-
KA :
-
abbreviation for Known Associate; see PROVOCATEUR, DECOY, DANGLE,
CI, THROW-AWAY, LEGEND, LIFTED SKIRT, TRADECRAFT.
-
KABAR :
-
|
M-2 fighting/utility knife
|
|
common name for the generic "fighting utility knife", designated
as 1219C2 by USMC/USN, and sometimes misspelled "K-Bar", that was
developed from the original (WWII-era) M-2 combat knife [cf: M-3
trench knife], and issued to UDT/SEALs and Marines. Made by
numerous contractors, the brand name "KaBar" became synonymous
with all versions of the knife, government issue or private
purchase. The M-2 Fighting/Utility knife is a modified bowie
pattern (single-edge, swept-tip, clip-point, fuller groove) with
a crossguard, butt-plate, and stacked-leather haft with "sweat
grooves". The KABAR was still the issue knife for SEAL teams
during the VIETNAM WAR, despite the availability of a
non-magnetic Haynes Alloy (nickel-titanium) demolition knife
specifically designed for underwater use. The basic pattern of
this fighting/utility knife has been updated since the GULF WAR
with some high-tech features, such as an alloy blade, polymer
grip, and thermoplastic scabbard. See BLOOD GROOVE, KNIFE. [v: Knife Terms; The Language of
Swordplay]
-
KAFCA :
-
Keeping the Able from Contributing to the Action, being an
acronym coined during the Reagan Administration by Arthur Twining
Hadley, a Pentagon consultant, that represents an attempt by the
so-called Defense Establishment to make officers into managers
and soldiers into mediocre functionaries doing the bidding of
their superiors, which, together with interservice rivalry and
out-of-control procurement practices, leaves America woefully
unprepared and national defense bankrupt. [nb: this acronym is
probably an allusion to Franz Kafka, the Austrian writer of
The Castle, The Trial, and other existential works]
-
KAK :
-
abbreviation for Key-Auto-Key, being a method of automatic
substitution according to a variable schedule that permits rapid
and accurate encoding or decoding of discrete data.
-
KAK WHEEL :
-
a numeric-exchange calculator that was used by the team or
platoon leader to encipher and decipher map coordinates or other
essential information for inclusion in a regular (clear) radio
transmission [eg: "Blackhawk Six, this is One-Six; send log bird
ASAP to my location: I KAK: zulu, tango, alfa, alfa, lima, bravo,
delta, mike; over."]; this mechanical device was carried around
the RTO's neck on a thick cord, but was made obsolete before the
end of the VIETNAM WAR by a scrambler radio with built-in
encryption. See SHACKLE, SCRAMBLE, ENCODE, ALPHABET SOUP, RADIO.
-
KALASHNIKOV / KALISHNIKOV :
-
variously the AK-47, Type 56, or AKM (1959) assault rifle, which
are also known as "Kalash" (Kah-lash) and "AK" (AA-Kay, not
"ack") from Avtomat (automatic) Kalashnikov (designer); as
adapted from captured WWII German MP-43 and SPG-44 rifles using
the 7.62X39mm cartridge. After rigorous testing for reliability,
simplicity of operation, and ease of maintenance, this became the
standard rifle for Soviet infantrymen, then it became standard
for communists and revolutionaries around the world. Relatively
lightweight and compact, sturdy and reliable, it simplified and
speeded up training so more firepower could be introduced onto
the combat zone faster. It typically fired in full and
semiautomatic modes from a thirty round magazine, and its high
muzzle velocity contributed to its combat effectiveness, since
bullets were not deflected by foliage. The combination of these
effects plus its rapid-fire capability meant that accuracy was
not a major requirement, thus reducing the training time before a
soldier could be sent into combat. Most armaments analysts judge
the AK-47 to be superior to the U.S. M-16, which became the
standard weapon of American, South Korean, and South Vietnamese
troops. The AK-47 was more durable and less adversely affected by
the climate and conditions of Vietnam. There are numerous
accounts of American troops using captured AK-47 rifles, in
preference to their issue weapons, but the distinctive
Kalashnikov sound SIGNATURE was an invitation to "friendly fire"
incidents during the confusion of combat. The KALASHNIKOV was
supplied to the VC and NVA by both the Soviet Union (USSR) and
Red Chinese (PRC / CHICOM). At the end of the VIETNAM WAR, the
AK-74 and AKM were introduced with a smaller 5.45mm caliber
cartridge. See 7.62 MINIS, SKS, RIFLE, BAR, CAR, SMG, ELDEST SON.
-
KALASHNIKOV KIDS :
-
an alternate designation, due to the ubiquity of the AK rifle,
for youths participating in a CHILDREN'S BRIGADE or BABY BRIGADE
(qv).
-
KANZUS :
-
(kansas) combined force from Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and
the United States; see SEATO, ASEAN, ANZUS, FWF, ATFV, AATTV, NZV
FORCE, NZATTV, ROK, KATUSA.
-
KATN :
-
abbreviation for "Kick Ass Take Names", which is the function and
unofficial motto of the military police; see AP, MP, QC, SP.
-
KATUSA :
-
(kah-too-suh) Korean Augmentation Troops with the U.S. Army,
later changed to Korean Augmentee To the U.S. Army; being a
partnership program initiated during the KOREAN WAR to improve
the performance of ROK troops, which were integrated into
American units. Although still practiced, these assignments are
now reserved for privileged Koreans with superior skills, better
education, and higher social status. Although successful, this
program was not replicated in VN, but used ADVISORs and companion
units instead. See STRIKER, OMLT, BUDDY SYSTEM.
-
KBA :
-
Killed By Air; also cited as Killed By Artillery. See KIA, DOW.
-
KCS :
-
abbreviation for Kit Carson Scout (qv); see HOI CHANH,
ROADRUNNER, EARTH ANGEL.
-
K-DAY :
-
Convoy-Day; the unnamed date for the introduction of a convoy
system on any particular convoy lane. See CONVOY, TIME.
-
KD RANGE :
-
Known Distance Range; not "Knock Down", despite the use
of "pop-up / knock-down" silhouette targets to assist in scoring.
The firing range CADRE informed all trainees that the shooting
principles for practice are identical to those used in combat,
except the targets are the "pop-up / shoot-back" type. See ZERO,
BASS, SIGHT PICTURE, DRY FIRE, RIFLE, SMALL ARMS, RED FLAG, BOLO,
MAGGIE'S DRAWERS, FLYING BRAVO. [v: Firearms Glossary]
-
KEELHAUL :
-
formerly, to drag an offender from stem to stern beneath a ship's
keel, a punishment which often proved fatal; but now meaning to
rebuke severely. See ROCKS 'n' SHOALS, CAPTAIN'S MAST, UCMJ,
BRIG, DRUMHEAD, GAUNTLET, OVER A BARREL, GARROTE, DEATH OF A
THOUSAND CUTS, TWIST IN THE WIND, PAIN.
[nb: criminals on sailing ships were once lashed to the bowsprit
until they perished, as a form of maritime crucifixion]
Also, the operational CODENAME for the post-WWII forced
repatriation and deportation during 1944-7 of eastern European
POWs, DPs, and refugees (including Russians, Cossacks,
Slovenians, Croats, Serbs, and others) into subjugation behind
the IRON CURTAIN as a result of the Allied agreements at the
Tehron and Yalta conferences, affecting millions of innocents who
were systematically exterminated in labor camps; see GULAG,
CONCENTRATION CAMP.
