counter culture. See BEST AND BRIGHTEST, PACIFIST, HIPPIE, PREEVERT, GONE NATIVE, STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND, THE PILL, PROVOCATEUR, FIFTH COLUMN, NEW MOBE, YIPPIE, BLACK BLOC, BULLSHITVIK, EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF, CONFUSION, DISINFORMATION, SUPPORT THE TROOPS, VIETNAM IS FOREVER, THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME, SILENT MAJORITY, TUG OF WAR, RAT BAIT. [v: kultur, anomie]

COUNTERDECEPTION :

those efforts intended to negate, neutralize, diminish the effects of, or gain advantage from a foreign deception operation; which does not include the intelligence function of identifying foreign deception operations. See DECEPTION.

COUNTERESPIONAGE :

the detection and frustration of enemy ESPIONAGE, foreign or domestic; a subspecialty of COUNTERINTELLIGENCE (CI). That aspect of COUNTERINTELLIGENCE designed to detect, destroy, neutralize, exploit, or prevent espionage activities through identification, penetration, manipulation, deception, and repression of individuals, groups, or organizations conducting or suspected of conducting espionage activities.

COUNTERFIRE :

fire that's intended to destroy or neutralize enemy weapons, including counterbattery, counterbombardment, and countermortar fire.

COUNTERFORCE :

the strategic employment of air and missile forces in an effort to destroy, or render impotent, selected military capabilities of an enemy force under any of the circumstances by which hostilities may be initiated. Compare COUNTERATTACK, COUNTEROFFENSIVE, COUNTERMEASURES.

COUNTER-GUERRILLA / COUNTERGUERRILLA :

the use of guerrilla tactics against GUERRILLA forces; also known as "anti-guerrilla". See GUERRILLA WARFARE, LOW-INTENSITY CONFLICT, UW, CAP, MIKE FORCE, CIDG, RF/PF, STRIKER, SEA SWALLOWS, MILITIA, IRREGULARS, ASYMMETRIC WARFARE. [nb: during the INDIAN WARS, an Army LT returning from campaign sent the War Department this message: "Out on patrol 3 months. Killed 1 hostile. Took 44 casualties. At this rate, war will last 500 years, will cost $100,000,000, and they will win."]

COUNTERINSURGENCY / COUNTER-INSURGENCY :

a coordinated military and civic action (CA) program combating subversion and guerrilla warfare; abbreviated COIN. The U.S. military exported COUNTERINSURGENCY techniques to match the global communist threat posed by proliferating guerrilla revolutions in Africa, MesoAmerica, Mid-East, as well as Southeast Asia. Overt communist attacks against the U.S. included the Cuban Missile Crisis (22 Oct - 20 Nov 1962), the USS Pueblo incident (23 Jan - 22 Dec 1968; 1 KIA, 3 WIA of 83), and the USS Scorpion submarine sinking (27 May 1968). See LOW-INTENSITY CONFLICT, UW, CAP, SF, SEAL, SOF, ASYMMETRIC WARFARE GROUP, DImE; compare COUNTER-GUERRILLA, ANTI-TERRORISM. [v: uprising, insurrection, insurgency, revolt, rebellion, takeover, toppling, outbreak, break-out, overthrow, break-through, downfall, mutiny, turning point, putsch, coup, coup d'état, or intifada (der: "shaking off")]

COUNTERINTELLIGENCE :

information gathered and activities conducted to protect against espionage, other intelligence activities, sabotage, or assassinations conducted by or on behalf of foreign governments or elements thereof, foreign persons or agents, foreign organizations or international terrorist activities; the four functions of COUNTERINTELLIGENCE are operations, investigations, collection, analysis and production, including counterespionage, countersabotage, countersubversion, security and security intelligence. See CI, CIC, CE, COUNTERESPIONAGE, SABOTAGE, INTEL, MI, OSS.

COUNTERMARCH :

a return march over the same ground, a "re-march"; not to be confused with RETREAT (eg: ROUT, BEAT FEET, CHANGING TUNE, BAILOUT, DEFEAT). See FORCE MARCH, MARCH.

COUNTERMEASURES :

that form of military science that, by the employment of devices and/ or techniques, has as its objective the impairment of the operational effectiveness of enemy activity; see ECM, EW; compare COUNTERFORCE.

COUNTER-MINE / COUNTERMINE :

(forthcoming) (eg: aerial bombing of emplacement, depth charge of torpedo) see MINE

COUNTEROFFENSIVE :

any large scale offensive undertaken by a defending force to seize the initiative from the attacking force; compare COUNTERATTACK, COUNTERFORCE.

COUNTERPART :

advisor shoulder patches

in advisory or joint service elements, the complementary or opposite number of any person serving in a skill or command position, with the purpose of exchanging knowledge and increasing function while producing a mutually benefitial tutorial. Although the ADVISOR and advisee usually learned from each other, the dual or parallel organizational structure often creates as many problems as it solves. See ADV, CAP, MATA, MATS, CO VAN MY, OUC DA LOI, TAN TAY LAN, GONE NATIVE, INDIG, LITTLE BROWN BROTHER.

COUNTERRECONNAISSANCE :

all measures taken to prevent hostile observation of an operational force, a maneuver area, or a tactical location; also known as COUNTERSURVEILLANCE.

COUNTER-ROTATE :

a neutral pivot-turn of zero radius that's performed by a TRACK-propelled vehicle so as to reverse its direction in the least possible area; this "turn in place" turnabout is accomplished by driving the vehicle's TRACKs in opposite directions using a controlled differential transmission, a mechanism employed on German armor late in WWII. Counter-rotation improved upon the short radius turns accomplished by locking one TRACK while driving the other forward or back in a tight arc or circle. The proper HAND SIGN to direct this maneuver is: arms crossed at the wrists across the chest with hands closed into fists. Compare CRASH-BACK.

COUNTERSHADING :

a method of reverse coloration for CONCEALMENT, as darkening areas exposed to the light and lightening areas exposed to the dark; compare CAMO, WAR PAINT, DAZZLE, GRAYBACK, PLIMSOLL MARK, LOAD-LINE MARK.

COUNTERSIGN :

an exchange of a secret challenge CODEWORD and its PASSWORD reply, usually called "sign/counter-sign"; see SIGN.

COUNTERSURVEILLANCE :

all measures, active or passive, taken to counteract hostile surveillance; also known as COUNTERRECONNAISSANCE.

