-
DA :
-
Department of the Army; see USA, AUS. Also, Defense
Attaché assigned to a military mission at an embassy in a
foreign country; see USDAO, L&L, LO. Also, abbreviation for
Direct Action in SPECIAL FORCES and SPECIAL OPERATIONS; see DOOR
KICKING, PRU, UW, FID, PSYOPS, CA, SF, SOF.
-
DADDY WARBUCKS :
-
Oliver 'Daddy' Warbucks in the "Little Orphan Annie" cartoon
strip, being a paradigm of the WAR PROFITEER, having made his
money as a munitions dealer in the Great War (WWI) acted as a
philanthropic plutocrat. The "Daddy Warbucks" character, as drawn
by Harold Gray since 27 September 1924, represented unbridled
capitalism, appropriate philanthropy, and social Darwinism in
that he had become wealthy despite his humble background, and
successful despite his lack of formal education; unlike other
caricatures of WAR PROFITEERs, especially those depicted by
communists and fascists, "Daddy Warbucks" was neither avaricious
and rapacious nor unscrupulous and anti-American. See GSA, GAO,
MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX, BELTWAY BANDIT, SAND CRAB, PORK
BARREL, YANKEE, SLICKY BOY, CHEAP CHARLIE, KHAKI MAFIA,
CARPETBAGGERS, SCROUNGE, MIDNIGHT REQUISITION.
-
DAGGER THRUST :
-
joint USN/USMC landing force assaults on coastal enemy redoubts
and sanctuaries, being brief SEARCH AND DESTROY INCURSIONs as
part of MARKET TIME from 1965.
-
DAILY DOZEN :
-
twelve standard Physical Training (PT) exercises performed each
day in a PT formation by everyone not on PROFILE or SICK CALL.
Exercise has evolved with the modern military, changing the
emphasis from strength to endurance, by replacing exertion with
kinetics, and isotonics with aerobics (cf: jazzercise,
dancercise). Physical fitness training is sometimes demotically
expressed as "kalleyhoops" or "kalleyhooptics" for calisthenics.
The DAILY DOZEN series of exercises were originally devised by
Walter C. Camp for the U.S. Navy after WWI. See PT, PCPT, PFT,
FRONT LEANING REST, PUSH-UP, JUMPING JACK, SQUAT, AIRBORNE
SHUFFLE, BY THE NUMBERS.
-
DAIS :
-
a raised platform, as derived from "discus"; see ROSTRUM.
-
DAISY CHAIN :
-
a sequence of explosives designed to fire in series;
used most often to create or expose a defense. Also, any series
of interconnected things or events, such as a garland of flowers
or a sex orgy.
-
DAISY CUTTER :
-
indirect or aerial munitions which detonate prior to impact,
exploding above ground level, and which may also be used for
clearing an LZ; was later called "Blue Lady II" during the second
GULF WAR. See LZ CUT, PROXIMITY FUZE, VT.
-
DAKOTA :
-
USAF C-47 twin-engine, piston-driven light transport based on the
Douglas DC-3, which revolutionized air travel in the late 1930s;
also called GOONEY BIRD, Night Train, and Sky Train. The C-47
flew AIRDROP, medical evacuation, and transport-type missions in
the VIETNAM WAR. It also served as a FLARESHIP, and was modified
into the AC-47 GUNSHIP. See SPOOKY, PUFF, PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON,
DRAGON, JOLLY GREEN GIANT, SMOKY BEAR, DIRTY THIRTY, SACRED COW.
-
DAME :
-
Defense Against Methods of Entry, methods and techniques
practiced by MI and CIC agents.
-
DANCE CARD :
-
an abridged mission schedule posted by Operations (S-/G-/J-3)
giving DTG, AO, and CODENAME of activities; allusion is probably
due to the limited number of missions that can be supported at
any particular time without interference (ie: make music and
serve refreshments while X-number dance with the enemy on the
ballroom floor). See WARNING ORDER, FRAG ORDER, OPLAN, COURSE OF
ACTION, CAPABILITY, STAND-TO.
-
DANCING PONY :
-
NICKNAME for the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR), as derived
from the "rearing horse" design of its shoulder PATCH; also
called "Frightened Pony" and SCARED HORSE. See DARK HORSE.
-
DAN CONG :
-
a civilian laborer drafted by the Vietnamese to serve as a porter
of military materiel, or as a litter bearer for the wounded;
although Asian peasants have traditionally used DUMMY STICK yokes
to transport goods, the DAN CONG porters used reinforced bicycles
to push loads averaging 600# over rough terrain on concealed
narrow trails (eg: 1954 Dien Bien Phu). The corps of DAN CONG
porters worked for the VC/NVA/PAVN, and included female (aka:
LONGHAIR) laborers. Compare CHIGGIE BEAR; see LITTER.
[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]
-
DANGLE :
-
an operative or intelligence datum ("bait") used to entice or
entrap the opposition, such as a "honey pot" or "honey trap". See
CAMPAIGN WIFE, PROVOCATEUR, DECOY, THROW-AWAY, LEGEND, NOC,
CLEAN, LIFTED SKIRT, TRADECRAFT.
[v: WWII deception Operation Mincemeat, "the man who never was"]
-
DAO :
-
Defense Attaché Office, convenient shortening of USDAO
(qv); see L&L, LO, DA, DIP CO.
-
DAP :
-
a Department of the Army Pamphlet, or DA Pam. Also, a stylized,
ritualized manner of shaking hands, started by African-American
troops, sometimes called "hand-jive"; compare WIGWAG, DITTY-BOP.
[nb: the slapping of hands above the head in celebration, called
"high five", is falsely credited to Derek Smith, a 1979
University of Louisville basketball player; it actually derives
from the ritualized "give me five" DAP that Black Power
"brothers" would exchange when greeting in Vietnam from 1965
onward, including hand slides, thumb pivots, knuckle bumps, "high
five" and "low five" slaps, often so elaborately choreographed
that it formed a brief dance, then a strutting departure] [cf:
"chest bump", being a short-lived fad between the Vietnam-era and
the Gulf-era where MACHO males expressed their solidarity and
camaraderie by jumping at each other so as to slam their chests
together ... requiring a modicum of coordination and strength,
this theatrical gesture probably dissipated with the occurrence
of 'nose bumps' and the onset of potbellies; nb: not to be
confused with the MACHO contest commonly known as "Texas Chest
Slapping", wherein two men (typically drunk) stand facing within
arm's length of one another, alternately exchanging open-handed
slaps to each other's chest in a DUEL to determine who will
forfeit (alpha male) primacy by being made to stagger or fall
from his position]
-
DAPSONE :
-
small pill taken periodically by U.S. troops, ostensibly
to prevent MALARIA, but actually to prevent leprosy; compare
HORSE PILL, "acedapsone" at MALARIA. [cf: lazaretto
-
DARK HORSE :
-
any unknown or unsuspected entity that performs unexpectedly well
or is surprisingly successful, as inexperienced troops winning a
victory; also as "dark-horse". Compare STALKING HORSE, TROJAN
HORSE, CAT'S-PAW.
-
DARPA :
-
abbreviation for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, being
an agency of the Department of Defense (DOD) responsible for the
research and development of new technologies for military and
national security applications. Established in February 1958 in
response to the Soviet launching of the Sputnik satellite, it
revived the WWII Office of Scientific Research and Development,
was originally named ARPA, was renamed DARPA in 1972, reverting
to ARPA in 1993, and again reverting to DARPA on 11 March 1996.
It was responsible for establishing the ARPANET, which developed
into the InterNet, as well as engendering the Berkeley version of
Unix (BSD) operating system and the TCP/IP messaging protocol.
DARPA is responsible for transformative innovation beyond any
proposed doctrinal requirement or anticipated military need; thus
the Twentieth century inventions of the airplane, tank, jet
engine, RADAR, helicopter, electronic computer, and atomic energy
would be augmented by hypertext (NLS), hypermedia (Aspen Movie
Media), BURST communication, sensor detection, stealth
technology, global positioning system (GPS), and unmanned
systems. Other DARPA programs have included Project Defender
(defense against ballistic missiles), Project Vela (nuclear test
detection), and Project Agile (counterinsurgency R&D). DARPA
continues to work on STAND-OFF weapons, high-energy LASER
technology, space-based surveillance, automatic target
recognition, integrated circuit and submicron electronic
research, artificial intelligence (AI), and other behavioral or
material science projects. DARPA comprises eight program offices,
including the Advanced Technology Office, Defense Sciences
Office, Tactical Technology Office, Joint Unmanned Combat Air
Systems, Information Processing Technology Office, Information
Exploitation Office, Microsystems Technology Office, and Special
Projects Office. Although some programs are considered too
radical (eg: "Combat Zones That See"), most of these technologies
have civilian applications (eg: NVG used to aid night blindness)
resulting in greater efficiency and improved lifestyle. See SOTA,
PEACE DIVIDEND.
[nb: adaptations or extensions of technological invention have
traditionally passed through three phases: gadget creation,
improved accommodation, and streamlined production; or, in other
words, from the simple to the complex and on to the simplified;
"Everything that can be invented has been invented." by Charles
H. Duell (Commissioner of US Office of Patents, 1899)]
-
DASC :
-
Direct Air Support Center; see HORN.
-
DASH :
-
Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter; a remote-controlled
miniature helicopter used to detect and track submarines at a
distance; see ASW. Also, a short sudden scurrying movement, as a
swift rush along a direct line or course; compare ZIGZAG,
SCUTTLE; see BUTTERFLY, CLOVERLEAF, CHECKERBOARD, HOPSCOTCH, LEAP
FROG, BUTTONHOOK. Also, to violently strike, smash, throw,
thrust, splash, or splatter.
-
DASH TEN / -10 :
-
the operator's manual for any piece of military equipment,
military vehicle or aircraft; as derived from the suffix appended
to these Technical Manuals (TM).
-
DATE LINE :
-
a theoretical line at approximately the 180 meridian, with the
calendar date of the regions to its east counting as one day
earlier than regions to its west; formally identified as the
International Date Line. For seafarers, the part of the ocean
across this 180 meridian is called the "Realm of the Golden
Dragon". See TIME.
-
DAU TRANH :
-
the Vietnamese term for "struggle", being the key concept of
"people's war" or "wars of liberation"; see INSURGENCY, GUERRILLA
WARFARE; compare CHINH HUA.
-
DAVIT :
-
any of various crane-like devices used on ships for moving
or supporting boats, anchors, and other objects; see BOOM.
-
DAYROOM :
-
a separate room or building with facilities for leisure
activities; often used by troops as a semi-private "living room"
when meeting guests, since the ORDERLY ROOM is not an appropriate
place for visiting.
-
DAZZLE :
-
a harlequin patterned camouflage introduced in 1916 for large
objects that could not be hidden, such as WARSHIPs and TANKs;
composed of brilliant colors (ie: orange, blue, yellow, etc) in
both irregular and lozenge patterns, the camouflage effect was
intended to distort the object's shape, size, and movement ...
disrupting perception and perspective. DAZZLE was so effective
(receiving less than one-tenth as many strikes as normal) that it
promoted a survivor's superstition, making crews unwilling to
serve in vehicles or vessels without a DAZZLE treatment. See
CAMO, JUDAS GOAT; compare COUNTERSHADING, GRAYBACK. [cf:
parti-colored, mottle, variegate, pied/piebald]
-
DB :
-
Daily Bulletin, being the post/base newsletter. Also,
Disciplinary Barracks; Vietnamese term: Trai Giam; see USDB.
-
DCA :
-
Defense Communications Agency; see DCS.
-
DC CENTRAL :
-
Damage Control Central processing point aboard ship.
-
DCI :
-
abbreviation for the Director of Central Intelligence; see CIA.
-
DCIS :
-
Defense Criminal Investigative Service, or Defense Criminal
Investigation Service, being the DoD section subordinate to DIS
that specializes in criminal investigations and prosecutions; see
CID, NIS, OSI, FBI, BUTTON, POLICE.
-
DCO :
-
Deputy Commanding Officer; compare XO, see COMMAND ELEMENT. [v:
locum tenens; cf: lieutenant (LT)]
-
DCS :
-
Defense Communications System; see DCA. Also, Deputy Chief of
Staff; see JCS.
-
DCU :
-
informal designation of the Desert Camouflage Uniform in its
various configurations; see DESERT, CAMO, DRESS.
-
DD :
-
destroyer armed with guns; see TIN CAN. [nb: Vietnamese term:
Khu Truc Ham] Also, abbreviated designator for Department of
Defense (DoD), as form "DD-214"; compare AGO.
Also, abbreviation for Dishonorable Discharge; see DISCHARGE.
[nb: during the 19th century, a "bobtail" discharge was slang for
both a curtailed term of service, and for a certificate with its
character cutoff so as to obscure or conceal the type of
discharge ... always "other than honorable"]
-
D-DAY :
-
the term used to designate the unnamed day scheduled for the
commencement, execution, implementation, or initiation of a
particular operation; designation originally created by
repetition, but since re-defined as "deployment-day". See H-HOUR,
TIME.
-
DDG :
-
destroyer armed with guns and guided MISSILES; see TIN CAN.
-
DDI :
-
Deputy Director of Intelligence for the Central Intelligence
Agency; subordinate to the Director of Intelligence (DI). See
CIA.
-
DDIIR :
-
Department of Defense Intelligence Information Report.
-
DDO :
-
Deputy Director of Operations for the Central Intelligence
Agency; subordinate to the Director of Operations (DO). See CIA.
-
DD-214 / DD214 :
-
a Department of Defense document that summarizes and
characterizes the service of anyone who's completed a tour of
duty in the military; entitled the "Armed Forces of the United
States Report of Transfer or Separation" after WWII, it was
renamed the "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active
Duty" after the VIETNAM WAR. A preliminary worksheet (DD214WS) is
prepared for approval; and if substantive omissions or errors
(not typographical) are discovered, an application (DD-149) for
correction of military record (under the provisions of Title 10
US Code, section 1552) is submitted, and a supplemental DD-215
("Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge
from Active Duty") is issued. Both the DD-214 and DD-215 are not
"letter sized" to help prevent forgeries. See DISCHARGE.
[nb: because a separate DD-214 is issued for each period of
service, the DD-149 is used by active duty personnel and the
SF-180 is used by retirees and veterans when requesting a
corrected DD-215]
-
DE :
-
destroyer escort; see DESOTO.
-
DEA :
-
(dee-ee-ay) Drug Enforcement Administration [not "Agency"], which
has jurisdiction on federal installations, also shares concurrent
jurisdiction with the FBI for domestic enforcement of controlled
substance laws, and bears sole responsibility for investigating
illegal drugs abroad. The Drug Enforcement Administration was
re-organized in the Department of Justice on 1 July 1973 from its
predecessor, the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, which
had been formed as a subsidiary agency of the Department of
Justice in 1968 by merging the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, an
agency of the Treasury Department, with the Bureau of Drug Abuse
Control, an agency of the Food and Drug Administration under the
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. The Federal Bureau
of Narcotics had been established in June 1930, and maintained
foreign offices in France, Italy, Turkey, Lebanon, and Thailand.
The DEA has grown to encompass 21 domestic Field Divisions and 80
Foreign Offices in 58 countries. Although the Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center is a separate facility, the DEA
Academy is colocated with the Marine installation at Quantico
Virginia. See POLICE, CID, BABY 007, STICK, CAN SA, DOPE, STONED,
SMACK, HOT SHOT, CHINA WHITE, GOLDEN TRIANGLE, SILVER TRIANGLE,
GOLDEN CRESCENT; compare FBI, REVENUER, DIS, DHS.
-
DEACTIVATE :
-
to withdraw all personnel and transfer all assets of a duly
constituted or commissioned unit, and retire it to the inactive
list; also called "inactivate", "disband", "demobilize",
"dissolve", "decommission", or "retire"; compare ACTIVATE,
ORGANIZE, RECONSTITUTED; see STAND-DOWN, ACTOV, VIETNAMIZATION,
PROVN, CRIMP, CSMO, KEYSTONE [nb: the U.S. Navy, established
1775, was disbanded from 1786 to 1794]. Also, to render a bomb,
shell, or other EXPLOSIVE inoperative, especially by
disconnecting, removing, or otherwise interfering with the action
of its FUZE or trigger mechanism, as when interrupting a
catalytic process; see SYMPHONY, EOD, UXO.
-
DEAD AIR :
-
the interruption, suspension,or loss of an audio or video
broadcast, leaving the recipient without content. Also, the
absence of speech during a meeting or gathering, which may be
either a pause for thought or a shocked silence; this phrase
never refers to a meditative or companionable quiescence; compare
HOT AIR.
-
DEAD DROP :
-
(forthcoming); DEAD LETTER, LETTER BOX, FLAPS 'n' SEALS, BLIND
DATE
-
DEADEYE :
-
two-holed disk rove with LINE or LANYARD, used for tightening
YARDARM, SPAR, or other attachment; compare EYE, PAD EYE; see
BELAY [cf: turnbuckle]. Also, an expert marksman, an "eagle eye"
or "hawkeye"; see SHARPSHOOTER, KISS THE MISTRESS, KNOCK THEIR
SPOTS OFF, SNIPER, AIMPOINT, BULL'S-EYE, POINT-BLANK.
-
DEADHEAD :
-
a vehicle, craft, or vessel returning without cargo [v: dead
freight] or passengers; see POB, SPACE A; compare RUNNING LIGHT.
Also, a sunken, semisubmerged, or floating object that's a hazard
to navigation; see DODO, FLOTSAM, JETSAM. Also, a person using a
free PASS or complimentary ticket; compare STRAP-HANGER, BLOB.
Also, a dull or stupid person, a dumbbell or dummkopf, doofus or
flubadub, dolt or nitwit, harebrain or lamebrain, blockhead or
bonehead, meathead or chowderhead, dunderhead or lunkhead,
chucklehead or knucklehead, nincompoop or numskull, numb nuts or
scrot (shortening of 'scrotum'); see DOPE, PUKE, DUD, SOS,
YARDBIRD, MAGGOT, SMACK, FIELD REJECT, POGUE, SHIT MAGNET, TURD,
FUCK-UP. Also, by analogy to horticultural pruning, the removal
by transfer or termination of marginal and dysfunctional
personnel, so as to revitalize an operation or to reform an
organization; also called HOUSECLEANING.
-
DEAD HORSE :
-
an issue or question already settled, resolved, or made moot,
which is being raised, broached, or revived for further
discussion or examination, as to "beat a dead horse" or to "flog
a dead horse", and is also called "flogged to death" and "Monday
morning quarterbacking" or "second-guessing" ... which are
favorite pursuits of "armchair experts" and other know-it-all
theoreticians, which is a waste of time and energy, except for
the education or edification of students. Also, in the U.S. Navy,
the period of time that was required for a sailor to pay-off, to
payback, or to recoup an advance payment; being that span when a
sailor does not receive money, but credit toward his
indebtedness; also called "beating a dead horse" with regard to
the work, labor, or effort involved in the repayment schedule.
Compare CHARGE, CHARGE SHEET, CHIT.
[nb: the "horse latitudes", a calm region situated about thirty
degrees north and south of the equator (also called the
"doldrums"), may derive from the "beating a dead horse" repayment
schedule, since sailors on sailing ships were usually out of debt
when the vessel arrived in this region; an alternative
explanation of this ascription has livestock being cast overboard
in this becalmed area due to an inadequate supply of drinking
water]
-
DEAD IN THE WATER :
-
adrift without motive, power or propulsion; also called HULL.
-
DEAD LETTER :
-
a moot point, or an unenforced regulation; being an issue not
worth pursuing, as derived from "undeliverable mail". Compare
DEAD DROP, LETTER BOX, FLAPS 'n' SEALS.
