COMBAT MilTerms: L

M I L T E R M S :

L : LIMA

LAAGER :

a protective circle or secure PERIMETER, a "coil", "corral", or "wagon wheel", permitting maximum use of integral weapon systems, as temporarily formed by ARMOR/ACR/MECH and/or artillery (ARTY) TRACK vehicles during halts, ranging from conference time to overnight. Aviation (AVN) elements will also position their CHOPPERS in an armament-outward configuration for security during temporary halts on the ground, or overnight positions without REVETMENTS. See FOB, BASE CAMP, RON, NDP, COLD CAMP, TANK PARK, SPIKE, STOCKADE; compare HARDSPOT, REFUSE. [nb: this is not, despite similarity of spelling, the military formation organized to protect the lager beer!]

LADAR :

(lay-dar) LAser Detection And Ranging, which is the military version of Laser-light Imaging Detection And Ranging (LIDAR), and is similar to RADAR technology, being a device or system that determines distance to the surface of an area or object using LASER pulses by measuring the return delay of their reflected intervals; with shorter wave-lengths and higher coherency than RADAR, LADAR imaging and scanning can generate greater precision and accuracy, so is used for mapping, atmospheric and geologic measurements, as well as TARGETing. See LGB, LASER AIMING DEVICE, SALH, PAINT, LOCK-ON, MILES.

LADDERWELL :

the staircase, usually skeletonized, whether fitted with rungs or steps, with or without handrails (ie: "ladderrail"), running between DECKS on-board ships; also called "ladderway". Compare ACCOMMODATION LADDER, AIR STAIRS; see GANGWAY, HATCH, RAMP.

LAGAN :

goods that are deliberately thrown or sunk in the sea but are attached to a BUOY so that they may be recovered, being a form of JETSAM; as derived from a net laid in the sea. See CASTOFF, DODO; compare FLOTSAM, WAVESON.

LAI DAI :

(lie day) Vietnamese phrase for "bring to me", "come to me", or "come here".

LAID BY THE WALL :

someone who is dead but not yet buried; now figurative from original literal meaning. See KIA, DOW, ZERO WARD, WASTED, ZAPPED, BUY THE FARM, PUSHING UP DAISIES, BITTER END, SPLASH, ZULU, BODY BAG, RECOVERY, GRAVES REGISTRATION, MORTUARY AFFAIRS, CATAFALQUE, BOX JOB, GARDEN OF STONES, BONEYARD, "long home" @LONG HOUSE, NATIONAL CEMETERY.

LANCE CORPORAL / LCPL :

LCPL

enlisted rating E-3, between PFC/E-2 and CPL/E-4, being represented by a single chevron and one ROCKER; sometimes called MOSQUITO SMILE. The US Army adopted this rank during the VIETNAM WAR when enlisted ratings were reorganized. Army Privates E-1 and E-2 formerly had no stripes , and PFC/E-3 was the first single-stripe sleeve insignia (MOSQUITO WING); but the Army made PVT/E-1 SLICK SLEEVE, PFC/E-2 one chevron, LCPL/E-3 as one-up-one-down Lance Corporal (LCPL), and kept CPL/E-4 at two chevrons. This adjustment brought Army ratings into conformity with Marine tradition. The Army also introduced the SUPER GRADE NCOs at the high end of the ratings. See MOSQUITO WING, MATING MOSQUITOES, SWINE LOG, EM, FIRST SHIRT, NCO.

LANCER :

Rockwell / Boeing B-1 bomber aircraft; see LRCA, BIRD.

LANCHESTER EQUATIONS OF COMBAT :

(forthcoming); a set of non-linear differential equations that are used to model the attrition of opposing forces using direct and indirect weaponry; also called "Lanchester's Laws" and "Lanchester's Laws of Warfare"; devised by F.W. Lanchester in 1916, and were simultaneously discovered from independent analysis by the Russian scientist Osipov.

LANDING CRAFT :

shallow-draft vessels, (barge or LIGHTER) designed to transport men and equipment from ships to shore, without docking requirements; also known as GATOR-FREIGHTER or ASSAULT BOAT. Originating with the 36' mahogany "Eureka" boat invented by Andrew Jackson Higgins, all subsequent LANDING CRAFT were adapted from this design for BEACHHEAD assaults. In nautical terms, a craft is defined as being 200' or less, and a ship is any vessel longer than a craft; but all the BOATS in this class performs the same basic function. LANDING CRAFT include: Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV); Landing Craft Assault (LCA); Landing Craft Infantry (LCI @160'); Landing Craft Mechanized/Medium (LCM); Landing Craft Tank (LCT); Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel (LCVP), also called HIGGINS BOAT; Landing Craft Vehicle Ramped (LCVR); Landing Ship Dock (LSD); Landing Ship Infantry (LSI); Landing Ship Tank (LST @327'); Landing Vehicle Tank (LVT); Landing Vehicle Tracked Amphibious (LVTA, with 75mm howitzer); Landing Vehicle Track Propelled (LVTP); and a new hovercraft-type called Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC). Assault troops who've been transported in it to an enemy BEACHHEAD, claim that LST really means "Long Slow Target", and that LVT actually means "Large Vulnerable Target". The designation LSMR-536 means "toilet" or GHOST BOAT. See TANGO BOAT, ZIPPO BOAT, AMTRACK, APD, MRF, ALLIGATOR, RAMP, TAILGATE, DUCK, ELSIE, TRACK, BOAT. [nb: the doctrine of amphibious assault by waterborne forces was developed by John Archer Lejeune (LTG USMC) after studying the Gallipoli Peninsula landing in WWI, and this specialization prevented the Marine Corps from being disbanded between the World Wars; Marines then taught amphibious doctrine during 1941-2 to soldiers of the Army's 1st and 3rd Infantry Divisions at both New River NC and Cape Henry VA in preparation for the North African landing]

LANDING STRIP :

see RUNWAY. [nb: technically, an 'airstrip' is a small airfield with only one RUNWAY, but the term is widely used as a synonym for a landing strip; the Eisenhower interstate highway system mandates that one mile in every five be straight so it can be used to land aircraft during an emergency or wartime] [nb: RUNWAY designations are by compass heading and its reciprocal, which designation alone informs the PILOT by which direction to approach or depart]

LANDLINE :

any direct communication method, such as telegraph, but usually a hand-cranked field telephone (TA-312) connected with insulated wire (SPAGHETTI). See RTO, RTP, TELEPHONE, TWX, RADIO. Also, a tether or painter; as a GUY used for making a secure connection. See ROPE, CORD, PARA-CORD, SHROUD, HAWSER.

LAND OF THE BIG PX :

slang for home, America, the United States of America; also known as "Fort Home", "Fire Base Home", the "Land of the All Night Generator" for its luxuries, and the "Golden Mountain" for its resources and opportunities. See THE WORLD, THE REAL WORLD, CONUS, ZI; compare THE BIG PX IN THE SKY.

LAND TAIL :

that portion of an air-transported unit that was not initially committed to combat operations, so joins the rest of the unit by surface movement; see ADVANCE PARTY, TRAIN, STRAGGLER.

LANTFLT :

Atlantic Fleet; see CINCLANT, CINCLANTFLT.

LANTIRN :

(forthcoming); see PAVEWAY, GBU, LGB, LASER AIMING DEVICE, PAINT, LASER

LANYARD :

a short rope or wire used to secure objects or riggings. Also, a CORD for securing or suspending a small object. Also, a hooked cord acting as a firing trigger on certain cannons. Also, a CORD worn around the left shoulder by a member of a decorated military unit. Also, a CORD looped around the right shoulder, and secured to a pistol butt, as worn by military police. Derived from thong or noose; compare SLING.

LAPES :

Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System; see PARACHUTE.

LASER :

Lightwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation; the nearly monochromatic and almost parallel coherent beam of light that's produced by atomic excitation radiating in phase [cf: Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (MASER)]. Also, the device producing such light. See LASER AIMING DEVICE, PAINT, LGB, PAVEWAY, LANTIRN, LADAR, MILES.

LASER AIMING DEVICE :

a sighting aid for individual (eg: AN/PEQ-2 Infrared LASER) and crew-served weapons that precisely targets the munition's point of impact ... not just where it 'should' impact. Simple devices give exact range, and complex devices guide the munition onto its target; such targeting is called PAINT or "las" (shortening of LASER). See PAINT, BOMBSIGHT, SALH, LGB, PAVEWAY, LANTIRN, LADAR, SKIN.