COUNTER-TERRORISM :

the use of offensive and defensive stratagems, including terror tactics against TERRORISTs, revolutionaries, religious fanatics, and other sociopolitical radicals; also known as ANTI-TERRORISM. See UW, COUNTER-GUERRILLA, COUNTERINSURGENCY, ICEX, PRU, PHOENIX, ASYMMETRIC WARFARE GROUP, CONSTABULARY, IRREGULARS, OPLAN 7500, TIWG, DHS, DOOR KICKING, KILL HOUSE, GWOT, WAR ON TERROR, PATRIOT ACT. [v: uprising, insurrection, insurgency, revolt, rebellion, takeover, toppling, outbreak, break-out, overthrow, break-through, downfall, mutiny, turning point, putsch, coup, coup d'état, or intifada (der: "shaking off")]

COUNT-OFF :

the command to either tabulate or enumerate a unit, as for accountability or partition; see BY THE NUMBERS, SOUND-OFF.

COUNTRY CLUB :

the WWII training center for Office of Strategic Services (OSS) personnel, formerly the Congressional country club; see TRADECRAFT, SHANGRI-LA, THE FARM, THE PICKLE FACTORY. Also, NICKNAME for a section or annex within some North Vietnamese prison camps; see CITADEL, BRIARPATCH, ALCATRAZ, POW [v: dungeon, keep, oubliette, hock (sty or prison as a miserable place to live)].

COUNTRY TEAM :

the senior US coordinating and supervising body in-country, headed by the chief of the US diplomatic mission, and composed of the senior member of each US department or agency represented; abbreviated CT. See DOS, DIP CO, FSO, LO, L&L, DA, USDAO. [v: Diplomatic Terms]

COUNTY FAIR :

NICKNAME for CORDON AND SEARCH methodology, in which a surrounded village would be "entertained" by CAP or social services while their property was searched for enemy materiel.

COUP :

a highly successful and unexpected act or move; contraction of COUP D'ETAT. Also, among North American Plains Indians, a daring deed performed by a warrior in battle; also called "count coup", as derived from stroke or blow.

COUP DE GRACE :

a death blow, especially one delivered mercifully to end suffering; literally a "blow of mercy"; also known as "mercy killing". Also, any finishing or decisive stroke; see DEATH OF A THOUSAND CUTS, DOUBLE TAP.

COUP DE MAIN :

a surprise attack or sudden development; literally a "blow from the hand".

COUP D'ETAT :

a sudden and decisive political act resulting in a compulsory change of government; literally a "stroke concerning the state". An unsuccessful revolt is called a "putsch". Compare HEADHUNTING, DECAPITATION; see RAPPROCHEMENT, DETENTE, ENTENTE, APPEASE, TRUCE, RAISON D'ETAT. [v: uprising, insurrection, insurgency, revolt, rebellion, takeover, toppling, outbreak, break-out, overthrow, break-through, downfall, mutiny, turning point, putsch, coup, coup d'état, or intifada (der: "shaking off")]

COURAGE :

the mental or spiritual ability to face danger or pain; as derived from "heart"; see V-DEVICE, IMPACT AWARD, GUTS, MOXIE, ONIONS, DIEHARD, VETERAN, WINTER SOLDIER, NOBLE SAVAGE, COUNT COUP, BRAGGING RIGHTS, QUIET PROFESSIONAL, HERO, MACHO. [nb: "That which valor has joined cannot be parted by death, and that which has been ennobled by courage shall not be diminished by passing, even out of remembrance."]

COURSE OF ACTION :

any line of conduct or sequence of military activities that an individual or unit may direct or follow in an effort to accomplish a job or mission; may be abbreviated "COA". Also, the plan or scheme devised for the accomplishment of a job or mission. Also, a STAFF product of contingency planning and response development that's intended for later adoption, implementation, or execution; compare OPLAN. See CAPABILITY, BY THE BOOK, LEAST RESISTANCE, FIELD EXPEDIENT, KNOW YOUR ENEMY, PLAN B, RUN IT UP THE FLAGPOLE, WIGGLE ROOM, WHITE ELEPHANT, MIND CANDY, HOUSE OF CARDS, DIVIDE AND CONQUER, RAIN ON PARADE, TACTICS, STRATEGY, BATTLE, WAR. [nb: Frederick the Great's mule attended many battles but learned nothing about war from them!; the difference between the OLD MAN and the TOP KICK is the same in war as it is in sex: officers need to talk about it in great detail for a long time before it happens, but sergeants need to talk about it in great detail for a long time after it happens!]

COURT MARTIAL :

a military tribunal appointed by a commander for the trial of Armed Forces personnel who have been charged and arraigned for infractions of military law. Also, the trial of military personnel by military personnel proceeding from arraignment on violations of military law. See UCMJ, ROCKS 'n' SHOALS, CAPTAIN'S MAST, JAG, DRUMHEAD, ARTICLE 15, RIOT ACT, SILENT INSOLENCE, SOFA, YELLOW SHEET, WAR CRIMES TRIAL, POSSE COMITATUS. [cf: kangaroo court, tribunal, sanhedrim]

COUSIN :

informal reference to someone from an allied nation, especially a person from a member nation in the United Kingdom (eg: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Great Britain, etc). Also, a gullible person who is taken advantage of, or an innocent person who is easily duped.

CO VAN MY :

unofficial scroll
worn by American advisors

American advisor scroll

Vietnamese phrase for "American ADVISOR"; compare OUC DA LOI, TAN TAY LAN; see ADV, COUNTERPART.

COVER :

defensive protection; compare CONCEALMENT, EMPLACEMENT. Also, the threat or action of land, sea, or air forces to protect by offense or defense. Also, support or reinforcement, including aerial monitor; see CAP. Also, a mask, SCREEN, subterfuge, or substitute, usually secret, as used to obscure or misdirect; compare CODENAME, CODEWORD, PASSWORD, NICKNAME; see CIA, NOC, LEGEND. Also, those measures necessary to guard against enemy intelligence, its surveillance or penetration of persons, plans, operations, formations, or installations; see BACKSTOP. Also, a top, cap, lid, or envelope; see HATCH, SCUTTLE. Also, Marine term for a hat, a hard or soft head covering; see HEADGEAR. Also, the complete set of eating utensils or the entire dining service for one person; see MESS KIT, MESS TRAY, CANTEEN CUP, SPOON, PARTISAN'S SECRET WEAPON, KFS, P-38, CHURCH KEY, CHOPSTICK.