-
DEADLINE :
-
a line or limit that must not be passed or yielded, as a battle
line; compare FRONT LINE, LINE OF BATTLE, FEBA, FLOT,
HARD-AND-FAST. Also, at one time, the boundary outside a military
prison beyond which a prisoner could not venture without risk of
being shot by the guards; see STOCKADE, GUARDHOUSE, CROSSBAR
HOTEL, HOT HOUSE, LBJ, DEADLOCK, CHL, BRIG, THE CASTLE. Also, the
latest time by which something must be finished or submitted; see
NLT, SUSPENSE DATE, UNDER THE GUN.
-
DEADLIGHT :
-
a strong shutter able to be screwed against the interior of a
PORTHOLE in heavy weather. Also, a thick pane of glass set in the
HULL or DECK to admit light; sometimes called BULL'S-EYE.
-
DEADLOCK :
-
a state in which progress halts due to intransigent or inexorable
opposition; as a stalemate or impasse, standstill or dead-end, at
loggerheads or discontinuance; see MEXICAN STANDOFF. Also, a
maximum-security cell for the solitary confinement of a prisoner;
also called "the hole"; see STOCKADE, GUARDHOUSE, CROSSBAR HOTEL,
HOT HOUSE, LBJ, CHL, BRIG, THE CASTLE, TANK. [v: dungeon, keep,
oubliette, hock (sty or prison as a miserable place to live)]
-
DEAD MARCH :
-
a 17th century piece of solemn music for a procession at a
military funeral; a requiem, dirge, hymn, or musical service for
the repose of the dead. See TAPS, FUNERAL PACE, PARADE.
-
DEAD-RECKONING :
-
estimated calculation of one's present position based upon
compass readings, speed, and distance traveled from the last
known point, with allowances for drift (LEEWAY) from terrain,
wind, or currents; also known as "guesstimate" or "by guess and
by God". See AZIMUTH, COMPASS, GRID COORDINATES, GRID LINES,
CONTOUR LINES, SLANT DISTANCE, AIMPOINT, HEADING, LORAN, GPS,
UTM, DOUBLE DRIFT, WAG, MAP, COMICS.
[nb: an analog wrist-/pocket-watch (or simulated clock face) may
serve as an improvised compass; when the hour hand is pointed at
the sun, south is between the hour hand and 12 o'clock] [nb: the
moon can provide a rough east-west reference during the night
because during its 28-day orbital circuit, the shape of the
reflected light varies according to its position; as the moon
moves away from the earth's shadow, it begins to reflect light
from its right side, and waxes to become a full moon before
waning, to appear as a sliver on the left side. If the moon rises
before the sun has set, the illuminated side will be the west. If
the moon rises after midnight, the illuminated side will be the
east.]
-
DEAD-SOLDIER :
-
slang since WWI for an empty wine or liquor bottle; see STONED,
BREW, HOOCH, GROG, JUICE, GROUP TIGHTENER, SPLICE THE MAINBRACE,
HOIST, HATCH, BYOB, CLASS SIX, THE DRINK, TOAST, WASH, SAIGON
TEA; compare DUTCH COURAGE, WHISKEY WARRIOR.
-
DEAD SPACE :
-
area which cannot be covered by observation or fire due to the
nature of the terrain; compare KILL ZONE, ZONE OF FIRE, DEFILADE.
[v: Military Earthworks Terms]
-
DEAD STICK :
-
slang for descending flight (LETDOWN) and landing in an airplane
without engine power; formally known as VOLPLANE. Compare
AUTO-ROTATE; see JOYSTICK, STICK.
-
DEAD-TIME :
-
extended active duty service period in repayment for time spent
in jail; also called BAD TIME. See CHL, PAIN, STOCKADE, BRIG,
THE CASTLE, GUARDHOUSE, UCMJ.
-
DEADWOOD :
-
useless things or burdensome persons, as from figurative meaning
of dead branches or trees; see FILE 13, MOCK-UP, WHITE ELEPHANT,
DEADHEAD, LOOSE CANNON, SHIT MAGNET, FUCK-UP, DOUCHE BAG, FIELD
REJECT, STACK ARMS, HORS DE COMBAT.
-
DEATH CARD :
-
novelty calling card, often depicting a unit's motto or insignia,
and making some sardonic or wry announcement in English or
English/Vietnamese (such as"This BELIEVER converted courtesy of
..."); as derived from the earlier practice of leaving a unit
PATCH (official or unofficial) on the corpse. The PSYOPS and
INTEL sections developed this concept, in conjunction with the
CHIEU HOI program, by printing "skull and crossed bones" Ace of
Spades cards, which is purportedly an evil omen in Asia, with a
Vietnamese message stating that PAVN troops should surrender or
be killed. A wide variety of novelty cards were produced during
the war. This practice probably originated during WWII beginning
with the Anzio campaign (Feb 1944), when the BLACK DEVILs left
German-text "The worst is yet to come." DEATH CARDs on corpses to
enhance the mystique of the FSSF. After the 9/11 2001 TERRORIST
attack, the U.S. Army Counter-Terrorist Task Force made an
arrangement with the New York city Police Department to supply
the JSOTF operatives with NYPD shoulder patches to leave on
Taliban or al-Qaida corpses and HARD TARGET wreckage as
retributive DEATH CARDs. Specially minted unit coins, including
novelty coins (eg: hunting club, varmint license, 72 virgins
dating service, etc), have also been left as macabre calling
cards during Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War On Terror
(GWOT), despite the official prohibitions against such "insults".
Compare TS CARD, COINING; see KISS THE MISTRESS, TURN THE JACK,
KNOCK THEIR SPOTS OFF, WAR GAMES.
[nb: the deuce of clubs, from underworld lingo, was popularized
as a DEATH CARD by the publication of hard-boiled stories in pulp
media]
-
DEATH FROM ABOVE :
-
catch-phrase for the AIRBORNE doctrine of vertical envelopment.
-
DEATH FROM WITHIN :
-
in a parody of the AIRBORNE catch-phrase, a description of food
prepared and served in military facilities; see BEANS, CHOW,
RATIONS.
-
DEATH MARCH :
-
any compulsory march, as of prisoners or refugees, wherein the
pace (ie: without rest stops) or treatment (ie: without water,
food, or medical care) causes participants to FALL-OUT of ranks,
which inability to keep up with the group is punished by
execution; a forced march under guard with dire consequences for
failure to continue ... one of the most notorious is the 1942
Bataan Death March of Allied POWs. Compare FORCE MARCH; see
MARCH.
-
DEATH RAILWAY :
-
informal designation for the 200km railroad built across Burma
(Myanmar) and Siam (Thailand), including 688 bridges spanning the
Kwai and Mekong rivers and their tributaries, during 1942-3 by
the slave labor of Allied POWs, with an attrition rate of 20% to
35% due to starvation, maltreatment, accidents and executions.
The construction of this railroad, intended to move PETROL for
Imperial Japan, was supervised by Japanese and Korean guards who
practiced draconian BASHING and group punishments for individual
transgressions in order to elicit work force cooperation; but
despite promised inducements and threats of punishment, sabotage
of the project was relentless and ubiquitous ... due to a
misreading of Pierre Boulle's book, The Bridge Over the River
Kwai, and popularization of the book in film, the post-war
era was rife with recriminations over "excessive collaboration",
primarily leveled by critics who were not there and who had not
been prisoners anywhere. The POWs were transferred to other labor
camps after this DEATH RAILWAY was completed, so could never
obtain a satisfactory accounting of this episode. The surviving
veterans, from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, America,
Belgium, and the Netherlands, erected a memorial to their ordeal
and in remembrance of the dead twenty years after WWII. The film
based on Boulle's book remains popular, and a section of the
DEATH RAILWAY has been preserved as a tourist attraction. See
LEDO ROAD.
-
DEATH OF A THOUSAND CUTS :
-
a catch-phrase for the slow death of the condemned by the torture
of many small wounds, none lethal in itself, but fatal in their
cumulative effect; also expressed as "death by a thousand cuts",
"lingering death", and "slow slicing", from a classical allusion
to the slow ascent of a mountain. This traditional form of
execution in China, employed from 900 to 1905 (when it was
abolished), was reserved for the most heinous crimes;
transliterated as "one thousand knives and ten thousand pieces",
which gruesomeness was believed to serve as a deterrence against
villainy. This agonizing practice has captured the imagination of
many sensationalists over the years until its precise methodology
is too confused by fantasy and legend to be accurately revealed.
Despite its mythic reputation, this form of torture was probably
no "worse" than Occidental forms, as eviscerate, impale, press,
rack, draw and quarter. Compare GARROTE, KEELHAUL, GAUNTLET, OVER
A BARREL, PAIN, TWIST IN THE WIND, TORTURE, COUP DE GRACE. Also,
metaphorically representative of excruciating suspense, agonized
delay, or exaggerated prolongation; describing the gradual
destruction of an idea or procedure, program or institution by a
multitude of minor changes; see BACK CHANNEL, RED TAPE, BAYONET
SHEET, MILICRAT.
-
DEBARKATION NET :
-
a specially prepared type of General Purpose net, CARGO NET, or
other similar mesh employed when scaling, as during INSERTION or
EXTRACTION, but especially during debarkation from or embarkation
of a transport ship; see JACOB'S LADDER, RATLINE, GP, NET,
SNAKING, SKYHOOK, STABO, RAPPEL. [v: escalade]
[v: Climbing Terms]
-
DEBRIEF :
-
an after-action interrogation, often conversational, of
operational leaders and select participants, in order to assess
the conduct and results of a mission; to systematically inquire
in order to obtain useful information or intelligence; see AAR,
FLUTTER, SWEAT; compare BRIEF-BACK, BRIEFING. Also, to subject a
former participant to precautions and prohibitions against
disclosing or discussing classified information, as upon
separation from a position of military sensitivity.
[nb: a so-called "back brief" must be rendered when an
intermediate-level officer or NCO, acting on his own initiative,
launches an operation or commences a series of events which
develop in unpredicted ways or expand beyond their original
scope, necessitating a combined BRIEFING and DEBRIEFing to the
next higher echelon]
-
DECAMP :
-
to pack up equipment and leave a campground, to disassemble,
dismantle, break-down, take-down and remove; being the opposite
of "encamp". Also, to depart hastily and often secretly, as to
escape or evacuate, to flee or SPLIT; see BEAT FEET, CUT AND RUN,
BAILOUT, HAUL-ASS, BUSTER, PULL PITCH, SCRAMBLE, JUICE, GOYA,
ASAP, PDQ, STAT, CHOGI, FORTHWITH.
-
DECAPITATION :
-
the tactic of targeting political leaders, military commanders,
and/or their headquarters (HQ) in an attempt to effect a
strategic result. Although it is considered immoral to
assassinate the head of state or national leaders of the opposing
or enemy forces, it is not illegal to target the director(s) of
INSURGENT, GUERRILLA, or TERRORIST groups. This concept probably
derives from WAR GAMES theory, such as winning chess by
checkmating the king, but it is impractical in any hierarchical
organization with a CHAIN-OF-COMMAND, and may inspire even
greater resistance, as with STRATEGIC BOMBING. In the cases where
it has the greatest potential to be most effective, such as a
"cult of personality" dictatorship, the tactic has been declared
illegal, so a surrogate must be induced to execute what a
purportedly law-abiding nation will not do for itself! ... the
moral contradiction in deniably abetting a criminal conspiracy is
reprehensibly fraudulent and cowardly. It is always better to
intelligently attack the structure of the opposition in order to
effect permanent change, than the DECAPITATION of its figurehead,
a practice also known as HEADHUNTING. Compare COUP D'ETAT,
HAIRCUT AND MANICURE.
[cf: malum prohibitum, malum in se; v: bounty, reward, head
price, recompense, premium]
[v: Executive Orders prohibiting assassination include:
EO11905(5g) Gerald R. Ford (18 Feb 1976), EO12036(2-305) James E.
Carter (24 Jan 1978), EO12333(2.11) Ronald W. Reagan (4 Dec
1981); cf: Barbary pirates (1804-1805), Pancho Villa (1916),
Augusto Cesar Sandino (1928-1932), Ernesto "Che" Guevara (1967),
Achille Lauro hijackers (1985), Muammar al-Qaddafi / Kaddafi
(1986), Osama Bin Laden (2001)]
[v: Operation Gaff attempted the assassination of Erwin Rommel;
Operation Valkyrie attempted the assassination of Adolf Hitler
(20 July 1944)]
[nb: Salome, the daughter of Herod Antipas, was granted the head
of John the Baptist; Abraham Lincoln declared that the CIVIL WAR
could not be won until Longstreet was killed, and pleaded for
someone to bring him Longstreet's head on a platter; and the CIA
director in Afghanistan during 2001 declared that his primary
goal was to place a burlap bag containing Osama Bin Laden's head
on Rumsfeld's desk]
[nb: Mozart's Idomeneo opera, first performed in 1781,
tells the story of this Cretan king, but the 2006 rendition by
Hans Neuenfels adds a scene depicting the severed heads of the
prophets Mohammad, Buddha, and Jesus]
-
DECAPITATION STRIKE :
-
a strategy for quickly ending a war against a strongman or other
dictatorial leader by isolating or removing the regime's
superstructure, disorganizing opposition by eliminating command;
the U.S. military employed this technique to rapidly curtail
resistance at the outset in Grenada (URGENT FURY), Haiti, Panama
(JUST CAUSE), and Iraq (DESERT STORM).
-
DECATHLON :
-
an athletic competition comprising ten consecutive events,
primarily track and field; compare BIATHLON, TRIATHLON,
PENTATHLON; see PT, PFT, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, TRUSCOTT TROT,
MARATHON, FIELD HOUSE, WAR GAMES.
[v: Pheidippides was the Athenian runner sent to request aid from
Sparta before the battle at Marathon plain (490BC) against the
Persians; which inaugurated the long-distance footrace and other
endurance events]
-
DECCA :
-
low-level radio navigational aid chain installed and maintained
by the Army, but rarely used due to mistrust by senior Army
officers, and due to nonacceptance by the Air Force.
-
DECENT INTERVAL :
-
the period between US/SEATO abandonment of RVN and the eventual
collapse of RVN, together with the Cambodian HOLOCAUST and the
Laotian usurpation. The POLITICIANs who betrayed the trust of all
participants by arranging this "indecent interval" were awarded
Nobel Peace Prizes. Compare the US commitment to Korea. See WHITE
ELEPHANT, DOMINO THEORY, SIDESHOW, BOAT PEOPLE, REEDUCATION,
APOCALYPSE, WISE MEN, VIETNAM SYNDROME.
-
DECEPTION :
-
those single, serial, or collective measures designed to mislead
the enemy by manipulation, distortion, or falsification of
evidence so as to induce the enemy to act or react in a manner
prejudicial to its own interests; also called ruse ("ruse de
guerre"), ploy, feint, artifice, stratagem, subterfuge, wile,
gambit, imposture, machination. A deception course of action will
identify the deception objective, the deception target, the
desired perception, the deception story, and the tentative
deception means. The deception target may be influenced or
affected by physical, technical, or administrative methods and
means, resources and techniques, including the use of dummy
equipment and devices, notional assets and organizations, and the
emission, suppression, alteration, absorption, or reflection of
data, radiation, sound, odor (chemical or biological), or other
energy sources. A deception event or operation must be
coordinated and integrated with conventional actions or
operations so as to effectively concentrate available resources
on the objective, and not to confuse allied assets with
misleading information. Military deceptions are tactical and
strategic actions executed to deliberately mislead adversaries as
to allied capabilities, intentions, and operations, thereby
causing the adversary to take specific actions (or inactions)
that will contribute to the accomplishment of the allied mission.
See CONTROLLED INFORMATION, COUNTERDECEPTION, INTEL, PSYOPS,
CONCEALMENT, CAMO, GHOST UNIT, PHANTOM OPERATIONS, TRICK, FALSE
FLAG, HINKY, DECOY, RED HERRING, TROJAN HORSE, STALKING HORSE,
DARK HORSE, CAT SKINNER, CAT'S-PAW, NIGHTINGALE, PROPAGANDA,
OODLES, BIG LIE, DISINFORMATION, RUMOR, GHOST WALK, Q-SHIP,
CLOAK-AND-DAGGER, TRADECRAFT, WHITE PROPAGANDA, TRUTH.
[nb: artists and technicians served in special units during WWI
(ie: Camouflage Corps) and WWII (ie: 603rd Engr Camo Bn, 3132nd
Sonic Sig Co, 23rd HQ Special Troops, Beach Jumpers, 12th Army Gp
Special Plans Branch) which were responsible for creating and
implementing deception operations by use of camouflage, spoof
transmissions, false movements, fake organizations, decoy
constructions, dummy vehicles, imitation troops, simulated weapon
discharges, artificial representations, illusions and other
special effects; then during the GULF WAR, these deception
operations were conducted by "Ambiguity Forces" under Task Force
Troy, and used a "wheeled camel" symbol]
[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]
[nb: CSA Fort Humbug near Shreveport was defended against MG
Nathaniel P. Banks with faux cannons; likewise Quaker cannon were
used on the Peninsula campaign to resist MG George B. McClellan's
invasion ... also used false cookfires, bugle calls to missing
troops, marching remaining soldiers in a circle to multiply their
apparent strength]
[nb: "All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to
attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem
inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are
far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush
him. If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is
in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is of choleric
temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may
grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his
forces are united, separate them. Attack him where he is
unprepared, appear where you are not expected. These military
devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand. In
war, practice dissimulation, and you will succeed." by Sun-Tzu
(ca490BC)]
-
DECK :
-
a floor-like surface occupying all or most of one level in
a superstructure or HULL; see BELOW DECK, TOPSIDE, FANTAIL,
QUARTERDECK, POOP DECK, BOAT DECK, HURRICANE DECK, ORLOP,
GUNDECK, PLANK, LADDERWELL, GANGWAY, HATCH, BULL'S-EYE,
DEADLIGHT, BULKHEAD, OVERHEAD, SPONSON, BARBETTE, BOARD, ABOVE
BOARD.
[nb: the deck of a ship is slightly convex or cambered so as to
shed water]
-
DECODE :
-
to decipher or DECRYPT. See ALPHABET SOUP, ENCRYPT, CIPHER, KAK,
SHACKLE, SCRAMBLE, NULLITY, BURST, RTO, RADIO, TAP CODE, DUNGEON,
CRYPER, INTEL, ASA, MI, CIC, ICAP, IR, COMICS.
-
DECOY :
-
an imitation of people or objects, or simulated occurrences or
phenomena, which are intended to deceive enemy surveillance or to
mislead enemy evaluations; also called "dummy"; see Q-SHIP, RED
HERRING, TROJAN HORSE, STALKING HORSE, DARK HORSE, CAT'S-PAW,
CAMO, DECEPTION. Also, someone, usually a military intelligence
or political officer, disguised as an ordinary soldier and
inserted into a combat unit for the purpose of being captured, so
as to surrender false information. These DECOYs, also called
"plant" or "dispatched agent", are specially trained to render
'false positives' while misdirecting their captors. DECOYs are
often older, better educated, and more physically fit than other
troops, and may exhibit better medical or dental care than their
alleged peers; which battlefield assessments may avert a
disasterous trap. A military (eg: HOI CHANH) or political
defector may also be a DECOY agent. See SECRET AGENT, SPOOK,
CRYPTO, PROVOCATEUR, THROW-AWAY, DANGLE, RABBIT, SWEEPER, STOOGE,
CLEAN, LIFTED SKIRT, TRADECRAFT; compare BORDEN. [v: WWII
deception Operation Mincemeat, "the man who never was"]
-
DECRYPT :
-
to decipher or DECODE. See ALPHABET SOUP, CODE TALKER, ENCRYPT,
CIPHER, KAK, SHACKLE, SCRAMBLE, NULLITY, BURST, RTO, RADIO, TAP
CODE, DUNGEON, CRYPER, INTEL, ASA, MI, CIC, ICAP, IR, COMICS.