LAST MAN CLUB :

informal reference to a veteran's organization, for specialty (eg: glider, code talker, balloonist, etc), unit (eg: Alamo Scouts, FSSF, Marine Raiders, etc), or engagement (eg: Bataan Bastards, Chosin Few, China Marines, Seagoing Marines, etc), which is past, discontinued, or dissolved; in contrast to branch of service (eg: USAF, USCG, etc), combined (eg: VFW, AL, DAV, etc) or continuing (eg: pilots, submariners, cryptanalysts, etc) elements. This expression was current during WWII, and has been used in literature ever since. See VETERAN'S DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL, VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL, TAPS.

LAST MAN STANDING :

a catch-phrase for the sole survivor or final defense, for the last defiant act; such a theory of attrition seeks, by expenditure and endurance, to defeat strategy by a "process of elimination". This concept has been promoted in the modern era by numerous popular songs, several video games, a couple of reality TV series, two adventure films (1988 and 1996), and a popular novel (2001) by David Baldacci. See SUICIDE SQUAD, IOTA, LAST MAN CLUB. [v: enfants perdus, forlorn hope; cf: picket, vedette] [nb: the "last king of Great Britain", Charles I, was called "the last man" by the Parliamentarians, and Charles II was called "son of the last man"]

LAT-LONG :

informal expression of a LATitude-LONGitude position, also spelled "latlong"; see AZIMUTH, CONTOUR LINES, GRID COORDINATES, GRID LINES, UTM, GPS, INS, LORAN, DEAD-RECKONING, SLANT DISTANCE, HEADING, NAUTICAL MILE.

LATRINE :

military toilet, which has been euphemistically redesignated a "Field Sanitary Facility"; see CAT HOLE, SLIT TRENCH, HEAD, BLUE CANOE, WATERWORKS, DUMP, TROTS, SQUIRTS, CORK, SHIT, TRA CA, E-TOOL, DOUCHE BAG, GI SHOWER, RAINROOM, COMFORT STATION, SCUTTLE. [nb: Chinese archives document the use of perfumed rice-paper for use as toilet paper from the sixth century; toilet paper invented 1857; perforated roll of toilet paper (1877); 2-ply toilet paper (1942); pastel colors of toilet paper (1956)] [nb: when served SLOP or WAD from a field kitchen, the MESS KIT was commonly called a "slop bucket" or "slop pail", as the CANTEEN CUP was called a "slop bowl" or "slop jar" for the dirty liquid filling it ... a direct comparison to "thunder mugs" and "chamber pots", "honey buckets" and "commodes"]

A LAUGH A MINUTE :

slang for going into hostile riverine operations by small boat with confidence of success; see WALK IN THE PARK, PIECE OF CAKE, CAKEWALK, MILK RUN, DUCK SOUP, NO SWEAT, TURKEY SHOOT.

LAST :

a rescue or recovery mnemonic for Locate, Assess, Stabilize, Transport; see SAR, CSAR, JSARC, PJ, BRIGHT LIGHT, JPRC, HOT HOIST, JUNGLE PENETRATOR, TRAP.

LAV :

Light Armored Vehicle; compare APC, HALF-TRACK, ARMORED CAR, TRACK, TANK, AAV, LSV, FAV.

LAW :

Light Anti-tank Weapon, being a compact, shoulder-fired, single-shot MISSILE in a disposable fiberglass launcher at ranges to 325m, as used on lightly armored enemy vehicles and lightly reinforced fortifications; exists as the M-72 at 66mm and M-80 at 94mm firing a High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) WARHEAD. See PREDATOR, RR, compare TOW, RPG [v: panzerfaust]. [nb: the failure rate of LAWs in Vietnam was high, and the few times the NVA used armor (PT-76 amphibious tanks) the drape of pre-detonation rubber matting (SPACED ARMOR) made these anti-tank ROCKETs ineffective]

LAW OF AVERAGES :

a statistical principle showing a more or less predictable ratio between the potential number of random trials of an event and their possible result, as formulated by Jakob Bernoulli; with the naive projection that "no two shells will land in the same place" ... an absolute and categorical fiction known by every GRUNT! Such probability theories have relative application and utility, but are refuted by "reality"; since no event precludes any other event, and since all factors affect all other and all subsequent factors. While pseudo-science attempts to rationalize Chaos Theory, and religious propitiation attempts to demystify Fortune, GRUNTS believe in the immutable "MURPHY'S LAWS of Combat". General "Jumpin' Jim" Gavin called his 82nd ABN DIV paratroopers "fugitives from the law of averages". See UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE, BOYDLOOP, LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS, LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES, PRINCIPLE OF LEAST FORCE.

LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS :

(forthcoming); see UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE, BOYDLOOP, LAW OF AVERAGES, LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES, PRINCIPLE OF LEAST FORCE. [v: Occam's razor (aka: law of parsimony); cf: Sartre's existential path of least resistance in the metaphysical void]

LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES :

(forthcoming); consequence, ramification, implication, effect, side-effect, aftereffect, outgrowth, offshoot, upshot, by-product; see BACKWASH, FALLOUT, UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE, BOYDLOOP, LAW OF AVERAGES, LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS, PRINCIPLE OF LEAST FORCE.

LAWS OF WAR :

the codes and regulations affecting the conduct of MIL-PERS and their permissible or prohibited acts, also known as "jus belli" or "lawful orders"; as established by Executive Order, Congressional Acts, and multinational accords or pacts, especially Hague Treaties and Geneva Conventions. See RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE), EXTRAORDINARY POWERS, RFZ, FREE FIRE ZONE, COLLATERAL DAMAGE, HOT PURSUIT, ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR, WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' BADGES, FIGHTING WORDS, WARNING SHOT, BLOODY SHIRT, JUST WAR, CROSS THE RUBICON, POSSE COMITATUS, RIOT ACT, RETALIATION, REPRISAL, REVENGE, WAR CRIMES TRIAL, ICC, IMT, IMTFE, UNWCC, HAGUE TRIBUNAL, GENEVA CONVENTION, WAR POWERS ACT, GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY, PING-PONG DIPLOMACY, BIG STICK DIPLOMACY, SABER-RATTLING, GUNPOINT, NEUTRALIZE, CONFLICT, STRUGGLE, BATTLE, WAR. [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] [nb: "And if also any one contend (in the fight), he is not crowned (for victory) unless he contend lawfully." 2 Timothy 2:5] [v: Diplomatic Terms]

LAY CHILLY :

to lay in one position, lie motionless, lying still; or, in other slang, to chill-out, to freeze.

LBE :

(el-bee-ee) Load-Bearing Equipment; compare LBV, see WEB GEAR, DEUCE GEAR, PISTOL BELT, CLUTCH BELT, CANTEEN, STABO, DINGLEBERRY, ALICE, MOLLE. [nb: called "belt order" by Aussie and Kiwi troops]

LBGB :

Little Bitty Gook Boat; small watercraft, usually sized for one or two persons, sometimes made from reeds. See JUNK, SAMPAN.

LBJ :

Long Binh Jail, being the Long Binh STOCKADE in IIICTZ, with the last word changed to make a pun on the initials of President Lyndon Baines Johnson (L-B-J); also called "LBJ ranch". See CROSSBAR HOTEL, BRIG, THE CASTLE, DEADLOCK, CHL, PAIN.

LBV :

(el-bee-vee) Load-Bearing Vest; used for carrying ammunition, water, and other tactical loads while in the field, or during an assault. Compare LBE; see WEB GEAR, DEUCE GEAR, PISTOL BELT, CLUTCH BELT, CANTEEN, STABO, DINGLEBERRY, ALICE, MOLLE.

LCA :

Landing Craft Assault, see LANDING CRAFT.

LCAC :

Landing Craft Air Cushion, being a hovercraft-type of LANDING CRAFT for transport of men, equipment, and vehicles on amphibious operations.

LCI :

Landing Craft Infantry; see LANDING CRAFT.

LCM :

Landing Craft Mechanized, or Landing Craft Medium; see LANDING CRAFT.

LCPL :

abbreviation for Lance CorPoraL, being a rank in the Marine Corps between Private First Class (PFC) and Corporal (CPL), which is an assistant section or squad leader rating, and is commonly called a MOSQUITO SMILE. During the Vietnam-era, the Army reorganized its enlisted grades and incorporated this rank; however, this sleeve rank was later redesignated "Private First Class", with the traditional PFC sleeve rank changed to "Private". See SWINE LOG, MOSQUITO WING, MATING MOSQUITOES, EM, RATING, GRADE, RANK.

LCT :

Landing Craft Tank; see LANDING CRAFT.

LCVP :

Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel, also called HIGGINS BOAT; see LANDING CRAFT.

LCVR :

Landing Craft Vehicle Ramped; see LANDING CRAFT.

LD :

abbreviation for Line of Departure (qv).