-
KEEP THE FAITH :
-
signifier or closure exchanged with fellow servicemembers,
especially combat veterans, expressing loyalty and fidelity; used
in the same manner as Marine use SEMPER FI. Derived from "I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept
the faith." [2 Timothy 4:7]. See UCGC, ESPRIT DE CORPS, MORALE
PATCH, PECKER CHECK, OATH. [nb: "If ye break faith with us who
die / We shall not sleep, though poppies grow / In Flanders
fields." by John McCrae (1915); "If you keep the faith, good
things will eventually come to you." by Elmer Kelton (2002)]
-
KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY :
-
an admonition to be prepared for action, to remain resolute and
steadfast; from the fact that early gunpowder was often impure
(containing both calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate [niter],
with the former prone to absorb moisture), which would fail to
ignite if damp or wet. This phrase ostensibly comes from an
address by Oliver Cromwell to his troops before a river crossing
during his campaign in Ireland, concluding: "Put your trust in
God, my boys, and keep your powder dry."; however this apocryphal
attribution was only later made by Valentine Blacker in 'Oliver's
Advice', Ballads of Ireland by E. Hayes (1856).
-
KEG :
-
a keg party, or so-called "beer bust"; also known as a "kegger".
Also, a small cask or barrel, usually containing 5-10 gallons
(19-38l) in wet measure or 100 pounds (45kg) in dry measure. See
CANTEEN, LISTER BAG, POD, WATER BUFFALO, BLIVET, BLADDER.
[v: cask, vat, tun, butt, drum, hogshead, barrel, tank, rundlet,
kilderkin, puncheon, keg, carboy, breaker, jug, tub, firkin,
pottle, flask, pony, gill, pot, flagon, bottle, demijohn]
-
KENTUCKY WINDAGE :
-
a colloquialism for DEFLECTION; see DEAD-RECKONING, LEEWAY, SIGHT
PICTURE, SNAP-IN, DOPE, ZERO, GUN CONTROL.
-
KEW :
-
(cue) Kinetic Energy Weapon; see FAE, DU, STABALLOY.
[cf: potential energy]
-
KEYHOLE :
-
see KH, SAT.
-
KEYSTONE :
-
the operational CODEWORD for the series of RETROGRADE increments,
spanning the period July 1969 - November 1972, by which the U.S.
Army was withdrawn from Vietnam; further subdivided by stages,
as: Keystone Eagle, Keystone Cardinal, Keystone Bluejay, Keystone
Robin, Keystone Oriole, Keystone Mallard, Keystone Owl, and so
forth. A unit was "keystoned" when it turned in its equipment and
moved to port; or a support element was "keystoning" by effecting
the transfer of another unit's men and materiel. See ACTOV,
CRIMP, CSMO, PROVN, VIETNAMIZATION. Also,
(forthcoming)
joint doctrine includes plans, command and control,
communications, computer systems, intelligence, operations,
logistics, and personnel; see CAPSTONE, USJFCOM.
-
KEY TERRAIN :
-
certain terrain, such as high ground or defiles, that when
occupied or controlled, gives the holder a distinct tactical
advantage; compare STRONGPOINT, ACP, CHOKE POINT.
-
KFS :
-
abbreviation for Knife, Fork, Spoon; being the complete set of
eating utensils associated with civilized dining, hence only ever
encountered in a MESS or GALLEY, and during a command (CMMI or
IG) inspection! A soldier in the field reduces weight and
eliminates noise by carrying only a SPOON (also known as the
PARTISAN'S SECRET WEAPON!). See P-38, CHURCH KEY, CHOPSTICK, MESS
KIT, CANTEEN CUP, MESS TRAY, COVER, RATIONS.
[nb: fork introduced to Western civilization 1608; spork patented
1970] [nb: the small knife ("sgian dubh") that's tucked into the
top of the stocking, below the skirt of the kilt, that's
typically crafted by frugal Scots from broken weapons or scrap
metal, is traditionally used when skinning or eating; it is
sometimes called a "black knife", not for any sinister or devious
usage, but due to its coarse or inferior metal, which contrasts
with the brightly polished finer metal used in weapons] [v:
napery, serviette]
-
KH :
-
abbreviation for KeyHole, the series of surveillance and
intelligence gathering satellites that can produce high quality
photographs; as derived from intrusively revealing, as if spied
through a private keyhole.
-
KHA :
-
Killed in Hostile Action; see KIA, DOW, NOK.
-
KHAKI / KHAKIS :
-
a yellowish brown or tawny summer-weight CLASS-A uniform made of
cotton twill; also called "sun-tans". The short-sleeved KHAKI
shirt had breast pockets and EPAULETs; KHAKI trousers were
usually four pocketed and long, but KHAKI shorts with knee-socks
were experimental during the early 1960's. The Army had no
matching beige-colored HEADGEAR, but the Navy and Air Force did.
A privately purchased alternative of the era was "tropical
worsted wool" (TWs) in a slightly darker shade of light brown;
which uniform was both more comfortable and more attractive than
cotton KHAKIS. In 1846, the white British Army uniform was dyed
"dust" brown to match the color of the desert dirt in India, and
is considered to be the first camouflage uniform. See DRESS,
CAMMIES, CAMO, PATCH.
-
KHAKI MAFIA :
-
slang for the "old boys club", for the "movers and shakers", for
henchmen and minions, especially RING-KNOCKERs and other
self-protective MILICRATs; any exclusionary in-group (eg: Bataan
Gang of MacArthur sycophants), but may extend to overtly criminal
rackets engaged in Black Marketeering. As with organized-crime
families, there isn't a single monolithic structure; so the KHAKI
MAFIA (also spelled "maffia" for clique; also known as "the
group", "the outfit", "the organization", or "the mob") is
composed of the "Airborne Mafia", the "Armor Mafia", the
"Aviation Mafia", the "Submarine Mafia", the "Mormon (Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Mafia", the "Freemason (Free
and Accepted Masons) Mafia", the "Shriner (Ancient Arabic Order
of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, an auxiliary of the Masonic
order) Mafia", and other subsets which are dedicated to their own
preferment and advancement. See RABBI, PATRON SAINT, SEA DADDY,
BOY'S CLUB, THE ESTABLISHMENT, SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, RHIP,
ROUGHSHOD, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN, CARPETBAGGERS.
[cf: apparatchik, nomenklatura, nabob, nibs]
[v: 'claque' for group or coterie of BROWN NOSERs]
[nb: every MILICRAT knows that the most dangerous people in the
military are not HEROes, but are disgruntled MIL-PERS who are
frustrated by MICKEY MOUSE and CHICKEN SHIT, by SNOW and RED
TAPE, and having been passed over twice for promotion, are
serving their terminal assignment, and because they are honorable
men who have not STACKed ARMS, they know that there is nothing
that the TICKET-PUNCHERs and RING-KNOCKERs of the KHAKI MAFIA can
do to them!]