-
DEEP DIP :
-
slang meaning to be promoted before becoming regularly eligible
due to excellence of merit or performance, being advanced ahead
of the "above the zone" FAST MOVERs for cause; the modern
equivalent of a BREVET for achievement or valor. See HARD
CHARGER, SWEAT HOG, SUPER-TROOPER, BOOMER, HOT DOG, HOT SHOT,
FIGJAM, GOLDEN BOY, BALLS TO THE WALL, VULCANIZE; compare BRASS
HAT, UP OR OUT.
-
DEEP SHIT :
-
the worst possible position, such as being nearly overrun, being
a crisis on the verge of disaster; sometimes called "deep
doo-doo", "deep serious", or a "shit storm". See TAR BABY, BITTER
END, SNOWBALL, DOG'S CHANCE, SHIT HIT THE FAN, SHIT.
-
DEEP SIX :
-
the rejection or abandonment, suppression or concealment of
something; derived from soundings by fathom (6feet), expressed as
"by the deep six" (36feet), and not from a "six feet under" grave
or gravesite. Also, to cast an object over the side, or to
jettison something from a vessel or vehicle. Also, burial at sea.
[nb: refers only to objects; people fall "overboard"]
-
DEERS :
-
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, the database of
servicemembers, retirees, and their dependents.
-
DEFCON :
-
DEFense CONdition; a graduated security alert system. See
SACON, ESP, FOOTBALL, TOCSIN, STAND-TO, STAND-DOWN.
-
DEFENDER :
-
the entity that wards off attack; those that guard against
assault or injury; compare AGGRESSOR, see LAWS OF WAR, RULES OF
ENGAGEMENT (ROE), WAR POWERS ACT, BLOODY SHIRT, JUST WAR, CROSS
THE RUBICON, WARNING SHOT, SABER-RATTLING, GUNPOINT, ALL'S FAIR
IN LOVE AND WAR, RETALIATION, NEUTRALIZE. [nb: "The aggressor
sets the rules in any conflict."]
-
DEFEAT :
-
a downfall or setback, a destruction or ruin; to conquer, foil,
beat, subdue, check, repulse, quell, crush, trounce, vanquish,
overpower, overwhelm, overthrow, overturn, overcome, thwart,
deprive, or ROUT. See THROW IN THE TOWEL, WATERLOO, WHITE FLAG,
STRIKE THE FLAG, CHANGING TUNE, RETROGRADE, BEAT FEET, HAUL-ASS,
RETREAT.
[nb: "You may be always victorious if you never enter into any
contest where the issue does not wholly depend upon yourself." by
Epictetus (ca100); "Therefore the skilful leader subdues the
enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities
without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without
lengthy operations in the field." by Sun-Tzu (ca490BC); "As
always, victory finds a hundred fathers, but defeat is an
orphan." by Galeazzo Ciano (9 September 1942)]
-
DEFECT :
-
a fault or shortcoming, a deficiency or lack of something
essential, as any imperfection; see GIG, TURD, DR, DEMERIT.
Also, to desert a cause or country, to "skip" or "fade-out"; as
derived from a failure or shortcoming that's due to weakness; see
TREASON, TURNCOAT, TRAITOR, DESERTER, WHITE VC, JUDAS GOAT.
-
DEFERMENT :
-
a temporary exemption from induction into military service, as
based upon educational enrollment, marital status, and the like,
until the status changes, the regulations change, or manpower
needs change; not a total and permanent exemption; see MILITIA,
STRIKER, WEEKEND WARRIOR, PARAMILITARY. Also, a temporary
postponement of obligation, such as the payment of taxes while
serving in a combat zone; see TOUR BABY, COMBAT BUM, HOMESTEADER,
LIFER.
-
DEFILADE :
-
protection from frontal fire or ground observation, as provided
by any natural or artificial barrier; including rampart, parapet,
bulwark, bastion, redan/redent, battlement, lunette/lunet,
barbette, salient, countergarde. See REVETMENT, EMPLACEMENT, DEAD
SPACE, BERM, REDOUBT, CATWALK, BANQUETTE, COVER, CONCEALMENT,
FACE. [cf: escarp, scarp/escarpment, counterscarp] [v: Military Earthworks Terms]
-
DEFILE :
-
a narrow passage; also, to march in line of file(s).
-
DEFLAGRATION :
-
to burn, especially in a sudden and violent manner; see DET CORD,
EXPLOSIVE.
-
DEFLECTION :
-
the amount of lateral deviation between the point of aim
(AIMPOINT) and the POINT OF IMPACT on the target, or the mean
error of a SALVO. Making a DEFLECTION shot entails adjustments
for distance and movement, so the round launched by empirical
calculus will coincide with the arrival of the target; also
called "Kentucky windage". See SIGHT PICTURE, PEEP SIGHT, ZERO,
BORESIGHT, BULL'S-EYE, POINT-BLANK, ELEVATION, TRAVERSE, TRAIN.
-
DEGAUSS :
-
(forthcoming)
also expressed as "degaussing",
eponymous derivation from Karl Friedrich Gauss.
-
DELAWARE :
-
combined US/SVN operation in A SHAU VALLEY during 1968.
-
DELEGATE :
-
the commitment of powers and functions to someone, as being
deputed to act on another's behalf, as an agent or
representative; term derives from "assign as envoy", an emissary
or legate. See RESPONSIBILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, CYA. [nb: only
authority can be delegated to subordinates, while responsibility
cannot be transferred]
-
DELTA :
-
concise designation for Project Delta (DET B-52, 5th SFGA), being
one of the special units in Vietnam; see LEAPING LENA, THE
GREEKS. Also, shortened form of DELTA FORCE (1SFOD-D), and also
called "The Unit"; see KILL HOUSE, DOUBLE TAP, AT CLOSE QUARTERS,
SPECIAL OPERATIONS. Also, the word assigned to represent the
letter "D" in the international phonetic alphabet; at various
times in different spelling schemes, it has also been
acrophonetically represented as Dog and Dock. See ALPHABET SOUP,
PHONETIC ALPHABET. [v: Alphabet Codes & Signal Flags]
-
DELTA DAGGER :
-
Convair / General Dynamics F-102 supersonic, all-weather,
delta-wing, single-place, interceptor aircraft, powered by a
turbojet engine. See BIRD.
-
DELTA DART :
-
F-106A aircraft; see SHARPSHOOTER, BIRD.
-
DELTA FORCE :
-
informal name of the U.S. Army's 1st Special Forces Operational
Detachment - Delta (1SFOD-D), being a Direct Action (DA)
component of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC); it was
activated in November 1977 by COL Charles Beckwith, who was also
the first commander of its namesake entity Project Delta (DET
B-52, 5th SFGA). DELTA FORCE is also called "The Unit", and its
operatives are sometimes called "D-boys". See LEAPING LENA, THE
GREEKS, KILL HOUSE, DOUBLE TAP, AT CLOSE QUARTERS, SPECIAL
OPERATIONS.
-
DEMERIT :
-
a negative mark denoting misconduct or deficiency; also known as
a "ding" or "black mark", GIG or TURD. See ADY, DR, SHIT LIST,
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, FASHION SHOW, DROP, FRONT LEANING REST, BOX
THE COMPASS, AIRMAN ALIGNMENT TOOL, BLANKET PARTY, SQUEEZE, GIG
LINE, GHOST TURD, PET.
-
DEMILITARIZE :
-
to denature or render safe, as when made inert, inactive,
inoperable, non-lethal, non-toxic, or otherwise harmless (eg:
removal of explosives from munitions), including neutralization
of HAZMAT, disposal of CBR ingredients, and destruction of
classified design components. Also, to prohibit a military
presence; to banish military organizations or operations,
armaments or munitions from a designated area. Also, to deprive
of military influence by placing under civil authority and
control.
-
DEMO :
-
contraction of DEMOlition, referring to the specialist, the
techniques, and/or the munitions, being an artful MIL-CRAFT of
inverse architecture or reverse engineering; see EXPLOSIVE,
CHARGE, SHAPED CHARGE, BOOBY-TRAP, IED, COCKTAIL, SOUP, TRIGGER,
FIRE IN THE HOLE. [nb: Vietnamese term: Pha Huy]
-
DENTCAP :
-
Dental Civic Action Program; military dentists and
dental assistants provided oral hygiene treatment in many remote
VILLEs. See CA, CAP, MEDCAP, ICAP.
and hygiene of the locals.
-
DEP :
-
Delayed Entry Program, which allows a delay of one year from
enlistment before reporting for duty. The Reserve component calls
this the Delayed Training Program (DTP), and assigns participants
to a Troop Program Unit (TPU) for accountability. See CONAP,
ACASP, NESEP, BOOTSTRAP, USAFI, SOC, ROTC.
-
DEPOT :
-
a station, terminal, or way-station; see REPL' DEPOT, ANNEX,
COMFORT STATION. Also, a depository or repository; see DUMP,
NSD, DRMO, PRE-POS, GODOWN, ELEPHANT HUT, UTILITY BUILDING,
MULTIPLE UTILITY BUILDING, STEELDROME, LOG, QM.
-
DEPUY FOXHOLE :
-
defensive positions set so as to ensure interlocking fields of
fire; as advocated by MG William E. DePuy, 1966 CG of 1st Inf
Div. See FOXHOLE, SPIDER HOLE, HASTY TRENCH, BUNKER. [v: Military Earthworks Terms]
-
DEROS :
-
Date Eligible for Return from OverSeas; the estimated date a
person's tour in Vietnam was scheduled to end. See WAKE-UP.
[nb: civilians go 'abroad' while soldiers go 'overseas']
-
DESEGREGATION :
-
(forthcoming); Executive Order 9981 (1948); OCS during WWII was
the first training course to be racially desegregated.
see BEANER, BLACK, CHINK, RICE BALL, BASKET HEAD, BUDDHAHEAD,
PURPLE HEART BATTALION, NIP, FLIP, LITTLE BROWN BROTHER, WOG,
WOP.
-
DESERT :
-
a three-/six-tone camouflage patterned uniform worn for
concealment in an arid region; originating as a subdued KHAKI
tan uniform in the British Army, the artificial mottling of such
clothing has extended to CHOCOLATE CHIP and TIGER STRIPE
versions, and has since been extended to pixelated DIGITALS. See
CAMMIES, CAMO, DRESS.
-
DESERT BOOTS :
-
a combat boot featuring a direct molded-sole (DMS) of lug cleats,
leather vamp with drain vents, leather heel counter,
anti-penetration insole, and reinforced muted tan fabric legging.
Like JUNGLE BOOTS, It is designed to dry more quickly than all
leather boots; after 30 April 2008, the wear of all leather boots
as well as the green-and-black JUNGLE BOOTS is no longer
authorized. See FOOTWEAR.
[nb: not to be confused with the classic suede or rough-out tan
leather demiboot that was worn casually by outdoor
recreationalists after WWII, which has since been replaced by
high-tech trainers and hikers; cf: BOONDOCKERS, BUSKINS]
-
DESERTER :
-
to leave military service, or to abandon one's oath and duty,
without authorization, and with the intention of never returning;
being grounds for punishment and dishonorable discharge; see
FIRING SQUAD. Also, to fail one's associates, or to forsake one's
obligations. Also, to abandon the responsibilities of the law, as
a renegade outlier or recreant outlaw, rogue, fugitive, rebel,
apostate, reaver / reiver. See MERCENARY, TERRORIST, MUTINEER,
RIOT ACT, UCMJ; compare AWOL, UA, DRAFT DODGER, TRAITOR, DEFECT,
TURNCOAT, WHITE VC.
[v: Riley and other USArmy deserters who fought against their
former units during the Mexican War (1846-8)]
-
DESERT SHIELD :
-
an operation launched by U.S. and coalition forces on 7 August
1990 to contain the Iraqi Republican Guard, which had invaded
Kuwait on 2 August, and to comply with treaty obligations to
protect Saudi Arabia, preventing further annexation; a U.S.
declaration on 20 September and a UN resolution on 29 November
stipulated the unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi forces and
restoration of the legitimate government in Kuwait, including a
deadline of 15 January 1991. The Persian Gulf War (7 Aug 1990 -
28 Feb 1991) is also known as the GULF WAR or "Gulf War I".
-
DESERT STORM :
-
an operation launched by a U.S.-led coalition on 17 January 1991
with air attacks, followed by ground attacks on 24 February, with
Kuwait City liberated on 27 February 1991; having obtained all
military objectives and fulfilled its mission, the coalition
declared a cease-fire on 28 February 1991. The Persian Gulf War
(7 Aug 1990 - 28 Feb 1991) is also known as the GULF WAR or "Gulf
War I".
-
DESK MAPPING :
-
the process of securing, in proper order and placement, all
documents and effects on the desk of a senior official by his
AIDE or Executive Assistant (EA), in accordance with regulations
requiring that all sensitive materials be protected when not in
actual use; in effect, the complete clearing and later complete
restoration of the contents of a superior's desk top by his
trusted DOG ROBBER; see LMD, BUCK SLIP, CHAIRBORNE, ORIFICE,
HEADQUARTERISM. Also, to surveil a cluttered desk or working
surface so as to glean useful information without disturbing the
layout or leaving detectable clues of intrusion; see TRADECRAFT,
INTEL.
-
DESOTO :
-
US Navy patrols by destroyers and escorts in the Gulf of Tonkin.
See TONKIN GULF INCIDENT.
-
DESTROYER :
-
see TIN CAN, DD, DDG, DLG, APD, WARSHIP.
-
DET :
-
DETachment; any organic unit separated for operational
independence, or any integral element assigned to a separate duty
or mission; see HHD, AAD, NAD, MID, TDY, DETAIL, FIRING SQUAD,
CORPORAL'S GUARD, AD HOC.
-
DETAIL :
-
an assignment, to be assigned a DUTY. Also, a temporary or
special duty, such as CQ, KP, POLICE CALL, guard mount, as a
provisional detachment; see DET, TDY, FIRING SQUAD, CORPORAL'S
GUARD, AD HOC. Also, a work party, which, in the case of an
onerous or unpleasant assignment, was sometimes characterized as
a "shit detail" or "lifer's revenge"; see GI PARTY, SHORE PARTY,
FATIGUE, BITCH.
-
DETAIL STRIP :
-
to disassemble a weapon beyond its major components or housings
for maintenance or repair, as performed by ARMORERS; compare
FIELD STRIP. [nb: despite the allusive sexual metaphor, there is
no "quick and easy solution" to total exposure; it must be done
slowly and painfully, one incremental part at a time ... and
reassembled in the same exacting manner]
-
DETAINEE :
-
any person, usually an INDIGenous civilian, held in custody for
questioning, especially for a political transgression or a
violation of martial law.
-
DET CORD :
-
detonating cord; being an "instantaneous fuse" in the form of
a long, thin, waterproof, flexible fabric tube loaded with
explosive (PETN) designed to carry a detonation wave, with an
explosive transmission chain rate of 25,000 feet per second. Used
to obtain the (nearly) simultaneous explosion from widely spaced
demolitions, such as multiple CLAYMOREs. Also used to "cut"
objects and obstacles, as when constructing tank-traps (ABATIS,
FRAISE, BOLLARD) by felling trees, with the formula of wrapping
three turns per foot of trunk diameter around the tree, and then
igniting. [aka: "Primacord" trademark]
-
DETENTE :
-
a relaxing of tension [v: detent], especially between nations, as
by negotiations or agreements; also spelled "détente". See
TRUCE, CARTE BLANCHE, RAPPROCHEMENT, RAISON D'ETAT, COUP D'ETAT,
DIKTAT, APPEASE, PEACE; compare ENTENTE.
[nb: the phrase "peaceful co-existence" seems to have originated
as the expression "peaceful and friendly co-existence" at the
Ninth All-Russian Congress of the Soviets, then was used in a 30
June 1954 press conference by Dwight D. Eisenhower, but was made
famous when uttered by Nikita Khrushchev in a 6 January 1961
speech] [v: Diplomatic Terms]
-
DETONATOR :
-
a mechanism, such as a switch or TRIGGER, or a device, such as a
percussion cap or blasting cap, that's used to make another
substance explode; compare SECONDARY EXPLOSION, CLACKER, FUSE,
FUZE, WAR NOSE; see EXPLOSIVE.
-
DEUCE :
-
two. Also, a mild oath meaning devil or dickens.
[v: deuce of clubs note at DEATH CARD]
-
DEUCE-AND-A-HALF :
-
M-35 2.5-ton truck; Marines call this vehicle a "six-by". See GUN
TRUCK, WAR PIG, DUCK, TRUCK.
-
DEUCE GEAR :
-
Marine term for the WEB GEAR or LBE issued to troops; named for
the gear's Requisition Form 782, or "Seven-Eighty-Deuce". [nb:
called "belt order" by Aussie and Kiwi troops]
-
DEVIATION :
-
the angle of error of a magnetic compass on a given heading as a
result of local magnetism; the declination from true north. See
AZIMUTH, BEARING, AIMPOINT, HEADING, COMPASS, DEAD-RECKONING.
-
DEVICE :
-
an emblematic representation or heraldic charge; also known as
"ribbon devices". Such distinctive ornaments include stars
(eg: bronze, silver), leaves (eg: oak, palmette), letters (eg: E,
V), numerals, date bars, and other representative symbols. Common
DEVICEs on medals include stars for service, leaves and numerals
for multiple awards, a letter for achievement or valor, and an
arrowhead for a combat parachute jump. Common DEVICEs on skill
badges include pendant skill bars, silver stars for multiple
awards, and a bronze star for each combat parachute jump. The
proper placement of authorized DEVICEs is strictly regulated by
each separate branch of service. See GONG, FRUIT SALAD, BATTLE
STAR, OLC, V-DEVICE, WINGS, BRASS, TRASH, GREEN TAB. [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]
-
DEVIL'S GARDEN :
-
slang for a MINEFIELD; see BOOBY-TRAP, MINE, COCKTAIL, BOMB,
FISH, EXPLOSIVE.
-
DEW LINE :
-
Distant Early Warning Line of RADAR stations forming a 3,000 mile
surveillance network positioned north of the Artic Circle that's
been jointly maintained since 1955 by the USA and Canada to
provide advance warning of the approach of hostile planes or
missiles. See GROUND OBSERVER CORPS; compare STAR WARS, MAGINOT
LINE, SMEZ, IRON CURTAIN, BAMBOO CURTAIN, BAR LEV LINE, CACTUS
CURTAIN, McNAMARA'S WALL, McNAMARA LINE, CHINESE WALL, 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]
-
DF :
-
Distribution Form, the military format for a narrative to be
circulated; see FORM. Also, Direction Finding, as in RDF.
-
DFAC :
-
Dining FACility, being the modern military designation for a
place to eat; a refectory. See MESS / MESSHALL, GALLEY, CHOW
HALL, CANTEEN, ANNEX, chow line.
-
DFP :
-
Defensive Fighting Position; see FOXHOLE, DEPUY FOXHOLE, SPIDER
HOLE, HASTY TRENCH, E-TOOL, PERIMETER.
-
DFS :
-
Defense Forces Support; see SDF, SSDF, PSDF.
-
DHS :
-
Department of Homeland Security, organized after the 9/11 2001
TERRORIST attack from the Terrorist Incident Working Group (TIWG)
as an interagency organization with ANTI-TERRORISM being its
primary mission; it is the supervening agency for federal law
enforcement, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Border
Patrol, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration, Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), and Coast Guard (USCG). See CIA, FBI,
DEA, REVENUER, DIS, NSC, NSPG.
-
DI :
-
(dee-eye) Drill Instructor, formerly called "drill master", and
also known as "drill major" [nb: not "drum major"]; synonymous
with "Drill Sergeant" as a duty assignment, not a RANK [cf: FIRST
SHIRT, CHIEF] [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!].