COVERT OPERATION :

a military action that's planned so as to be executed in a manner that will conceal the identity of its sponsor, or will permit plausible deniability by its sponsor; an "overt operation" is not its opposite; compare CLANDESTINE OPERATION, see SPECIAL OPERATIONS. [nb: civilians pronounce 'covert' as "kuv-uhrt", while the MIL-SPEAK pronunciation is "ko-vuhrt", by analogy with 'overt'; cf: adviser versus ADVISOR]

COWBOY :

any careless HOT-SHOT or reckless show-off, usually a hazard to everyone around him; sometimes applied to a wheeler-dealer, trader, pimp, or TRIGGER-HAPPY HOT DOG. Vietnamese term: Cao-Boy (cao = bad); compare BUDDHAHEAD. [nb: known as "show pony" by AUSSIE and KIWI troops] [nb: following the Wild West motif prevalent in LBJ's "little pissant war", numerous allusions to a mythic frontier adventurism were utilized; including DODGE CITY, INDIAN COUNTRY, and GUNSLINGER. The term "cow-boy" was originally (Feb 1840) used by Texas Rangers to signify a cattle thief or "rustler" (worker), which changed its meaning after the CIVIL WAR. Before "rustler" acquired its illicit implications, the term for a marauding thief or outlaw was "reaver", which is also used for vigilantes and "night rider" TERRORISTs. Before the word COWBOY became acceptable, the respectable term for someone who works with cattle was either "drover", a driver or herder of livestock, or "buckaroo", being an Anglicized variant of "vaquero", which derives from the Spanish word (vaca) for cow. A "cowhand" is a 'hand' (manual laborer) employed to work with cattle, and a "cowpoke" is the person who loads livestock (by poking with a long pole) onto cattle cars for railroad transshipment. A "wrangler" is a 'cowboy' who works with horses (horseman), which is similarly a corruption of the Spanish word (caballerango) for groom or stable boy; as caballero has been expanded from groom or horseman and extended to mean cavalier, knight, and cavalryman]

COWIN HUT :

see STEELDROME.

COWLING :

a streamlined housing or removable covering for an engine, often made of metal and forming a continuum with the body of the vehicle, as becoming a part of the wing or fuselage when shielding an aircraft engine; compare FAIRING, NACELLE.

COXSWAIN :

the person, generally a Boatswain's Mate, who's in charge of steering and/or directing the crew of a boat. A boat is defined as a vessel smaller than a ship.

CP :

Command Post; see OPN, TOC, ACV. Also, Check-Point; see WAY POINT, CHECKMATE. [nb: Vietnamese term: Bo Chi Huy] Also, Communist Party.

CPL :

abbreviation for CorPoraL, which E-4 rating is the lowest non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank, equivalent to Specialist (SP4), and is commonly called MATING MOSQUITOES; this term derives from 'head of a body of men' ("caporale"), and not from 'body' (as in "corporal punishment). See SWINE LOG, MOSQUITO WING, MOSQUITO SMILE, EM, RANK, GRADE, RATING.

CPO :

(see-pee-oh) Chief Petty Officer, rated E-7 and above in the Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine; also called CHIEF. Because the CPO wears a different hat than lower ranking EMs and NCOs, there is a special promotion ceremony conducted by other CHIEFs, usually involving high jinks, skylarking, and consumption of adult beverages. See GUNNY, BLOOD STRIPE, TOP GUN, TOP, SARGE, NCO, MISTER, BUZZARD; compare PO.

CPOG :

Chemical Protective Over-Garment, used with HAZMAT or CBR; see MOPP, JSLIST, BUNNY SUIT, GAS MASK. [cf: remote mechanical agents or servo-manipulation systems for use in sterile, hazardous, or contaminated environments began during WWII with the handling of radioactive materials; initially in the form of insulated gripper arms named "Waldo" (being a cognate of 'rule' or 'command', after the 1942 novel by Robert A. Heinlein), later known as the "Waldo F. Jones Synchronous Reduplicating Pantograph", and now as a telefactoring device, useful in bomb disposal and extraterrestrial maintenance]

CPX :

(see-pee-ecks) Command Post eXercise, a simulated training exercise for headquarter's (HQ) staff using prepared plans and reduced-distance radio broadcasts; compare FTX, STX, JTFEX, NTC, OPFOR, GQ, GHOST WALK. [nb: under the Double Cross system of Operation Fortitude preliminary to the WWII D-Day INVASION, a procedure similar to CPX was used to create "ghost" and "phantom" units as a deception]

CQ :

(see-cue) Charge of Quarters, an NCO duty assignment equivalent to OD or OOD; similar to Navy "Chief of Watch"; see BRASSARD, ORDERLY ROOM, PARADE, DETAIL, compare SDO, SOPA. Also, an abbreviation meaning Call to Quarters.

CQB :

see CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE.

CRAB :

a maneuver in which an aircraft is headed partly into the wind to compensate for drift; see CAREEN, PITCH, YAW, ROLL, ATHWART, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT. Also, a mechanical contrivance for hoisting or pulling heavy weights, a truckle; see BLOCK, TACKLE, FAIRLEAD, WHIP, BOOM. Also, the crab louse or "crabs"; see GRAYBACK, COMFORT STATION.

CRACKER BOX :

a motorized wheeled ambulance used on roadways and in the field; also called "meat wagon". See BAND-AID, MEDEVAC, DUSTOFF, AIR AMBULANCE. [nb: due to similarity of box-style ambulance with a box of crackers; but also attributed to a container (box) for injured or broken (cracked) patients, as a variant of the German 'kranken']

CRASH-BACK :

a sharp high-speed turn performed by a ship with at least two propellers, such that one pushes while the other pulls with the rudder; also spelled "crashback" or "crash back", this greatly reduced turning radius consists of reversing the direction of one "screw" after disengaging its drive shaft so that the engine is not ruined by the torque in this maneuver. Compare COUNTER-ROTATE.

CRASH-DIVE :

to dive rapidly at a steep angle, as when a SUBMARINE submerges to avoid attack from a surface vessel or airplane; also spelled "crash dive". See GIGGLES 'n' BANGS, PRESSURE HULL, COLLAPSE DEPTH.

CRASH LOCATOR BEACON :

an emergency radio locator beacon that automatically activates to help search and rescue (SAR) forces find a crashed aircraft. See ELT, HOMER, LOCATOR BEACON.