-
KHMER REPUBLIC :
-
|
Kingdom of Cambodia
People's Republic of Kampuchea
|
|
|
Khmers are traditionally the ethnic majority who inhabit Cambodia
and parts of Thailand and the Mekong delta. [nb: 1847 - Kingdom
of Cambodia (Ang Duong) Angkor Wat emblem on coin; 1863 - Kingdom
of Cambodia (Ang Duong) national flag; 1947 - Kingdom of Cambodia
(Norodom Sihanouk Varman) monarchy promulgated democratic
constitution and universal suffrage; 1948 - Kingdom of Cambodia
(Norodom Sihanouk Varman) new flag; 1954 - Kingdom of Cambodia
(Sihanuks); 1970 - Khmer Republic (Lon Nol); 1975 - Kingdom of
Cambodia (Khmer Rouge); 1976 - Democratic Kampuchea (Pol Pot, et
al); 1979 - People's Republic of Kampuchea [or Kampuchea Popular
Republic] (Heng Samrin, Hun Sen, et al); 1989 - State of Cambodia
(Heng Samrin, Hun Sen, et al); 1991 - State of Cambodia under
provisional UN administration; 1993 - Kingdom of Camdbodia
(Norodom Sihanuk). The colors of the national flag represent blue
for royalty, leadership, or contentment; red for the nation,
people, or courage; white for religion (Brahmanism / Buddhism),
faith, or righteousness. The principal emblem has been ANGKOR
WAT. The three stars in the flag of the Khmer Republic variously
represent: people / religion / government, upper / middle / lower
country, triple jewel of Buddhism (Dharma / Prajna / Sandhi),
three branches of government. The present design of horizontal
bands was adopted on 29 October 1948 until 9 October 1970, then
again on 30 June 1993, with the royal coat of arms on 21
September 1993, in preparation for the reestablishment of the
monarchy on 24 September 1993. The royal coat of arms show two
cups, one placed over the other; above them a sacred sword,
placed horizontally, surmounted by a symbol representing "om",
the sound of creation. Beneath the whole, two laurel branches are
united at the bottom by the star of the Royal Order of Cambodia.]
-
KHMER ROUGE :
-
literally "Red Khmers"; the forces of the Cambodian
Communist Party, or of the communist Cambodian Liberation Army.
See CLA.
-
KHMER SEREI :
-
Free Khmer, Cambodian resistance group; see KKK, FARK.
-
KHUNG BIET :
-
(kahm bick) Vietnamese phrase for "unknown" or "don't
understand", sometimes Americanized as "cam biet" or misspelled
"khong biet"; compare BIET. [cf: Thai "cham mai khao chai" (I
don't understand)]
-
KIA :
-
Killed In Action; Vietnamese term: Tu Tran. See DOW, WALKING
GHOST, PH, BODY COUNT, WASTED, ZAPPED, BUY THE FARM, PUSHING UP
DAISIES, BITTER END, SPLASH, KBA, KHA, BODY BAG, LAID BY THE
WALL, ZULU, NOK, DUSTOFF, MEDEVAC; compare WIA, GSW-TTH, MILLION
DOLLAR WOUND, PROFILE, LINE OF DUTY, SIW.
[nb: allegedly, due to the undeclared status of the VIETNAM WAR,
allied combat deaths were officially classified as "Killed in
Hostile Action" (KHA), and enemy combat deaths were formally
designated as "Killed In Action" (KIA); but such a legalistic
distinction is supposed to regulate the award of "combat only"
decorations. Allied deaths total approximately 300,000
servicemembers, and the enemy is estimated to have lost 1.4 - 2
million military dead during the Second INDOCHINA War (1954-75).]
[ie:
War of Independence (1775-83): 25,000 battle deaths;
Quasi-War with France (1798-1800): 20 battle deaths;
Barbary Wars (1801-15): 35 battle deaths;
War of 1812 (1812-15): 20,000 battle deaths;
First Seminole War (1817-18): 30 battle deaths;
Second Seminole War (1835-42): 1,500 battle deaths;
Mexican-American War (1846-48): 13,283 battle deaths;
Third Seminole War (1855-58): 26 battle deaths;
Civil War (1861-65): 623,026 battle deaths;
Indian Wars (1865-98): 919 battle deaths;
Spanish-American War (1898): 2,446 battle deaths;
Philippine War (1898-1902): 4,196 battle deaths;
Boxer Rebellion (1900-01): 37 battle deaths;
Mexican Revolution (1914-19): 35 battle deaths;
Haiti Occupation (1915-34): 146 battle deaths;
World War I (1917-18): 116,708 battle deaths;
World War II (1941-45): 407,316 battle deaths;
Korean War (1950-53): 36,914 battle deaths;
Vietnam War (1964-73): 58,169 battle deaths;
El Salvador (1980-92): 20 battle deaths;
Beirut (1982-84): 266 battle deaths;
Persian Gulf Support (1987-88): 39 battle deaths;
Invasion of Grenada (1983): 19 battle deaths;
Invasion of Panama (1989): 40 battle deaths;
Persian Gulf War (1991): 269 battle deaths;
Somalia (1992-93): 43 battle deaths;
Bosnia (1995): 12 battle deaths;
Afghanistan (2002-10): 1,084+ battle deaths;
Iraq (2003-10): 4,400+ battle deaths]
-
KICK :
-
informal term used to mean RECOIL, being the distance through
which a weapon moves backward after discharging; the physical
rebound resulting from undergoing a change in momentum ... "every
action has an equal and opposite reaction". See BASS, SPOT WELD,
BURST, DOUBLE TAP, FIREPOWER, SILENCER, PROLONGE. [v: Firearms Glossary]
-
KICKER :
-
slang designation for a DROPMASTER or LOADMASTER who performs an
AIRDROP, LOW-LEVEL EVACUATION DROP, or KICK-OUT of the PAYLOAD so
as to effect a tactical resupply to ground elements; see CREW
CHIEF, HATCH, RAMP, TAILGATE, LZ, DZ, COMBAT LOADED, BB STACKER,
BAILOUT.
-
KICK-OUT :
-
to deliver essential equipment or necessary resupply to a unit in
the field by quickly throwing packaged goods out of the door or
HATCH of a slow moving airplane, usually a hovering CHOPPER but
any capable BIRD, from SKYMASTER to BRONCO, will suffice during
an emergency. A KICK-OUT is performed as low to the ground as
possible (to spare damage to the delivery), and at the center of
a PERIMETER (which is usually too small for an AIRDROP), and
under adverse conditions (typically receiving SMALL ARMS if not
antiaircraft (AA) fire), since a proper and secure LZ would be
established if time and opportunity permitted. See TAILGATE,
COMBAT LOADED, LOW-LEVEL EVACUATION DROP.
-
KICKS :
-
slang for G.I. shoes; see LOW-QUARTERS.
-
KICKSTANDED :
-
compulsory, mandatory, or forced retirement of a professional
MIL-PERS, also spelled "kick-standed"; based upon the
powerlessness of a fully functional motorcycle prevented from
operating by elevating the spinning drive-wheel with a kickstand.
This expedient method of disarming a politically embarrassing
situation is supposedly more fair to the individual, since they
are not punished or denied accrued benefits; but it is quite
unjust and cowardly, since the person is presumed guilty and
dishonored by the arrogation. See CYA, DODGE THE BULLET, CHOP,
VULCANIZE, RIF, SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT.