Also, abbreviation for "distinctive insignia", properly known as
Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI); see CREST, BEERCAN, GREEN TAB.
Also, abbreviation for the Director of Intelligence of the
Central Intelligence Agency; see DDI, CIA.
-
DIA :
-
Defense Intelligence Agency.
-
DID :
-
Defense Intelligence Digest.
-
DIDDLY :
-
the least amount or degree, next to nothing, being of little
import or value; sometimes called "diddly-squat" or
"doodly-squat", which are euphemistic variants of diddleshit or
diddlyshit; see WASTED, ZAP, CANNON FODDER, SNOWBALL, compare
SHIT LOAD, DOOLIE. Also, being of no import or value, worthless,
naught, CIPHER, rush, zilch; see ZERO, ZIP, NULLITY, SQUAT. Also,
a flaw or malfunction, as from cheat, swindle, or hoax, as to
"diddle". Also, to squander or dawdle; as from toy, fiddle,
manipulate, or maneuver, as to "diddle". Also, to copulate or
masturbate with, as to "diddle"; see FUCK, CHURNING BUTTER,
TRICK, BOOM-BOOM, SHORT-TIME, DU, STEAM 'n' CREAM, HOOKUP, HELL
ON WHEELS, ACT OF CONGRESS, CHOWING DOWN, HEAD, HUMMER, BUSH
PILOT, MUFF DIVER.
-
DI DI MAU :
-
(dee dee mau) Vietnamese phrase for move quickly, move out, go
away, get out of here; also emphasized as "di di mau len", and
often shortened to "di di".
-
DIEHARD :
-
a fiercely tenacious and resilient person, as derived from the
British BATTLE CRY of "Die hard, my lads, die hard!" by Colonel
Inglis at the Battle of Albuera in 1811 against the French; see
V-DEVICE, BRAGGING RIGHTS, COUNT COUP, WATCH MY SMOKE, root hog
or die, BITE THE BULLET, BEARING, ONIONS, MOXIE, GUTS, PAIN.
Also, to be stubborn, resistant, reluctant, obdurate, unyielding,
rock-ribbed, or uncompromising, as unwilling to change, being
more inflexible than immobile; also spelled "die-hard"; compare
HARD-AND-FAST.
-
DIGITALS :
-
informal designation of the high-tech field uniform or work
UTILITIES that has an integrated dispersion pattern, incorporated
Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) indicators, and even includes
tracking or locator sensors for the recovery of wounded or dead
servicemembers. These rugged and sophisticated uniforms replace
the earlier FATIGUES, DUNGAREES, and BDUs. Originating with a
camouflage pattern for Canadian uniforms (CADPAT), the USMC then
developed a design (MARPAT) using the same technique, and other
services followed with different patterns. Although DIGITALS are
also known as "pixels", this refers to the stippling technique
more than the actual pattern, such that WOODLAND and TIGER STRIPE
are both pixelated. See ACU, ABU, CAMMIES, CAMO, DRESS.
-
DIKTAT :
-
a harsh settlement or decree imposed unilaterally, especially on
a defeated nation; literally "something dictated". See CARTE
BLANCHE, NEUTRALIZE, TREATY, TRUCE, RAPPROCHEMENT, DETENTE,
ENTENTE. [v: Diplomatic Terms]
-
DImE :
-
interagency acronym for Diplomacy, Information, military, and
Economics, which are considered to be the most effective elements
of modern COUNTERINSURGENCY, which de-emphasizes the function of
military intervention, as currently taught in all advanced
coursework. This is the latest buzzword in the new vocabulary
promoting the Army's most profound restructuring in half a
century, but is an unproven theoretical stopgap to the shrinking
military budget and downsized Armed Forces. See WAR COLLEGE,
FOREIGN POLICY; compare GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY, BIG STICK DIPLOMACY.
-
DIME-NICKEL :
-
a 105mm HOWITZER; may be spelled "dime nickel", and is also
called "penny nickel" and ONE-OH-DEUCE. See TOWED, SP, KILLER
JUNIOR, ARTY.
-
DINAR :
-
the basic monetary unit of currency in Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq,
Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Tunisia, and Yugoslavia. Also, a monetary
unit of currency in Iran that's equal to 1/100 of a RIAL. See
LEGAL TENDER.
-
DINGLEBERRY :
-
a gear bag or equipment pack that's released for suspension by a
tether or GUY rope, called a "lowering line", from the harness of
a PARATROOPER after the canopy has properly deployed; also called
"dangleberry" or "dillberry". Just as the retaining straps on
weapons are released from the jumper's leg, likewise this KIT BAG
is let down so as not to injure or interfere with the PARATROOPER
executing a parachute landing fall (PLF). See FLIGHT BAG, STABO,
LBE, WEB GEAR, LET-DOWN ROPE, ABN, PARACHUTE.
-
DINING-IN :
-
a unit banquet or ceremonial feast, which included officers, men,
and their spouses dressed in formal DRESS MESS attire, often held
at the unit MESS / GALLEY, FIELD HOUSE, HANGAR, or some other
suitably sized facility (as opposed to "dining-out" at a
restaurant or hall). A DINING-IN, as distinguished from holiday
gatherings or promotion parties, often celebrated a reunion of
elements, mission accomplishment, unit achievement, or personnel
rotation; also called "Grip 'n' Grin", "Meet 'n' Greet", "Hail
'n' Farewell". Compare SIGG; see ANNEX, CANTEEN, DIRTY SHIRT,
SLOP CHUTE, O CLUB, BLAST, FEATHERS, WITH BELLS ON.
[aka: occasion, gathering, get-together, celebration, festivity,
gala, shindig, reception, banquet, soirée, festal, mixer,
fete, fête champêtre, garden party, open house, house
party, housewarming, splore, potlatch, frolic, gaiety, frisk,
gambol, revel, funfest, wingding, corroboree, bash, blast,
blowout, orgy] [v: napery, serviette]
-
DINK :
-
derogatory term for an Asian; see SLOPE, GOOK, RICE BALL, ZIP,
SLANT-EYE, NIP, JAPE, CHINK, WOG, LITTLE PEOPLE; compare
BUDDHAHEAD, LITTLE BROWN BROTHER, INDIG.
-
DINKY DAU :
-
Americanized version of Vietnamese phrase ("dien cai dau") for
"crazy" or "acting crazy". [cf: wahnsinnig, verrückt /
verrückter, meschugge (German); meshuga / meshugga
(Yiddish); gek, krankzinnig, waanzinnig (Dutch); mal (Afrikaans);
galen, konstig, tokig, vansinnig (Swedish); hullu (Finnish);
vanvittig, afsindig (Danish); gek, dwaas (Flemish); gwallgof,
gorffwyll (Welsh); fou, dingue, barjo (French); sot, foll,
trelatet, diod, diskiant, pitilh (Breton); scema (Italian); loco,
demente, orate, chiflado, chalado, colifato (Spanish); louco
(Portugese); louco, maluco, demente, doido, tonto (Brazilian
Portuguese); loko, ulol (Tagalog); lud, mahnit (Croatian); waali
(Somali); tidak waras, gila (Indonesian); pupule, hehena,
hewahewa, lolo (Hawaiian); baka, toppyoushimonai, kichigai
(Japanese)] [aka: absurd, afflicted, amok / amuck, around the
bend, balmy, bananas, bats in the belfry, batty, bizarre,
bonkers, brainsick, buggy, cockamamie, cockeyed, crack-brained,
cracked, crackers, crackpot, crank, crazed / crazy, crazy as a
loon, cuckoo, daft / daffy, demented, deranged, ding-a-ling,
dingbat, dippy, disordered, distraught, dopey, dotty, eccentric,
erratic, flaky, foolish, fruity, gaga, go amuck, goofy,
harebrained, haywire, insane, irrational, kook, loco, loon /
loony, loopy, lunatic, mad as a hatter, mad, maniacal / mania /
maniac, mentally ill, mentally unsound, moonstruck, non compos
mentis, nonsensical, not all there, not playing with a full deck,
nut / nutso, nuts / nutty, nutty as a fruitcake, odd, off one's
gourd, off one's head, off one's rocker, of unsound mind, one
sandwich short of a picnic, out of one's gourd, out of one's
head, out of one's mind, preposterous, psycho, run amuck,
screwball / screwy, sick in the head, softheaded, so senseless as
to be laughable, stark raving mad, strange, tetched / teched,
tomfool / tomfoolery, touched, unbalanced, unsound, wacko, wacky,
weirdie / weirdo, wrongheaded, zany]
-
DINOSAUR :
-
an experienced senior sergeant (NCO) or warrant officer (WO),
principally soldiers and PARATROOPERs; tone of voice and attitude
will convey approbation or derogation, as of an "old timer" with
valuable knowledge and skills, or an anachronistic behemoth
that's unable to adapt. In the best sense, these remarkable
specimens are excellent role models, leaving deep footprints that
others may follow. These DINOSAURs have more dedication than
ambition or aspiration; they care more about the job than about
promotion or reward ... they always spread the credit and take
the blame. They are sometimes humorously depicted as "Fossils
From Above" when AIRBORNE. See OLD BREED, BROWN SHOE / BOOT, OLD
SALT, MOSSBACK, MAVERICK, RAINMAKER, SILENT MAJORITY.
[nb: The Iguanodon, discovered in 1822 by the English geologist
Gideon Mantell, was the first dinosaur species to be identified,
and dinosaur fossils were first found in the western hemisphere
in 1855, which spawned an exploratory craze of competitive
expeditions and scientific hucksterism lasting decades ...
dinosaur tracks in the Connecticut Valley were alleged to belong
to enormous ravens, freed from Noah's Ark after the Great Flood.
The genus 'dinosauria', meaning "terrible lizard", was named by
British scientist Richard Owen in 1841; this class of land
animals and aquatic birds specifically excludes flying reptiles
(pterosaurs) and marine reptiles (ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and
mosasaurs), which lived separately in the same geologic period
... in other words, DINOSAURs are not aviators or sailors]
-
DIP CO :
-
contraction of DIPlomatic COrps, being those Foreign Service
personnel from the Department of State (DOS) who comprise the
staff of an embassy, including ambassador, attaché, envoy
(minister plenipotentiary), gray eminence (éminence
grise), consul, and liaison; also sardonically called "diplo
corpse". See CT, FSO, L/FE, LO, L&L, DA, USDAO.
[nb: "Diplomacy is to do and say / The nastiest things in the
nicest way." by Isaac Goldberg (1927); "Diplomacy is the art of
getting along with the very people that you dislike the most."
paraphrase of Robert A. Heinlein (1955)]
[v: Diplomatic Terms]
-
DIPPER :
-
slang for a submariner, for behavioral similarity to the small
diving bird (water ouzel) that frequents rapid streams to feed
underwater; also known as BOOMER, DOLPHIN, BUBBLEHEAD. Compare
SKIMMER, AIRDALE, SHELLBACK; see GUPPY, SUBMARINE.
-
DIRECTOR :
-
the fire control RADAR station for guns on-board ship, sometimes
enumerated (eg: Director 1).
-
DIRHAM :
-
the basic monetary unit of currency in Morocco and the United
Arab Emirates; having the same root as the Greek drachma, meaning
"handful". Also, a monetary unit of currency in Libya that's
equal to 1/100 of the DINAR. Also, a monetary unit of currency in
Qatar that's equal to 1/100 of the RIYAL. See LEGAL TENDER.
-
DIRTY :
-
aviation slang for operating or maneuvering an aircraft in its
least aerodynamic configuration, as with FLAPs down, speed brakes
activated, landing gear deployed, arresting TAILHOOK extended,
and so forth; usually done for dramatic effect in air shows or
other demonstrations of "trick flying". Compare CHRISTMAS TREE;
see AEROBATICS.
-
DIRTY BIRD :
-
NICKNAME for Nha May Dien Yen Phu (the Yen Phu
Electric Plant) (geo: 21 02 33N 105 50 53E; UTM: 48QWJ88102689),
site of major NVN prison camp for captive allied population; also
known as Hanoi Thermal Power Plant, TPP. Dates US POWs
present: 25 Jun 67 to 25 Oct 67. According to a mural on the wall
outside the main entrance, an AAA gun crew defending the Yen Phu
power plant shot down Senator McCain. A separate monument on the
shore of Truc Bach Lake, a short distance west of the power
plant, commemorates the persons who pulled him from the lake and
captured him. In 1992, a former deputy director of the Enemy
Proselyting Department told American interviewers that after the
U.S. announced plans to bomb the Yen Phu power plant and the
nearby Doumier Bridge, PAVN decided to place American POWs in the
power plant and publicize the fact to prevent the U.S. from
bombing the plant. Two American POWs escaped from the camp, but
were recaptured as they tried to make their way down the Red
River to the coast. The power plant stopped generating power
sometime before 1991. See POW.
-
DIRTY RAIN :
-
slang for the friable earth, clastic tuff, and other debris
thrown into the air by an explosion, which then falls like an
irregular nuisance after the SHRAPNEL has passed; also called
"solid rain" "heavy rain", and "dirty hail". Compare ALUMINUM
RAIN.
-
DIRTY SHIRT :
-
slang for a work uniform, such as FLIGHT SUIT or FATIGUES; see
DRESS. Also, a specific area, such as a club ANNEX or CANTEEN,
where informal attire is appropriate; the Navy/Marine version of
this refuge was SLOP CHUTE (qv); compare CAMMIES, DIGITALS,
MUFTI, CIVVIES, PARTY SUIT.
-
DIRTY THIRTY :
-
C-47 copilots to Viet fliers out of Tan San Nhut;
see FARMGATE, SANDBAG.
-
DIS :
-
Defense Investigative Service, or Defense Investigation Service,
being the DoD headquarters for administrative and criminal
investigations and prosecutions; see DCIS, CID, NIS, OSI, FBI,
POLICE.
-
DISCHARGE :
-
to relieve of a charge. Also, to perform a duty or execute a
charge. Also, to remove, unload, or send forth. Also, to shoot a
firearm or MISSILE. Also, to eject or emit something. Also, to
release from position or dismiss from service [nb: five types of
military discharge: Honorable, General (incl COG), Other Than
Honorable (incl UD), Bad Conduct, and Dishonorable Discharge];
see GD, COG, BCD, UD, DD, CHL, ADRB, ABCMR, AFBCMR, AFDRB, CORB,
DRB, EDP, OCB, RUPTURED DUCK, RIF, KICKSTANDED, DUMP, FIELD
REJECT, CASHIER, TITLE TEN, SECTION EIGHT, BAD PAPER, FACE THE
MUSIC.
[nb: the military has an involuntary "stop-loss" authority, which
allows each branch to compel soldiers who reach the end of their
enlistment to remain in uniform for "the good of the service"]
Also, a certificate documenting the release or separation of a
MIL-PERS from military service [nb: the DD-214 was formally known
as the "Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or
Separation" until after the VIETNAM WAR, when it was renamed the
"Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty"].
[nb: just as the actual DD-214/-5 is not "letter sized" to help
prevent forgeries, so the various DISCHARGE certificates are
colored, textured, or watermarked to help prevent counterfeiting;
during the WWII-era, the only "white discharge" was Honorable, a
"blue discharge" was medically unfit, and a "yellow discharge"
was Dishonorable] [nb: during the 19th century, a "bobtail"
discharge was slang for both a curtailed term of service, and for
a certificate with its character cutoff so as to obscure or
conceal the type of discharge ... always "other than honorable"]
-
DISCIPLINE :
-
training to act in accordance with rules of conduct; behavior
instilled by DRILL. Also, an activity or a regimen that develops
or improves a skill; to train by instruction and exercise. Also,
a set or system of rules and regulations; a branch of instruction
or learning. Also, to bring to a state of order and obedience by
training and control; the training effect of experience,
adversity, or the like. Also, to punish, penalize, or chastise by
training and correction. [v: thew/thews]
-
DISGRONIFICATOR :
-
a contrived term that's intended to sound technical when
attempting to explain why something doesn't work ("There's
probably a glitch in the disgronificator."), or how to diagnose
the malfunction ("Run a test with the disgronificator."); this
neologism has probably been coined on the model of
'denitrificator'. See BUG, GREMLIN, PLAN B, SEAT OF THE PANTS,
MURPHY'S LAW; compare SNIPE HUNT.
-
DISINFORMATION :
-
false and misleading information that's released by a government,
publicly or secretly, to rival intelligence agencies or the news
media; a counterintelligence technique conceived by the Soviet
Union (USSR) in the post-WWII era, which practice has become
widespread; from the Russian word for misinformation. See BORDEN,
ELDEST SON, PARADISE ISLAND, THE EDGE, FALSE FLAG, DECEPTION,
RUMOR, BIG LIE, CONTROLLED INFORMATION, PROPAGANDA, PSYOPS;
compare WHITE PROPAGANDA.
[nb: the neologism "pollaganda" / "polloganda" (poll +
propaganda) has been coined to identify the representation of
biased samples, slanted surveys, special pleading arguments, and
ex-parte news depicted as authentic or authoritative] [v: Myths of the Vietnam War]
-
DISMISS :
-
the command directing any collected individuals or assembled
units to depart; may be conversationally expressed as "That's
all." or "That'll be all.", which is nonetheless an order for
being politely rendered. Also, to discharge someone from office
or service, as when relieved or replaced. Also, to reject or
remove from consideration; as derived from "send away". Also, to
expel someone from service for misconduct; see CASHIER, FACE THE
MUSIC, ROGUE'S MARCH.
-
DISMOUNT :
-
to alight from a vehicle or other conveyance, as when AIR ASSAULT
and MECH infantry perform as regular ground-pounding GRUNTs; a
foot soldier who is otherwise transported to battle; see DRAGOON,
MARINE. [nb: "dismounted reconnaissance" is MIL-SPEAK for
patrolling on foot] Also, to bring down or take down something,
as the removal of a weapon from its support or setting, as when
being otherwise employed or for periodic maintenance; compare
LOOSE CANNON. Also, to disassemble something, as to take a
mechanism to pieces or break it down.
-
DISPENSARY :
-
the place where minor medical care is practiced and medicines are
dispensed to ambulatory patients; a medical clinic or AID
STATION. See ASA, APC, BAND-AID, SICK CALL, COMFORT STATION. [nb:
Vietnamese term: Benh Xa]
-
DISSOCIATION :
-
a disintegrated condition (either process or result) in which a
set of thoughts, attitudes, emotions, or activities becomes
separated from the rest of the person's personality and functions
independently, wherein such disjunctive separation may be
unconscious or hysterical; a form of neurotic depersonalization
or psychotic compartmentalization. See THOUSAND-YARD STARE,
ZOMBIE, BLACKOUT, FLASHBACK, WATERWORKS, CONVERSION SYMPTOMS,
PTSD, TELESCOPING, OBJECTIFICATION, FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT, COMBAT BUM,
TOUR BABY, TWO-FISTED, HOMESTEADER.
-
DISTAFF :
-
"woman's work" or the female perspective, as the female side of
the family; also called "spindle side", and contrasted with
"spear side". The military spouse or dependent is at best an
asset, and at worst a deterrent to the career of a MIL-PERS;
"They also serve who only stand and wait" (John Milton). See
SKIRT, SQUEAK, DRAG, PETTICOAT COMMAND, SHACK-JOB, CLASS-B
DEPENDENT, CAMPAIGN WIFE, CAMP FOLLOWER, SLEEPING DICTIONARY,
BITCH, FLYING BRAVO, BRAT, ARMY SOUP.
[nb: "If the military wanted you to have a wife, they'd have
issued you one." serviceman's adage] [nb: until the Vietnam-era,
the military did not recognize the spouse or other dependents of
enlisted personnel below the non-commissioned officer ranks]
-
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS / DFC :
-
awarded for exceptional achievement or valor in aerial flight.
See DEVICE, V-DEVICE, IMPACT AWARD, GONG.
