-
EA :
-
in the Navy and Marines, an Executive Assistant, who's also
called "braider" due to the distinctive aiguillette or shoulder
CORD worn in this capacity; see AIDE, ADC, DOG ROBBER, HOUSE
MOUSE, MAN FRIDAY, GOFER, BROWN NOSER, FACE TIME.
-
EAGLE :
-
McDonnell-Douglas F-15B/-C jet aircraft; compare STRIKE EAGLE,
see BIRD. Also, American symbol on United States seal; according
to Benjamin Franklin, "a bird of low morals", since he much
preferred the wild turkey and rattlesnake as icons. Also, the
symbol of America, the federal government, or the Armed Forces,
as represented on various BADGEs and other INSIGNIA; sometimes
mockingly renamed the chicken, crow, or BUZZARD.
-
EAGLE CLAW :
-
the abortive mission on 24 April 1980 that was intended to rescue
53 hostages from the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, originally
designated "Operation Rice Bowl", and also known as "Operation
Evening Light"; the hostages were released by diplomatic
negotiations after 444 days of captivity on 20 January 1981. The
too-complex plan was plagued by interservice jealousy, and even
after simplification, its execution was compromised by gross
incompetence, including the abandonment of five intact MH-53 SEA
STALLION helicopters, and a classified copy of the OPLAN that
disclosed the names of covert operatives in Iran. A second rescue
mission was planned under the name "Operation Credible Sport",
also known as "Operation Honey Badger", but was never
implemented. The Tower Commission Report focused on the defects
in planning and execution, especially the equipment failures and
the aircraft collision at Desert One FOB, which led to the
remedial formation of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and
the Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR).
-
EAGLE FLIGHT / EAGLE STRIKE :
-
a large helicopter assault force
used to temporarily secure a key piece of terrain so an operation
can proceed; also refers to such a force on air or ground standby
alert to perform rapid reaction missions. See COMPANY LIFT, LZ,
CLZ, PZ.
-
THE EAGLE SHITS :
-
government payday; see THE G, THE NATIONAL JOKE FACTORY, ACT OF
CONGRESS, PORK BARREL, BELTWAY BANDIT, GAO, GSA, DOUBLE-DIP.
[nb: 'stipend', as a tax-exempt allowance or honorary salary,
usually a pittance, derives from "soldier's pay"]
-
EAR-BANG :
-
slang for a mandatory speech or address, obligatory oration or
sermon, compulsory lecture or conference. See OFFICER'S CALL,
BRIEFING, CONFAB, HALF-MAST, CHIN CHIN, POWWOW.
-
EARLY OUT :
-
servicemember released before contractual ETS date, usually as a
reward for combat service or hardship duty.
-
EARRING :
-
an ornament mounted on or suspended from the earlobe, as
common to many tribal peoples, from Chinese and Persian to
African and AmerIndian; they originated as emblems of status or
RANK (both high and low), and as marks of affiliation or
membership (both adoptive and outcast). Their ornamental
(adornment or decorative) use, divorced from their signal
function in caste or confraternity, is wholly a modern phenomenon
of (mis-)appropriated meaning(-lessness) and fickle fashion.
Custom-made EARRINGs were "awarded" to RECON teammates on SF
projects before 1966, and spread by imitation to other LRRP units
during the VIETNAM WAR. It is possible that the practice was
inspired by the "skull and crossed-bones" combat-EARRINGs in
Robert A. Heinlein's book "Starship Troopers". Indiscriminate
conferral has caused military EARRINGs to become so ubiquitous
that they are now decoratively commonplace and symbolically
meaningless. Compare TATTOO, MEAT MARKER, COINING, BRACELET; see
PROP BLAST, SHELLBACK, WINGING, DOLPHIN DIVE, GOLDEN DRAGON,
SALTING, BLOODING.
[nb: according to legend, a sailor acquired a pierced EARRING
when "crossing the line" (equator), which acquisition was alleged
to improve his eyesight] [nb: "For they had golden earrings,
because they were Ishmaelites (outcasts)." Judges 8:24 Bible]
-
EARS :
-
any listening device or sound development system, especially one
involving earphones or headphones (as "let me put on my EARS and
CHECK IT OUT"), also called "cans" in NavSpeak; see RADIO,
ANTENNA FARM, TROPO, LISTENING WATCH, COMM OP, DITTY-BOP, COMMO,
TELEPHONE, NET, CW, HAND, TWX, BUG, RADAR, MSQ, ECM, MUSIC,
GRASS, UWT, SONAR, SOSUS.