C-RATIONS :

packaged meal fOR hot or cold consumption in the field; also called "combat rations", "C-rats", "Charlie rats", "C's", or just "rats". C-RATIONS, being canned meals that evolved (C-1 to C-3) from a 1938 experiment into their final form in 1958, were used in military operations, required little or no preparation, and were moist or fluid packed, making them a convenient packaged food. Moisture content and prepreparation were benefits compared to dehydrated LRRP-RATIONS and PIRations. During WWII, the "meal in a can" comprising several complete menu offerings replaced the previous single food concept. The letter designation was both a category label (such as D or K rations) and an abbreviation for "combat". A C-RATION container (meal box, case, or carton) was also called a "rat pack". See CHOKE, HAM 'n' MOTHERS, BEANS, CHOW, SOUP, IRON RATIONS, SOLDIER'S BREAKFAST, GI JOE, BUG JUICE, MERMITE, P-38, HEAT TABS. [v: sample menu of C-RATIONS]

CRC :

Control and Reporting Center (also Command and Reporting Center or Combat Reporting Center); see DRESSY LADY, PANAMA, PUIS; compare CRP.

CREATURE FEATURE :

slang for a submerged corpse, typically a gruesome one beginning to suffer the ravages of immersion and marine predation but either insufficiently bloated to float, or one too decomposed for gaseous accumulation, but not yet unrecognizable or skeletal; compare FLOATER, RICE KRISPIES, CRISPY CRITTER, TADPOLE; see GRAVES REGISTRATION, MORTUARY AFFAIRS.

CREATURE COMFORTS :

all non-essential (CLASS SIX) ancillary items that make military service more comfortable and tolerable, often purchased for unit members with non-appropriated (SLUSH FUND) monies; these "nice to have" items include privately purchased products as well as "goodies" sent by loved ones at home, and run the gamut from "comfort food" and games to reading matter and sports equipment ... called SNIVEL GEAR in the post-Vietnam era. See GEDUNK, POGY BAIT, DOG, SINKER, SANDWICH, SLIDER, JUICE, BREW, HOOCH, GROG, SNAKE SKIN, SPLICE THE MAINBRACE, SUNDOWNER, GUSTO, DAYROOM, SWAMP COOLER, SAFE ROOM, POWER WALL, COMPANY STREET, CANTEEN, FOUR CORNERS, SIN CITY, LITTLE AMERICA, R&R, STEEL BEACH, USO, SHANGRI-LA, FIELD HOUSE, SMOKER, ORIENTEERING, WAR GAMES, PLAYING CARDS, CHALLENGE COIN, BATRACHOMYOMACHIA, PLAY THE GAME, TRAIN HARD - FIGHT EASY.

CREED :

an authoritative formulation stating the principal articles or essential tenets of belief, an explicit espousal of an accepted system of belief; as derived from "I believe" (credo). See DUTY, CODE OF CONDUCT, OATH, HONOR CODE, PROMISE, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN, UP OR OUT, DUE DILIGENCE, HOLD ONE'S FEET TO THE FIRE, CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES OF THE SERVICE. [v: numinous, deontology, eudemonism; cf: meliorism]

CREOLE :

a syntactic pidgin that has become the native language of a distinct subculture or discrete speech community; derived from "to bring up", create, native (criollo). A pidgin evolves into a creole when it acquires syntax (eg: Austronesian, Bislama, Chinook Jargon, Gullah, Kongo/Kikongo, Krio, Sango, Island Carib, Cajun, Rhenish, Rock English, Pochismo, Spanglish, Texican, Franglais, Yinglish, Hiberno-English, Anglicism). See PIG LATIN, PIDGIN, LINGUA FRANCA, JARGON, VERNACULAR, POLYGLOT. [v: calque, bilingualism] Also, a member of any of several French-speaking communities of Louisiana of mixed BLACK and French or Spanish ancestry; also called "creole of color" [cf: criollo, Acadian]; see REDBONE.

CREST :

distinctive unit insignia of
U.S. Army Rangers

Ranger DUI

distinctive unit insignia (DUI); being a metallic badge denoting each Brigade/Regimental sized unit or larger, and worn on the EPAULETs of the CLASS-A uniform; also worn on some HEADGEAR in lieu of RANK by EMs and NCOs. These heraldic "coats of arms", approved for wear on 18 March 1922, are also called distinctive insignia (DI), BADGE, or blazon. See GREEN TAB, BRASS, BEERCAN, TRASH, BATTLE CRY, TOAST, SIGNATURE; compare BRANCH. [nb: an insignia emblematic of the honors and lineage of a military organization, unlike familial "coats of arms", may be individually enhanced but not personally heritable; v: Heraldry]

CREW CHIEF :

senior crewmember who is responsible for the care and maintenance of the aircraft. See CHIEF, BAILOUT; compare LOADMASTER, DROPMASTER, KICKER, JUMPMASTER.

CREW DOG :

aircraft crewmember, a "crew mate". See BIRDMAN, LOADMASTER, DROPMASTER, CREW CHIEF, KICKER, JUMPMASTER, CHOCOLATE BOMBARDIER; compare PENGUIN, WING WIPER, GROUND HOG, GROUNDED.

CREW-SERVED WEAPONS :

the category of large-bore and vehicle-mounted weapons, which normally require more than one person to operate (eg: aim, load, shoot, transport); including mortar, rocket, machinegun, etc. The belt-fed M-60 light machinegun, commonly called a PIG, was classified as CREW-SERVED, having a gunner and loader assigned, but was normally operated on a bipod by one person; in consequence of which, and in consideration of the terrain, the barrel was shortened (eliminating the bipod) to increase its effective manipulation. See MG, LMG, PIG, HEAVY MG, FIFTY, MA DEUCE, QUAD 50, MINIGUN, VULCAN, DOVER DOG, RR, SCORPION, ONTOS, DRAGON, TOW, MORTAR, FOUR DEUCE, HOWITZER, ARTY, TUBE MONKEY, RAIL GUN, RUNNING FIRE, SMALL ARMS, FIRING LINE, BARBETTE.

CRICKET :

designation given to an ABCCC orbit.

CRID :

(crid, not "c-r-i-d") Republic of Korea Capitol Infantry Division; designated the "Tiger" Division by Americans.

CRIMP :

Consolidated Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Improvement and Modernization Program; see PROVN, CSMO, ACTOV, VIETNAMIZATION, KEYSTONE.

CRISPY CRITTER :

slang for a burn casualty; a victim of NAPALM or phosphorous (WP) burns, due to typical exterior appearance and to characteristic pugilist's contracted body posture. See PHOUGAS, THERMITE, PETROL; compare CREATURE FEATURE, FLOATER, TADPOLE; see GRAVES REGISTRATION, MORTUARY AFFAIRS.