-
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS / DSC :
-
the nation's second highest award for valor; instituted during
WWI, and equivalent to the Air Force Cross and Navy Cross. Due to
its resemblance to the Boy Scouts of America award, a recipient
of the DSC is sarcastically called an "Eagle Scout", and
mockingly given the three-finger Boy Scout salute. See V-DEVICE,
IMPACT AWARD, GONG.
-
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL / DSM :
-
the highest award for non-combat service, including command or
staff positions in a combat zone, and regarded as the FLAG
OFFICER's version of the "Good Conduct" medal (ie: the "General's
Weenie"), since withholding it would imply censure. See GONG,
TICKET-PUNCHER, LOM, MSM, AAM, GREEN WEENIE.
[nb: in the U.S. Maritime Service (USMS), commonly known as the
MERCHANT MARINEs, the medal bearing this title is a valor medal
for "service above and beyond the call of duty", equivalent to
the MEDAL OF HONOR (MOH) for the Armed Forces; the fact that
seven cadets of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy earned this
award while serving aboard transports during WWII entitles the
USMMA to display a battle streamer from the school colors ... the
only federal facility so distinguished]
-
DISUM :
-
Daily Intelligence Summary.
-
DITTY BAG :
-
a small container for personal sundries or toiletries, as carried
by travelers; also called a "ditty box", and originally a
sailor's sewing kit. See HOUSEWIFE, DOPP KIT, DUNNAGE.
[nb: "rucksack" = back-sack; "knapsack" = bite/snap-up/eat, food
sack; "kit-bag" = soldier's small bag/knapsack; "haversack" =
single strap over one shoulder / musette] [cf: bundle,
bindle/bindlea, swag, bluey, dilly bag, tucker-bag, bag, pouch,
tote, sack, pack, grip, gripsack, overnighter, weekender,
carpetbag, suitcase, portmanteau, Gladstone bag, traveling case,
garment bag, Val-Pack, luggage; v: "scrip" wayfarer's bag or
wallet; "viaticum" traveler's money and necessities]
-
DITTY-BOP :
-
slang for the communications specialist (COMM OP) who monitors
RADIO transmissions for COMSEC and SIGINT, typically situated in
a COMM SHACK (eg: RRD) at some headquarters (HQ) COMPOUND;
compare RTO, RUNNER; see EARS, RDF, COMMO. Also, an unmilitary
style of walking wherein the head bounces and the torso sways,
being indicative of an untrained individual desirous of "standing
out in a crowd"; a civilian trait abjured by all MIL-PERS, who
automatically walk in step with each other, moving forward in a
gliding motion by swiveling their hips; see WALK LIKE A PUSSY,
MARCH, QUICK TIME, DOUBLE TIME, FUNERAL PACE, PARADE, MARCH, MARK
TIME, HEP, CADENCE, ROUTE STEP, STUTTER-STEP, DUCK-WALK,
FROGMARCH, GAGGLE.
-
DIV :
-
abbreviation for a division; which is a nearly universal military
organization consisting of about 10-20,000 troops commanded by a
major general. The following U.S. divisions or elements thereof
participated in the VIETNAM WAR: 1st Cavalry; 1st, 4th, 5th, 9th,
23rd, and 25th Infantry; 82nd and 101st Airborne; 1st, 3rd, and
5th Marine; 2nd, 7th, and 834th Air. The so-called "square
division" organizational structure, consisting of two brigades
with two regiments and supporting elements each, was changed in
1942 during WWII to a "triangular" arrangement, consisting of
three regiments with supporting elements each, which eliminated
an intervening command echelon, thus reducing the number of
officers while keeping an equivalent number of operational
soldiers, making the divisions more responsive and effective in
combat. After WWII, in the transition to the "atomic military",
divisions were restructured as PENTAGONAL; but during the
reorganization of the counterinsurgency era of the VIETNAM WAR,
the military reverted to its traditional "square" divisional
setup. Regular Army (RA) divisions are numbered 1-9, National
Guard (NG) divisions are numbered 26-59, and all other numbers
denote the Organized Reserve divisions, except divisions numbered
10-22, which are reserved for specialty units (ie: odd numbers
indicate AIRBORNE, and 10th Mountain Division), and the 82nd /
101st Airborne Divisions, which were converted from extant units,
and the 23rd Infantry Division, which was constituted on the
battlefield from separate elements, and the 24th / 25th Infantry
Divisions, which were organized from the 100th Hawaiian National
Guard Division. See TO&E, OB, CARS. [nb: Vietnamese term: Su
Doan]
-
DIVER :
-
a skill qualification of progressive proficiency gradated
into SCUBA, Salvage, Second Class, First Class, and Master;
originally differentiated by regulations dated 15 February 1944,
the SCUBA rating was authorized on 1 May 1969. All classes of
DIVERs work with explosives, especially Salvage to Master, but
UDT and EOD training are separate qualifications. See HARD HAT,
HARD SUIT, DRY SUIT, WET SUIT, SNORKEL, SCUBA, BUDWEISER,
Q-COURSE, TRASH, BLOODING. [v: Diving
Terms]
-
DIVETOSS :
-
(dive-toss) the computerized bomb-release aiming device used by
F-4 PHANTOM aircraft; see BOMBSIGHT, compare SKIP BOMBING.
-
DIVIDE AND CONQUER :
-
the military and political strategy of forestalling or
disintegrating opposition alliances so as to inhibit the
acquisition of superior power, or the formation of overwhelming
force. Also known as "divide and rule", this strategy is
attributed to Philip II of Macedon in his management of relations
with the Greek city-states, which strategy enables a nation to
exist as long as the balance of power is not collectively and
concertedly united against it. See BALKANIZATION, CONTAINMENT.
-
DIXIE CUP :
-
slang reference to a sailor's traditional cap, also called a
WHITE CAP or "white hat"; a "flotation device" and improvised
bucket, worn brim down in tropics as sun shield and Jones-style
for visor, both unauthorized. See JARHEAD, BLUE JACKET, SQUID,
SWABBY, DOGFACE, ZOOMIE, GI. [nb: Dixie Cup c1906]
[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]
-
DIXIE STATION :
-
the designated patrol area situated south of the DMZ off-shore in
the South China Sea for Naval ships supporting air and ground
operations in North and South Vietnam. Compare YANKEE STATION.
-
DLA :
-
Defense Logistics Agency, formerly designated the Defense Supply
Agency (DSA); see LOGISTICS.
-
DLAB :
-
(dee-lab) Defense Language Aptitude Battery, the placement test
for admission to one of the 25 foreign language courses taught at
the Defense Language Institute (DLI).
-
DLG :
-
a large destroyer armed with guns and guided MISSILES; see TIN
CAN.
-
DLI :
-
Defense Language Institute, established at the Presidio of
Monterey in 1963 to teach 25 foreign languages for military
applications by a thousand instructors using accelerated methods.
Originated during WWII as the Defense Language School in San
Francisco to instruct Japanese translators in military subjects;
later moved to Fort Snelling MN, and redesignated the Military
Intelligence Language School under MIS and CIC. DLI remedies the
inconsistency of foreign language instruction in military
schools. During the Second Indochina War, the South Vietnamese
regime prevented the US from including ethnic dialects in DLI's
course offerings; thus ADVISORs had to use translators for
languages other than VN, Thai, French, and Chinese, or learn to
speak them on the job (OJT). The ten core foreign languages of
strategic significance are Spanish (8 wks), French (8 wks),
German (8 wks), Indonesian (8 wks), Persian-Farsi (12 wks),
Russian (12 wks), Tagalog (12 wks), Arabic (12 wks), Korean (12
wks), and Mandarin Chinese (12 wks). See SEATIC, POINTIE TALKIE.
[nb: Vietnamese term: Truong Sinh Ngu Qhan Doi (Armed Forces
Language School)]
-
DMZ :
-
DeMilitarized Zone, being a border, boundary, or ambit that shall
be free of all military forces and equipment, such as the band
established by the Geneva Accords dividing North and South Korea
at the 38th Parallel, or North and South Vietnam at the 17th
Parallel; also known as NO MAN'S LAND; see McNAMARA'S WALL,
OVER THE FENCE, DEMILITARIZE, compare TALLY-HO. Also, a
DeMarcation Zone or line, that's also spelled "demarkation"; see
CHOP LINE.
-
DNI :
-
Director [of] Naval Intelligence; see CNO, NIS.
-
DO :
-
abbreviation for the Director of Operations of the Central
Intelligence Agency; see DDO, CIA.
-
DOB :
-
Date of Birth; see POB.
-
DOC :
-
affectionate title for enlisted medical aidman and CORPSMEN; also
called MEDIC. See BAND-AID, BABY DOC, BAC SI, Y SI, SAWBONES,
BONE CUTTER, ANGEL, ORDERLY, HOSPITAL, LUGGAGE TAG, STRETCHER,
COMPRESS, DOG BITE, MED BAG, ASA, APC, SYRETTE, ABO, BLOOD
EXPANDER, TRIAGE.
[nb: a separate medical department was established in the U.S.
Army in 1818, and in the U.S. Navy (BuMed) in 1842; the Army
established a corps for nurses (ANC) in 1901, and the Navy
accepted nurses in 1908]
[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]
-
DOC EX :
-
DOCument EXploitation, being the collection and examination of
enemy papers, files, books, manuals, and other recorded material.
-
DOCH-AN-DORIS :
-
a Scottish term for a final drink at the door before departing;
being Gaelic for a 'drink at the door' ("deoch-an-dorius").
Popularized in an English song by Sir Harry Lauder, and Bride
of Lammermoor [ch xviii (1819)] by Sir Walter Scott: "After
the lord keeper, the Master, and the domestics, had drunk
doch-an-dorroch, or the stirrup cup ... the cavalcade resumed its
progress." See STIRRUP CUP, TOAST.
[nb: it is considered bad luck or evil omen to TOAST with
non-alcoholic (ie: catlap) beverages; military toasts are most
often tributes to fortitude and loyalty, while civilian toasts
(grace cup) are tributes to benefaction or longevity, such as:
l'chaim, prosit / prost, skoal, slàin te mhath, wassail,
cheers] [v: gemütlichkeit/gemuetlichkeit]
-
DOC LAP VA TU DO :
-
Vietnamese slogan attributed to HO CHI MINH, expressing the
wartime goals of both sides, meaning "independence and freedom".
-
DOD :
-
Department of Defense, and commonly called the PENTAGON; it was
renamed from the "War Department" (WD) after the unconditional
victories of WWII, and America hasn't won a war since! ... this
mindset is probably symptomatic of later limited wars. [nb: there
is a persistent but unrealized (to date) advocacy for creating a
Cabinet-level "Department of Peace" by some effete poltroons; see
DOS]
[nb: 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]
-
DODGE CITY :
-
any secure military installation or Americanized urban area,
offering modern blandishments and convenient amenities; see BASE
CAMP, FOB, FSB, CP, JUMP CP, BIVOUAC, LITTLE AMERICA. [nb:
following the Wild West motif prevalent in LBJ's "little pissant
war", numerous allusions to a mythic frontier adventurism were
utilized; including COWBOY, INDIAN COUNTRY, and GUNSLINGER.]
Also, slang designation for the USN base on Diego Garcia Island,
a British possession in the Indian Ocean, used for military
resupply, staging, and surveillance.
-
DODGE THE BULLET :
-
to miss contact or avoid notice, as escaped by luck rather than
skill. Partly shirking and malingering, as working hard at not
working, and never being tested. Includes "hedging your bets" and
"cutting your losses" as self-protection. Ultimately unable to
evade or elude ("in the hot seat") is worse than win or lose. See
HOT, GHOST, SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT, CYA, PING-PONG, SMOKE 'n'
MIRRORS, LOOSE CANNON, FIELD REJECT, BOLT HOLE, KICKSTANDED,
STACK ARMS, SHOOTING WAR.
-
DODO :
-
acronym for Dead Object Drifting Obstacle (or "Dead Or Drifting
Object") indicating inert debris or incidental hazards to
navigation; since such FLOTSAM is not underway, the craft or
vessel must maneuver to avoid damage from such DEADHEADs. This
acronym is a play on words referring to the extinct flightless
bird, and the class includes unidentified aerial objects that may
collide with aloft aircraft.See WAVESON, PAN, SECURITE, INTERCO.
-
DOE :
-
Date Of Enlistment; compare DRAFTEE, ETS.
-
DOG :
-
Navy slang for the soft serve ice cream that's dispensed from a
refrigerated container in a CANTEEN or GALLEY, being a shortened
form of "dog shit", due to its similarity of resemblance to
excretion, regardless of the color or flavor of the ice cream;
the idea of eating feces for dessert is very amusing to some
SHELLBACKs and OLD SALTs! See BEANS, CHOW.
-
DOG 'n' PONY SHOW :
-
any elaborate or grandiose presentation that's intended to
impress its audience, such as the precisely stage-managed FIVE
O'CLOCK FOLLIES; also known as "canine and equine extravaganza",
this catch-phrase ostensibly originated with the mediocre or
tawdry acts of a middling or substandard circus, but is actually
derived from some sexually-explicit burlesque performances that
featured women copulating with animals. See UP-CLOSE 'n'
PERSONAL, SMOKE 'n' MIRRORS, TAP-DANCER, BLIVET.
-
DOG BITE :
-
slang for the characteristic appearance of wire stitches or metal
clamps used to suture a large or severe wound for better edge
apposition; see MEDIC, DOC, BONE CUTTER, ANGEL, HOSPITAL, LUGGAGE
TAG, STRETCHER, COMPRESS, MED BAG, SYRETTE, ABO, BLOOD EXPANDER,
SPILL THE GROCERIES, TRIAGE.
-
DOGFACE :
-
derogatory reference to any soldier; see LEG, CRUNCHY, GI,
JARHEAD, HORSE MARINE, SQUID, SWABBY, ZOOMIE; compare DOG'S FACE.
-
DOGFIGHT :
-
any rough-and-tumble fight or battle of great turmoil,
especially aerial combat; also called "fur ball". See KNOCK IT
OFF, JINK, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, YANK 'n' BANK, CQB, BATTLE ROYAL,
CUTTHROAT, EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF.
-
DOGGIE :
-
an infantryman; also called "line-doggie". See GRUNT, DOGS.
-
DOGPATCH :
-
NICKNAME for Bo Giuong and Dong Khe (geo: 22 28 27N 106
24 40E; UTM: 48QXK45168581), site of major NVN prison camp
reserved for technical experts culled from captive allied
populations; also known as Luong Lang, That Khe. Dates US POWs
present: 14 May 72 to 31 Jan 73. More than 200 American POWs were
moved to this site in Cao Bang Province, about 190 kilometers
north of Hanoi, after Group 875 assumed responsibility for the
increased numbers of American and Republic of Vietnam Armed
Forces (RVNAF) POWs in North Vietnam, around April 1972. Office
22, Group 875 was responsible for American POWs, and Office 23,
Group 875 was responsible for RVNAF POWs. American POWs were
relocated to this remote buffer zone near the China (PRC) border,
because foreign policy prohibited US operations in that sensitive
area. see POW.
-
DOG ROBBER :
-
any AIDE or other HEADSHED REMF, so-called for their practice of
taking from the field soldier to provide for the COMMANDER and
STAFF, also called "braider" as a result of the distinctive
aiguillette or shoulder CORD worn by such AIDEs [cf: British
"bulldog" assistant to proctor]; see HEADQUARTERISM. Also, a
Naval officer in CIVVIES while ashore on leave; compare MUFTI.
-
DOGS :
-
(dawgs) slang for feet, which are the infantryman's Cadillac;
also called "doggies". See BOOT, FOOTWEAR, LINE-DOGGIE.
-
DOGSBODY :
-
any menial worker, derived from sailor's term for soaked sea
biscuits or pease pudding; as a functionary, ORDERLY, factotum,
AIDE, assistant, comprador, MAN FRIDAY, horse-holder,
shield-bearer, spear-carrier, water-hauler, stamp-licker, DUMMY,
jack-of-all-trades, drudge, foil, pawn, surrogate, substitute,
second, dupe/doupe; see GOFER, FACE TIME. [cf: origin of SLUSH
FUND] Also, originally a junior Naval officer, but later became a
disparaging term for an officer trainee; see CADET, SNOTTY.
-
DOG'S CHANCE :
-
little likelihood or small chance, as a predictor of negative
results; also known as "Chinaman's chance" or "a cat in hell's
chance". See SNOWBALL, PRAYER. [v: enfants perdus, forlorn hope;
cf: "when hell freezes over", "when pigs fly", "when frogs grow
hair", "when pigs whistle", "when fish climb trees", "when
chickens have teeth", "when the sun rises in the west", "in a
month of Sundays", "in a blue moon", "when there're three
Saturdays in every week", "not in this lifetime", "not a chance"]
-
DOG'S FACE :
-
distinctive Cambodia/SVN border feature near Prek Klok; see
PARROT'S BEAK, FISHHOOK, ELEPHANT'S FOOT, ANGEL'S WING, BLACK
LADY MOUNTAIN; compare DOGFACE.
-
DOG TAGS :
-
slang for the 'identity disk' worn by MIL-PERS; an armed and
uniformed individual captured on the battlefield without such may
be summarily executed as a spy. Available as a private purchase
identification plate engraved with personal particulars since the
American CIVIL WAR, they originated as a mandatory item of issue
after the SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR as an identity disc for both proof
of status and recognition of casualties [GO#24 dtd 20 Dec 1906,
being "an aluminum Identification Tag, the size of a silver Half
Dollar, stamped with the name, rank, company, regiment, or corps
of the wearer; it will be worn by each officer and enlisted man
of the Army whenever the field kit is worn; it will be suspended
from the neck, underneath the clothing by means of a cord or
thong passed through a small hole in the tag ... this tag will be
issued by the Quartermaster Corps gratuitously to enlisted men
and at cost price to the officers"]. The soldier's individual
identification tag, changed from single to duplicate pair on 6
July 1916, was embossed with his personal specifics, which
initially included immunization and Next of Kin but was later
altered to religion and blood type. The SERVICE NUMBER was added
on 12 Feb 1918. The necklace was initially cotton or synthetic
(nylon, rayon, or plastic), was replaced by "hook-and-catch" type
metal in 1943, and the "bead" type in 1944, with sterling silver
available for private purchase. During WWII, the M-1940 oblong
tag, made of brass or stainless steel, was augmented by photo /
finger-print identification cards [v: AGO] after the attack on
Pearl Harbor due to counterfeiting of DOG TAGS. Several
specialized groups had specific prefixes on their identification
tags, such as 1 or RA for Regular Army, 20 or NG for National
Guard, and 3 or US for draftees. The so-called "tooth notch" in
the edge of the oblong tag opposite the thong hole existed solely
for embossing stability. During Vietnam, clear plastic covers and
rubber-bumper "silencers" were added to the tags, and many troops
separated the pair (lacing one onto a boot) for positive
identification of body parts [cf: MEAT MARKER]. The protocol for
authenticating a reported KIA, whose body could not be
immediately recovered during an operation, was to remove one DOG
TAG and leave the other with the corpse. Although license tags
for domestic animals had existed since 1824, the term DOG TAG
derives from the same source as "dog-soldier" and "dogface". See
STERILE, ID CARD.
[v: Index of Social Security Numbers (eg: AFSN,
ASSN, SSAN)]
-
DOGWATCH :
-
the evening or night shift, usually extending until midnight;
also known as "dog shift", "lobster shift", or "lobster trick".
In the Navy, the DOGWATCH is a shortened shift that enables
rotating crewmembers to avoid standing the same watch schedule,
and allows all crewmembers to eat the evening meal. Compare
MIDWATCH, see WATCH, TIME, O-DARK-THIRTY, WHITE NIGHT.
-
DOI MOI :
-
renovation; "New Life Hamlet" as Ap Doi Moi.