Also, during the VIETNAM WAR, the body parts that were
(illegally) collected from corpses as a symbolic token of
victory, that were dried by salting and worn on a necklace, being
similar to scalping and the collection of other body parts (eg:
headhunting, endocannibalism), including teeth, fingers, and
genitals as taken during other wars; see TROPHY, SOUVENIR, KILL
CREDIT, BRAGGING RIGHTS, PISSING CONTEST. [nb: during the
Mongolian campaign against Russia, Poland, and Hungary in 1223
under Subutai (and again later in 1242 under Batu Khan), a
chronicle of the battle at the Kalka River noted that an ear from
each Knight Templar corpse was taken as proof of their utter
destruction, with the collection sent in bagfuls to Genghis Khan;
also, during WWII, the partisan Bulgars and Uzbeks operating with
the OSS took an ear from each Nazi corpse]
-
EARTH ANGEL :
-
an INDIGenous HOI CHANH dressed in NVA/PAVN uniform
and GEAR (replicated by CISO) so as to surveil enemy troops and
to ask local civilians for INTEL; similar to ROADRUNNER except
operated "behind the lines" in Cambodia and Laos. See KIT CARSON
SCOUT, SOG. [nb: a similar program during WWII in the ETO
operated by OSS was called "Sauerkraut" (word play: Sour +
German)]
-
ECCM :
-
Electronic Counter-CounterMeasures; being those actions Taken to
ensure friendly effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum
despite the enemy's use of electronic Warfare (EW).
-
ECM :
-
Electronic CounterMeasures, being one of the elements of
electronic warfare (EW), including jamming, deception, and
misdirect detection; see ECTAR, MUSIC, NOISE, PAINT, CHAFF,
TWIDGET, "Green Flag" @ RED FLAG; compare ESM / EWSM. Also,
Electric Coding Machine, an automatic encryption device.
-
ECTAR :
-
Electronic Countermeasures Tactical Action Report, being an event
incident report that typically catalogues the details (ie: time,
date, location, type, etc) of an enemy contact, blockage or
avoidance; see ECM, EW.
-
THE EDGE :
-
informal reference to any fighting or combat advantage, being
more than just weapons or tactics, intelligence or terrain, but
extending to food and water, rest and shelter, including morale
and esprit, and even sunlight glare and planted DISINFORMATION
... in fact, anything that will shift the balance in a fight; see
FORCE MULTIPLIER, ESPRIT DE CORPS. Also, a line, border, verge,
or brink; see FRONT LINE, FEBA, FLOT, MLR, FCSL, LINE OF
DEPARTURE, PHASE LINE, WAY POINT. Also, the sharp side, thin
face, or leading element. Also, to shift or force a lateral or
sideways movement. Also, to proceed or advance gradually or
cautiously.
-
EDI :
-
Electronic Data Interchange, a computerized LOGISTICS system;
compare CEIP, ECM.
-
EDP :
-
Expeditious Discharge Program
-
E&E / E & E / E-and-E :
-
Escape and Evasion (or Evasion and Escape); the procedures
and operations whereby personnel in enemy-held or hostile areas
are able to emerge into areas under friendly control. Survival
factors: fear, pain, weather, terrain, thirst, hunger, fatigue,
isolation, haste. Based upon POW experiences during the Second
INDOCHINA War, the military CODE OF CONDUCT would be revised, and
the E&E training would be expanded into "Survival, Evasion,
Resistance, Escape" (SERE). See BUG-OUT KIT, ENVIS, SAFE, BRIGHT
LIGHT, BLOOD CHIT, POINTIE TALKIE, IRC, DP, BOAT PEOPLE, YELLOW
BIRD.
[nb: USAF Combat Survival Training, a twenty-day course of
instruction, teaches survival and evasion techniques for any
terrain or climate with the objective of returning to friendly
lines without the intervention of rescue and recovery (SAR/CSAR,
RIT/TRAP) assets]
[nb: the "human railway" was an escape network established by the
Resistance (French, Belgian, Czech, and others) to rescue or
conceal downed Allied aircrewmen so as to escort them to neutral
nations (Switzerland, Spain, Turkey, or Sweden) for repatriation
during WWII; also known as the "underground railroad"]
-
EEIR :
-
Essential Elements of Information Report
-
EER :
-
Enlisted Efficiency Report, based on character and
efficiency (C&E) rating; see ER, FITREP, BAYONET SHEET.
-
EFMB :
-
Expert Field Medical Badge, sometimes called Expert Field Medic's
Badge; a technical skill badge for Army corpsmen assigned to line
units for non-combat proficiency, as authorized on 18 June 1965;
consisting of a caduceus, surmounted by a Greek Cross, overlaid
upon a stretcher. See CMB.