LDR :

leader or leadership, from team leader to group leader; the basic rule of leadership is to "draw" or "pull", as in FOLLOW ME, not to "drive" or "push", since something spineless (eg: noodle or string) cannot be shoved, and shoving something as stubborn as a mule will result in either a swift kick or a load of shit ... the fully-exposed broad back of a "lead from the front" COMMANDER is always vulnerable! Good leaders cultivate competence: "select men that you trust, then trust the men that you select". See CO, COMMANDER, COMMAND PRESENCE, COMMAND ELEMENT, CHAIN-OF-COMMAND, CHIEF, ACTING JACK, GADGET, BREVET, OLD MAN, HONCHO, WALLAH, MOTHER HEN, 10, MC, GREEN TAB, LPC, LITTLE PRICK, MARTINET, BRASS EAR, SHAKE 'n' BAKE, INCOC, NCOCC, NCOA, SMA, OCS, TRADE SCHOOL, ROTC, WAR COLLEGE, BOOTSTRAP, TOP DOG, SKIPPER, CAPTAIN, COMBAT EFFECTIVE, COMMAND RATIO, EXTRAORDINARY POWERS, OVERSIGHT, DON'T DO NOTHING, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF, PIG LOOKING AT A WRISTWATCH, BROWN NOSER, NOSE COUNT, RUN IT UP THE FLAGPOLE, BRASS-COLLAR, YOUR WISH IS MY COMMAND, HEADQUARTERISM, MICROMANAGEMENT. [nb: Vietnamese term: Nguoi Lanh Dao] [v: shogun (shaugun), duce, führer (fuehrer), caudillo, president, governor, emir (amir/emeer/ameer), commander; cf: ruler, highness, eminence, imperium, sovereign, suzerain, monarch, king, emperor, caesar, kaiser, czar (tsar), mikado, pharaoh, khan (chan/xan), shah, sultan, pasha (padshah/pasa), satrap, bashaw, mogul (moghul/moghal), sheik (sheikh), regent, duke, marquis, earl, count, viscount, baron, grandee, palatine, viceroy, nawab, regent, chevalier, boyar, margrave, gauleiter, burgomaster/burgermeister/burgemeester, archon, aedile, prefect, legate, steward, foreman, boss, effendi, master, liege, potentate, lord, overlord, duumvir, triumvir, chief, chieftain, head, sachem, rajah, nabob, patriarch, dynast, tyrant, despot, dictator, autocrat, nibs, panjandrum, pooh-bah, high and mighty, hogen mogen, high-muckety-muck, high-muck-a-muck] [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] [nb: "Never before were so few commanded by so many from so far away." by Henry H. "Hap" Arnold; "Never were so few commanded by so many from so far for so little." soldier sentiment during WWII Operation Torch; "We are the invisible doing the impossible in a place unknown." soldier sentiment during KOREAN WAR; "We are the unwilling led by the unfit to do the unnecessary for the ungrateful." soldier sentiment during VIETNAM WAR; "Never have so few been led through such difficulty to do what's right for so many who thought so little of it!" soldier sentiment during GULF WAR; "We are the few led by the best doing the essential for the ungrateful." soldier sentiment during GULF WAR II] [nb: "Leadership consists not in degrees of technique but in traits of character; it requires moral rather than athletic or intellectual effort, and it imposes on both leader and follower alike the burdens of self-restraint." by Lewis H. Lapham; "People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. ... The leader works in the open, and the boss in covert. The leader leads, and the boss drives." by Theodore Roosevelt; "There's no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit." by Ronald Wilson Reagan; "An army of asses led by a lion is preferable to an army of lions led by an ass."] Also, abbreviation for Let-Down Rope, being an auxiliary line used for descent from a tree landing in which the PARACHUTE canopy is entangled; compare DINGLEBERRY. [v: Parachuting Terms]

LEAGUE OF NATIONS :

an international organization, based in Geneva Switzerland, that was created by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 to promote world peace and cooperation, and was dissolved in April 1946; compare COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS, NATO. [cf: organizational date of the United Nations (UN)]

LEANING SHITHOUSE :

1st FASCOM

1st Spt Cmd

NICKNAME for Vietnam's logistics command (1st FASCOM) patch; design depicts a clockface pointer counting down to the Biblical "Eleventh Hour", but also resembles a tilted privy silhouetted against a dark night.

LEAN 'n' MEAN :

euphemism for being ready to fight, trained to perfection; also called "trim 'n' grim". See LOCK 'n' LOAD, STRAC, GREEN MACHINE, HORS DE COMBAT.

LEAP FROG :

informal reference for the basic method of fire and movement by alternating elements in advance or retreat, such that one protects the other during maneuver; movement in which supporting elements are moved successively through or by one another. See BUTTERFLY, CLOVERLEAF, CHECKERBOARD, HOPSCOTCH, BUTTONHOOK, ZIGZAG, DASH.

LEAPING LENA :

initiated in April 1964 as the precursor to Project Delta (DET B-52, 5th SFGAbn), organized under Combined Area Studies (CAS) as "Mountain Scouts" for PARACHUTE insertion of RECON teams onto the HO CHI MINH TRAIL in Laos; see OPLAN 34A, CSD, THE GREEKS, DELTA FORCE.

LEAST RESISTANCE :

any tactical or operational modality that promotes the simplest method or advocates the easiest technique, as in taking "the line of LEAST RESISTANCE" or "the path of LEAST RESISTANCE"; such avoidance of obstacles tends to keep the advancing elements moving forward. This avoidance of opposition is not necessarily submissive, but is accommodating while being goal oriented. Any intolerable pressure (social or psychic, military or economic, mechanical or survival) will vent in the direction of its least resistance; and the counter to this pressure is to apply the least force to control or contain that pressure so that it does not become destructive, or is directed in its destruction at the least valuable element or segment ... such a calculated loss is a value judgement of the regulatory authority, so that more are spared than sacrificed. If the force or effect are miscalculated, the regulators may be purged, or the entire value system may be called into question. See KNOW YOUR ENEMY, COURSE OF ACTION, BY THE BOOK, CAPABILITY, KNOW THE ROPES, PRINCIPLE OF LEAST FORCE, LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS, LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES; compare OVERKILL, BOMB 'EM BACK TO THE STONE AGE, BOUNCE THE RUBBLE, KNOCK INTO A COCKED HAT, TURKEY SHOOT, KILL 'EM ALL, ATROCITY, GENOCIDE, HOLOCAUST, COLLATERAL DAMAGE. [v: Occam's razor (aka: law of parsimony); cf: Sartre's existential path of least resistance in the metaphysical void]

LESSONS LEARNED :

see OJT, KISS, POI, CROSS-TRAINING, Q-COURSE, CHARM SCHOOL, COC, ACTA, RECONDO.

LETHAL RADIUS :

the area within which 50% of exposed enemy troops become casualties from indirect fire or area MUNITIONS.

LEATHERNECK :

term for a Marine or the Marine Corps (USMC), also called "boot neck"; as derived from a leather neckband worn from 1798 to 1880 on the Marine uniform for protection of the neck during sword combat. See BULLDOG, GYRENE; compare BLACK DEVIL, GODDAM.

LEATHERNECK SQUARE :

Marine operational area in I Corps (ICTZ/MR1) inclusive of Gio Linh, Con Thien, Dong Ha, and Cam Lo; also known as the "meat grinder".

LEAVE :

an extended period of authorized absence without travel restrictions, often subclassified as convalescent, accrued or annual; also known as "furlough" (derived from permission, as "by your leave"). See OFF-DUTY, PASS, R&R, I&I, STEEL BEACH, UA, AWOL, OFF THE RESERVATION, PROFILE, USAFI.

LECTERN :

a bookstand or bookrest for a standing reader; see ROSTRUM.

LEDO ROAD :

Ledo Road

highway built from Ledo India to Chungking (Chongqing) China during WWII in order to CONVOY equipment and materiel as a more efficient way to support Nationalist Chinese allies; this route was called the "Aluminum Trail" or "Aluminum Highway" due to the number of crashed aircraft and vehicles. Construction was completed 28 Jan 1945, connecting the LEDO ROAD to the Burma Road, eliminating the need to fly the HUMP.

LEEWAY :

the drift of an aircraft or vessel from its course or HEADING due to crosswinds or currents; see BEARING, TRAVERSE, ZIGZAG [cf: leeward, windward]. Also, a margin of space, time, or materials, being an extra or surplus; a degree or element of freedom, of latitude.