-
DOLPHIN :
-
qualification BADGE for submariners, showing a WWII "diesel boat"
flanked by a pair of DOLPHINS (marine mammals, related to
porpoise, whale, and other cetaceans; compare "dolphin fish");
issued in silver for enlisted and gold for officers, this
qualification badge is also known as "twin tunas", "tin fish",
"puking fish", and "Flipper's friend"; see DOLPHIN DIVE,
Q-COURSE, TRASH, BOLO BADGE, WINGS. Also, a submariner,
especially one qualified on "pig boats", as opposed to a BOOMER;
see BUBBLEHEAD, DIPPER, compare SKIMMER, AIRDALE, SHELLBACK.
Also, USCG heavy helicopter (HH-65). Also, a buoy, pile, or
cluster of piles used as a fender or mooring; see BOLLARD. Also,
a rope or strap round a mast to support the puddening, where the
lower yards rest in the slings.
-
DOLPHIN DIVE :
-
the induction ceremony for newly qualified submariners on their
first assignment; "diving for the DOLPHIN" derives from the
obligation to dive to the bottom of an alcoholic beverage to
retrieve the DOLPHIN badge lying there (frequently stuck fast to
ensure that the whole drink is consumed!). See GUPPY, BOOMER,
SUBMARINE; compare INITIATION.
-
DOMINO THEORY :
-
the idea that if one country fell to Communist hegemony then the
other countries in Southeast Asia would follow in turn, which
originated in Truman's State Department, was promulgated by the
Eisenhower Administration, disregarded by the WISE MEN and
brain-trust advisers, ridiculed by anti-war PROTESTORs and
counterculture activists, and was finally proven to be correct
after the Second and Third Indochina Wars ended. See WHIZ KID,
BEST AND BRIGHTEST, PING-PONG DIPLOMACY, SIDESHOW, DECENT
INTERVAL.
-
DONG :
-
(d-aw-ng) basic monetary unit of currency in Vietnam, subdivided
into tenth and hundredth parts, and introduced after the French
INDOCHINA piastre, with North Vietnam and South Vietnam each
producing a distinct form; derived from the term for copper or
bronze. On 2 September 1975, after the fall of Saigon, a
"Liberation DONG" was circulated in the South until conversions
could be completed [cf: North and South Korea "won"]. The North
Vietnamese currency was a common SOUVENIR from corpses. See XU,
HAO, BENSON SILK, PIASTER, MPC, LEGAL TENDER.
-
DON'T DO NOTHING :
-
an ungrammatical and ambiguous dictum of the U.S. Army's Infantry
School, which means "do something" ... "don't just sit there" ...
when in the field, either act or react, even if its wrong!
Because every leader fears making mistakes, not just because
he'll look stupid but because he'll get good men killed, it is
essential that he be forced out of the contemplative mode and
into the active mobility that will enable training to overcome
fear of failure. Furthermore, every leader must learn that "right
action" depends on "right timing" and "right opportunity", which
are not intellectual, but instinctual acquisitions, and are
extremely difficult to learn. Finally, every leader must
understand that failure is a better teacher than success, so it's
always better to get bruised in training than killed in combat.
See TRAIN HARD - FIGHT EASY, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF,
CLUTCH-UP, PIG LOOKING AT A WRISTWATCH, 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]
-
DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF :
-
a proverbial military catch-phrase, more fully expressed as a
Murphy Law of Combat: "If you don't sweat the small stuff, then
the big stuff will take care of itself ... but it's all small
stuff!", which is related to another Murphy Law of Combat: "The
important things are always simple; and the simple things are
always hard!". These dicta admonish troops to be nitpickingly
"detail oriented" because inattention in the combat zone will get
people killed. See COMBAT EFFECTIVE, LDR, TRAIN HARD - FIGHT
EASY, CLUTCH-UP, WAR GAMES, DON'T DO NOTHING, OPTEMPO, OP 'TIL
YOU DROP.
[nb: "Life by the yard is hard, but by the inch is a cinch." folk
adage; "The events of life are mainly small events – they
only seem large when we are close to them." by Mark Twain/Samuel
Langhorne Clemens, Autobiography (1924)]
-
DOODLEBUG :
-
NICKNAME for the V-1 pilotless aircraft (DRONE) bomb or rocket
bomb; also called "buzz bomb", "bumble bomb", and "robot bomb"
used during WWII; derived from "foolish + small". See MISSILE,
ROCKET.
-
DOOLIE :
-
a first-year CADET in the U.S. Air Force Academy; as derived from
residence in Doolittle Hall, named after LTG James Harold
Doolittle (v: DOOLITTLE RAID), and by association with the slang
term (doodly-squat, a euphemistic variant of diddleshit or
diddlyshit) for something of little value or of the least amount;
see DIDDLY, TRADE SCHOOL.
Also, a simple litter, typically used to transport sick or
wounded persons; also spelled "dooly" or "dhooly"; see LITTER,
BASKET, STRETCHER, DUMMY STICK, YO-HO POLE.
[v: palanquin/palankeen, jiao, gama, sedan chair]
-
DOOLITTLE RAID :
-
the first retaliatory incursion of Imperial Japan after their
attack on Pearl Harbor; sixteen B-25 MITCHELL light bombers under
the command of James Harold Doolittle launched on 18 April 1942
from the aircraft carrier (CV) USS Hornet against Tokyo and other
sites on Honshu island, having little tactical effect but
significant moral and strategic influence. Dr Doolittle, who'd
been a WWI aviator and speed flier (1932 world record), commanded
the North African Strategic Air Forces and then the 8th Air Force
over Germany after returning from this raid; LTG Doolittle left
active duty in 1945 and retired from the USAF in 1959.
-
DOOR KICKING :
-
slang for the aggressively active and overt role called Direct
Action (DA), practiced by Special Forces (SF) and Special
Operations Forces (SOF) in particular situations, also known as
"ass-kicking" and SHOCK 'n' AWE. Direct Action engagements,
such as intervention, hostage rescue, sabotage, prisoner snatch,
and manhunting, constitute only a small proportion of the
principal missions of SF/SOF, including Unconventional Warfare
(UW), Foreign Internal Defense (FID), Psychological Operations
(PSYOPS), and Civil Affairs (CA), and should therefore not be
over-emphasized.
-
DOPE :
-
Marine term for the windage/elevation adjustments made to
weapon sights. Also, information, facts, news, a true account;
aka: POOP, scoop, skinny, GOUGE, THE WORD, GREEN GREASE,
HOT-SHIT, BULLETIN. Also, any liquid coating or paste
preparation, as for sealing or reinforcing. Also, a stupid
person, as a dolt, dummkopf, or fool; see DUD, PUKE, POGUE,
YARDBIRD, FIELD REJECT, SHIT MAGNET, TURD, FUCK-UP, HORSE MARINE.
Also, any narcotic taken to induce euphoria or satisfy addiction,
as a term for marijuana and other illicit drugs; see COLORS, LSD,
JUNK, CAN SA, GRASS, HAY, SMACK, HOT SHOT, CHINA WHITE, STICK,
STONED, WASTED, TAR, 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.]
-
DOPP KIT :
-
a small portable container of personal toiletries ("toilet set")
and sundries, especially shaving articles and grooming supplies;
also called "shaving kit" or "sponge bag", but not "dop", "dob",
"dobs", or "daub" kit. See DITTY BAG, KIT, DUNNAGE, HOUSEWIFE.
[nb: Dopp, a registered trademark of the Charles Doppelt Company,
a Chicago leather goods manufacturer before WWI; with rights to
the name and design procured by Samsonite at the end of the
VIETNAM WAR, and later acquired by Buxton. This man's toiletry
kit, designed by Jerome Harris, achieved renown as an issue item
during WWII, and thereafter became a generic reference for all
similar cases. (courtesy of American Dialect Society)]
-
DOR :
-
Date Of Rank; determines primacy and succession for command
authority in any temporary (eg: training class) or unstructured
(eg: POW) assemblage. See CHAIN-OF-COMMAND, COMMAND ELEMENT, TOP
DOG, BLUE BOOK. [cf: first among equals ("primus/prima inter
pares")]
-
DORA :
-
designation given to Phitsanulik CRP
-
DOS :
-
Department of State; see AID, USAID, CORDS, USIS, CT, DIP CO,
FSO, USDAO, PEACE CORPS, ADV, CSVN, L/FE, PRT, PNG, ICCS, RIG,
DIME, BIG STICK DIPLOMACY, PING-PONG DIPLOMACY, GUNBOAT
DIPLOMACY, CONTAINMENT, HOT PURSUIT, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE),
LAWS OF WAR, VIETNAM SYNDROME, SIGG, FOGGY BOTTOM.
[nb: "On the whole our armed services have been doing pretty well
in the way of keeping us defended, but I hope our State
Department will remember that it is really the department of
achieving peace." by Eleanor Roosevelt]
[v: Diplomatic Terms]
-
DOUBLE-DIP :
-
the practice of "rolling-over" the skills and experience acquired
on military service into civilian employment with the government,
as the transference of Armed Forces expertise into Civil Service
(eg: MP to FBI, INTEL to CIA, COMMO to NSA, MEDIC to PHS, etc);
see LIFER, MILICRAT, TICKET-PUNCHER, HOMESTEADER, TOUR BABY. [cf:
apparatchik, nomenklatura, nabob, nibs] Also, to earn a
government salary while also receiving military retirement pay or
veteran's disability compensation; see GI BILL, THE EAGLE SHITS.
-
DOUBLE DRIFT :
-
in aerial navigation, a method of calculating wind direction and
velocity by observing the direction of drift of an aircraft on
two or more HEADINGs; compare DEAD-RECKONING, see LEEWAY.
-
DOUBLE FORCE :
-
designations for combined US/ARVN operations.
-
DOUBLE-O :
-
(double-oh) slang for closely examine, carefully scrutinize,
intently inspect, look it over, CHECK IT OUT, as "give it the ol'
double-o"; ostensibly from the leading letters in once-over, but
more probably derived as a metonym for eyes or spectacles. See
HAIRY EYEBALL, EYE-BALL, EYE-CHECK, STACKING SWIVEL, VR, BIRTH
CONTROL DEVICE. [v: "custody of the eyes"]
-
DOUBLE TAP :
-
informal reference to the tactical firing technique wherein the
shooter quickly discharges his weapon twice at the same AIMPOINT
so as to strike the target more effectively; this method of
controlled rapid-fire is used with SMALL ARMS in semi-automatic
mode (instead of full-auto fire) principally by ANTI-TERRORISM
and hostage rescue teams operating AT CLOSE QUARTERS. Originally
taught by W.E. Fairbairn at Special Operations Executive (SOE)
training from 1944, it was then incorporated into the Special Air
Service (SAS) curriculum, and was later introduced to DELTA FORCE
by its first commander, COL Charles Beckwith, who'd once toured
with the British SAS. Extensive testing of auto-fire accuracy
after the VIETNAM WAR has shown that the point of aim and target
impact diverge sharply after the third round of sustained fire
due to recoil effect; which research prompted a redesign in the
primary assault rifle (m-16A2), and inspired wider adoption of
the DOUBLE TAP firing method. By quickly triggering his weapon
twice on the same target, the shooter maintains fire discipline
while ensuring a terminal impact, through kinetic energy or
hydrostatic shock; which method speeds the assault, advances the
objective, and saves time on clearing or securing the area,
including use against soft or hard body armor, where the
follow-on shot will penetrate what the initial shot could not.
This technique has been falsely attributed to SNIPERs ("one shot,
one kill"), and also misapplied to a "through-and-through"
shooting that has both an entry and exit wound. When this concept
is used by regular combat elements, who lack such specialized
training, the expression usually means "killing the corpse" with
a "sure shot" ("coup de grâce") to the enemy's head; which
was a practice employed during both WWII and GULF WAR II to
prevent surprise attacks from the rear by the fanatical "dead"
coming back to life or by suicide assassins faining death so as
to murderously martyr themselves. Compare BURST, ROCK 'n' ROLL,
SPRAY, HOSE, FLOCK SHOOT, BLIND FIRE, WILD SHOT, BUSTING CAPS,
KICK; see OVERKILL, BOUNCE THE RUBBLE, JAPE.
-
DOUBLE TIME :
-
the command to increase the march tempo of a formation, set at
the rate of 180 steps per minute; formerly "double quick".
Compare QUICK TIME, FUNERAL PACE; see CADENCE, PARADE.
-
DOUBTFULS :
-
INDIGenous personnel whose allegiance cannot be ascertained or
whose affiliation cannot be ensured even after civil offender and
enemy screening, and who are therefore categorized as 'unknown'
personnel. This attribution by field troops or aircrew
surveillance also designates 'suspect' personnel, who are neither
hostile nor friendly. See SQUIRTER.
-
DOUCHE BAG :
-
slang for an improvised outdoor shower using either a LISTER BAG
or 55-gallon drum, as derived from an "hygienic jet of cleansing
water"; see RAINROOM, GI SHOWER, COMFORT STATION, LATRINE, HEAD.
Also, slang for a stupid or worthless person, a doofus or
flubadub, dolt or nitwit, harebrain or lamebrain, blockhead or
bonehead, meathead or chowderhead, dunderhead or lunkhead,
chucklehead or knucklehead, nincompoop or numskull, numb nuts or
scrot (shortening of 'scrotum'); see DUD, DOPE, PUKE, POGUE,
YARDBIRD, MAGGOT, SMACK, FIELD REJECT, DEADHEAD, SHIT MAGNET,
TURD, FUCK-UP.
-
DOUGHBOY :
-
an American infantryman, used since the 1846-8 Mexican-American
War; derived from "adobe boy" for both the type of soldier
housing and the color of his uniform, and sometimes called
"dough-foot" or "dough-belly". See GI JOE, GRUNT, YANKEE,
RECONDO.
[nb: alternative origin alleges the similarity of uniform buttons
to the shape of a doughnut; as a contraction of "doughnut-boy"]
[cf: derivation of "gringo" as foreign-speaking vs song lyric; v:
NINE-YARDS]
-
DOUGHNUT :
-
slang for the ring-like (toroid) operational military formation
formed when establishing either a defensive or offensive
PERIMETER around a central objective, as a surround or
encirclement.
-
DOUGHNUT DOLLY :
-
female American Red Cross volunteer; also spelled "donut dollie",
and sometimes called "doughnut hole". Namesake of World War I
volunteer; who helped the morale of the troops by dispensing
food, organizing games, and visiting clinics or wards. Headed by
"Doughnut Six"! See SALLY, ROUND EYE; compare CAMP FOLLOWER,
SKIRT.
[nb: before the parameters of nursing were well defined, the
civilian women who volunteered to serve as nurses on battlefields
in various 19th century wars were expected to function as
physician assistants and midwives, dieticians and pharmacists,
handmaidens and charwomen; the Red Cross (and other
organizations) was established to enable workers to provide food
and supplies (especially medical) to people who were injured or
displaced by wars and natural disasters ... only in the mid-20th
century did professional altruism become banal and insipid]
[nb: "There's a rose that grows on no man's land, / And
it's wonderful to see. / Tho‘ it's spray‘d with tears, it will
live for years, / In my garden of memories. / It's the one red
rose the soldier knows. / It's the work of the master hand. /
'Mid the war's great curse, stands the Red Cross nurse. / She's
the rose of no man's land." by Jack Caddigan & James
Brennan, The Rose of No Man’s Land]
-
DOVER DOG :
-
the Mk-19 40mm grenade-launching blowback-operated machinegun
used by ground forces; see CREW-SERVED WEAPONS.
-
DOVES :
-
the people who collectively advocate peace and a conciliatory
national attitude, in contradistinction to HAWKS; being a
metonymic symbol of innocence, gentleness, and holiness ... such
dovishness should not be confused with pigeon-livered! See CO,
PACIFIST, BEST AND BRIGHTEST, PINKO, PROTESTOR, THEY'LL GIVE A
WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME, DECENT INTERVAL, APPEASE, PEACE.
-
DOW :
-
Died Of Wounds, administrative classification for a battle
casualty who expires after medical evacuation; compare KIA, WIA,
GSW-TTH, PH, DUSTOFF, MEDEVAC, MILLION DOLLAR WOUND, PROFILE,
LINE OF DUTY, SIW, TRIAGE, ZERO WARD, LAID BY THE WALL, BODY BAG,
BODY COUNT, ZULU, NOK.
-
DOWN RANGE :
-
to be assigned or directed, to advance or deploy to a combat
zone, especially to move from a secure base area to an insecure
or hazardous field area, derived by extension from the impact
area on a firing range; also called "the bush", "the sticks",
"the woods", "the barrens", "the brush", "the weeds", "the veg",
"the rough", "the dirt", "the field", SANDBOX, BOONDOCKS /
BOONIES, THULE, INDIAN COUNTRY, IN-COUNTRY, "the bad lands",
"bandit country", "the front", FEBA, MLR, FLOT, FRONT LINE, and
the like.
-
DOZER INFANTRY :
-
an operations team or task force (TF) of tank-dozers, ROME PLOWs,
and infantry, which used jungle-busting techniques to advance
into difficult terrain; see MECH, TRACK, INF, GRUNT, BOONIE RAT,
BUSHMASTER, CRUNCHY, LEG, 03, SNUFFY.
-
DP :
-
Displaced Person; being a civilian involuntarily made homeless
(or stateless) by the vicissitudes of war, or a refugee (now
called "asylum seeker") dislocated by the violence of battle;
also designated as "dislocated civilian". Responsibility for the
shelter and humane treatment of these civilians, after passing
one or more security checks, falls upon the Civil Affairs (CA /
S-5) section of the allied military, with the assistance of
relief agencies and the host government, as long as martial law
prevails. See SAFE, E&E, BLOOD CHIT, IRC, CARE, BOAT PEOPLE,
YELLOW BIRD.
-
DPB :
-
Deployable Pursuit Boat; a high-speed 38ft patrol craft used by
USN and USCG. See BOAT.
-
DPICM :
-
Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition, an armor piercing
HOWITZER round; see AP.
-
DPM :
-
Dispersion Pattern Material, being the British/UK phrase for a
camouflage design on fabric or other materials; see CAMO,
CAMMIES, DIGITALS, DAZZLE, COUNTERSHADING, WAR PAINT.
[cf: parti-colored, mottle, variegate, pied/piebald]
-
DPSC :
-
the Defense Personnel Support Center, a consolidation of
Subsistence, Textile, and Medical supply procurements was
centralized in 1965, and was renamed the Defense Supply Center
Philadelphia in 1998; see LOGISTICS.
-
DR :
-
Delinquency Report, being an official notice of deficiency or
dereliction, which may involve remedial action or summary
punishment; whenever a servicemember's dependent is involved, the
DR is sent to the servicemember's commander. See CALL ON THE
CARPET, GIG.
-
DRACO :
-
Direct Range Air Consuming Ordnance, a thermobaric 40mm round of
AMMO developed by Martin Electronics, and fired from an M-79,
M-203, or M-32 grenade launcher.
-
DRAFT :
-
a selection, as by lot, of persons for military service; see
DRAFTEE, DRAFT LOTTERY, PRESS-GANG, SHANGHAI, McNAMARA'S HUNDRED
THOUSAND, DRAFT DODGER, AFEES, MUSTER, CALL TO THE COLORS, TOTAL
FORCE. Also, the preliminary form of a writing or drawing. Also,
the taking of supplies, money, or the like from a given source.
Also, the depth to which a vessel is immersed when bearing a
given load; see LOAD-LINE MARK, PLIMSOLL MARK, FREEBOARD. Also,
beer or ale drawn from a cask or keg; see BREW, BA MUOI BA, THE
DRINK, JUICE, GUSTO, LAAGER.
-
DRAFTEE :
-
conscript; a man drafted into the Armed Forces under the
authority of the 1948 Selective Service Act (Congress rejected
the Universal Military Training Bill in 1946, and again in 2004).