-
KILL BOX :
-
a three-dimensional area that's used to facilitate the
integration of joint fires; being a hypothetical abstraction
that's positioned to encompass the TARGET, whether fixed or
mobile, personnel or vehicles, which is the most effective target
area that can be projected for select munitions capable of
delivery by available assets within the time constraints. This
theoretical ideal of sufficient force without the expenditure of
excess or inappropriate force causing unnecessary damage ranges
from "one shot, one kill" SNIPER tactics to minimal implosion
absent of COLLATERAL DAMAGE. With the refinements available from
the new technology, such "surgical strikes" against the
designated enemy are now possible, even in THE FOG OF WAR.
Compare PAINT, SHOT, SHOT IN, SHOT OUT, SPLASH.
-
KILL CREDIT :
-
a symbolic representation of the death toll, being one of the
ways of "keeping score" in "real" WAR GAMES; see TROPHY, BANDIT,
KILL RING, STREAMER, SOUVENIR, EARS, BRAGGING RIGHTS, TOP DOG,
SPLASH, KIA, BODY COUNT, HEADHUNTING, BUTCHER'S BILL, ZULU,
MASSACRE, KILL 'EM ALL, PISSING CONTEST.
[nb: the kill ratio to expended AMMO during the VIETNAM WAR was
about 20,000 rounds per enemy dead]
-
KILL 'EM ALL :
-
popular slogan or sardonic byword, as "Kill 'em all an' let God
sort it out!". Originating as either "Neca eos omnes. Deus suos
agnoscet." or "Neca ecos omnes. Deus suos agnoscet.", which has
been translated as both "Slay them all. God will recognize His
own." and "Kill all! Kill all, for God will know His own."; and
has been variously attributed to Simon de Montfort, Amal Ulric,
Arnald-Amaury, Arnald-Amalric, Arnold Amalric, Caesar von
Heisterbach, and Caesar Heisterbachiensis from the Albigensian
Crusade to extirpate the Catharist heresy, 21 July 1209, in
Beziers France. See MASSACRE, BUTCHER'S BILL, BATTLE CRY, PATCH,
MERCENARY, WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS, VIETNAM IS FOREVER, WAR
PARTY, WARMONGER, TRIGGER-HAPPY, BOUNCE THE RUBBLE, BOMB 'EM BACK
TO THE STONE AGE, BIGGER BANG FOR THE BUCK, DOOMSDAY, OVERKILL,
KNOCK INTO A COCKED HAT, GENOCIDE, ATROCITY, RETALIATION; compare
THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME. [v: vernichtungsgedanken]
[nb: "Most of the world's ills would be cured with one three-day
open season on people." by Ernest M. Hemingway]
-
KILLER JUNIOR :
-
the setting of short-FUZEd high-explosive (HE) artillery (ARTY)
rounds for air-burst as a PERIMETER defense technique against
ground attacks. This anti-personnel (AP) procedure for HOWITZERs
was developed by LTC Robert Dean, who was then CO of the 1/8th
Field Artillery in the 25th Infantry Division, as a means to
compensate for the absence of a BEEHIVE or other CASE SHOT round
fitting the 105mm HOWITZER. The 105mm HE projectiles would be set
with two-second timers and fired over open sights on depressed
gun-tubes, resulting in an air-burst approximately 30 feet above
the ground at ranges between 200 - 1000 meters. This technique
was more effective than CANISTER or BEEHIVE because the enemy
could not crawl under the fan of the dispersion pattern. Compare
KILLER SENIOR; see DIME-NICKEL, ONE-OH-DEUCE, ARTY.
-
KILLER KANE :
-
nickname for specialists in night ambush or assassination "behind
enemy lines"; see SHADOW WARRIOR, BODYGUARD, DECAPITATION, TWEP,
STROLLER, SWEEPER.
-
KILLER SENIOR :
-
the setting of short-FUZEd high-explosive (HE) artillery (ARTY)
rounds for air-burst as a PERIMETER defense technique against
ground attacks. This anti-personnel (AP) procedure for HEAVY
STUFF was developed as a means to compensate for the absence of a
BEEHIVE or other CASE SHOT round fitting the 8" cannon. The 8" HE
projectiles would be set with two-second timers and fired over
open sights on depressed gun-tubes, resulting in an air-burst
approximately 30 feet above the ground at ranges between 200 -
1000 meters. This technique was more effective than CANISTER or
BEEHIVE because the enemy could not crawl under the fan of the
dispersion pattern. Compare KILLER JUNIOR; see BIG STUFF, ARTY.
-
KILL HOUSE :
-
a building used for training military and paramilitary agents in
the tactics and techniques of intervention and rescue, especially
urban combat, by presenting typical, atypical, and specific
scenarios during which FLASHBANGs, MILES, and SIM-AMMO is used;
some setups include sound effects, visual distractions, and
BOOBY-TRAPs. The KILL HOUSE, also called "shooting house", may be
a MOCK-UP of an aircraft fuselage, an embassy building, an
apartment complex, a business office, or small factory designed
in European, Asian, or Near Eastern style. These training
sessions are normally videotaped for post-event review. Compare
TIRE CITY; see BODYGUARD, DOOR KICKING, BREACHER, STACK, DOUBLE
TAP, MOUT, DELTA FORCE, SPECIAL OPERATIONS, ANTI-TERRORISM,
COUNTER-TERRORISM, AT CLOSE QUARTERS, RED FLAG.
-
KILLING GROUND :
-
the exposed area of saturated fire where most casualties will
occur; also called "killing field", "beaten zone", "dead zone",
or KILL ZONE.
-
KILL RING :
-
a painted line or band encircling the MAIN-GUN tube, commencing
from near the MUZZLE, each one of which represents the confirmed
destruction in battle of a similar enemy weapon or vehicle; being
a non-verbal testament of combat prowess, adopted by American
YELLOWLEGs and REDLEGs from WWII German TANKERs. See TROPHY,
BRAGGING RIGHTS, TOP DOG, KILL CREDIT.
-
KILL ZONE :
-
the exposed area of saturated fire where most casualties will
occur; also called "killing ground", "killing field", "beaten
zone", or "dead zone"; compare ZONE OF FIRE, DEADLINE, POINT OF
IMPACT, IMPACT AREA; see DANGER CLOSE, FPL, AMBUSH, BATTLEFIELD.
Also, the most lethal area, being the preferred AIMPOINT or
target for maximum effectiveness; compare DEFILADE, DEAD SPACE.
-
KILO :
-
meaning 'thousand', as in kilogram or kilometer; see KLICK.
Also, the word assigned to represent the letter "K" in the
international phonetic alphabet; at various times in different
spelling schemes, it has also been acrophonetically represented
as King. See ALPHABET SOUP, PHONETIC ALPHABET. [v: Alphabet Codes &
Signal Flags]
-
KILROY :
-
,^^^,
(O O)
--oooo--(_)--oooo--
a peering face graffito (cf: SMILEY), often coupled with the
catch-phrase "Kilroy was here!", as made popular during WWII and
after by being indiscriminately emblazoned wherever troops
advanced; this icon ostensibly originated as an inspection mark
made on military equipment by James J. Kilroy. An alternative
attribution credits Francis J. Kilroy Jr., a sergeant in the Army
Air Transport Service, whose friends delighted in recording his
name everywhere they went. [nb: in a similar vein, the SF friends
and associates of Walt Shumate delighted in attributing every
dastardly deed and ignoble feat to him, making his name
impossibly ubiquitous and improbably universal, sometimes
appearing simultaneously at a bar brawl in Okinawa, a whorehouse
in Panama, a caper in Egypt, an escapade in Germany, and a frolic
in Alaska; in the British SAS fraternity, the same has been done
with the Andy McNab persona] [v: pasquinade; cf: kill-joy
(spoilsport)]
-
KIMCHI :
-
a spicy Korean dish of pickled or fermented cabbage and onions,
sometimes including fish, that's variously seasoned with garlic,
horseradish, red peppers, and ginger; also spelled kimchee.