CROSSBAR HOTEL :

U.S. Army
Corrections Command

slang for a jail or prison, a BRIG, STOCKADE, or GUARDHOUSE; see LBJ, TANK, DEAD-TIME, THE CASTLE, HOT HOUSE, DEADLOCK, CHL, PAIN, REEDUCATION, POW, CONCENTRATION CAMP, GULAG, YARDBIRD, DEADLINE, CLUB FED, UCMJ. [v: dog house, poky, clink, nick, slam, slammer, cooler, jug, can, joint, cage, glasshouse, big house, house of many doors, graystone college, up the river, hoosegow, gaol, bagnio, lockup, pen, reformatory, jailhouse, penal institution, penitentiary, panopticon, keep, calaboose, dungeon, oubliette, hock (sty or prison as a miserable place to live)]

CROSS-BORDER :

also called "across the fence", "cross the line" (or "line crossing"), "over the wall", and "hop the fence"; see OVER THE FENCE. [nb: Vietnamese term: Hanh Quan Vuot Bien] [nb: unlike the CIA and similar agencies, the military operates in foreign territory only under Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of State (DoS) sanctions, with operational security (OPSEC) providing "plausible deniability" for any classified operations]

CROSS-CHECK :

everyone checks everyone else for things that are loose, that make noise, reflect or light up, smell bad, etc; because not only is everyone on an operation at risk from everyone else (v: SHIT MAGNET), but everyone must know where everyone else's GEAR is positioned in case of emergency or replacement. Also spelled "crosscheck"; and also known as "check and double check". See CROSS-LOADING, MISSION READY, COMBAT LOADED, FULL BATTLE RATTLE.

CROSS-DECKING :

a Navspeak term for the sharing of resources, including assets and material, between two or more vessels, especially in an impromptu or AD HOC manner; also spelled "cross decking". See FIELD EXPEDIENT, FRAGO. [v: Chechen]

CROSSING THE T :

a Naval warfare tactic wherein the attacking ship passes perpendicular to the target ship, such that the passing ship has an extended time and full range for attacking with all its guns, while the target ship has a limited period and restricted range for defensive fire, being primarily frontal; the difference is essentially between SALVO and serial when the gun bears on the target. This arrangement has been made relatively obsolete by rotating turrets, improved armaments, enhanced guidance, and Naval aviation. This tactic may be utilized by single vessels or ships in battle formation (eg: line astern), which are arranged to fire in sectors without shooting over or across friendly vessels. The accurate ranging of shots by a ship CROSSING THE T is not as critical as the adjustments of the target ship. The CROSSING THE T tactic was used in the following sea battles: Tsushima (1905), Jutland (1916), Surigao Strait (1944), and Lingayen Gulf (1945), among others.

CROSS-LOADING :

the small unit practice of distributing all mission critical items among the several members of a section or team so that no single loss or destruction will jeopardize the unit's capability to perform its assigned task(s); see CROSS-CHECK, COMBAT LOADED, MISSION READY, FULL BATTLE RATTLE, WEB GEAR.

CROSS OF GALLANTRY / CoG :

RVN CoG

medal awarded by the Republic of Vietnam to individuals (with gold, silver, bronze star) or to units (with palm) for conspicuous gallantry; see V-DEVICE, IMPACT AWARD, UNIT CITATION, GONG.

CROSS OF LORRAINE :

79th Inf Div

an iconic representation of the 79th Infantry Division, in the form of a cross on a shield having two crosspieces, the upper shorter than the lower, which originated as the symbol of a medieval kingdom in western Europe along the Moselle, Meuse, and Rhine rivers, which is now confined to a historic region in northeastern France (cf: Alsace-Lorraine). The 79th Infantry Division was activated for WWI in August 1917 and deactivated in June 1919 after ten months of overseas service in France; again activated for WWII in June 1942 and deactivated in December 1945 after twenty months of overseas service in Europe; then it was reactivated in November 1946 as a reserve unit. The CROSS OF LORRAINE, or the patriarchal cross, was also adopted as the emblem of the Free French Forces (FFL) in June 1940, which became the Fighting French in July 1942, during their WWII cooperation with the Allies.

CROSSROADS :

an intersection, literal or figurative, as a place of gathering or interaction; a reference to "where paths cross" implies a meeting, but "to cross someone's path" is to confront or thwart them. Such an intersection also represents a crisis point necessitating a decision before further progress can be made, and this bifurcation or plexus is symbolic of a positive or negative turning point. Because ancient Germanic peoples used such intersections as places for sacrifices, and later for executions, and persons excluded from holy rites, such as suicides, were also buried at crossroads, this allusion to foul play or nefarious activity gave rise to the expression: "dirty work at the crossroads".

CROSS-TALK :

interference on RADIO or TELEPHONE transmissions by unintentional coupling or bleeding resulting in mixed or garbled messages; see NOISE, STATIC, SQUELCH, COMMO. Also, by analogy with the telecommunications hindrance, resistance or opposition, such as obfuscation from being at odds; see FLAK, DISINFORMATION, CONTROLLED INFORMATION. Also, byplay, repartee, back-talk; see CONFETTI, SNOW, CHAFF. Also, to confer or discuss, usually at cross-purposes; see CONFAB, BRIEFING, HALF-MAST, POWWOW, CHIN CHIN, SUMMIT.

CROSS THE RUBICON :

to take a decisive step, or make an irrevocable move; also known as "pass the Rubicon". The Rubicon, flowing 15 miles into the Adriatic Sea, separated ancient Italy from Cisalpine Gaul, which was the province allotted to Julius Caesar; so when he crossed this stream in 49BC, he precipitated a civil war with Pompey and the Roman senate. In August 1914, the Belgian frontier proved to be a symbolic Rubicon when crossed by Germany, leading to war with Great Britain. Likewise, when Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990, this casus belli led to war with America. See BLOODY SHIRT, JUST WAR, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE), GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY, BIG STICK DIPLOMACY, SABER-RATTLING, GUNPOINT, CAT AMONG THE PIGEONS, WAR POWERS ACT, LAWS OF WAR.

CROSS-TRAINING :

each member of a team becomes proficient in the MOS duties of one other unit specialist, so that work is more readily accomplished, and so no single combat loss will be able to compromise the mission; as practiced by elite units. This method of training is more expensive, time-consuming, and requires a higher level of aptitude or dedication than regular units can stipulate. Conventional units resent the loss of high achievers from their manpower pool. See ASI, SQI, OJT, Q-COURSE, RANGER, FORCE RECON, SPECIAL FORCES, SEAL.

THE CROTCH :

derogatory slang for the US Marine Corps, from a play-on-words saying "fuck the crotch and eat the core"; also known as "The Corps", "Uncle Sam's Misguided Children", "Unlimited Shit and Mass Confusion", and "seagoing bellhop". See GUNNY, SNUFFY, CHINA MARINE, SEAGOING MARINE, HORSE MARINE, GI (GIrine/gyrene), JARHEAD, MAMELUKE SWORD, USMC.