LEG :

slang for an infantryman, GRUNT or SNUFFY; see 03, GI, DOUGHBOY. Also, derisive slang for any non-parachutist or not-AIRBORNE qualified soldier, also known as "straight leg"; the "sanctioned" term is Non-Airborne Personnel (NAP); compare CADET, TADPOLE, PUP, POLLYWOG, CHUM, NUGGET, GROUND HOG. [nb: LEG is such a foul epithet that PARATROOPERs must spit and swear whenever compelled to utter it; "Spitting and swearing are nearly out of fashion in Philadelphia ... at this moment we cannot recall more than two or three gentlemen who would think of such a thing as spitting on the carpet of a lady's drawing room." in A Pleasant Peregrination in Pennsylvania (1836)] Also, a distinct segment or incremental portion of a course or journey, as a stage, subdivision, or phase.

LEGAL TENDER :

the official currency of a sovereign nation; currency that may be lawfully tendered in payment of private or public pecuniary debts or exchanges, and that may not be refused by creditors, merchants, employees, or institutions. Currency as a form of money or LEGAL TENDER is subdivided into specie (coin) and scrip (paper; not "script"). Any LEGAL TENDER that is not based upon a convertible value (ie: hard currency; cf: hard cash) is technically "fiat money", having no intrinsic value. The Chinese government began regulating the private circulation of paper currency in AD812, which had expiration dates and was called "flying money" at the time (later known as "credit money"), and was used like a check/cheque, as a draft on deposited funds that were redeemed by exchange of the promissory fixed-sum note; then three-color printing of scrip was instituted in 1107 to prevent counterfeiting ("impersonate authority") of paper money in China. Because paper money adversely affected inflation through distrust and forgery, the Chinese government recycled it with more and more elaborate designs, allowing the outdated currency to be used as "spirit money" for the deceased to spend in the afterlife; special issues of "spirit money" were later produced for burning at the funeral, which practice is still followed today. By technomigration, paper currency appeared in Sweden c1661, America c1690 [cf: 1862 Legal Tender Act; 1863 National Bank Act; 1913 Federal Reserve Act; 1933 Legal Tender Act; 1933 Emergency Banking Act; 1934 Securities Exchange Act], France c1720, England c1797, and Germany c1806. Since colonial America was prohibited from minting its own coinage and forbidden the import of British coins, compelling colonists to resort to barter, the US Constitution authorized American coinage in 1787, based upon the decimal system developed by Gouverneur Morris, with silver and gold coins first minted in 1792 at Philadelphia's US Mint: "E Pluribus Unum" motto in 1795; $50 gold "slug" coined in California (1849); 1¢ nickel coin minted in 1856; 2¢ coin minted in 1864; "In God We Trust" motto in 1864; 5¢ nickel coin minted in 1866; gold standard established by 1873 Coinage Act and 1900 Currency Act, disestablished by 1934 Gold Reserve Act and 1975 Act; increase silver coinage by 1878 Bland-Allison Act and 1890 Silver Purchase Act; US bills of different denominations sized alike (1929); anti-counterfeiting features (ie: security threads, microprinting, infrared marking, with enlarged portraits) introduced to US bills (1996); splashes of orange, yellow, and red color added to US bills (2003-8); . [nb: cash register (1879); credit card (Diners' Club, 1951; magnetic strip added 1971); Automated Teller Machine (ATM; 1969)] See DONG, HAO, XU, PIASTER, BAHT, KIP, RIEL, KYAT, RINGGIT, YEN, MONGO, TUGRIK, TAEL, SYCEE, YUAN, RENMINBI, POUND, MARK, LIRA, DINAR, DIRHAM, RIYAL, RIAL, FILS, MPC, HARD TIMES TOKEN, SLUSH FUND, CUMSHAW, SOUVENIR, SHORT SNORTER, CHALLENGE COIN, CANDY, BAD PAPER, BENSON SILK. [v: bread, dough, lettuce, cabbage, kale, long green, frogskin, skin, jack, scratch, simoleon, moola, lolly, dead president, stake, clam, smacker, buck, big bucks, megabucks, packet, wad, pelf, boodle, lucre, swag, chicken feed, peanuts, shinplaster, wampum, mazuma, chit, nest egg, pin money, spending money, pocket money, walking-around money, mad money, funny money, reward money, prize money, blood money, viaticum, gelt, shekels, piaster, Asiadollar, Eurodollar, banknote, grand, thou[sand], c-note, double-sawbuck, sawbuck, tenner, ten-spot, fin, fiver, five-spot, single, cash, thaler, cartwheel, half-eagle, eagle, double-eagle, nickel, dime, penny, cent, coin, specie, slug] [v: obverse/reverse, cross/pile]

LEGEND :

the mission-specific cover story and alias assumed for an operative or operational team; also called "field legend" or "back story"; see COVER, POCKET LITTER, CLEAN, BACKSTOP, LIFTED SKIRT, NOC, TRADECRAFT. Also, a table on a map or chart that lists and explains the symbols used thereupon [nb: a 'key' is a systematic explanation of the abbreviations and symbols used in a book or map]. Also, an inscription, as on a coat of arms, a monument, an image, or the like, including the lettering running around the field of a medal [nb: an 'inscription' is the lettering running across the field of a medal]. [v: Heraldry] Also, a traditional story, handed down by word-of-mouth from earlier times, that relates the lore of particular peoples, which is popularly accepted despite its unverifiability; as derived from the collection of stories (ledger) about the (miraculous) deeds of admirable persons, which are to be recited (read aloud) on designated dates (eg: saint's day); see COUNT COUP, WAR STORY, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, SEA STORY, TELL IT TO THE MARINES, TALK TRASH, SHOOT THE SHIT. [nb: a LEGEND is usually concerned with a real person or event, which story is associated with a particular people and is believed to have some basis in fact; a MYTH is a purportedly historical story that attempts to explain some belief, practice, or phenomenon, with its characters being gods or heroes; a FABLE is a fictitious story that intends to teach a moral lesson, with its characters being anthropomorphized animals or magical creatures; cf: homily, allegory, parable, apologue, tale, folk tale, fairy tale]

LEGGING :

a protective covering of canvas or leather for the lower leg, usually at the ankle (gaiter) from instep to calf, as worn by soldiers, riders, workers, and other outdoorsmen; also spelled "leggin". See PUTTEE, BOONDOCKERS, FOOTWEAR. [nb: like jodhpurs, leggings are also a particular style of pants]

LEGHORN :

CODENAME for radio relay site established 15 January 1967 atop a remote pinnacle in Laos, and operated continuously for the next five years; see HICKORY, BLACK LADY MOUNTAIN, RR; compare SITE 85.

LEGION :

the largest unit of the ancient Roman army, comprising all elements (infantry, cavalry, etc); compare CORPS, RCT. Also, any great or massive group of armed men. Also, any large or extensive military, semi-military, or quasi-military organization. Also, a multitude, throng, horde, conflux, host, or myriad.

LEGION OF MERIT / LOM :

LoM medal

issued in three grades to both civilian and military personnel for distinguished service, the medal is typically regarded as the field-grade officer's version of the "Good Conduct" medal (ie: the "Colonel's Weenie"), since failure to "earn" it usually results in compulsory retirement. See TICKET-PUNCHER, GONG, MSM, DSM, GREEN WEENIE. [nb: the LEGION OF MERIT awarded to military personnel is actually the third class of this award, with the first two classes reserved for civilian diplomats and foreign dignitaries; the PRESIDENTIAL CITIZENS MEDAL and the MEDAL OF FREEDOM are likewise reserved for civilians]

LEOPARD :

this is the first camouflage pattern that was actually produced for uniforms during WWI as a result of the color perception research by the "camouflage corps" artists and engineers (beginning with a dadaistic confusion of reds, greens, yellows, blues, and browns); the research primarily addressed the concealment of soldier's tents and artillery positions, or the distortion of ships and airplanes. Although not suitable in all circumstances, this dappled pattern disrupted someone's configuration more than any other single design. This spotted pattern, produced by the French ["léopard"], was later adopted for American parachutists during WWII, and for ADVISORs in Vietnam; it was supplanted by the TIGER STRIPE pattern in Southeast Asia, and by WOODLAND and DESERT patterns elsewhere in U.S. operations. The WWII-era spotted "duck hunter" camouflage pattern adopted by America was originally hand-painted but later silkscreened. A similar German (flecktarn) pattern was based upon the effect of sunshine through foliage, and was applied to ponchos and helmet covers as well as uniforms; the post-WWI German "raindrop" design has been widely imitated, and variations of the mottled LEOPARD pattern are still used by foreign armies around the world. See CAMMIES, CAMO, DRESS.

LEROY :

NICKNAME given by white troops to any BLACK soldier in the field, or to any rural "country boy" Afro-American.

LETDOWN :

the descent of an aircraft from a higher to a lower altitude preparatory to making an approach and landing, or to making a target run, or the like; also spelled "let-down".