-
KIMCHI CAB :
-
any taxicab, hackney, or gypsy cab, from PEDICAB to RICKSHA; also
called RICE-BURNER; compare HACK, JINGLE TRUCK. [v: Japanese
takushii (taxi)]
-
KIMONO :
-
(forthcoming);
a loose robe with wide sleeves that's fastened at the waist with
a sash, as traditionally worn by Japanese men and women; garment,
clothes; derived from "thing to wear".
compare CHEONGSAM, AO DAI, HANBOK.
-
KINFORMING :
-
a portmanteau word combining 'kin/kinfolk' and 'informing', as
adopted during the GULF WAR; being the notification procedure
required of the unit commander that advises a servicemember's
family of his injury or death, which also initiates the casualty
affairs or survivor assistance process. See NOK, WIA, DOW, KIA,
CACO, HUG SQUAD, SKY PILOT, GHOUL, MORTUARY AFFAIRS, GRAVES
REGISTRATION.
-
KINGBEE :
-
Sikorsky CH-34 helicopter; also known as "dog" and "ugly".
-
KING OF BATTLE :
-
a proverbial motto of the artillery, identifying its essential
role in combat; see ARTY, KNOCK THEIR SPOTS OFF, KISS THE
MISTRESS, TURN THE JACK, CHESS.
-
KING OF THE HILL :
-
preeminent, paramount, predominant, foremost, superior,
unsurpassed, matchless, peerless, incomparable, second to none;
one who has conquered all contenders to achieve dominance. This
activity, also called "king of the mountain", having devolved
into a rough-and-tumble game for children, teaches the value of
a superior position, and the singularity of attainment. KING OF
THE HILL utilizes defensive high ground in the same manner as the
'Base Capture' game, which is a variant of CAPTURE THE FLAG. See
BATTLE ROYAL, UPHILL BATTLE, FIGHTING MAD, CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE;
compare DUCK ON DRAKE, DUCKS AND DRAKES, HIDE-AND-SEEK, TUG OF
WAR, RED ROVER, PRISONER'S BASE, WAR GAMES.
-
KIOWA :
-
Bell OH-1 or OH-58 (JetRanger) observation helicopter; an armed
version is designated "Kiowa Warrior" (OH-58D). See SCOUTSHIP,
LOH, CHOPPER.
-
KIP :
-
to sleep or rest; derived from brothel; see PAC / PAC TIME,
COMBAT NAP. Also, a unit of weight equal to half a ton, or 1000
pounds avoirdupois. Also, a large heavy bundle or fardel,
especially of hides. Also, the basic monetary unit of currency of
Laos; see LEGAL TENDER.
-
KISKA TASK FORCE :
-
(forthcoming); 15 August 1943 landing on Kiska in the Aleutian
Islands
-
KISS :
-
military injunction to "Keep It Short and Simple", or "Keep
It Simple Stupid"; conceived by British MG J.F.C. Fuller, who
formalized the principles of warfare during WWI. [nb: "If you
have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or
clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and
hit it again — a tremendous whack!" by Winston L.S. Churchill;
"Some experience of popular lecturing had convinced me that the
necessity of making things plain to uninstructed people, was one
of the very best means of clearing up the obscure corners in
one's own mind." by Thomas Henry Huxley; "Anything that's
thoroughly understood can be made simple and clearly explained
... confusion is not the result of complexity but of
misunderstanding."; "The initial resolution to any vexing problem
is usually simple and obvious, and often wrong." paraphrase of
Henry Louis Mencken]
-
KISS THE MISTRESS :
-
hitting the center of the target; a perfect score. See
SHARPSHOOTER, DEADEYE, KNOCK THEIR SPOTS OFF, MAGGIE'S DRAWERS,
TURN THE JACK, AIMPOINT, BOLO BADGE.
[nb: by playing card analogy since the mid-19th century, the King
is headquarters, the Queen is the principal point on the FRONT
LINE, and the Jack is a secondary position; such that a "kiss" is
a solid hit or strike, and a "turn" is an oblique or glancing
blow of mis- or indirection] [nb: according to classic military
lore, carrying playing cards (also called a "California prayer
book" or the "Devil's calling cards") in combat is bad luck, so
the deck must be left behind in camp or buried upon departure;
cf: DEATH CARDS, WAR GAMES] [nb: some etymologists attribute the
phrase "buck the tiger" to faro gambling, but can not explain its
usage, however the same phrase is widely associated with lusty
gratification, and needs no explanation; v: "They won't drink,
they won't buck the tiger, they won't even fight." Roads of
Destiny; "Nothing stronger than bouillon, not a chance to
buck the tiger even for one moment...." Hagar's Daughter]
-
KIT :
-
materials and supplies for a specific purpose (eg: MESS KIT, MED
BAG, BUG-OUT KIT, DOPP KIT, PRO KIT). Also, BIVOUAC or
battlefield gear (eg: GO-BAG, WAR BAG); see DUFFEL. Also, the
container for such material (eg: DITTY BAG, KIT BAG, MUSETTE,
FLIGHT BAG, FARADAY POUCH, DIPLOMATIC POUCH); see DUNNAGE. Also,
all the parts necessary to assemble something (eg: radio kit).
[nb: the whole "kit 'n' caboodle" is an early Americanism for the
container with everything that belongs in it, or an entity with
all of its functional elements, such as a COMBAT LOADED or
MISSION READY unit that's GOOD TO GO; another early Americanism
for this entirety, whole or completeness, is "lock, stock, 'n'
barrel", which refers to all the essential parts of a firelock
musket; cf: SHEBANG]
-
KIT BAG :
-
see KIT, MED BAG, MUSETTE, WAR BAG, GO-BAG, FLIGHT BAG, DUFFEL
BAG, AWOL BAG, BIVY, DINGLEBERRY.
[nb: "rucksack" = back-sack; "knapsack" = bite/snap-up/eat, food
sack; "kit-bag" = soldier's small bag/knapsack; "haversack" =
single-strapped feed bag worn over one shoulder; musette =
single-strapped small bag worn over one shoulder] [cf: bundle,
bindle/bindlea, swag, bluey, dilly bag, tucker-bag, bag, pouch,
tote, sack, traps, pack, grip, gripsack, overnighter, weekender,
holdall, carpetbag, B-4 bag, suitcase, portmanteau, Gladstone
bag, traveling case, garment bag, Val-Pack, luggage; v: "scrip"
wayfarer's bag or wallet; "viaticum" traveler's money and
necessities]
-
KIT CARSON SCOUT :
-
named for the renown American frontier Indian Scout, Kit Carson,
abbreviated KCS, this program employed captured or surrendered
enemy soldiers who return to their former operational areas to
serve as guides for Allied troops. See HOI CHANH, ROADRUNNER,
EARTH ANGEL.