-
EFP :
-
Explosive Formed Projectile, or Explosively Formed Penetrator;
being a roadside bomb that detonates an explosive charge within a
steel tube that causes a copper disk to deform into a fist-sized
chunk of supersonic molten metal, launched at a target, that can
pierce armoured vehicles. Compare SABOT; see IED, GAMMON GRENADE,
MOLOTOV COCKTAIL, SOUP, COCKTAIL, BOOBY-TRAP, TOE-POPPER, C-4,
EXPLOSIVE, MINE, SABOTAGE.
-
EGGBEATER :
-
affectionate name for the HUEY or any other helicopter; see
CHOPPER.
-
EHF :
-
Extremely High Frequency; a radio signal spectrum between 30 and
300 gigahertz (GHz). See RADIO WAVE, RADIO.
-
EIB :
-
Expert Infantryman's Badge, a skill badge for Army infantry
specialists. The EIB originated as a "badge of excellence" for
combat infantrymen during WWII who did not deserve the CIB, but
the award was ignored as a "second-class CIB", so was converted
into a non-combat proficiency badge with rigorous standards.
-
ELBOW GREASE :
-
accomplishing something by dint of physical exertion or hard
work, especially cleaning; oft repeated admonition by DI or
PLT SGT was "All I want to see is assholes and elbows!". See
GI PARTY, FATIGUE, DUTY ROSTER.
-
ELD :
-
USCG Explosive Loading Detachment. There were four ELDs
assigned to the Army in VN. They supervised the off loading of
all the ammo in VN.
-
ELDEST SON :
-
CODENAME for the clandestine introduction of defective rifle and
mortar ammunition into PAVN caches, as conceived by Singlaub;
also known as "Pole Bean" or "Italian Green". This project
required the support of DISINFORMATION broadcasts about "quality
control problems" attributable to Red China, to allay enemy
suspicions, to exacerbate ancient animosities, and to increase
demoralization. See KALASHNIKOV, 7.62 MINIS, BOOBY-TRAP.
[nb: the OSS introduced "exploding mule turds" along roads in
northern Africa during Operation Torch, and "exploding coal" into
railroad depots throughout the CBI and SEAC theaters during
WWII]
-
ELECTRIC BUTTERKNIFE :
-
NICKNAME for the unique arrowhead PATCH with AIRBORNE tab worn by
U.S. Army Special Forces personnel; which was designed by CPT
John W. Frye; and incorporates the background color of teal blue
signifying "branch unassigned", meaning that MIL-PERS were drawn
from other branch specialties for SF training and service (Q-TAB
authorized 1984), until the separate SF branch was created in
1987. When SF detachments (DET) rotated through Saigon for
command and control on classified missions IN-COUNTRY, before the
SFOB was established at NhaTrang, this PATCH was also called
"Saigon Electric Works" as a humorous diversion. See SF, SNEAKY
PETE, SNAKE-EATER, BLANKET HEAD, GREEN BERET, GABRIEL, BRONZE
BRUCE.
-
ELECTRIC STRAWBERRY :
-
a NICKNAME for the 25th Infantry Division as derived from the
"Tropic Lightning" on a red leaf motif, and the protest
"Strawberry Statement" declaration; the division was also called
the "Cu Chi National Guard" for its HOMESTEADING of that sector
of Vietnam.
-
ELECTRONIC CAMPFIRE :
-
slang phrase for the eerie glow of an illuminated CRT or VDT
monitor which draws visitors, like a flickering flame, to gather
around to view its contents, especially when scrolling new data
with automatic updates or when depicting animated images; also
called the "electronic hearth".
-
ELEPHANT :
-
the Asian ELEPHANT (Elephas Maximus), a five-toed mammal with
prehensile trunk, is a beast of burden and "work horse"
throughout the SEA region; being a smaller variant of the African
(Loxodonta Africana). Etymology is disputed, but appears as large
in elephantine, and enlarged in elephantiasis. Used
metaphorically in: "see the elephant" for anticipation or
prospect of combat; "seen the elephant" / "seen the elephant and
heard the owl hoot" for viewed battle or carnage of battle
UP-CLOSE 'n' PERSONAL; "eat the elephant" for accomplish enormous
task incrementally, as "eat the elephant one bite at a time" (a
MURPHY LAW of Combat states: "If you don't sweat the small stuff,
then the big stuff will take care of itself ... but it's all
small stuff."). These analogies from the American era of western
expansion, when a traveling circus was major entertainment ...
idea of elephant exciting and enchanting, distant elephant mighty
and magnificent, near elephant fetid and disgusting ... have been
used in military conversation since the American CIVIL WAR.