LET-DOWN ROPE :

an auxiliary line carried whenever a tree landing may capture the PARACHUTE canopy, being a 5mm or 7mm cord of about 75-150 foot length that's typically carried in a leg pocket for deployment whenever necessary, by securing one end to the PARACHUTE harness and then body RAPPELLING down to the ground ... this escape line is left in place to assist in the later retrieval of the entangled para gear. If a PARATROOPER utilizes an equipment bag (DINGLEBERRY) that's tethered to the PARACHUTE harness by a "lowering line", then an auxiliary LET-DOWN ROPE may not be necessary. Instructors often teach students to employ the reserve chute as a method of descending to the ground if suspended in a tree, but that solution relies upon the availability of a secondary canopy, the space to deploy such a voluminous alternative, and the unavoidable expense of certified repacking. This escape line is a necessary adjunct for smokejumpers, and a useful tactical supplement for PARATROOPERs. [v: Parachuting Terms]

LETTER BOX :

a secure place or person where secret messages can be left for later collection by the recipient, with appropriate procedures for any undelivered DEAD LETTERs; also called a "mail drop" or "message center". Compare DEAD DROP; see FLAPS 'n' SEALS, BLIND DATE.

LETTER OF MARQUE :

a license issued to a private citizen by a sovereign authorizing the capture and confiscation of property from other nations as reprisal, also called "Letter of Marque and Reprisal"; such MERCENARY conduct is vested in Congressional powers authorized by Article 1, Section 8.11, and prohibited to States by Article 1, Section 10.1 of the American Constitution.

LET THE DEAD BURY THE DEAD :

a catch-phrase asserting that things will take care of themselves. This proposition directs that the focus of attention and resources be productively purposeful; it encourages goal orientation for mission accomplishment. This expression is actually a misquotation of "... let the dead bury their own dead." [Matthew 8:22], which has similarly been represented as "Let the dead Past bury its dead!" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

L/FE :

the Office of the Legal Adviser, his assistant and staff, for Far Eastern Affairs, being a section within the Department of State (DOS); compare JAG.

LGB :

Laser Guided Bomb; see LASER AIMING DEVICE, PAINT, PAVEWAY, LANTIRN, LADAR, LASER; compare GBU, EOGB, VB.

LGM :

Laser Guided Missile, such as Titan II (LGM-25), Minuteman I (LGM-30A/B), Minuteman II (LGM-30F), Minuteman III (LGM-30G), Peacekeeper (LGM-118A), and the like. See MISSILE.

L-HOUR :

the term used to designate the unnamed effective time specified for the commencement, execution, implementation, or initiation of a particular C-DAY operation. See HACK, TIME.

LHA :

designated U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship.

LIBERATOR :

Mitchell B-24 heavy bomber that flew 60% of the precision daylight raids from England over Europe during WWII; also called HELL'S BELLS.

LIC :

abbreviation for LOW-INTENSITY CONFLICT.

LIE DETECTOR :

misnomer for an instrument, properly known as a 'polygraph', that records the changes in certain bodily activities (such as blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and perspiration) during questioning of an individual, which indicators may be interpreted to determine the truth or falsity of that person's answers. The original polygraph was invented by John A. Larson in 1921, and the test is also known as a "psychophysiological deception detection" exam. See FLUTTER, SWEAT, SQUEEZE, TRUTH SERUM, TRADECRAFT.

LIFEBOAT :

an accessory craft, also called a dinghy or TENDER, required to be available on any aircraft or vessel operating on or over water, usually stocked with a limited supply of medical equipment and survival provisions, so as to enable passengers and crew to be rescued from sinking. The first modern revision of the classic ancillary LIFEBOAT came about in consideration of downed aircrew during WWII under the tutelage of E.V. "Eddie" Rickenbacker, a WWI ace who survived such an ordeal in the Pacific enroute to Australia; wherein signal devices, shade material, and high visibility contrast were factored into the redesign. See GIG, SKIMMER, SCOW, BOAT, BOAT DECK, POOPIE SUIT, FEET WET, THE DRINK, GOLDFISH CLUB. [v: jolly boat]

LIFELINE :

a LINE or ROPE available for saving life, as one attached to a LIFEBOAT, or a heave line cast from a vessel; see MONKEY FIST, TRAWL. Also, any of various LINEs running above the DECKs, between spars or other structures of a ship or boat, giving sailors something to guide or grab when in danger of falling overboard or washing away; on military vessels, this safety LIFELINE is made of bronze wire; compare PULPIT, TAFFRAIL, SNAKING, TOE RAIL, BULWARK. Also, the line by which an underwater diver is lowered and raised. Also, any of several anchored lines used by swimmers for support. Also, a route over which supplies must be sent to sustain an area or group of persons otherwise isolated.

LIFER :

career soldier; compare OLD BREED, OLD SWEAT, RETREAD, HOMESTEADER, FLATHEAD, CHERRY, FNG, NEWBEE, see TICKET-PUNCHER, MILICRAT, KHAKI MAFIA, VULCANIZE, RIGHT ARM, BOOTSTRAP, DOUBLE-DIP.

LIFT :

a single helicopter trip transporting people or carrying cargo from a loading area to a landing zone; see COMPANY LIFT, EAGLE FLIGHT, PZ, LZ, CLZ, compare SORTIE. Also, the transport of any load, usually specifying its weight or quantity, by any means, whether emergency or routine, such as airlift or sealift; see PAYLOAD. Also, indirect fire support, such as naval gunfire, that has been redirected or discontinued, as when shifting an artillery (ARTY) bombardment so ground troops can advance. Also, that component of force, opposite to the pull of gravity, exerted by air upon an airfoil in a direction perpendicular to its forward motion. Also, to exalt, as elevated in RANK or position. Also, to rescind, as the removal of an official curfew or ban.

LIFTED SKIRT :

the deliberate disclosure or the inadvertent revelation of an operational cover story, such as exposing a THROW-AWAY as a counterintelligence ploy; expressed as "the DANGLE lifted his skirt" or "he got drunk and his skirt lifted"; also called "flipped skirt". See NAKED, BOLT HOLE, DECOY, RABBIT, COVER, LEGEND, CLEAN, NOC, TRADECRAFT. [v: WWII deception Operation Mincemeat, "the man who never was"]

LIFTMASTER :

Douglas C-118 cargo aircraft; see BIRD.

LIGHT :

unencumbered or unburdened, as being lightly armed and equipped (eg: light cavalry, light infantry [ie: 11th LIB, 196th LIB, 198 LIB, 199 LIB]), with the implication of swift mobility, of fast response, of rapid reaction; see RRF, SMU, SOF, RANGER, STRIKE FORCE, FIRE BRIGADE, BURNING WORM, BUTCHER BRIGADE. [nb: Vietnamese term: Su Doan Khinh Chien (light division)] Also, any form of natural or artificial electromagnetic radiation (400 - 700 nanometers at 186,282 miles per second) which illuminates, making things visible; see FLASHLIGHT, BLINKER, LIGHT STICK, BUD LIGHT, FLARE, PEN FLARE, SLAP-FLARE, VERY PISTOL, BASKETBALL, GREEN-EYE, NVG, NVD, NOD, I2, ENVIS, STARLIGHT, FIELD GLASSES, VIPER, PEEPERS, PERISCOPE; compare CAT'S-EYES, GLINT TAPE, IR, FLIR, LRAS3, IR MARKERS, RADAR, BEAM, AIS, HOMER, PIPSQUEAK, IFF, SQUAWK. [v: cresset]

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL :

a Vietnam-era catch-phrase that quickly became a cliché meaning problems are passing and relief is nigh, trouble is over and better times are ahead; used by John F. Kennedy (1962), Joseph Alsop (1965), Lyndon B. Johnson (1966), and many others until Robert Lowell (1977) reversed the metaphor with "It's the light of the oncoming train."

LIGHT BIRD :

LTC

slang for Lieutenant Colonel (LTC/LtCol, O-5), being equivalent to a Naval Commander; so called because the RANK is not yet a FULL BIRD. As with lieutenants and generals, it is customary to address both GRADEs as "colonel", unless the distinction is an insult or reprimand. See OFFICER, RANK.

LIGHT DUTY :

temporary restriction or limitation in performance requirements due to illness or injury; see PROFILE, WHOLE MAN.

LIGHTER :

a large, open, flat-bottomed vessel used to transport cargo from ship to WHARF, often towed or pushed; a sailless JUNK or barge [cf: bark, barque] used to ferry passengers, especially when reserved for pageants or FLAG OFFICERS; see SCOW. Also, a mechanical device containing fuel, wick, and igniter (flint) that's used for igniting combustible materials, especially tobacco products for smoking, including brands like Ronson and Bic (1973); see ZIPPO, SLOW MATCH, FUSE.