[nb: the American frontiersman, hunter and guide, Christopher
Houston "Kit" Carson (1809-68), known as the "Little Big Man",
was made famous by the plaudits of John Charles Frémont
for his employments during the Western expeditions of 1842-5,
then similarly engaged by Stephen Kearny in New Mexico, then
installed in 1853 as Indian agent at Taos, and later militia
leader of the New Mexico Volunteers in campaigns against
southwestern tribes during the CIVIL WAR (including the Texas
battle at Adobe Walls in November 1864), then finally appointed
Brigadier General in July 1866 to command Fort Garland, Colorado]
[nb: a similar program during WWII in the ETO operated by OSS was
called "Sauerkraut" (word play: Sour + German)]
-
KITCHEN CABINET :
-
an early 19th century Americanism for that unofficial group of
counselors who are relied upon to advise a head of government;
compare CZAR, MANDARIN, WHIZ KID, WISE MEN, BRAIN TRUST.
-
KITCHEN IN A CARTON :
-
informal name for the "Unitized Group Ration Express", being a
no-fuel/no-power self-heating system that requires no additional
equipment; introduced to field inventory in 2007. Each
self-contained UGRE system is designed to be air-dropped, weighs
40 pounds, and feeds 18 servicemembers with menu items like
turkey dinner with gravy. See RATIONS.
-
KITE :
-
(forthcoming); THROW-AWAY, FIX, DANGLE
[nb: the kite, called a "flying sail", has been used militarily
since the fifth century BC by the Chinese to signal situations,
send commands, scatter leaflets, produce sounds, and lift
observers.] [nb: during WWII, German U-boats used a "gyro-kite"
to lift a temporary observation platform above sea level]
-
KIWI :
-
(kee-wee) nickname for New Zealand ADVISORs and servicemen,
also known as "Digger", from "Down Under" (antipodes); as derived
from the flightless bird native to the islands. See NZATTV, NZV
FORCE, RNZAF, NZSAS, TAN TAY LAN, ANZAC, FWF, FANK TRAINING
COMMAND, ANZUS, KANZUS, ASEAN, SEATO, compare AUSSIE, TOMMY, GI
JOE, GI. [v: Down Under Military Glossary] [aka:
Maori 'Aotearoa' meaning "land of the long white cloud"] [cf:
kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry (Zespri)]
-
KKK :
-
Krum Kmampuchea Khmer, or Khmer Kampuchea Krom, or Khymer
Kampuchea Krom; exile ethnic Cambodian faction working with
Allied elements. See KHMER SEREI, FARK.
-
KLAXON :
-
a loud electric horn, formerly used on motor vehicles; a type of
alarm now used as a warning signal or siren. Compare SQUAWK BOX,
BLOWER, HORN, TANNOY, TOCSIN; see WARNING ORDER, BOATSWAIN'S
PIPE, BUGLE CALL, POOP, HEADS-UP, FYI, STAND-TO, DEFCON, ESP,
SACON, GQ, AHOY, HOISE, OORAH, HOOAH, HAUL-ASS, STAT.
-
KLICK :
-
slang for kilometer (km), also spelled "click"; being 1,000
meters or 0.621 mile. See KNOT, NAUTICAL MILE, MILE.
[v: the Metric Conversion Act (23 Dec 1975; amended by the 1988
Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act, the 1996 Savings in
Construction Act, and the 2004 Department of Energy High-End
Computing Revitalization Act) recommended improved efficiency by
voluntary accommodation with the standardized International
System of Units (si): meter (length), kilogram (mass), second
(time), ampere (electric current), kelvin (temperature), mole
(amount of substance), and candela (luminous intensity);
including femtometer / fermi (fm), picometer (pm), angstrom (a),
nanometer (nm), millimicron, micron/micrometer (mu), millimeter
(mm), centimeter (cm), decimeter (dm), meter (m), dekameter
(dam), hectometer (hm), kilometer (km), light year, parsec]
-
KMAG :
-
Korea Military Advisory Group, formed from the Provisional
Military Advisory Group (PMAG) that was withdrawn from Far East
Command (FEC) on 1 July 1949, and operated under the control of
the U.S. Mission of the State Department (DoS) until shortly
after the North Korean invasion (25 June 1950), whereupon KMAG
assets reverted to Eighth Army command (redesignated 8668 AU),
and were finally transferred to 8202 Army Unit on 28 December
1950. KMAG has been sardonically re-interpreted as "Kiss My Ass
Good-bye". Compare MAAG, USDAO.
-
KMC :
-
Republic of Korea Marine Corps; compare ROK, USMC.
-
KNAPSACK :
-
a bag, made of various materials (from fabrics to leather),
that's worn on the back for carrying supplies and other necessary
items; also called a backpack or RUCKSACK. See KIT BAG, FLIGHT
BAG, WAR BAG, BUG-OUT KIT, DUFFEL, DUNNAGE, WEB GEAR,
DINGLEBERRY.
[nb: "rucksack" = back-sack; "knapsack" = bite/snap-up/eat, food
sack; "kit-bag" = soldier's small bag/knapsack; "haversack" =
single-strapped feed bag worn over one shoulder; musette =
single-strapped small bag worn over one shoulder] [cf: bundle,
bindle/bindlea, swag, bluey, dilly bag, tucker-bag, bag, pouch,
tote, sack, traps, pack, grip, gripsack, overnighter, weekender,
holdall, carpetbag, B-4 bag, suitcase, portmanteau, Gladstone
bag, traveling case, garment bag, Val-Pack, luggage; v: "scrip"
wayfarer's bag or wallet; "viaticum" traveler's money and
necessities]
-
KNEEBOARD :
-
a PILOT's leg-mounted notebook and/or clipboard containing flight
routines, signal operating instructions (SOI), and mission
specific briefing notes, including strip maps or target photos;
also called "knee chart". See PLASTIC BRAINS, compare HUD.
-
KNEE CAP :
-
see NEACP.
-
KNEE-KNOCKER :
-
slang for the protective rim or bulwark surrounding an opening in
a BULKHEAD or DECK, designed to exclude water; this coaming is
also called a "shin-scraper".
-
KNIFE :
-
see BAYONET, MUZZLE-RING, BANANA BOLO, BOLO, MACHETE, KABAR,
COMMANDO DAGGER, PILOT'S SURVIVAL KNIFE, KNUCKLE KNIFE, TRENCH
KNIFE, SOG BOWIE, POCKETKNIFE, COLD STEEL, BLOOD GROOVE; compare
ON GUARD, BUTT STROKE, CQB, LONG KNIFE, OLD WRIST BREAKER,
MAMELUKE SWORD, HOT KNIFE, ELECTRIC BUTTERKNIFE.
[v: Knife Terms; The Language of
Swordplay]
-
K-9 :
-
designation being a simulacrum for "canine", denoting the use of
specially trained dogs for military employment in messengering,
security, tracking, and detection with companion handler. Dog
handling is traditionally conducted using German-language commands accompanied by unambiguous
gestures. First used during WWI, such loyal but expendable
animals have usually been abandoned or exterminated after each
subsequent war, despite their extensive and expensive training.