Compare WHITE ELEPHANT; see ELEPHANT GRASS, three-headed elephant
("Erawan") symbol at RLA.
Also, slang for a high-ranking or important personage, as a
powerful person or someone invested with authority; also known as
a "gorilla" (the proverbial "800 pound gorilla" or "silverback")
or "big cheese", a "big dog" or TOP DOG, a GOLDEN BOY or
RAINMAKER, a BRASS HAT or OIC; see WHITE WAY; compare SWINE LOG,
LITTLE PEOPLE. [cf: Jotun, Titan, Anak/Anakim]
-
ELEPHANT GRASS :
-
a tall cattail (Typha Elephantina) of southern Asia, used for
making rope and baskets; see BOONIES, TULE, SAW GRASS, KUNAI,
NIPA PALM, PITA.
-
ELEPHANT'S FOOT :
-
distinctive Cambodia/SVN border feature near x;
see PARROT'S BEAK, FISHHOOK, DOG'S FACE, ANGEL'S WING, BLACK LADY
MOUNTAIN.
-
ELEPHANT'S TRUNK :
-
a line-cutter securely mounted on the front bumper of JEEPs, from
WWII through Vietnam, as a FIELD EXPEDIENT adaptation to prevent
injury (especially DECAPITATION) to the driver and passengers
from BOOBY-TRAPs and TRIPWIREs; the term for this device is a
rebus derived from a raised elephant's trunk, although it also
has the appearance of an erect King Cobra. See RHINO; compare
PARAVANE.
-
ELEVATION :
-
the vertical movement of the barrel of a cannon or GUN TUBE,
especially when raised; when the MAIN-GUN is lowered to acquire a
target, that reverse elevation is called "depress". Compare
TRAIN; see PLUNGING FIRE, ARTY.
-
ELF :
-
Extremely Low Frequency, a radio signal spectrum between 30 and
300 hertz (Hz) that's transmitted to submerged vessels and
received by a long trailing wire antenna; see RADIO WAVE, RADIO,
SUBMARINE, compare UWT.
-
ELINT :
-
ELectronic INTelligence, information developed from technical
surveillance; usually low-grade or inconclusive, and often
acquired at great inconvenience and expense.
-
ELSIE :
-
onomatopoeic name representative of the initials "LC" meaning
LANDING CRAFT; name includes all manned modules deployed from a
larger craft or vessel on, under, or above the surface. See
GATOR, SDV.
-
ELT :
-
Electronic Locator Transmitter; downed aircraft impact
automatically triggers radio locator transmission. See HOMER,
PIPSQUEAK, SQUAWK.
[cf: Selective Identification Feature (SIF); Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID)]
-
EM :
-
Enlisted Man. Used in two ways: to identify the personnel
below the NCO ranks (E-1 - E-3); and to distinguish between
officers and all other ranks (eg: officers and men). In both
senses, enlisted has the meaning of "serving", and does not
indicate DRAFTEE or volunteer status. During the Vietnam Era,
some EM and NCO rank designations were changed, adding stripes at
lower grades and rating at SUPER GRADEs. See SLICK SLEEVE, BUCK,
MOSQUITO WING, MOSQUITO SMILE, MATING MOSQUITOES, BIRD UMBRELLA,
SPEC, RATING, SWINE LOG, NCO, MIL-PERS.
-
EMBRASURE :
-
an opening in a fortification, as a loophole or crenel, through
which MISSILEs may be launched or discharged; see PORTHOLE. Also,
an opening, as a door (v: POSTERN) or window, aperture or HATCH,
having a splayed enlargement toward the inner face of a wall, as
the firing port in a BUNKER or CASEMATE.
-
EMP :
-
ElectroMagnetic Pulse, being a burst of electromagnetic energy
produced by a nuclear explosion in the atmosphere, considered
capable of widespread damage to power transmissions,
telecommunications, and electronic equipment unless HARDENed; see
NUKE, FALLOUT; compare E-WARHEAD.
-
EMPLACEMENT :
-
a place prepared for, or the positioning of, a heavy weapon, such
as an artillery piece; see BUNKER, COVER, DEFILADE, REDOUBT,
REVETMENT.
-
ENCL / ENC :
-
enclosure, enclosed, enclose.
-
ENCODE :
-
to CIPHER or CODE. See ALPHABET SOUP, ENCRYPT, KAK, SHACKLE,
SCRAMBLE, NULLITY, BURST, TAP CODE, DUNGEON, CRYPER, INTEL, ASA,
MI, CIC, ICAP, IR, COMICS, RTO, RADIO.