LIGHTNING :

USN F-3 submarine-hunting jet; compare ORION, DASH; see ASW, BIRD. Name formerly designated the Lockheed P-38 split TAILBOOM fighter employed for high speed, high altitude, long distance DOGFIGHTs during WWII.

LIGHTNING II :

designates the supersonic F-35 produced by a consortium of manufacturers (ie: Lockheed, Martin, Northrop-Grumman, BAE Systems), and known during development as the "Joint Strike Fighter" (JSF); its highest speed is classified.

LIGHTSAT :

a small lightweight satellite developed by DARPA; see SAT, NRO, SATCOM.

LIGHT SHOW :

also called "sound and light show"; see FIREWORKS, LOOM, WATERWORKS.

LIGHTS OUT :

the order to extinguish all BASE, POST, or BARRACK lights; compare BLACKOUT. Also, the BUGLE CALL directing "lights out" at bedtime on the COMPOUND or RESERVATION; compare REVEILLE, RETREAT, TATTOO; see TAPS.

LIGHT STICK :

informal designation for the chemical luminescent light, properly called a "chemiluminescent light", and also known as a "chemical light", "glow stick" (or "glo-stick"), "glow-light" (or "glo-lite"), and "cold light". A LIGHT STICK is a colored plastic tube filled with liquid chemicals separated by a membrane, which when broken, allows the fluids to reactively mix and emit a cold soft light (called "chemiluminescence") for several hours, which is bright enough to read maps and notes by during night operations without supplemental vision systems. This LIGHT STICK, an invention patented by Omniglow and manufactured by Cyalume, is used in the field for signaling and marking, and works equally well underwater. An infrared (IR) version is also available for instrument detection. A larger version, commonly called a "glow belt" or "glow ring", is available for use at check-points or WAY POINTs. Another mechanism, manufactured by Krill, uses a battery to operate the "electronic lightstick" and "electric chem light". These LIGHT STICKs should not be identified by tradename (such as "chem-light", "chemlight", "chem-lite", "chemlite", etc). Phosphor luminance was experimentally used during WWII by special operations elements, significantly by the OSS. See FLASHLIGHT, NVG, CAT'S-EYES, BUD LIGHT, BLINKER. [v: cresset] [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]

LIGHT UP :

slang expression meaning to fire on the enemy.

LILY-LIVERED :

timorous or cowardly, from the old notion that a craven's liver was bloodless; also known as "pigeon-livered" or "white-livered" ... as from "How many cowards, whose hearts are all as false / As stairs of sand, wear yet upon their chins / The beards of Hercules and frowning Mars, / Who, inward search'd, have livers white as milk." by William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice (1596). See WHITE FLAG, STRIKE THE FLAG, SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT, VIETNAM SYNDROME, WHITE FEATHER, FRENCH FLU. [cf: "white (or pale) about the gills" for fear, terror, or sickness; v: chicken-hearted, faint-hearted, yellow-bellied, poor-spirited, half-hearted, weak-kneed, spineless, soft-headed] [nb: symbolically the lily, or "fleur de lis", also means pale, weak, meek, timid, delicate, and pure; it is the national emblem of France]

LIMA :

the word assigned to represent the letter "L" in the international phonetic alphabet; at various times in different spelling schemes, it has also been acrophonetically represented as Love. See ALPHABET SOUP, PHONETIC ALPHABET. [v: Alphabet Codes & Signal Flags]

LIMA-LIMA :

phonetic for "LL" meaning Low Level, as in aircraft altitude Ground-Controlled Intercept (GCI).

LIMA SITE :

any landing area, especially an aircraft landing site; see LZ, CLZ, PZ, INFIL, EXFIL, FALSE INSERTIONS, FLIP-FLOP, THRESHOLD, TOUCHDOWN, RUNWAY.

LIMBER :

the front part of the (formerly horse-drawn) carriage for a field gun, to which the TRAILs ("outrigger legs") of the gun are attached; being a type of carrier or trailer for hauling a cannon, including a "limber box" (CAISSON) of ready ammunition. Artillery is now mounted on a chassis and dragged around by a towing bar, or mounted in a HULL and driven (SP) to its destination, whenever they're not airlifted into place. See TOWED, TRUNNION, TRANSOM, ARTY; compare UNLIMBER.

LINE :

a RANK of troops or fortifications abreast (widthwise), as in a "line of attack"; as distinguished from FILE or COLUMN; see TOE THE LINE, REFUSE. Also, a boundry or demarcation (eg: FRONT LINE, CHOP LINE). Also, any thread, string, CORD, SPAGHETTI, GUY, ROPE, HEAVING LINE, GANTLINE, RATLINE, SHROUD, HAWSER, or the like and made without wire for various uses (eg: RAPPEL, BELAY, HIGHLINE, LET-DOWN ROPE, ROPE BRIDGE, TOW). Compare CABLE, LANDLINE. [v: Climbing Terms]

LINEBACKER :

designation given to air operations against North Vietnam; subdivided into LINEBACKER I from May 1972 to October 1972, and LINEBACKER II during December 1972.

LINE CROSSING :

the ceremony associated with movement from one hemisphere to the other across the equator aboard a ship, in observance of the arcane rites decreed by Neptune's representative; see POLLYWOG, SHELLBACK, CHUM, NUGGET, TADPOLE, PUP; compare PROP BLAST, DOLPHIN DIVE, SALTING, WINGING, EARRING. [nb: according to legend, a sailor acquired a pierced EARRING when "crossing the line" (equator), which was alleged to improve his eyesight]

LINE HAUL :

a long-distance CONVOY or TRAIN of military trucks; also called "long haul"; see FIREBALLING, WHEEL JOCKEY.

LINE OF BATTLE :

a line formed by troops or ships for delivering or receiving an attack, as a battle line arrayed for combat. Also, a vessel or vehicle designed for FRONT LINE service, as a "ship of the line" or a "main battle tank" (MBT).

LINE OF DEPARTURE :

an actual or designated PHASE LINE that's used to coordinate the movement of assault elements or attack forces so as to enable their scheduled arrival(s) on their specified objective(s); also identified as "LD". Compare MLR, FEBA, FCSL, FLOT, IP, POD, RALLY POINT, WAY POINT.

LINE OF DUTY :

actions performed under authority of lawful orders, such as disposal of equipment or destruction of property; see SOP, SCRIPTURES, TOE THE LINE, DUTY. Also, criterion for determination of "service-connected" eligibility in post-war veteran's benefits; see PROFILE, MILLION DOLLAR WOUND, CONVERSION SYMPTOMS, WHOLE MAN, GI BILL, DOUBLE-DIP, THE EAGLE SHITS. [nb: Service-Connected (SC) disability compensation and Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) are benefits provided to military medical retirees]

LINE OFFICER :

a military or naval officer serving with combat units or WARSHIPs, as distinguished from a staff officer, supply officer, and so forth; see OFFICER.

THE LINE OF LEAST RESISTANCE :

see LEAST RESISTANCE.

LINGUA FRANCA :

any language that is widely used as a means of communication among speakers of other languages; sometimes called "trade language", also spelled "lingua-franca", and derived from "Frankish + tongue", as the Italianate pidgin spoken in Mediterranean Sea ports from the Medieval era. The first natural language which transcended its borders by military and religious dissemination was Greek (Koine), succeeded by Latin, both being displaced by French for literary and academic applications (eg: langue d'oc, langue d'oïl / d'oil) during the 17th century, which has been replaced by English since the 19th century as a result of science and trade. Artificial languages, developed for science and communications, have been developed to improve information exchange and enhance international relations; notably Interlingua, Esperanto, and Ido. A synthesized language contrives a consistent syntax, but natural languages (eg: Aramaic, Austronesian, Bislama, Chinook Jargon, Hausa, Indonesian, Kongo/Kikongo, Krio, Lingala, Lozi, Pilipino, Sango, Swahili, Tahitian, Yiddish) evolve both their grammar and vocabulary; which irregularity makes them both vital and enticing. See PIDGIN, CREOLE, VERNACULAR, MIL-SPEAK. [nb: despite the Mongol reign over most of medieval EurAsia, its linguistic legacy has been sparse, with only remnant influences in Magyar, Samoyedic, and Uralic; while Hispanic conquests have endured, making Spanish a global linguistic contender; and due to a combination of the worldwide suppression of Judeo-Christian propagation by communists and fascists, and global proselytizing by Muslims, making Islam the world's fastest growing religion, the Arabic language (which supplanted Aramaic) is now being insinuated and interlarded into native tongues]

LINK AMMO :

ammunition connected by interlocking links for continuous automatic fire from "belt fed" machineguns (MG), which is separated or disconnected after firing during the extraction/ejection process. Early machinegun models employed semi-permanent reusable belts into which the assistant gunner or loader inserted separate CARTRIDGEs after inspecting each belt for defects that would interfere with smooth firing; these belts were succeeded by "disintegrating" links ... which could be reassembled into a new belt using resupply AMMO if time permitted. Belts of LINK AMMO can be attached to each other by the assistant gunner to extend firing, or detached near the receiver to stop a COOK-OFF of runaway firing. Most LINK AMMO is interlarded with TRACER rounds. The manner of carry or distribution of extra LINK AMMO for MGs as portrayed in books or movies is a reliable TELLTALE for detecting phonies. See AMMO, AMMO CAN; compare CLIP, MAG, DRUM.