The first national conscription act was passed 3 Mar 1863
providing only 6% of military manpower despite all the resistance
and exemptions; and the first peacetime draft in American history
was authorized by the 1940 Selective Service Act as preparation
for U.S. involvement in WWII. Compare VOLUNTEER; see DRAFT, DRAFT
LOTTERY, McNAMARA'S HUNDRED THOUSAND, MUSTER, COMMANDEER,
SHANGHAI, PRESS-GANG, DRAGOON, DRAFT DODGER.
[nb: Vietnamese term: Nguoi Di Quan Dich] [nb: One of the many
myths about the VIETNAM WAR is the profile of the servicemen sent
into combat: 66% serving in military during VIETNAM WAR were
volunteers, and 73% of VIETNAM WAR KIA were volunteers (balance
draftees); 12.6% of US military population during VIETNAM WAR was
Afro-American from 13.1% of Afro-American age-eligible for draft
in the total US population, and 12.2% of casualties were
Afro-American. According to 1980 Harris survey of VIETNAM WAR
combat vets: 91% were "glad they served their country", 74%
"enjoyed their time in the military", 89% agreed that "our troops
were asked to fight in a war which our political leaders in
Washington would not let them win". Men who enlist before age 18
are still required to register for the draft after being
discharged from military service; and combat disabled vets were
insulted when Selective Service classified them as "unfit",
instead of "prior service". See JODY, AFEES, HORS DE COMBAT] [v:
Myths of the Vietnam War] [nb: the military has an
involuntary "stop-loss" authority, which allows each branch to
compel soldiers who reach the end of their enlistment to remain
in uniform for "the good of the service"]
-
DRAFT DODGER :
-
someone who evades or rejects the responsibility of compulsory
military service, especially during wartime, usually by DEFERMENT
but may involve reclusion, expatriation, self-mutilation,
falsification, or alternative service. See DRAFT, DRAFT LOTTERY,
McNAMARA'S HUNDRED THOUSAND, MUSTER, VOLUNTEER, MILITIA, WEEKEND
WARRIOR, SHANGHAI, PRESS-GANG, DRAGOON, THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN'
NOBODY'LL COME, SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT, WHITE FEATHER,
PROTESTOR, PACIFIST, BEST AND BRIGHTEST, JODY; compare DESERTER,
TRAITOR, TURNCOAT.
[cf: the rabbit-like character called "Cuthbert" 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; not to be confused with Saint Cuthbert]
[nb: during the World Wars, earnest and ardent patriots, as an
expression of contempt, presented a WHITE FEATHER to seemingly
fit men who were suspected of avoiding military service; the
police also checked the draft status of such men as a further
inducement to social conformity]
[nb: on 16 September 1974, President Gerald R. Ford offered
amnesty to Vietnam draft evaders and military deserters in
exchange for an oath of allegiance and a period of alternate
service; then on 21 January 1977, President James Earl Carter
pardoned certain civilians convicted of Selective Service Act
omissions and crimes committed during the period of the VIETNAM
WAR (4 Aug 1964 - 28 March 1973), but military and government
persons were exempt from this proclamation]
[v: Knights of the Golden Circle, Order of American Knights,
Order of the Sons of Liberty, and other anti-federal
"copperheads" during the CIVIL WAR]
-
DRAFT LOTTERY :
-
a practice instituted by the Selective Service System based upon
randomly selected birth dates, which replaced the supposedly
unfair or discriminatory Draft Board system whereby local
community leaders, based upon personal knowledge, chose eligible
young men to fill a mandated quota. The Draft Lottery made
government more impersonal without altering the draft exemptions,
so it embodied the worst of both options. America instituted its
first wartime draft in 1863 ("Enrollment Act"), which provided
for substitutes, and generated riots; then instituted its first
peacetime draft in 1940, and resumed it after WWII, through
both the Korean and VIETNAM WARs, as a public expression of
"compulsory national service". Both the PEACE CORPS and
Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) were created as popular
alternatives to military service for loyal citizens. See
McNAMARA'S HUNDRED THOUSAND, AFEES, IVS, AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE
COMMITTEE, COMMANDEER, PRESS-GANG, SHANGHAI, DRAFT DODGER.
-
DRAG :
-
informal term for the tail man, trail element, or rear guard
behind the main maneuver force to ensure rear security, as a
SQUAD following a COMPANY; also called "sweep" or TRAIL. Compare
POINT, SLACK, TAIL-END CHARLIE; see ZERO, BUTTONHOOK [nb: the
follow-up TRAIL or DRAG element is not only responsible for
guarding the back of the unit (ie: tailgunner), but in obscuring
its passage (eg: scrub, scour, "dry clean", "Hoover") and
detecting pursuit (eg: double-check, double-back, back-check) so
as to preserve unit integrity and enable accomplishment of its
mission] [nb: Vietnamese term: Hau Ve Quan].
Also, slang for girlfriend, fiancée, or wife who is
literally "dragged" around after her sweetheart or husband from
assignment to assignment, post to post, base to base; see
DISTAFF, PETTICOAT COMMAND, CAMPAIGN WIFE, CLASS-B DEPENDENT,
SHACK-JOB, CAMP FOLLOWER, SKIRT, BITCH, BRAT, ARMY SOUP.
[nb: until the Vietnam-era, the military did not recognize the
spouse or other dependents of enlisted personnel below the
non-commissioned officer ranks]
-
DRAGON :
-
a man-portable wire-guided ROCKET (M-47); see JAVELIN, LOSAT,
TOW. Also, short form of DRAGON SHIP or PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON;
also called SPOOKY. Also, a folkloric creature of the sky or
forest or mountains, a fire-breathing winged-serpent, that's
representative of the class of nonexistent monsters, of mythic
animals or legendary beasts, also known as MERMAID; including
glacier snake, sea serpent, sea monster, triton, kraken, siren,
centaur, hydra, cerberus, typhoeus / typhon, echidna, orthos,
Nemean lion, firedrake, wyvern, griffin, chimera, cockatrice,
basilisk, manticore, ogre, afreet, satyr, lamia, sphinx, unicorn,
werewolf, sasquatch/yeti, or other teratoid. Compare PROP WASH
and other SNIPE HUNT objectives.
-
DRAGONFLY :
-
Cessna A-37 light attack aircraft; modified version of two-engine
T-37 TRAINER used for counterinsurgency Close Air Support (CAS),
as flown by South Vietnamese (VNAF) pilots.
-
DRAGON LADY :
-
designation for U-2 / TR-1 surveillance aircraft, which began
USSR flight operations on 4 July 1956; see DREAMLAND, SPYPLANE.
[v: U-2 Incident 6-11 May 1960] [nb: because the U-2 already had
folding wings, the landing gear was strengthened and an arresting
tailhook was added to enable aircraft carrier take-offs and
landings; modified U-2s were operationally flown from aircraft
carriers during the Vietnam-era (U-2G/U-2J from USS Ranger and
USS Kitty Hawk in 1964, U-2R from USS America in 1969)]
Also, pejorative designation of Madame Ngo Dinh Nhu, born (1924)
Tran Le Xuan in Hanoi. Her husband was South Vietnam's chief
political officer and head of the secret police, and she acted as
official hostess for her bachelor brother-in-law, President Ngo
Dinh Diem, from 1955 to 1963. Outspoken and disdainful, Madame
Nhu's vitriolic characterization of Buddhist immolations as a
"barbeque" helped turn American public opinion against the ruling
regime in RVN. After the assassination of her husband and her
brother-in-law on 2 November 1963, Madame Nhu went into exile in
Europe.
-
DRAGON SHIP :
-
AC-47 gunship outfitted with electrically-fired machineguns and
illumination, also called "dragon"; see PUFF (THE MAGIC DRAGON),
SPOOKY; compare DAKOTA.
-
DRAGON'S TEETH :
-
slang for an anti-tank (AT) barrier consisting of short
trapezoidal or wedge-shaped concrete posts implanted in the
ground as obstacles to predicted avenues of assault by TRACKed
vehicles, as used since WWII; phrase originated in the Greek
mythology of Cadmus and Jason, where they produced fully armed
warriors whenever they were sown in the ground. See CALTROP,
PUNJI STAKE, FRAISE, ABATIS, HEDGEHOG, BOLLARD.
-
DRAGOON :
-
a member of a unit of cavalry, originating as mounted infantry
armed with short muskets, of a type common in Western armies from
about 1600 through the early 1900s, where they'd traditionally
ride to battle, then fight dismounted with SMALL ARMS. The word
'dragoon' originally identified the curved shape of the hammer of
a pistol, was then applied to the pistol as a whole, then to the
pistoleer using these saddle-mounted guns, and finally to the
oppression or persecution effected by such an armed force. [re:
CARBINE cf: derivation of carabiner at SNAP-LINK] See CAV, ACR,
AIR CAV, YELLOWLEG, PONY SOLDIER, LONG KNIFE, MECH.
Also, to persecute or oppress by armed force. Also, to coerce or
force by oppressive measures; see COMMANDEER, PRESS-GANG,
SHANGHAI.
-
DRB :
-
Discharge Review Board; see DISCHARGE.
-
DREAMLAND :
-
designation for AREA 51 (qv), as the USAF experimental
test flight region near Roswell Nevada for classified aircraft,
such as the U-2 DRAGON LADY and the SR-71 BLACKBIRD implemented
during the VN era. It is alleged that these classified test
flights account for the reported UFO sightings. Compare HAWC, TOP
GUN, RED FLAG.
-
DREAM SHEET :
-
assignment preference declaration form filed routinely every PCS,
also called "wish list" or "fantasy form"; considered by most to
be a waste of time at best, and a cruel torment at worst, since
preferences are almost always ignored. MIL-PERS have the most
success with assignments and transfers by BACK CHANNEL traffic to
their RABBI, PATRON SAINT, or SEA DADDY. See RED TAPE, FORM,
REPORT.
-
DRESS :
-
military attire or apparel, raiment or array/arrayment; regalia,
regimentals, or uniforms; see FATIGUES, UTILITIES, CAMMIES,
LEOPARD, TIGER STRIPE, ERDL, WOODLAND, GILLIE SUIT, BDU, DESERT,
CHOCOLATE CHIP, ACU, MARPAT, ABU, DIGITALS, DUNGAREES, BELLS,
DIRTY SHIRT, SLOP, SHODDY, FIELD JACKET, BATTLE JACKET, FLIGHT
JACKET, FLIGHT SUIT, G-SUIT, POOPIE SUIT, KHAKIS, BLOUSE,
CLASS-A, ASU, CHOKER, DRESS WHITES, ICE-CREAM SUIT, MESS DRESS,
WITH BELLS ON, PARTY SUIT, FEATHERS, COLORS, MOURNING BAND, SAM
BROWNE BELT, WEB BELT, FLUFF 'n' BUFF, MILITARY TUCK, GIG LINE,
MILITARY PRESS, STRAC, SPIT 'n' POLISH, CONTRAFOIL, BRASS, TOY
SOLDIER, WAR PAINT, HAPPY SUIT, FLAK JACKET, T-SHIRT, SINGLET,
SKIVVIES, GOING COMMANDO, PATCH, CREST, PIP, ENSIGN, CHOP, BRASS,
FRUIT SALAD, HERSHEY BAR, SHOULDER BOARD, SHOULDER KNOT, SHOULDER
LOOP, SHOULDER STRAP, EPAULET, CORD, LANYARD, BRASSARD, GREEN
TAB, HEADGEAR, FOOTWEAR, CAP-A-PIE; compare MUFTI, CIVVIES,
CHEONGSAM, AO DAI, KIMONO, HANBOK. [v: tire]
[nb: "Beware, so long as you live, of judging men by their
outward appearance." by Jean de La Fontaine; "The old saying of
Buffon's that style is the man himself is as near the truth as we
can get – but then most men mistake grammar for style, as
they mistake correct spelling for words or schooling for
education." by Samuel Butler; "Never judge a book by its cover."
/ "Don't judge a book by its cover." anonymous; "Even a stupid
man looks good in a uniform." by Isabella I; "Clothes make the
man. Naked people have little or no influence in society." by
Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)]
-
DRESS BLUES AND TENNIS SHOES :
-
see MESS DRESS, WITH BELLS ON, DRESS.
-
DRESS RIGHT :
-
the directive to align RANKS at proper interval. It
is a two part command performed from the position of "attention",
commencing to line abreast at set distance upon "Dress Right,
Dress", which is held until returned to "attention" by "ready,
front". [nb: civilians have perpetrated a fiendish canard that
this is the military order for adjusting one's genitals, which is
absolutely untrue! The proper command for the coordinated
maneuver of genitals is, of course, LOCK 'n' LOAD!]
-
DRESS WHITES :
-
a light-weight summer uniform worn by USN and USCG, and formerly
worn by US Army (Tropic Whites), as the "Service Dress Whites" or
CLASS-A uniform. Also identifies the formal attire worn by all
service branches as being the military equivalent of a white
dinner jacket or tuxedo, commonly called an ICE-CREAM SUIT; see
MESS DRESS, WITH BELLS ON, DRESS. [nb: when the Navy specifies a
sidearm and cape ("boat cloak") with formal evening wear,
officers wear swords and petty officers wear cutlasses; v:
Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Surface Warfare Officer
(aka: WATER WINGS)]
-
DRESSY LADY :
-
designation given to Green Hill CRC
-
DRILL :
-
the training, exercise, or rehearsal of MIL-PERS in the postures
and movements for the proper execution of military or naval
skills (MIL-CRAFT), such as formal ceremonies, marching, combat
maneuver, weapons handling, and other precisely coordinated
practices. Also, any strict, methodical, repetitive, or
mechanical training, instruction, or exercise, such as formation
marching or gun drill. Also, the correct or customary manner of
proceeding; see THE BIBLE, MANUAL OF ARMS, ORDER, AR, SCRIPTURES,
SOP, BY THE BOOK, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE), LAWS OF WAR,
CHECKING THE DICTIONARY, CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES OF THE SERVICE.
-
THE DRINK :
-
any large body of water, as a lake, sea, or ocean, also called
the POND; see SPLASH, FEET WET. Also, a swallow of liquid or a
draft of potion; see GI JOE, TOAST, WASH, BUG JUICE, SAIGON TEA.
Also, any liquoror alcoholic beverage, especially excessive
indulgence in same; see MOONSHINE, HOOCH, BREW, GROG, JUICE,
GROUP TIGHTENER, SPLICE THE MAINBRACE, DEAD-SOLDIER, MOJO, GUSTO,
SUNDOWNER, HOIST, HATCH, DUTCH COURAGE, WHISKEY WARRIOR, BYOB,
CLASS SIX, STONED. Also, any liquid that is swallowed for
nourishment or to quench thirst, as a beverage; see JUICE, BUG
JUICE, GI JOE, BULLY SOUP, SOUP, WASH, NUOC, CANTEEN, WATER
PURIFICATION TABLET.
-
DRMO :
-
Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office, a department in the
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) that serves as a DEPOT for
surplus, defective, and obsolete items or parts that are either
recycled (to other agencies or organizations), or are auctioned
to the public for disposal after DEMILITARIZation (made inert or
inoperable) of potentially harmful materials or products. See DX,
LOGISTICS
-
DRO :
-
abbreviation for Dining Room Orderly, being an enlisted KP
detailed as a waiter or servant for senior NCOs and OFFICERs
eating in the MESSHALL; equivalent to a Navy steward. Although
OFFICERs are required to pay for their meals, RHIP table service
is not normally practiced by junior OFFICERs who are closer in
age and have more direct contact with troops, especially in
combat arms units.
-
DROGUE :
-
a bucket or canvas bag used as a vessel's "sea anchor".
Also, a "pilot parachute" to extract the main parachute from its
container after the STATIC LINE or rip-cord has opened the pack.
Also, a cone or funnel-shaped device on the end of a Tanker's
hose to assist engagement for mid-air refueling. Deriv: drag.
-
DRONE :
-
a remotely controlled or programmed guidance vehicle, vessel, or
craft, such as a pilotless airplane; see UAV, DASH, PIONEER,
PREDATOR, FIRE SCOUT, DOODLEBUG, compare MISSILE, MIL-CRAFT.
Also, any "noncombatant" MIL-PERS who's essentially functioning
as a "civilian in uniform" (who dons CLASS-As instead of a
three-piece suit, but acts identically) when performing
administrative, support, medical, or humanitarian work (eg:
disaster relief or peacekeeping); as derived from the male
bumblebee, which does not make honey and lacks a stinger; see CA,
CAP, NEUTRAL, CO, PACIFIST, MILICRAT. Also, a drudge or parasite;
see PUKE, DEADHEAD, POGUE, FIELD REJECT, YARDBIRD, GOLDBRICK,
FEATHER MERCHANT.
-
DROP :
-
air delivery of men or materiel, usually by PARACHUTE, onto a
designated location; also called AIRDROP or HEAVY DROP; see DZ,
LZ, CLZ, AIRHEAD. Also, the unofficial injunction to assume the
FRONT LEANING REST position preparatory to doing PUSH-UPs,
especially for punishment; also expressed as "hit it" or "beat
your face" or "push earth"; see SQUAT, JUMPING JACK, PAIN.
[nb: another common but unofficial order used to motivate
MIL-PERS is "Drop yer cocks 'n' grab yer socks!".]
-
DROPMASTER :
-
an individual qualified to prepare, perform acceptance
inspection, load, lash, and eject material for AIRDROP; also
known as KICKER; compare LOADMASTER. Also, an aircrew member who,
during parachute operations, will relay any required information
between PILOT and JUMPMASTER; compare CREW CHIEF, CREW DOG, see
BAILOUT.
-
DROPPY :
-
slang for the emptied or expended CARTRIDGE cases that house the
propellent and primer, and to which the BULLET is attached; also
called BRASS or CASING.
-
DROP-TANK :
-
a wing- or belly-mounted auxiliary PETROL container, made of
metal or plastic or papier-mâché, which dispenses
additional fuel so as to extend the attack or search range of
RACK equipped aircraft, which temporary containers are jettisoned
when no longer needed; see POD, compare DROGUE, TANKER, BINGO,
JOKER, ENDURANCE. Also, an enclosed housing or container, usually
streamlined and detachable, for use on an aircraft, on watercraft
or other vehicle, for the resupply of food, equipment, munitions,
or materiel to troops in the field; see POD, DROP, HEAVY DROP,
PAYLOAD, AIMPOINT.
-
DRUM :
-
a cylindrical magazine (MAG) that holds CARTRIDGEs until ready to
mount on the weapon and "feed" the AMMO; see CLIP, BANANA CLIP,
C-CLIP, BANDOLEER; compare LINK AMMO, SPONSON. Also, any
cylindrical container for storage or transporting of contents,
especially a 55-gallon metal receptacle for fuel; see POL. Also,
a percussion musical instrument played by hand or stick, symbolic
of public announcements, including bass, kettledrum/timpani,
snare/side, and tambourine; also called "trap" or "traps"; see
TAMPON, TAPS, RUFFLES 'n' FLOURISHES, BEATERS 'n' BLEATERS,
ROGUE'S MARCH, TOOTER. [v: paradiddle]
-
DRUMFIRE :
-
gunfire so heavy and continuous as to resemble the sound of
incessantly beating drums; compare SALVO, FUSILLADE, BROADSIDE,
ENFILADE, VOLLEY, AT CLOSE QUARTERS.
-
DRUMHEAD :
-
slang for impromptu or expedient, as summary justice [nb: image
is to abruptly mete out or to readily beat out decisions, but is
more likely to be from the flat surface employed as a field
desk]; see BLANKET PARTY, GIG, ARTICLE 31, ARTICLE 15, RIOT ACT,
PISO'S JUSTICE, CAPTAIN'S MAST, ROCKS 'n' SHOALS, UCMJ, TREASON
[cf: kangaroo court, tribunal, sanhedrim]. Also, the reverberant
membrane stretched upon a drum. Also, the top of a capstan; see
HOOK.