-
ENCRYPT :
-
to encipher or ENCODE; reciprocal DECRYPT, decipher, or DECODE is
required. See ALPHABET SOUP, CODE TALKER, CIPHER, KAK, SHACKLE,
SCRAMBLE, NULLITY, BURST, TAP CODE, DUNGEON, CRYPER, INTEL, ASA,
MI, CIC, ICAP, IR, COMICS, RTO, RADIO.
-
ENDURANCE :
-
the period of time that an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle can
continuously operate without being refueled, resupplied, or
refitted. Also, the distance an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle can
continue to operate under specific conditions. See PETROL, JUICE,
HOT-FUELING, TOP-OFF, POD, DROP-TANK, TANKER, JOKER, BINGO.
-
ENDURANCE LOAD :
-
the stock or store of operational items sufficient to sustain the
CREW in its assigned aircraft, vessel, or vehicle over its
ENDURANCE time or distance during a specific mission, with
respect to item size, weight, durability, and consumption rate;
also called "endurance loaded" or "endurance loading".
-
ENFILADE :
-
gunfire that sweeps a line of troops, vehicles, emplacements,
and the like; see FUSILLADE; compare FPL, SALVO, BROADSIDE,
VOLLEY, STORM, DRUMFIRE, AT CLOSE QUARTERS.
-
ENG / ENGR :
-
abbreviation for ENGineeR branch, sometimes called PIONEERs; the
traditional branch color is green. See CE, SAPPER, BREACHER, RCT,
SEABEES, SNIPE, HHC, JERRV, CEV.
[nb: the Army Corps of Engineers was assigned the responsibility
for surveying America's borders and features in 1831, resulting
in a separate Topographic Corps in 1838]
-
ENSIGN :
-
the national standard or flag mounted on a Naval vessel; compare
COLORS, see STARS 'n' STRIPES [nb: a small ENSIGN positioned at
the bow of a boat or ship is called a "jack", hence "Union
Jack" or "National Jack"]. [v: Flag Terms]
Also, the lowest RANKing commissioned officer in the naval
services (ie: USN, USCG), equivalent to Second Lieutenant (2LT);
formerly the RATING of the SAILOR assigned to attend the flag;
see AIMING STAKES, OFFICER, RANK. Also, an emblem, badge, or
token of RANK or office; see PIP, CHOP.
[nb: The Second Continental Congress authorized the formation of
the Continental Navy in 1775 to seize British arms and materiel
for the revolution. At the same time, five companies of Marines
were mustered for this mission, and they bore drums painted
yellow with a coiled rattlesnake and the motto: "Don't Tread On
Me". Commodore Esek Hopkins directed the first ships of the
Continental Navy, readied in the Delaware River for their initial
foray in the fall of 1775, to fly "a striped Navy jack and
ensign". The design of this "First Navy Jack", since no
representation or example survives, has been inferred from this
signal, and was first depicted by historians more than a century
later. The themes represented by the earlier Franklin cartoon,
Gadsden and Culpeper flags, undoubtedly influenced this ensign.
In 1980, the Secretary of the Navy directed that the ship with
the longest active status shall display the "First Navy Jack"
until deactivated or decommissioned, thence the flag would be
passed to the next ship in line. On 31 May 2002, the Secretary of
the Navy directed all United States Navy ships to fly this ensign
in honor of those killed in the 11 September 2001 attacks, and to
continue its flight for the duration of the War on Terrorism.]
-
ENSURE :
-
Expediting Non-Standard Urgent REquirements, formed 1962.
-
ENTENTE :
-
an informal understanding between countries agreeing to follow a
particular policy in international affairs; as derived from
intent, an understanding. Also, an alliance of political powers
that agree to informally adhere to such a friendly arrangement
("entente cordiale"). Compare TRUCE, RAISON D'ETAT, DETENTE; see
RAPPROCHEMENT, COUP D'ETAT, CARTE BLANCHE, PEACE, APPEASE.
-
ENVELOPE :
-
the performance bounds or the outer environmental limits, as
"push the ENVELOPE" or "outside the ENVELOPE"; by extension from
a surrounding integument or enclosing membrane, or a surface
tangent to each member of a set of surfaces. Derived from (verb)
envelop.
-
ENVIS :
-
Evader's Night VISion system; a commercial image intensifier
introduced into military inventory for inclusion in survival
vests. This small (2"X3"X6"), lightweight (14.5oz), monocular
pocket scope serves as an emergency Night Vision Device (NVD) to
be used during escape and evasion (E&E).