LINK TRAINER :

a WWII-era type of instrument flight simulator that provided realistic instruction (and testing) in a safe and inexpensive environment, recording performance readouts while assisting students to accommodate vertigo and other disorientations. Flight school included physical exercise, ground school (flight theory and mechanics), and supervised or directed flying lessons, with the latter augmented by LINK TRAINER simulations whenever new aircraft or new techniques were scheduled, or bad weather interrupted the regular training schedule. Compare TRAINER.

LION :

designation given to Ubon CRP

LIP SMACKING :

polite Vietnamese custom when dining to signify appreciation; equivalent of "tastes good", "delicious", or "yummy". [nb: the Western custom of showing appreciation for a toothsome meal by polishing the plate clean is rudely gluttonous in Eastern custom, where it is polite for the host to always refill an empty glass or plate]

LIRA :

the basic monetary unit of Italy, Malta, and Turkey; "lire" is plural form; derived from POUND. See LEGAL TENDER.

LISTENING WATCH :

signalman's or radio operator's duty assignment, usually at headquarters or communications center, intended to monitor all routine and unusual transmissions; see RADIO, COMMO, EARS.

LISTER BAG :

an air-coOled, DUFFEL BAG sized canvas container with several spigot-cocks, as used for dispensing potable water; also spelled "Lyster bag" as an eponymous variant after its inventor, William John Le Hunte Lyster, a U.S. Army surgeon and public health physician, who introduced a rubber-lined heavy canvas bag with a tight-fitting cover as a container for chemically-treated water in 1907, which has since been used extensively ... water dosed with a chlorine solution is potable after 30-minutes. See CANTEEN, WATER BUFFALO, POD, BLIVET, BLADDER, DOUCHE BAG, WATER PURIFICATION TABLET. [v: cask, vat, tun, butt, drum, hogshead, barrel, tank, rundlet, kilderkin, puncheon, keg, carboy, breaker, jug, tub, firkin, pottle, flask, gill, pot, flagon, bottle, demijohn]

LITMUS TEST :

this standard test of a chemical medium became an allegorical analogy for "true blue" patriotism and corrosive "acid red" communism; and by extension, any single issue or crucial factor determinant used as the basis for a judgment or conclusion. See YELLOW RIBBON, COLORS, V-CAMPAIGN, WINTER SOLDIER, DUTY. [cf: "acid test" coined by Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters (ca1965)]

LITTER :

a framework of cloth stretched between two parallel rods or bars, often folding or collapsible, used as a conveyance to transport a sick or wounded person; sometimes called DOOLIE; see BASKET, STRETCHER. Also, a disorderly or untidy condition, especially when detritus or rubbish is exposed; see SPAGHETTI, POLICE CALL, GI PARTY, FLAP, SALUTE. Also, a wheelless vehicle borne by draft or porters, consisting of a covered and curtained bed or couch suspended between shafts; also called palanquin/palankeen, jiao, gama, sedan chair; see DUMMY STICK, YO-HO POLE, CHIGGIE BEAR, RICKSHA, PEDICAB, CYCLO, HACK, RICE-BURNER.

LITTLE AMERICA :

an operations and research base in Antarctica, situated on the Bay of Whales and south of the Ross Sea, used to house scientists and as a point of departure for expeditions; established in 1929 by Admiral Richard E. Byrd; see RED NOSE. Also, the uniquely and intrinsically nativist installation, be it a rugged outpost or built-up permanent post, that's representative of the modern American military, especially since the mid-19th century, wherein a PERIMETER of FOXHOLEs with straddle trench LATRINEs is inexorably transmogrified into villas and manors provisioned with lavish creature comforts and ex-officio entertainments! The JUMP CP soon becomes a mansion, the TENTs are outfitted with refridgerators, ironing boards and shoe-shine stands mysteriously appear, and a COMFORT STATION is constructed coincident with lounges offering slot-machines! Primitive cots are replaced by hospital beds, sound systems are brought back from the PX/BX, and a flagpole for REVEILLE or RETREAT ceremonies is artistically manicured! USO shows are scheduled between the latest Hollywood releases, which are shown on the "back" (opposite the FRONT LINE) of the MESSHALL, where hot dogs and pizza, popcorn and ice cream are served to gristled GRUNTs during intermission! Whenever US troops COMMANDEER foreign dwellings, they are shortly wired and plumbed to stateside code! The UGLY AMERICAN does not "fit in" when overseas, he takes over; and would be dangerous if he weren't so kind and generous, and if the enemy didn't occasionally force him out of his HOMESTEAD! Foreign nationals (FN) do not understand this mania to remake the world over in the image of the American homeland, but the SLICKY BOYs are usually very grateful for the Black Market opportunities that befall them. See FOB, FSB, LSA, BASE CAMP, COMPOUND, GARRISON, BASE, RESERVATION, SHADOW OF THE FLAGPOLE, DODGE CITY, SIN CITY, FOUR CORNERS, HELL ON WHEELS, HELL'S HALF ACRE.

LITTLE BIRD :

the armed version (AH-6A) of the Hughes CAYUSE Light Observation helicopter (OH-6A), including aircrew and armed "outriders" perched on skids; usually operates in a dual configuration or in tandem with a larger CHOPPER. The high speed, great maneuverability, and aerodynamic versatility of this helicopter, coupled with the visual effect of DOORGUNNERs riding outside the cabin on the skids, has captured the public's imagination and made its missions very popular. See LOH, SPERM, SILVER EAGLES, EGGBEATER, WHIRLY BIRD.

LITTLE BROWN BROTHER :

affectionate reference to INDIGenous personnel serving with ADVISORs; in contrast to ethnic or racial disparagements, such as Vietnamese "moi" (savage) for the MONTAGNARDs, or Lao "meo" (barbarian) for the Hmong. This phrase, attributed to William Howard Taft in 1900, was originally used to encourage good and fair treatment of Filipinos after the SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR; but because GUERRILLA fighting persisted in remote areas, it was rebutted on the basis of imputed 'brotherhood' ("He ain't no brother of mine!"), and this refutation ignored the adjectives 'little' and 'brown', which phrase was in marked contrast to the "little brown boy" epithet used extensively during the 19th and 20th centuries as a racist or paternalistic slur of WOGs. A similar phrase, "little brown buddy", was later used by Franklin Delano Roosevelt to refer to Filipinos. See BUDDHAHEAD, BASKET HEAD, YARD, CHINDIT, FLIP, REDBONE, BEANER, MUJ, GONE NATIVE, BUSH HANKY, INDIG; compare LITTLE PEOPLE, DINK, GOOK, SLOPE, SLANT-EYE, RICE BALL, ZIP, RAGHEAD.

LITTLE PRICK :

slang for the newly promoted, recent graduate of the Leadership Preparation Course (LPC; Little PriCk), who acts like an arrogant MARTINET or taskmaster; being someone too young and inexperienced to use his authority wisely ... based upon the well known fact that a prick has a head but no brains! See INCOC, NCOA, SHAKE 'n' BAKE, BRASS EAR, LDR, UP OR OUT.

LITTLE PEOPLE :

any group of underlings or subordinates, with the implication of inferiority, as the teeming horde of plodding and menial minions, or the great mass of uncouth and unwashed lackeys; see SWINE LOG, compare GOOD PEOPLE, GOOD STICK. Also, dismissive reference to persons of small stature or slight build, especially racial or ethnic types presumed to be mentally, physically, or morally "weaker" than the prime titans of robust narcissism; see FN, WOG, INDIG, BUDDHAHEAD, BASKET HEAD, FOREIGN DEVIL, UGLY AMERICAN, ELEPHANT, RUNTS 'n' CUNTS.

L&L / L & L / L-and-L :

Liaison and Logistics, being the person or department within the DAO that's responsible for supporting remote military detachments from a US embassy in a foreign country.