-
DRV :
-
Democratic Republic of Vietnam, but commonly known as North
Vietnam (NVN); declared 29 September 1945, and established by the
Geneva Accords of July 1954. After the end of the Second
INDOCHINA War on 7 May 1975, the country was reunified in
November 1975 with the capitol at Hanoi, and renamed the
Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) under a newly ratified
constitution on 2 July 1976. The national flag was adopted on 30
Nov 1955, and the state crest on 21 July 1956. The northern half
of the NVN flag was blue for "peace", the southern half was red
for "sacrifice", and the halves were joined by a yellow star
symbolic of the Oriental people (each point of the star
representing the farmers, workers, scholars, youths, and
fighters).
-
DRYBACK :
-
slang for a sailor who has not served aboard a ship at sea,
especially someone who has not experienced naval warfare; also
spelled "dry back", being someone who has not gotten "wet" or
been "wetted down". See NUGGET, CHUM, FRESH CATCH, POLLYWOG.
-
DRY FIRE :
-
to practice shooting a SMALL ARMS weapon at a target but without
firing any ammunition, being a DRY RUN familiarization process
preliminary to actual live-fire shooting on a KD RANGE; called
"snap-in" or "snapping-in" by Marines. See BASS, SIGHT PICTURE,
DUMMY, TRAIN. [v: Firearms Glossary]
-
DRY RUN :
-
a rehearsal or preparation session, as a "walk through" before
the "wet work" begins. Also, operational practice, as to DRY
FIRE or "snap shoot" a weapon at a target without using AMMO.
-
DRY SUIT :
-
a close-fitting, double-layered synthetic garment worn by a deep
sea diver in very cold environments, that's designed to protect
the diver's body from the water or pressure by circulating a
warming layer of air internally, which also serves to equalize
descent pressures. Compare WET SUIT, HARD SUIT; see HARD HAT,
DIVER. [v: Diving Terms]
-
DSA :
-
Defense Supply Agency, later renamed Defense Logistics
Agency (DLA); see LOGISTICS.
-
DSCS :
-
Defense Satellite Communications System; see IDCSS.
-
DSN :
-
Digital Switch Network or Digitally Switched Network; being a
completely digital version of the Public Switched Telephone
Network (PSTN), which supersedes AUTOVON and WATTS. Also, a Data
Source Name which encodes identifiers for database connectivity.
Also, a Digital Subscriber Network for broadband access.
-
DSO :
-
Defense Support Office, or more fully Defense Manpower Data
Center Support Office.
-
DSTE :
-
Digital Subscriber Terminal Equipment; see DSN, PSTN.
-
DTA :
-
Division Tactical Area, being that region in South Vietnam,
comprising two or more provinces, designated by GVN for an ARVN
division to regularly operate; the best Vietnamese units were
responsible for pacifying the worst areas. Compare AO, TO, AOR,
MOA, OA, TAOR, UA.
-
DTG :
-
Date Time Group, arranged hour/day/month/year/zone (eg:
240001JAN1969Z); see TIME.
[nb: military time is expressed in four-digits, from 0001 to
2400, representing each minute in all 24-hours of the day,
without designating ante- or post-meridiem; there is no 0000
hour]
-
DU :
-
Depleted Uranium, being a non-explosive inertial round/bullet
used to penetrate vehicles and structures, including TRACKs and
BUNKERs; see STABALLOY. Also, Vietnamese for "fuck"; "Du Me" =
motherfucker, "Du Ma Nhieu" = go fuck yourself, "Du Ong My"
= fuck the American; see FUCK, CHURNING BUTTER, TRICK, BOOM-BOOM,
SHORT-TIME, HOOKUP, ACT OF CONGRESS.
-
DUC :
-
Distinguished Unit Citation, authorized and explicated in War
Department Circular 333.4 dated 22 Dec 1943; being a laurel
wreath, which crown or garland is a symbol of victory and
distinction, worn on the right sleeve of the CLASS-A uniform
above the HERSHEY BARs, on the same side as the combat shoulder
PATCH (SSI). The Distinguished Unit Citation may be presented as
an emblematic BAY to any unit that performs better than other
units in the same combat action, exhibiting esprit when
accomplishing its challenges, and valor when executing its
hazardous duties. See UNIT CITATION, GONG.
-
DUCK :
-
NICKNAME for the DUKW, introduced in 1942 as a 2.5-ton amphibious
utility TRUCK having all-wheel-drive and dual rear axles; which
was later replaced by the GAMMA GOAT, both of which were prone to
mechanical failure, so were operationally unreliable. Compare
AMTRACK, ELSIE.
-
DUCKBOARDS :
-
boards forming a track or floor over wet or muddy ground; as
plank sidewalks (BANQUETTE) or palletized BUNKER floors. See
GANGWAY, PASSAGEWAY.
-
DUCK ON DRAKE :
-
a children's game in which one player stands guard over a stone
on a rock while the other players attempt to knock the stone off
by throwing another stone in turn; if the thrower is tagged by
the guard while trying to recover the throwing stone, the two
players then exchange positions; also called "duck on a rock" and
"duck on the rock". Compare DUCKS AND DRAKES, KING OF THE HILL,
CAPTURE THE FLAG, TUG OF WAR, PRISONER'S BASE, WAR GAMES.
-
DUCKS AND DRAKES :
-
a pastime in which flat stones or shells are thrown across water
so as to scale or skip over the surface several times before
sinking, in a fancied likeness to a waterfowl's movements; also
called "duck and drake" or "sinkers and skimmers". Also, used
metaphorically to imply recklessness or heedlessness,
carelessness or irresponsibility, as being rash or imprudent by
"playing DUCKS AND DRAKES" with military assets; to squander
lives and dissipate resources. Compare DUCK ON DRAKE, KING OF THE
HILL, CAPTURE THE FLAG, TUG OF WAR, PRISONER'S BASE, WAR GAMES.
-
DUCK SOUP :
-
something that's easily accomplished, as military slang since
WWI; see CAKEWALK, PIECE OF CAKE, LAUGH A MINUTE, WALK IN THE
PARK, NO SWEAT, MILK RUN, TURKEY SHOOT, compare STONE SOUP.
-
DUCK-WALK :
-
to walk like a duck, as to scurry, scuttle, or waddle when
squatting with legs apart and feet turned outward, which posture
and gait is quite appropriate for some movements while under fire
on the battlefield; also called "crab-walk". See SQUAT, TAKE A
KNEE; compare FROGMARCH, LOW-CRAWL, DITTY-BOP.
[cf: widow's walk, cock of the walk, CATWALK, GHOST WALK,
CAKEWALK]
-
DUD :
-
unexploded ordnance due to mishap or malfunction. Physical
duds are a liability to both friend and foe, hence metaphoric use
applied to incompetent or incapable soldiers who may get good men
killed and cause missions to fail; also called "slug", "short
round", "flubadub", "doofus", "dolt", "nitwit", "harebrain",
"lamebrain", "blockhead", "bonehead", "meathead", "chowderhead",
"dunderhead", "lunkhead", "chucklehead", "knucklehead",
"nincompoop", "numskull", "numb nuts", "scrot" (shortening of
'scrotum'), or FUCK-UP. See PUKE, DEADHEAD, TRIGGER-HAPPY, LOOSE
CANNON, YARDBIRD, MAGGOT, PYHOOYA, TURD, SOS, SMACK, SHIT MAGNET,
DOUCHE BAG, FIELD REJECT.
-
DUE DILIGENCE :
-
the timely exercise of enough care and effort to fulfill a DUTY
or obligation, so as such prudence will avoid a charge of
negligence; a legalistic redundency for 'diligence'. [cf: due
notice, due process]
-
DUEL :
-
a form of ritual combat between two persons that's fought with
deadly weapons, as arranged and supervised in accordance with a
code of accepted procedures, which has been declared illegal
(eg: Article 114 UCMJ) in all civilized societies of the modern
era. Before its degeneration into a contest to settle a private
quarrel, the DUEL was a consecrated ordeal representing the
spiritual embodiment of metaethical forces engaged in "trial by
combat", wherein divine judgement would decide the "single
combat" issue, and "God's Will" would be represented by victory.
Term derived from 'duellum' (duo + bellum = two + war). See
GANTLET.
[cf: monomachy, duomachy; v: ordeal] [nb: a "gage" is something,
such as a glove, that was thrown down by a medieval knight in
token of his challenge to personal combat]
-
DUES PAID :
-
see PAY DUES.
-
DUFFEL :
-
outdoor clothing and equipment, especially for BIVOUAC or
camping; see KIT, WEB GEAR, LBE, ALICE, LBV, MOLLE, DEUCE GEAR.
Also, a DUFFEL BAG. Also, a coarse woolen cloth with a thick nap
used for making blankets and coats ("duffel coat").
-
DUFFEL BAG :
-
the unwieldy, oblong, cylindrical bag in which troops
stored all their gear, usually shortened to DUFFEL, but also
called BARRACK's BAG or "sea bag"; compare DUNNAGE, AWOL
BAG, FLIGHT BAG, WAR BAG, MUSETTE BAG, BIVY.
[nb: "rucksack" = back-sack; "knapsack" = bite/snap-up/eat, food
sack; "kit-bag" = soldier's small bag/knapsack; "haversack" =
single strap over one shoulder / musette] [cf: bundle,
bindle/bindlea, swag, bluey, dilly bag, tucker-bag, bag, pouch,
tote, sack, pack, grip, gripsack, overnighter, weekender,
carpetbag, suitcase, portmanteau, Gladstone bag, traveling case,
garment bag, Val-Pack, luggage; v: "scrip" wayfarer's bag or
wallet; "viaticum" traveler's money and necessities]
Also, an artillery term for motion/sound/seismic sensors placed
along suspected enemy trails or areas. These "duffelbag" sensors
contained small radio transmitters which sent a signal to a
monitoring intelligence unit when triggered. An artillery fire
mission was then called on the "duffelbag" target to intercept or
interdict the enemy.
-
A DUFFEL BAG DRAG AND A BOWL OF CORN FLAKES :
-
the final departure at Ton Son Nhut Air Force Base prior to
boarding the FREEDOM BIRD for return to THE WORLD or the LAND OF
THE BIG PX; see WAKE-UP.
-
DUGOUT :
-
a rough shelter formed by an excavation in the ground, or in the
side of a hill; also spelled "dug-out"; see HIDE, BOLT HOLE,
SHROUD, HUT, BOHIO, SHEBANG, BUNKER, REDOUBT, FOXHOLE, SPIDER
HOLE. [v: Military Earthworks Terms]
Also, a primitive BOAT made from a hollowed-out log; compare GIG,
SKIMMER, SCOW, SAMPAN. [v: canoe, dugout, pirogue, kayak / kaiak
/ kyak, bateau / batteau, coracle, wherry, cockleshell, jolly
boat, skiff, shell, scull, johnboat, punt, pontoon, dory,
gondola, flatboat, skipjack, rowboat, whaleboat, longboat, umiak,
pram, launch, faltboat / foldboat, keelboat, pinnace, cockboat,
caique / caïque, catboat, yawl, dinghy, bark, tub]
-
DUI :
-
Distinctive Unit Insignia, being the formal designation for
a unit CREST; also called "distinctive insignia" (DI), DADGE, or
blazon. These heraldic "coats of arms", approved for wear on 18
March 1922, are metallic badges 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. 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]
-
DUMBO :
-
NICKNAME of Boeing CATALINA PBY seaplane, used for observation
and transport; from its resemblance to the 1942 Walt Disney
animated film caricature of a flying elephant. See FLYING BOAT,
BIRD.
-
DUMDUM / DUMDUM BULLET :
-
originally a soft-nosed, and later including the hollow-point
BULLET that expands on impact, inflicting a wound more severe
than fully jacketed AMMO; which BULLETs have been prohibited for
military use by both The Hague and Geneva Conventions. A round
nosed BULLET scored with a cross or an X is often mistakenly
called a DUMDUM BULLET. It is eponymously named after Dum-Dum, a
suburb of Calcutta India, where the bullets were first made [nb:
term is unrelated to "dum-dum" for silly or stupid from 'dumb',
and is likewise unrelated to silent, mute or deaf]. As with the
.45 (11.25mm) caliber CARTRIDGE, the DUMDUM design was developed
to improve the "stopping power" of ammunition; but the deterrent
effect of such martial efficiency did not cause wars to end more
quickly.
[nb: during WWII, the Imperial Japanese used wooden bullets for
marksmanship training and practice SMALL ARMS shooting, but a
shortage of metals necessitated their wider issue to field
forces, which caused more severe wounds and increased infection;
by the end of WWII, Nazi Germany was also issuing wooden bullets]
-
DUMMY :
-
an inert replica or inactive simulator, especially a
non-explosive munition, that's used for instruction or
demonstration, training or practice; a dummy CARTRIDGE, which
contains no propellent or primer, includes a cavity to prevent
damage to the firing pin during DRY FIRE exercises; compare
BLANK, see AMMO, BASS, TRAIN. Also, noting or pertaining to an
imitation, representation, or copy, as a tailor's model or a
printer's sample; see MOCK-UP. Also, counterfeit, sham, or
fictitious; including false or artificial data designed to test a
program or system. Also, a dupe/doupe or surrogate who is put
forward to act for others while ostensibly acting for oneself;
see DOGSBODY.
-
DUMMY STICK :
-
slang for a yoke, balancing rod, or carrying pole, widely used in
Asia (and pre-industrial Europe) to transport large or heavy
loads. Although most often used by civilians, the VC/NVA/PAVN
adapted bicycles to mount these loaded poles for munition and
materiel transport along concealed trails by drafted laborers
(DAN CONG"). In the formidable terrain of the KOREAN WAR,
porters (CHIGGIE BEARs) were employed to deliver resupplied
materiel to UN forces by using DUMMY STICK yokes and A-frames.
See YO-HO POLE; compare LITTER.
[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]
-
DUMP :
-
a repository or argosy, as a Supply Dump; an accumulation
of unloaded or off-loaded military stores located near a
battlefield for better distribution; see RED BALL, COMBAT LOADED,
BONEYARD, DEPOT, DRMO, PRE-POS, GODOWN, ELEPHANT HUT, STEELDROME,
MOTHBALL, LOG, QM. Also, a depository, as an Ammo Dump, BOMB FARM
or TOMB; a dump site or dumping ground for the safekeeping of
munitions. Also, to discharge, dismiss, eject, rid, or dispose
of; see DISCHARGE, DISMISS, RIF, KICKSTANDED. Also, slang for
taking a SHIT, bowel movement, defecation; see TROTS, SQUIRTS,
CORK, HEAD CALL, CAT HOLE, SLIT TRENCH, BLUE CANOE, LATRINE, TRA
CA, SLOP CHUTE, COMFORT STATION.
[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 so as
to deny the spoils to his enemy; cf: wolverine]
-
DUNGAREES :
-
U.S. Navy version of a work or utility uniform, which, unlike
green FATIGUES and patterned BDU / ACU uniforms, are blue denim;
derived from "rough cloth(-ing)". See BELLS, DRESS.
[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]
-
DUNGEON :
-
the secure cryptographic chamber, being a stronghold reminiscent
of a bullpen or prison cell, within (or beneath) an operational
HQ or TOC; also called "sanctum", "inner sanctum", "holy of
holies", or "sanctum sanctorum". See ALPHABET SOUP, ENCRYPT, KAK,
SHACKLE, SCRAMBLE, CRYPER, INTEL, ASA, MI; compare BUBBLE.
[v: keep, oubliette, hock (sty or prison as a miserable place to
live)]
-
DUNG LAI :
-
Vietnamese phrase for "STOP!" or "HALT!"; sometimes spelled
"doung loi".
-
DUNKER :
-
slang for a simulated helicopter cockpit that can be tilted,
angled, or inverted and submerged in a water tank so that aircrew
can practice underwater cabin evacuation methods.
-
DUNNAGE :
-
baggage or personal effects; see KIT BAG, MUSETTE, FLIGHT BAG,
WAR BAG, DUFFEL, AWOL BAG, BUG-OUT KIT, DOPP KIT, KIT. Also,
loose material laid beneath or wedged among objects carried by
ship or rail that's used to prevent injury from chafing or
moisture, or to provide ventilation; also called "cargo batten";
compare BATTEN.
-
DUSTER :
-
a self-propelled medium-sized TANK body equipped with twin 40mm
automatic antiaircraft guns (POMPOM) and a pivoting M-60
machinegun (MG) in an open TURRET, designated M-42. It was used
for fire base and convoy security, as well as direct ground
support. See BOFORS, SPONSON, SCORPION, ONTOS, SPAT, CHAFFEE,
WALKER-BULLDOG, TRACK.
-
DUSTOFF :
-
the NICKNAME for a medical evacuation from a battlefield by
helicopter, and also spelled "dust-off"; originating as the radio
CALL-SIGN of LT Paul B. Kelley, who was KIA while flying a
MEDEVAC mission in 1964. The term DUSTOFF or MEDEVAC refers to
both the mission and the vehicle, with any capable aircraft
without a higher priority serving the role whenever necessary.
The UH-1 HUEY utility helicopter, with its wide doors, excelled
at this mission, but transport by any type of AIR AMBULANCE
improved a soldier's chance of survival. See BAND-AID, CRACKER
BOX, EVAC. [nb: James Webb has aptly called the MEDEVAC a "deus
ex machina"]
-
DUTCH COURAGE :
-
false courage, or bravado inspired by drugs or booze; also known
as the "Irish mistress", and formally known as "pot-valiant";
originally referred to gin, introduced by the Dutch when William
of Orange ruled England (1689). See STONED, HOOCH, GROG, BREW,
JUICE, GROUP TIGHTENER, DEAD-SOLDIER, TOY SOLDIER, WHISKEY
WARRIOR, MACHO, SPLICE THE MAINBRACE, BYOB, THE DRINK.
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DUTY :
-
something that is legally required or morally binding, as an
obligation or PROMISE; see OATH, HONOR CODE, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY
DOWN, BRASS-COLLAR, DUE DILIGENCE, HOLD ONE'S FEET TO THE FIRE.
Also, respectful obedience to a code or CREED, as actions
required by a person's position or profession; see LITMUS TEST,
WINTER SOLDIER, DELEGATE, CODE OF CONDUCT, BEARING, CUSTOMS AND
COURTESIES OF THE SERVICE. Also, an assigned military task,
occupation, or place of service; see BILLET, BERTH, ON STATION,
OJT, MOS, PCS, TDY / TAD, POST, WATCH, SHEEP-DIPPED, HARDSHIP
TOUR, BUMFUCK.
[v: numinous, deontology, eudemonism; cf: meliorism] [nb: "Theirs
not to make reply, / Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do
and die." by Lord Alfred Tennyson; "Yours is not to reason why,
yours is but to do and die." by J. Rudyard Kipling]
-
DUTY ROSTER :
-
posted schedule of duty or FATIGUE assignments performed at unit
level or detailed to next higher command on a rotating basis,
with the addition of punishment tours. See GI PARTY, SHIT LIST,
PYHOOYA, ADY; compare WATCH BILL.
-
DX :
-
(dee-ecks) Direct eXchange, for replacement of dysfunctional,
damaged, or discontinued equipment; known as SALTY DOG in
NavSpeak; compare ADRIFT; see SCROUNGE, CHARGE SHEET, PDO, DRMO,
SOUVENIR, MIDNIGHT REQUISITION.
-
DZ :
-
Drop Zone, for parachute delivery; see AIRHEAD, DROP, AIRDROP,
HEAVY DROP, LOW-LEVEL EVACUATION DROP, GANG-BANG, AIRBORNE
SHUFFLE, ROMMEL'S ASPARAGUS; compare LZ.
-
DZSO :
-
Drop Zone Safety Officer, who is the military equivalent of the
civilian Safety and Training Adviser (S&TA), a certified
examiner and JUMPMASTER.
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