[nb: in an effort to control costs and reduce waste, the DoD has
instituted a policy of "non-duplication" in military procurement
(Military Adaptable Commercial Item {MACI}), such that a mil-spec
contract will NOT be let whenever a commercial "off the shelf"
(COTS) product is "close enough for government work" and does not
require special features; so some name brand items are now in
logistical inventory]
-
EOD :
-
(ee-oh-dee) Explosive Ordnance Disposal; sometimes mistakenly
called "Explosive Ordnance Demolition". The EOD skill badge is
derived from the 1942 Bomb Disposal School insignia, approved for
Specialist and Supervisor ratings on 31 July 1957, and
redesignated as Basic, Senior, and Master gradations in June
1969. See BUDS, UDT, DIVER, SAPPER, CE, BREACHER, CHARGE, JERRV,
FAE, MUNITIONS, UXO, DEACTIVATE, Q-COURSE.
[nb: it is a universal military axiom that no demo expert has
ever used too little explosive on a job!]
-
EOGB :
-
Electro-Optical Guided Bomb
-
EOT :
-
End Of Transmission, sent as conclusion to any TWX or morse
code message; see CW, BREAK, SQUELCH.
-
EOTR :
-
End of Tour Report
-
EPAULET :
-
a fabric strip attached to the shoulders of a military BLOUSE,
shirt, tunic, jacket, or coat for various purposes, including
security of carrying straps, display of insignia, etc; also
spelled "epaulette", as derived from shoulder. Originating as an
ornamental shoulder piece for dress uniforms, which became a
symbol of RANK, then later bore insignia of rank; also called
"shoulder strap" or "shoulder board", which should be compared
with spaulder (spatula [flat piece]), monnion, pauldron,
epaulière, épaulière. See GREEN TAB, CORD,
CREST, LANYARD, BRASSARD, DRESS.
-
ER :
-
(ee-ar) Efficiency Report; see EER, NCOER, OER, FITREP, C&E,
BAYONET SHEET.
-
ERDL :
-
Engineer Research Development Laboratory, being the designation
for the woodland or green-dominant leaf pattern camouflage
uniform issued after 1968 for field utility wear in Vietnam,
replacing the tropical-weight green jungle uniform that had
displaced FATIGUES, and would themselves be later displaced by
Battle Dress Uniforms (BDU). This mottled all-cotton ripstop
uniform was less of an improvement on the regularly issued JUNGLE
BAGS than an effort to standardize the mix of various monochrome
and patterned uniforms that proliferated in the VIETNAM WAR,
where the possession of CAMMIES became a mark of distinction. The
polychromatic dyes used to tone the fabric of CAMO uniforms makes
them both heavier and hotter than the plain green jungle uniform,
which at least had the virtue of drying more quickly after being
soaked by precipitation or perspiration. See CAMO, DRESS.
-
ESAPI :
-
Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts, plates added to FLAK
VESTs to make them bulletproof; see SAPI, OTV, IOTV, HAPPY SUIT,
CHICKEN PLATE, FLAK JACKET. [cf: flexible 'mail'; v: doublet]
-
ESM :
-
Electronic Support Measures; also known as Electronic Warfare
Support Measures (EWSM). Compare ECM.
-
ESP :
-
Expanded Security Posture; see SACON, DEFCON, STAND-TO,
STAND-DOWN.
-
ESPIONAGE :
-
the act or practice of spying upon a government or military by
individuals for personal or institutional benefit, private or
public advantage, which crime is explicated in Article 106 of the
UCMJ, and Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 37 of the USCode; this term
derives from "to watch for". See CE, CI, MI, SECRET AGENT, SPOOK,
CRYPTO, FIX, MOLE, PROVOCATEUR.
-
ESPRIT DE CORPS :
-
a sense of common interests and shared responsibilities developed
among the members of a group, as unit affinity and solidarity, or
loyalty and pride; often shortened to "esprit" (spirit). Many
units have unofficially adopted the concept of "band of brothers"
as their informal motif. See CREST, PATCH, HEADGEAR, CORD, TRASH,
EARRING, PROP BLAST, SHELLBACK, WINGING, SALTING, BLOOD STRIPE,
SLICK SLEEVE, KEEP THE FAITH, SEMPER FI, UCGC, BATTLE CRY, THE
EDGE, GUSTO, HOOAH, OORAH, GUNG-HO, WETSU, DIEHARD, VIETNAM IS
FOREVER, WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS, STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND,
THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME, GOOD PEOPLE, GOOD STICK,
PAY DUES, OATH. [cf: the idiomatic French phrase for the
indefinable essence or elusive quality of a thing, 'that certain
something' ("je ne sais quoi"), literally means 'I don't know
what']
-
ESPY / ESPIAL :
-
to observe, watch, spy; see LRSP, TRAIL WATCHER, BINH TRAM, COIGN
OF VANTAGE. [v: intelligencer]
-
ET :
-
Electronics Technician; see TWIDGET.