The bond between dog and handler is often untransferrable, such
that the dog is either discharged when the handler leaves the
military, or is destroyed if no other kennel is available for
retirement. After WWI, starving signal dogs were rescued by the
founders of what later became The Seeing Eye Foundation for
re-training as guide dogs for blinded veterans, a field of
mobility (O&M) training that has since burgeoned. These
working dogs, commonly called "police dogs" and "guarddogs", were
known during the VIETNAM WAR as "boonie pups" in camaraderie with
BOONIE RATs; the dogs' spirit was also represented by the
expression: "Hell on Paws", as a take-off from HELL ON WHEELS.
The Army's Quartermaster Corps (QM) initially trained all
military dogs, but after a period of dispersion, the Department
of Defense (DoD) again consolidated training with the U.S. Air
Force. See SCOUT DOG, SAPPER; compare WEASEL, IRON DOG. [nb: a
joint US-Canadian operation during WWI called "K-9" transported
dogsled teams from Alaska and northern Canada to the Alps and
Vosges Mountains for the FRONT LINE delivery of messages, food,
medicine, or AMMO, and evacuation of the wounded, in France and
Italy during winter snows when horses and mules proved incapable]
[nb: the first military use of dogsleds was in the laying of
telegraph lines across Alaska, the delivery of mail and other
resupply items in both World Wars, and for winter search and
rescue operations in the Arctic, until replaced by snowmobiles
and helicopters in the 1950s ... Germans used dogsleds for
resupply on the Russian Front during WWII, and dogsleds are still
used today for border patrol in Norway, Finland, and Greenland]
[nb: during Operation Barbarossa, defending Russians used
anti-tank "mine dogs" against attacking German vehicles; dogs
were Pavlovian conditioned to eat their food on the underside of
moving vehicles, where the trigger on their back would detonate
the saddlebag explosive that they carried] [nb: sled dog team
races began with the 1907-18 All-Alaska Sweepstakes, the 1925
Great Race of Mercy delivery of diphtheria serum (re-enacted in
1975), the 1932 Winter Olympics dogsled race, the annual Alaska
Fur Rendezvous dogsled race that became the Iditarod in 1967, and
the 1973 Iditarod race run from Anchorage to Nome] [nb: mush, the
command urging or spurring a dogsled team to travel, is a
corruption of 'march' as spoken by French voyageurs]
-
KNOCK INTO A COCKED HAT :
-
to destroy utterly or defeat completely; with reference to the
18th century fashion of wearing bicorne and tricorne hats. See
WMD, BOMB 'EM BACK TO THE STONE AGE, NOT ONE STONE LEFT UPON
ANOTHER, BOUNCE THE RUBBLE, MAD, BRINKMANSHIP, OVERKILL, UP-GUN,
OUTGUN, ROMAN HOLIDAY, MASSACRE, HEADHUNTING, TURKEY SHOOT,
DOOMSDAY, KILL 'EM ALL, ATROCITY, GENOCIDE, HOLOCAUST. [cf:
facer]
-
KNOCK IT OFF :
-
command broadcast to all participants, by any
element or umpire, to interrupt MOCK-COMBAT training for reasons
of safety or completion; to cease and desist, to give quarter.
Given the natural competition of training, enthusiasm frequently
exceeds judgement, such that strikes and developments are
disputed; so KNOCK IT OFF concludes the exercise for later
analysis and assessment. Actual combat does not have a "pause"
button or an "interrupt" switch; and "fair play by the rules" is
a moot point in victory. Compare BREAKAWAY, see DOGFIGHT, BELAY,
WAVE OFF, SCRUB, RING THE BELL, TS CARD, POOP, ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE
AND WAR.
-
KNOCK THEIR SPOTS OFF :
-
hitting the center of the target; a perfect score. Originating as
pistol marksmanship competition with the target being the "pips"
on playing cards. This phrase, which enjoins a superior
performance of skill, may be confused with "knock their socks
off", which extols an impressive (even flamboyant) performance.
See SHARPSHOOTER, DEADEYE, KISS THE MISTRESS, MAGGIE'S DRAWERS,
AIMPOINT, BOLO BADGE, DEATH CARDS, WAR GAMES.
-
KNOT :
-
a constrictive interlacement for fastening. Knot tying has
a language of its own, including: bend, BIGHT, loop, hitch,
running-end, standing-end, trailing-end, fast, splice, braid,
twine, etc; see HARD-AND-FAST, MONKEY FIST, TURK'S HEAD. [v: Climbing Terms]
Also, a unit of speed equal to one NAUTICAL MILE (or about 1.15
statute miles) per hour; probably derived as a contraction of
"[k]naut(ical mile)"; the usage "knots per hour" is a redundancy.
Also, a unit of measure, being either one NAUTICAL MILE, or a
line marked 47'3" (13.79m) long.
[nb: 12 inches = 1 foot, 3 feet = 1 yard, 6 feet / 2 yards = 1
fathom, 16.5 feet = 1 rod (aka: pole or perch), 66 feet / 4 rods
= 1 chain (90 feet / 15 fathoms = 1 anchor chain), 10 chains /
660 feet (1/8 statute mile) = 1 furlong, 120 fathoms / 720 feet =
1 land cable, 101 fathoms / 606 feet (1/10 nautical mile) = 1
cable, 3 statute miles = 1 land league, 3 nautical miles = 1 sea
league / shot] [nb: a "geographic mile" is the length of a minute
of longitude on the equator]
-
KNOW THE ROPES :
-
experienced, knowledgeable, masterly; to be familiar with or able
to execute a task. A nautical phrase from the days of sail, when
an understanding of the complexities of ropes, knots, and rigging
was essential for a seaman. This expression first appeared in a
published work as a reference to the ship's captain in "Two Years
Before the Mast" by Richard Henry Dana (1840).
-
KNOW YOUR ENEMY :
-
a catch-phrase that encourages insight and creativity, since it
is not enough to second-guess oneself ("How would I kill me?"),
but to recognize enemy patterns and methods, strengths and
weaknesses, potential and goals ("How would he kill me?"), both
tactically and strategically; also expressed as "know the enemy".
See CAPABILITY, COURSE OF ACTION, LEAST RESISTANCE, FIELD
EXPEDIENT. [nb: "To know your enemy, you must become your enemy
... Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." by Sun-Tzu
(ca490BC)]
-
KNUCKLE-DRAGGER :
-
according to all the self-proclaimed elitists, the purported BEST
AND BRIGHTEST and every other pseudointellectual, this is not
derogatory slang, but an accurate characterization of someone who
is large, strong, and dimwitted; a person who's more physical
than mental, such as a brute or beast ... in other words,
military personnel in general and combatants in particular. This
specious inference willfully ignores the fact that MIL-PERS are
more disciplined and energetic than their civilian peers,
typically more widely traveled and more diversely experienced,
often better educated and socially adjusted, in addition to being
more physically competent and adventuresome. While these societal
arbiters will reflexively defend the downtrodden and
disadvantaged, frothing over politically-incorrect slights, they
dismissively disdain the servicemembers who protect and defend
their civil rights ... it is not fashionable to respect someone
for doing what you will not do for yourself, so you must prove
your superiority by belittling those who do. This specious
attribution of military brutishness is further flawed by the fact
that the most powerful weapon in any arsenal is a creative mind,
so a smart soldier is a successful soldier, and America's
warriors have been successful despite all the sabotage of the
cowardly FIFTH COLUMNists and pseudointellectual TRAITORs. See
SOLDIER, AIRMAN, SAILOR, MARINE, GI, WARM BODY, ATLAS.