CROUTON :

slang for the lowest grade of Warrant Officer (WO1 / WOJG), after its classic definition of a "toasted garnish", from the appearance of the RANK insignia, which shows a single black square centered on a silver bar; also called "spot". See WOC, WO, WOBBLY.

CROW'S NEST :

originally a lookout platform high atop a ship's main mast, later altered to any observation point with a commanding view, hence adoption by surveillance aircraft ("eye in the sky"). See OP, C&C, ABNCP, UMBRELLA, ORBIT, RACETRACK, STACK, OVERSIGHT.

CRP :

Control and Reporting Post; see DORA, INVERT, LION, PADDY, PEACOCK, PORTCALL, PYRAMID, VIKING, WATERBOY; compare CRC.

CRRC :

Combat Rubber Raiding Craft, large inflatable BOAT; see IBS, RIB, ZODIAC, BOAT.

CRUISE :

Naval slang for a tour of duty at sea, a FLOAT; see SQUID, SWABBY, NUGGET, CHUM, FRESH CATCH, POLLYWOG, SHELLBACK, MOSSBACK, OLD SALT. [nb: military vessels "cruise" an assigned area, but merchant and civilian vessels (ie: ocean liner, steamship, tanker, freighter, packet, etc) make a "crossing" from station to station, port to port] Also, a guided MISSILE, the major portion of whose flight path to its target occurs at an approximately constant velocity; it depends on the dynamic reaction of air for lift, and upon propulsion forces to balance drag; this class of MISSILEs, includes Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM), Advanced Cruise Missile (AGM-129), and TOMAHAWK.

CRUISE BOOK :

see SEA BOOK; compare AIRBORNE ALBUM.

CRUISER :

one of the classes of naval WARSHIPs, as designed for high speed and long range at medium tonnage; including light cruiser (CL), armored heavy cruiser (CA), and the like.

CRUIT :

contraction of recruit, as the term of reference applied to a trainee (novice, tyro, abecedarian) not yet eligible for address as soldier or trooper; formerly the lowest military RANK (eg: Seaman Recruit, Airman Recruit). See BOOT, EM, SLICK SLEEVE, TRAIN, MAGGOT, YARDBIRD, BCT, MISTER, GOTCHA. [nb: it's a well established fact that a good Drill Sergeant will take the raw material of a civilian and turn him into a soldier in the same way that he would take a tangled mess of steel wool and knit it into a tank!]

CRUNCHY :

slang for infantryman; also spelled "Crunchie" and also called "Cruncher"; term purportedly derived from the sound of marching feet, but also alleged to be the sound of overloaded infantrymen crushed by armored vehicles. See LEG, BOONIE RAT, GRUNT, BLUELEG, INF, 03, SNUFFY.

CRUSADER :

Vought A-8 / F-8 attack/fighter aircraft. The US Navy F-8U, made by LTV Aerospace, is a high-wing fighter used in fleet air defense.

CRUSHER :

USAAF cap

the PILOTs (especially those flying bombers and transports) in WWII wore the service cap because its visor was a practical advantage over the soft leather helmet, but they had to remove the stiffeners to accommodate the wearing of headphones (headset) over the hat, which gave aircrews a distinctive appearance that was widely admired and imitated ... General MacArthur affected the same crumpled or drooped look with his encrusted cap. Since this broken-down shape couldn't be immediately acquired, the Air Corps' service cap was also known as the "fifty mission crush" ... an appearance that distinguished the veteran from the tyro when successfully completing fifty missions completed a tour of duty, rotating the crewmember back to the states for reassignment. See BILLED CAP, SAUCER CAP, SCRAMBLED-EGGS, HEADGEAR.

CRYPER :

(cripper) a person working with codes and ciphers, also "crypter", originally an "intelligencer"; a cryptographer or cryptanalyst, as derived from crypto for hidden, concealed, secret. See CODE TALKER, ALPHABET SOUP, ENCRYPT, DECRYPT, KAK, SHACKLE, SCRAMBLE, BURST, RTO, RADIO, TAP CODE, DUNGEON, INTEL, ASA, MI, CIC, ICAP, IR, COMICS; compare CRYPTO. [nb: Vietnamese term: Mat Ma Vien (cryptologist)] [v: the "handwriting on the wall", which represents any prophesy of calamity or doom, was a cryptic message on Belshazzar's palace that predicted the end of the Babylonian kingdom, as correctly interpreted by Daniel (Daniel 5:5)] [nb: after WWII, the cryptographers and cryptanalysts at Bletchley Park wanted to maintain the established "brain trust", so in 1946, Roland Berrill and Lance Ware established a society for "bright people" called Mensa, named after the altar stone and symbolic of equality, so as to promote intellectual fellowship around the world]

CRYPTO :

a person who's motives or conduct is concealed, hidden, or obscured; see SECRET AGENT, SPOOK, NIGHTCRAWLER, PROVOCATEUR, SLEEPER, MOLE, FIX, SWEEPER, RABBIT, STOOGE, TRADECRAFT. [v: intelligencer]

CS :

Chief of Staff (or "CoS"), also Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS); see JCS. Also, Combat Support (CS); compare COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT. Also, Composite Service. Also, riot control or tear gas agent, such as a CS-GRENADE (CN-1), used widely to clear-out enemy dwellings and tunnel works.

CSAR :

Combat Search And Rescue; see SAR, CSARTF, JSARC, PJ, BRIGHT LIGHT, JPRC, HOT HOIST, JUNGLE PENETRATOR, TRAP, RESCAP, SARCAP. [nb: during the VIETNAM WAR, more than 4000 MIL-PERS were saved in aggressive CSAR operations, which cost 71 rescuemen their lives]

CSARTF :

Combat Search and Rescue Task Force; being all elements committed to a specific search, identification, and recovery operation of isolated personnel during wartime, including control and security forces. See SAR, CSAR, JSARC, PJ, BRIGHT LIGHT, JPRC, HOT HOIST, JUNGLE PENETRATOR, TRAP. [nb: Locate, Assess, Stabilize, Transport (LAST)]

CSD :

Combined Studies Division, a combined CIA/military covert operation. See CAS, SOG.

CSEL :

(c-sell or see-cell) Combat Survivor Evader Locator, a short-range emergency radio and beacon transmitter; successor to URC-10 survival radio. See MAYDAY, SOS, GUARD, RADIO.

CSF :

Camp Strike Force, known as STRIKERs; see MIKE FORCE, MGF, MSF, BLACKJACK.