-
ETA :
-
Estimated Time of Arrival; compare ATA.
-
ETD :
-
Estimated Time of Departure; compare ATD.
-
ETO :
-
European Theater of Operations, being the WWII designation for
the area encompassing France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the
netherlands; see MTO, NATO.
-
E-TOOL :
-
entrenching tool, a folding shovel; one version included a
folding pick opposite the shovel head, and later versions were
tri-fold serrated shovels with D-handles. The E-TOOL was intended
for digging and chopping, could be a close-combat weapon, but was
mostly used for digging FOX HOLES and CAT HOLES.
[nb: weapons evolved from tools, so a reversion in modern times
is noteworthy: E-TOOLs were used in close combat during the 1945
battle for Berlin and 1950-3 KOREAN WAR]
-
ETS :
-
Estimated Termination of Service; the release date is only
"estimated" because the military can discharge personnel earlier
or later, depending upon need. During the Vietnam era, the date
of release from Active-Duty status was often advanced (EARLY OUT)
by completing a combat tour (eg: Vietnam, Laos) or HARDSHIP
assignment (eg: Korea, Alaska). Compare DOE, DEROS.
[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"]
-
EVAC :
-
(ee-vak) a medical EVACuation station for stabilized patients
requiring further treatment or surgery; compare SICK CALL, AID
STATION. Also, an EVACuation hospital supporting military actions
at division and higher levels; compare MASH, FST, CSH, FIELD
HOSP, MEDEVAC, CHOP SHOP. Also, contraction of medical
EVACuation, being the transport and treatment of any injured
person from training or combat by any means; see BAND-AID,
CRACKER BOX, MEDEVAC, DUSTOFF, AIR AMBULANCE, LUGGAGE TAG,
TRIAGE.
-
EVAPORATOR :
-
a continuous distillation plant aboard ships that converts sea
water to vapor, removing salt and impurities, which is then
condensed to obtain potable water; this process imitates the
natural cycle (from sunshine evaporation to raindrop
condensation), which can be improvised with the construction of a
solar still; compare WATER PURIFICATION TABLET. Also, any heating
element (including an oven) used to dehydrate food for
preservation and storage; see BEANS, CHOW, RATIONS.
-
EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF :
-
the sense of isolation or alienation that most people experience
when engaged in a disorganized or chaotic situation, especially a
sudden MEETING ENGAGEMENT or startling AMBUSH; see SHIT HIT THE
FAN, SEAT OF THE PANTS, HELMET FIRE, CONFUSION. Also, the
perilous condition, as in a disaster or emergency, a fight or
other risky circumstance, when one is in competition with anyone
else's presence or success; as being without allies or allegiance
... a situation that the military attempts to expunge from its
civilian inductees! ... also expressed as "every man for his own
hand", as Henry Wynd fought in the feud between clans Chattan and
Kay, meaning that every man seeks his own advantage, being a
proverbial saying recorded in the writings of Walter Scott.
Compare STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND, KING OF THE HILL, FIGHTING
MAD, BATTLE ROYAL, DOGFIGHT, CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE, FIREFIGHT,
BATTLE. [v: anomie]
-
EVOLUTION :
-
a pattern formed by or as if by a series of movements; derived
from unroll or open. Also, a movement, or one of a series of
movements, of troops, ships, or the like, as for disposition in
order of battle or in line of march. Also, any similar movement,
especially in close order drill.
-
EW :
-
Electronic Warfare; being the use of electromagnetic energy in
military actions to determine, exploit, reduce, or prevent
hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum, while sustaining
friendly uses. Compare ECM, ECTAR, ESM / EWSM.
-
E-WARHEAD :
-
an electronic or electromagnetic pulse (EMP) WAR NOSE, alone or
combined with an explosive WARHEAD, that's designed to disable
the electrical and telecommunications infrastructure.
-
EWC :
-
Electronic Warfare Center
-
EWO :
-
Electronic Warfare Officer, informally known as BEAR, or
backseater in fighter aircraft; see GIB, RIO, RSO, WSO (WIZZO);
compare FUF.
-
EWSM :
-
Electronic Warfare Support Measures, also known as Electronic
Support Measures (ESM); actions taken to search for, intercept,
identify, and locate sources of radiated electromagnetic energy
for the purpose of immediate threat recognition, and the
appropriate tactical response of countering, avoidance,
targeting, and other employments to each. Such EWSM data can be
used to produce signals intelligence (SIGINT), both
communications intelligence (COMINT) & electronics intelligence
(ELINT).