[nb: similarly questionable (if not spurious) allegations have
long been leveled against Neanderthals (ie: primitive,
unenlightened, reactionary) by the descendents of Cro-Magnons]
[v: savage, barbarian, outlander, alien, troglodyte, ignoramus,
know-nothing, lowbrow, philistine, vandal, pillager, hooligan,
vulgarian, yahoo; cf: second-class citizen, noble savage]
-
KNUCKLE KNIFE :
-
that class of close combat (CQB) knives fitted with fist-bows [v:
armature, archetto] and knuckle-guards (eg: knuckle-duster), such
as the M-1918 knuckle knife (also known as "Mark I"); typically
includes a skull-crusher pommel, and is generally not configured
as a BAYONET. See TRENCH KNIFE, KNIFE.
[v: Knife Terms; The Language of
Swordplay]
-
KNUCKLE SANDWICH :
-
slang for a clenched fist, as used to deliver a punch in the
mouth; the allusion is to delivering a fist like feeding someone
a sandwich; to throw hands or engage in fisticuffs, boxing or
pugilism. See MARTIAL ART, JAP SLAPPER, BATS 'n' HATS, ON GUARD,
AT CLOSE QUARTERS, UP-CLOSE 'n' PERSONAL, CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE.
[v: Japanese gijutsu (technique, art)]
-
KOPECK :
-
an aluminum-bronze coin of Russia, the Soviet Union, and its
successor states, being the 100th part of a RUBLE; also spelled
kopek or copeck, as derived from the diminutive for 'spear' or
'lance', so-called from the lance with which the figure on the
coin was armed. See LEGAL TENDER.
-
KOREAN WAR :
-
a war launched 25 June 1950 to unify the Hermit Kingdom, annexed
since 1910 and divided by the Yalta Conference trusteeship, by
INVASION from the Democratic People's Republic of (North) Korea
aided by communist China (PRC) and Russia (USSR) into the
Republic of (South) Korea aided by US and UN forces, resulting in
an armistice signed 27 July 1953 that confirmed the antebellum
1948 separation along the 38th parallel, less approximately
180,000 Allied and an estimated 2,000,000 enemy casualties. The
KOREAN WAR was America's first "limited war", formally designated
a "police action", and was the first military intervention by 16
members of the United Nations exercising their peacekeeping
authority.
[v: Korean War Supplement] [nb: Korean
War (1950-53): 36,914 battle deaths] [nb: "In the simplest of
terms, what we are doing in Korea is this: We are trying to
prevent a third world war." by Harry S. Truman (16 April 1951)]
[cf: during the KOREAN WAR, many North Korean and Chinese
communist POWs TATTOOed themselves with anti-American or
pro-communist slogans, on their hands, arms, foreheads, or
chests, as an act of defiant solidarity with their homelands, and
with their war against Western ideals; such that even when they
rioted, no NK or CHICOM POWs were punished for having expressed
their political views with signs or TATTOOs, despite the fact
that such dissent was intolerable in their own homelands]
-
KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL :
-
a striking tableau and frieze erected on the Capitol Mall
adjacent to the VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL commemorating the
service and sacrifice of combatants more than forty years after
the armistice for the "Forgotten War". See MEMORIAL DAY, MISSING
MAN FORMATION, TAPS.
-
KP :
-
Kitchen Police, with duties to assist food preparation, setup,
clean-up, and waiter/steward or Dining Room Orderly (DRO);
sometimes called "pot-walloper", "pan-wrestler", or "kicking pots
and pans", formerly known as "blackguard". See SCRUB, SWEAT,
ELBOW GREASE, COOKIE, MESSHALL, GALLEY, POLICE; compare GI PARTY,
POLICE CALL, HOUSECLEANING.
-
K-POT :
-
the lightweight ballistic (Kevlar) HELMET that replaced the STEEL
POT after Vietnam; also called "Fritz" for its resemblance to the
German coal-scuttle or "Dutch Boy" HEADGEAR. [nb: Kevlar patented
1971]
-
KRAIT :
-
a nocturnal venomous snake, in either black and white or black
and yellow bands, with erect upper fangs (elapid), that's
INDIGenous to South Asia; also called "two-step" or "eleven
second" snake for its deadly effect.
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K-RATIONS :
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single meal for an individual soldier (consisting of 1
kraftboard-sleeved can of pork luncheon meat with can key, K-1
biscuit, K-2 biscuit, lemon juice powder, 4 sugar cubes, 4oz
D-bar chocolate ration, 1 stick chewing gum, pack of 4
cigarettes, clip of matches with VD warning, wooden spoon and
toilet paper); eponymously named for its WWII (1942) creator,
Ancel Keys. See RATIONS.
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KUM BA YAH :
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the title and principal refrain of a 19th century spiritual,
meaning "come by here" from Gullah creole, that's popularly sung
in songfests and has become associated with the civil rights and
anti-war movements; it's also spelled "Kumbaya", "Koombaya", "Cum
Ba Ya", and "Come By Yuh". This folk song has been used in the
modern era, with varying degrees of sincerity or sarcasm, to
evoke spiritual unity and interpersonal harmony, bland piety and
naive optimism. Also, someone who's inexperienced or unworldly,
or something that's impractical or unrealistic; beamish,
Pollyannaish, Panglossian, auspicious, propitious, opportune. See
WE SHALL OVERCOME, HIPPIE, PROTESTOR, BEST AND BRIGHTEST,
PACIFIST, THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME, COUNTERCULTURE,
PEACE.
[nb: "They (radical Islamists) want us exterminated. ... That
said, what do we, Christians in particular, do when faced with an
implacable radical enemy? Just sit around, sing 'Kum Ba Yah' and
hope these bad guys will leave us alone?" by Doug Giles; "I'm not
condoning violence, but sometimes to get justice, you can't just
sit around holding hands singing 'Kumbaya'." by Evan Shamar; A
satirical campaign ad by David Zucker shows an actress playing
Madeleine Albright serving milk and cookies to a group of
terrorists, so when gunmen and suicide bombers emerge from the
basement, her guests distract her by singing 'Kumbaya'.; When
Ambassador John Bolton joked that "Nobody sang 'Kumbaya'." at the
White House farewell dinner for outgoing United Nations
Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Annan laughingly asked: "Does he
know how to sing it?"; When President George W. Bush threatened
to bomb terrorist strongholds in Turkey, an Administration
spokesman said: "It's not 'Kumbaya' time any more."; Senator
Barack Obama sought to distinguish himself from his opponent,
frontrunner Senator Hillary Clinton, by stating that the notion
that they were "holding hands and singing 'Kumbaya'" on every
issue was completely false.; Sol Trujillo, CEO of Telstra, mocked
the proposed taxpayer-funded public-private partnership for a new
national broadband network as some sort of "kumbaya, holding
hands" theory.; "You should go back inside. Finish the big group
sing. Get your kumbaya-yas out." by Joss Whedon]
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KUNAI / KUNAI GRASS :
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tall sharp-edged grass, growing throughout Asia and the Pacific
region; also called "blady", "blady grass", and "lalang". See
BOONIES, TULE, ELEPHANT GRASS, SAW GRASS, NIPA PALM, PITA.
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KYAT :
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the Burmese (Myanmarian) basic monetary unit of currency; see
LEGAL TENDER.
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