CSGP :

Combat Support GrouP.

CSH :

(cash or c-s-h) Combat Support Hospital, being the intermediate level medical facility which replaces the functions of an evacuation hospital. See SICK CALL, AID STATION, MASH, EVAC, FST, FIELD HOSP, MEDEVAC, CHOP SHOP.

CSLS :

Component Services Liaison Section.

CSM :

abbreviation for Command Sergeant Major, being a SUPER GRADE non-commissioned officer (NCO) rated (E-9) between Master Sergeant (MSG) or First Sergeant (1SG) and Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA), and represented by three chevrons above three ROCKERs with a wreath enclosed star centered as sleeve rank insignia; this rank is rated equal to Sergeant Major (SGM). See SARGE, RIGHT ARM, FIRST SHIRT, TOP, TOP DOG, NCO, RATING, GRADE, RANK.

CSMO :

Close-Station March Order, equipment movement preparation order; see PROVN, CRIMP, ACTOV, VIETNAMIZATION, KEYSTONE.

CSS :

Combat Service Support; compare COMBAT SUPPORT (CS).

CT :

Country Team, an advisory team under auspices of MAAG, MACV, MACTHAI, USDAO, USAID, or other department; see SHEEP-DIPPED. Alternatively, a council of senior US Embassy officials (ie: Ambassador, military attache, CIA station chief, USAID chief) who are responsible for directing field advisory teams. Also, abbreviation for COUNTER-TERRORISM.

C TEAM :

the senior-level SPECIAL FORCES unit, also known as "Operational Detachment Charlie" (ODC) and sometimes spelled C-Team; superior to the A TEAM and B TEAM detachments. [nb: The Rangers of World War II and Korea had been designed as light-infantry shock troops; their mission was to hit hard, hit fast, then get out so larger and more heavily armed units could follow through. Special Forces, on the other hand, were designed to spend months, even years, deep within hostile territory. They would have to be self-sustaining, without extensive resupply from the outside. They would have to speak the language and know the customs of their target area.] [nb: six A TEAMs or ODAs comprise a company (CO), three SF Companies comprise a battalion (BN), and four SF Battalions comprise a group (effective 2007); each active duty SF Group specializes in the languages and cultures of a particular region (ie: 1st SFGA in East Asia; 3rd SFGA in Africa, Mid-East, and Central Asia; 5th SFGA in Mid-East and Central Asia; 7th SFGA in South America; and 10th SFGA in Europe)]

CTF :

Carrier Task Force; see YANKEE STATION, CV, TF.

C3 :

Command, Control, and Communications (CCC = C3); including CCC Advisory Group (C3AG), CCC CounterMeasures (C3CM), CCC and Intelligence (C3I), Coalition Coordination Communications and Integration Center (C3IC), CCC Systems Master Plan (C3SMP), Counter CCC (CC3), Global CCC Assessment (GC3A), Integrated CCC (IC3), Initial Joint CCC (IJC3), Nuclear CCC Assessment (NC3), Strategic CCC Master Plan (SC3MP). See C&C, C2, C4, ABCCC.

CTOC :

Corps Tactical Operations Center; see TOC, JOC, JDOC, CMOC, OPN.

CT-O :

Communications Technician - Operation branch.

CTR :

center; sometimes abbreviated "CEN" (but this properly refers to 'central').

C2 :

Command and Control (CC = C2), also called C&C; including Army Airspace Command and Control (A2C2), Command and Control Element (C2E), Command and Control Initiatives Program (C2IP), Command and Control Information Processing System (C2IPS), Command and Control Protection (C2P), Command and Control Support (C2S), Command and Control Warfare (C2W), Joint Command and Control (JC2), Joint Command and Control Warfare Center (JC2WC). See C3, C4, ABCCC.

CTZ :

Corps Tactical Zone (I, II, III, IV), and usually shortened to Corps. Later redesignated Military Region (MR1 - MR4).

CU :

Vietnamese word for "dick" or "cock", not clinical 'penis'; see PRICK, SHORT ARM, POGUE, POGY BAIT. [nb: 'hooey', allegedly an Americanism used as an interjection for nonsense or tripe, is actually a corruption of the Russian vulgarity ("khuy") for penis, and is commonly used alone (eg: dick, dickhead, dick-wad) or in phrases (eg: dumber than dick; he doesn't know dick; don't dick around; don't stir your tea with your dick)] [cf: migration of "putz" from shine through ornament to penis and dolt; as sexual lure] [v: lucky stiff]

CUMSHAW :

gift, present, gratuity, tip, douceur, baksheesh, consideration; derived from Chinese expression for "grateful thanks". See SOUVENIR, TRENCH ART, BEGGING BOWL, WAD, SLUSH FUND, CANDY, CARPETBAGGERS, JUICE, MPC.

CUNT CAP :

garrison cap

slang for the GARRISON or OVERSEAS CAP, also called "fore 'n' aft" and "Go To Hell" cap, flight cap, boat cap, flat cap, envelope cap, pisscutter, and OVERSEAS CAP, as worn by all branches and grades with variations of color, fabric, style, and insignia; so called from the flat-fell pleat (or labial vent-seam) at the crown, which permitted expansion for an improved fit. During WWII, the envelope-style GARRISON CAP was introduced due to productivity requirements, reserving the pleated version for the women's auxiliary corps. The cuff or curtain of the garrison cap was edge-trimmed with branch or rank specific CORD (called "edge-cord"); with EMs/NCOs wearing their unit CREST (DI/DUI), and officers wearing their RANK on the left side of the cap. Until the introduction of the red berets, the AIRBORNE wore a "para-glider" PATCH (originally separate patches for paratroops and gliders, infantry and artillery, but merged after WWII) sewn to their caps. Compare BILLED CAP, SAUCER CAP, CRUSHER; see CAMPAIGN HAT, HEADGEAR. [nb: a Balmoral hat, which somewhat resembles a beret, and is traditionally blue (from the campaigning dress of the Blue Bonnets), and is often accented with a surrounding "diced" pattern (called "checky" after an accounting process of the Stewarts or High Stewards, from which "exchequer" derives) that symbolizes guardianship and protection; the boat-shaped Glengarry hats are of 19th century military origin]

CUPID :

altitude expressed in hundreds of feet above ground level (AGL); called "cherub" in NavSpeak. Compare ANGEL.

CUPOLA :

the domed section on a TURRET, such as mounted with a machinegun for the tank commander, or any domed section, such as on some airplanes and ships, so as to afford a better (or different) view; term derived from (inverted) cup, cap, dome, or bell, as in belvedere. Compare TURRET, SPONSON, RING MOUNT; see HATCH.