-
EXFIL :
-
EXFILtrate, EXFILtration; a stealthy exit or inconspicuous
departure from an operational area. Compare INFIL; see FLIP-FLOP,
FALSE INSERTION, SHELL GAME, SKYHOOK, TRAWL.
[nb: unlike sex, getting into an operational area is the easy
part; getting back out with the INTEL after the mission is much
more difficult, and sometimes impossible]
-
EXILE :
-
a person expelled from his native homeland or country by
authoritative decree; ejecta, expatriate, as derived from
"banishment"; see PNG, GONE NATIVE. Also, to withdraw allegiance
from one's native land in response to war or repression; compare
DP, BOAT PEOPLE.
-
EXPLETIVE :
-
an interjectory or emphatic expression, sometimes objectionable,
such as an exclamatory OATH or an odious profanation. Also, a
syllable, word, or phrase serving as ("expletory") filler or
emphasis. See TALK TRASH, SMACK, CONFETTI, SNOW, BLOW SMOKE,
SHOOT THE SHIT, BAD-MOUTH, GODDAM, FUCK, GUNDECKING.
[nb: 'gee' and 'gee-whiz', used as an interjection or
exclamation, derive as euphemisms for the name "Jesus"]
-
EXPLOSIVE :
-
see EOD, BUDS, UDT, SAPPER, CE, BREACHER, SATCHEL CHARGE, CHARGE,
FAE, C-4, DEMO, HEP, DET CORD, DEFLAGRATION, SLOW MATCH, SQUIB,
FUSE, FUZE, DETONATOR, COCKTAIL, MOLOTOV COCKTAIL, SOUP, FOXING,
TRIGGER, WAR NOSE, BOMB, IED, HME, EFP, BOOBY-TRAP, TOE-POPPER,
GAMMON GRENADE, GRENADE, CLAYMORE, MINE, BIGGER BANG FOR THE
BUCK, BLOWN, FIRE IN THE HOLE, RED FLAG, FLYING BRAVO, JIEDDO,
UXO, DEACTIVATE.
[nb: Alfred B. Nobel invented dynamite [initially nitroglycerin
(C3H5N3O9), later replaced by ammonium nitrate], blasting-cap
detonator, smokeless gunpowder, and explosive gelatin. lyddite (a
toponym after the British proving grounds at Lydd, a municipal
borough of southeast England) was used successfully as an
explosive filler for most artillery shells and bombs in the First
World War; and is also known as picric acid, carbazotic acid,
picronitric acid, phenol trinitrate, trinitrophenol (TNP), or
trinitrobenzene. Gunpowder was invented by the Chinese around AD
850, and was separately reinvented in the mid-Thirteenth Century
by Roger Bacon, an English scholar and scientist.]
-
EXPLOSIVE PRESSURE :
-
the result of the rapid ignition of volatile substances,
flammable gases, or combustible mists of suspended materials,
within either confined or unconfined spaces; which transference
extends the effective force of detonation beyond its point of
origin or impact.
-
EXTENDER :
-
KC-10 fuel TANKER.
-
EXTRACTION :
-
to be withdrawn from any operation or operational area, usually
by airlift; see JACOB'S LADDER, DEBARKATION NET, SKYHOOK, McGUIRE
RIG, STABO.
-
EYE :
-
a noose or loop at the end of a ROPE or LINE, often woven or
"eye-spliced" and WHIPped for strength as a permanent feature, in
a towline, prolonge-knot join, or other toggle linkage. Also used
to form a stirrup line. A knotted EYE may be formed, by bowline
or other non-slipping knot, as an improvised sling or stirrup. An
EYE is called a "hondo" when used to form a lasso. See PAD EYE,
BELAY, McGUIRE RIG, STABO.
-
EYE-BALL / EYE-BALLING :
-
to look or watch attentively, especially to see what's being
looked at (instead of looking without seeing), often used as an
injunction or directive; see HAIRY EYEBALL, compare CHECK IT OUT,
DOUBLE-O, STACKING SWIVEL. Also, to roll one's eyes or to let
one's vision wander while standing at PARADE REST or ATTENTION,
which is an infraction of military bearing; in the Navy, sailors
are enjoined to keep their eyes "in the boat"; see GUNDECKING,
THE BIBLE.
-
EYES ONLY :
-
a delimiter qualifying duplication and distribution of classified
documents; also called "Close Hold". See NEED TO KNOW,
COMPARTMENTALIZATION.
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