CUPP :

the Marine Combined Unit Pacification Program; see CAC, CAP, CAG.

CUSTOMER :

the Air America euphemism for the CIA; also called "client". See PROPRIETARY AIRLINE.

CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES OF THE SERVICE :

(forthcoming); formal and informal traditions; see CREED, DUTY, ORDER, SOP, SCRIPTURES, CHECKING THE DICTIONARY; galoshes / overshoes, umbrella, perambulator / stroller, PDA, MOURNING BAND, calling card (see COINING), SALUTE, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN, RHIP, ROUGHSHOD, HEADQUARTERISM; re: AR670-1: Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia [nb: the British War Office decreed during WWII that the kilt, worn to parade and battle for over a thousand years, was not a suitable garment for combat, causing outrage in the Scottish regiments; the last kilted unit that operated as an organised body was a platoon of the Cameron Highlanders, which fought an heroic rearguard action at Dunkirk in 1940]

CUT :

slang for the relative location of an enemy broadcast that's based upon only two measures in the Radio Direction Finding (RDF) triangulation method, which approximation is accurate to a range between 500m - 3000m. While a CUT reading is insufficient for an artillery barrage or AIR STRIKE, it can provide other valuable SIGINT, such as unit identification or operational movement. See DITTY-BOP, RADIO, COMMO. [v: goniometry]

CUT AND RUN :

a catch-phrase meaning to flee, run away, or make a hasty departure; seemingly originated as a naval expression dating from 1740: to cut the cable and make sail instantly, without waiting to weigh anchor ... as having been shortened from "to cut and run away" or "to cut and run off". See RETREAT, RETROGRADE, CHANGING TUNE, BEAT FEET, BAILOUT, DECAMP, PULL PITCH, SCRAM, SPLIT. [nb: not to be confused with parachuting CUT-AWAY; cf: cut-and-dried, cut-and-fill, cut-and-try, cut-and-paste]

CUT-AWAY :

in the event of a total main canopy malfunction, a parachutist must eliminate the obstruction before deploying the reserve parachute, or the new canopy will become entangled with the old, and the parachutist will fall to his death. This release process may involve the mechanical release of the "cape well" link housings, or may involve actual slicing of suspension lines; but the practice is always called "cut-away". See PARACHUTE, STREAMER.

CUTHBERT :

the rabbit-like character that was invented by Poy, the cartoonist for the "Evening News", to represent all the eligible DRAFT DODGERs avoiding combat during WWI with sinecures and deferments; see DRAFT DODGER. [nb: not to be confused with Saint Cuthbert]

CUTTER :

a lightly armed vessel that's 65-feet or more in length, provided with crew accommodations, and equipped with either a motor surf boat or rigid-hull inflatable boat on-board; variously serving as a Patrol Boat, Construction TENDER, Icebreaking Tug, or the like. The CUTTER originated as a single-masted sailing vessel, similar to a sloop but having its mast farther astern [cf: bark, barque]. See WPB, MOSQUITO FLEET, BOAT.

CUTTHROAT :

anyone or anything murderous, whether literal or figurative; sometimes spelled "cut-throat"; compare MARATHON. Also, any ruthless act or circumstance. Also, to engage in an action without allies, as a three handed card game played without partners; see EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF, BATTLE ROYAL, DOGFIGHT.

CUTWATER :

the forward edge of the STEM of a ship; see BOW, PROW, ROSTRUM, SHARP END. Also, an upstream face of a BRIDGE pier or piling, sharp edged or sharply pointed, arranged for resisting the effects of moving water or ice.

CV :

USN abbreviation for an aircraft carrier, also known as FLATTOP, first made by erecting a flight deck over a cruiser; see WARSHIP.

CVTC :

Vietnamese Confederation of Christian Workers; also, Confederation of Vietnamese Trade Congress.

CW :

abbreviation for morse code; see EOT, GA, HAND, II, SOS, RADIO, ALDIS LAMP, TWX, SALTING, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH. Also, abbreviation for Chemical Warfare; see COCKTAIL, CBR.

CWI :

Continuous Wave Illumination; a MISSILE guidance BEAM.

CY :

calendar year; compare FY, JULIAN DATE, see DATE LINE, TIME. [nb: Olmec, Maya, Toltec, Aztec, and Inca peoples used a "great cycle" calendar of 5130 years, which marked significant changes or new creations in the world, with the current "great cycle" beginning in 3114BC and scheduled to end 23 December 2012; v: Gregorian calendar, Julian calendar] [nb: a pack of playing cards represents a year: 4 suits = seasons; 12 face cards = zodiacal / calendar months; 13 values (ace - king) = lunar months; 52 cards = weeks; value of cards in deck added together with 1 joker = 365 days, then add second joker for leap year]

CYA :

abbreviation for Cover Your Ass, meaning either to avoid blame (roorback) or to shift liability, which may be an obsession with RED TAPE, an expression of the finer bureaucratic arts, or the cowardice of irresponsible cover-up; may also be represented as "Cover Your Anatomy" or "Conceal Your Assets". See DODGE THE BULLET, TICKET-PUNCHER, MFR, PING-PONG, HIC, SMOKE 'n' MIRRORS, TAP-DANCER, WANGLE, BEAN-COUNTER, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPONSIBILITY, PAPER TRAIL, SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT, VULCANIZE, CHOP, BOHICA, MILICRAT; compare PYHOOYA.

CYCLO :

a motorized RICKSHA or motorscooter taxi in a variety of configurations, including a covered four passenger train trailing behind the operator; also called an "auto-rickshaw", or a "tuk-tuk", especially in India and Thailand, due to the sound of its two-stroke engine. Compare PEDICAB, HACK, RICE-BURNER, LITTER. [v: chariot, hansom, hackney, fiacre, jingle, tonga, gharry, gig, dogcart, calash, runabout, palanquin/palankeen, jiao, gama, sedan chair]

CZAR :

someone appointed by the president (POTUS), without congressional review, to implement policy as the chief executive's agent, or to exercise authority in a specified sociopolitical area, such as drug-abuse or governmental reorganization; a powerful lieutenant or autocratic henchman, from the Russian word (tsar/tzar) for emperor or king, kaiser or caesar. See NSC, NSPG, TIWG, XCOM, MANDARIN, POLITICIAN. [cf: apparatchik, nomenklatura, nabob, nibs]

MilTerms
index

S-1:
ADMIN

S-2:
INTEL

S-3:
OPNS

S-4:
QM

S-5:
CA

S-6:
COMMO

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