LLDB :

LLDB

(el-el-dee-bee) Luc Luong Dac Biet, being the Vietnamese Special Forces (VNSF), which initially served as presidential security (along with the Vietnamese Airborne) more than COUNTER-GUERRILLA and UW duty; and as a result of being so politically connected, were sometimes derogatorily derided as "Look Long Duck Back". When the USSF departed RVN on 5 March 1971 during the VIETNAMIZATION process, the LLDB/VNSF disbanded (unlike the Vietnamese Marines and SEALs), with their personnel and assets reassigned to either SVN Airborne or Ranger units. The motto of the Vietnamese Special Forces was "Honor and Gallantry" (Danh Du-Dung Cam). See STD, THUNDER TIGER, BORDER DEFENSE RANGER. [nb: the "leaping tiger" motif of the LLDB/VNSF patch was variously adapted during the VIETNAM WAR by the Vietnamese, many of whom had attended specialized training in American military centers, with the most ironic being their adoption of the "Tony the Tiger" symbol used to advertise Kellogg breakfast cereals and Esso gasoline since 1941 ... the Vietnamese enlistment of this cartoon figure as a mascot for their most elite force led many GIs to comment scathingly about their prowess]

LMD :

(el-em-dee) Large Military Desk, and variously Large Metal Desk or Large Mahogany Desk, being the most common work area in the military; a play on words used by desk jockeys in an attempt to relate their paper-shuffling to LANDING CRAFT assaults. A "large desk", like a big stick or fancy hat, is a metonymic symbol of power and prestige (the bigger the desk then the more important the person behind it), however the people who need a large desk because they do all the paperwork must work on the smallest surfaces! ... the military will become efficient when form follows function. See DRUMHEAD, GROUNDED, ORIFICE, PENCIL PUSHER, DESK MAPPING, REMF, CLERKS 'n' JERKS, CANDY-ASS, PUKE, ACETATE COMMANDO, BEAN-COUNTER, TAP-DANCER, BOMB-PROOF, CHAIRBORNE, DOG ROBBER, MILICRAT, RED TAPE, BUCK SLIP, HEADQUARTERISM.

LMG :

(el-em-gee) Light MachineGun; designation from WWI to identify a two-man portable belt-fed machinegun (such as the M-1919 .30cal or M-60 7.62mm), to distinguish it from vehicle or craft mounted "heavy" machineguns (such as the M-2 .50cal MG).

LMTV :

(forthcoming); Light Medium Tactical Vehicle; compare MTV, see TRUCK.

LO :

(el-oh) Liaison Officer; see L&L, USDAO, CT, DIP CO. Also, Letter Order; see GO, LOI, LON, ORDER.

LOAD-LINE MARK :

any of various lines marked on the sides of a cargo vessel to indicate the depth to which a vessel may be immersed under certain conditions; also represented as "load-line" or "load line". See PLIMSOLL MARK, WATERLINE, DRAFT, HULL, FREEBOARD; compare GRAYBACK, COUNTERSHADING.

LOADMASTER :

the Air Force crewmember on a bomber or cargo aircraft who is responsible for the proper stowage and movement of transported men, equipment, munitions, or other materiel, for the optimal balance and protection of the PAYLOAD; compare DROPMASTER, CREW CHIEF, KICKER, JUMPMASTER, BEACHMASTER, BAILOUT.

LOC :

Line Of Communications.

LOCAL FORCE :

a Viet Cong combat unit subordinate to a district or province Party committee headquarters; abbreviated "LF". Compare MAIN FORCE, RF/PF; see NLF, PRG, PLA, VC.

LOCATOR BEACON :

see EMERGENCY LOCATOR BEACON, PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON / PLB, AIS, IFF, SQUAWK, INS, HOMER, SCRAM, ELT, CRASH LOCATOR BEACON, PIPSQUEAK, BLINKER, IDENTIFICATION PANEL, RADIO. [cf: Selective Identification Feature (SIF); Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)]

LOCC :

(lock) Logistical Operations Control Center

LOCK 'n' LOAD :

to fully load a firearm; with large-bore guns, to load a round of ammunition and lock the breechblock into firing position, or with SMALL ARMS, to advance a round of ammunition into the barrel's breech and set the bolt ready to fire. Because the next command is usually "fire" or "commence firing", the weapon's safety is usually disengaged at this time; however, patrol elements will often "lock 'n' load" and then "safe" their weapons. From the literal meaning of "charge your weapons" came this catch-phrase meaning "get ready to fight". See UNLIMBER, COMBAT LOADED, OP TEMPO, SADDLE-UP, MOVE OUT, BATTAILOUS.

LOCK-ON :

to automatically follow or TRACK a TARGET or other object by RADAR or other electronic means, usually as a preliminary to engagement by a weapons guidance system; see PAINT.

LOCKSTEP :

attributed to a style of close-order drill, as a metaphor of rigid conformity, an inflexible pattern or process; but actually derived from the coordinated gait of a chain-gang moving under compulsion.

LO DUN :

land mines, as per Vietnamese expression by Tiger scouts; see TU DAI.

LOG :

abbreviation for LOGistics (qv). Also, Logistical Operations Group command. Also, a ground FLARE used by FAC aircraft to create a reference point (RP) during night strikes. Also, the official record for a ship, and sometimes called a "logbook"; compare WAR DIARY, FORM, MORNING REPORT, JOURNAL.

LOG BIRD :

a logistical resupply helicopter, which flies a "log run" mission of aerial resupply or support; also called "log hel'o" or "trash hauler". See ASH 'n' TRASH, MILK RUN, SLICK, CHOPPER.

LOGGIE :

slang for logistics or supply personnel [nb: not 'logy'].

LOGISTICS :

Aerial Supply

supply or quartermaster, including transportation, abbreviated LOG; see QM, LOCC, DSA, DLA, DPSC, DRMO, FLC, LSA, MIL-SPEC, NSN, PDO, DX, MSR, RED BALL, COMBAT LOADED, DUMP, NSD, DEPOT, PRE-POS, CACHE, GODOWN, CARGO NET, PLS, CONTAINERIZATION, CONEX, CLASS SIX, CONTRABAND, WALLAH, L&L, RED TAPE, BEAN-COUNTER, MIDNIGHT REQUISITION, SLICKY BOY. [nb: the 1941 Hoover Commission recommended centralizing perishable food management into a single organization, becoming the Market center System established under the Army Quartermaster Corps (QMC); and centralization of procurement for semi-perishable subsistence and operational rations was added to the mission, forming the Defense Subsistence Supply center in 1953. In 1965, the centralization of common items consolidated the Defense Subsistence Supply center, the Defense Clothing and Textile Supply center, and the Defense Medical Supply center into forming the Defense Personnel Support Center (DPSC) in Philadelphia. A Direct Commissary Support data-processing System (DICOMSS) was implemented while Defense Subsistence Regions were re-allocated and merged under the Defense Integrated Subsistence Management System (DISMS), and renamed Defense Supply Center Philadelphia in 1998.] [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] [nb: it takes supplies to move supplies, and it takes even more supplies to move them farther! About 92% of IN-COUNTRY personnel served in non-combat support or administrative roles (including service, supply, and transportation occupations) during Vietnam, keeping the 8% combat element functional. Although similar ratios exist for WWII (@13%/87%) and Korea (@11%/89%), Vietnam showcased the success of LOGISTICS; later improved during the GULF WARs to a 7%/93% ratio.] [v: a "viaticum" is a provision or allowance of the necessary funds and supplies issued to a Roman soldier traveling to his last or final battle; which became the ecclesiastical Eucharist or Communion given to a dying person]

LOH :

(loach, not "l-o-h") Light Observation Helicopter, such as CAYUSE (OH-6A) and SPERM; also called "white bird" and LITTLE BIRD. See SCOUTSHIP, CHOPPER. [nb: the Chinese sent military observers aloft on numerous occasions from 290BC to AD250 in "man-lifting" kites, which anticipated the airfoil parachute and hang-glider.]

LOI :

Letter of Instruction. Also, Letter of Intent. See LO.

LON :

Letter Of Notification; see LO.

LONELY HEARTS :

XXIV Corps

NICKNAME of XXIV Corps, from the white outline hearts on a purple shield design of its shoulder PATCH (SSI); the Army XXIV Corps superseded the USMC III MAF as senior command in I CTZ after the debacle at LangVei and the mishandling of KheSanh.

LONG COUNT :

number sequence of 1-10-1 steadily broadcast for tuning reception; see ZERO BEAT, SHORT COUNT.

LONG GREEN LINE :

column of infantry advancing through jungle terrain; see GREEN MACHINE.

LONGHAIR :

slang for a female enemy combatant in the VIETNAM WAR, sometimes armed and uniformed with BO DOI, sometimes armed with VC in black pajamas (AO BA BA), but typically serving in secondary and support roles of nurse, clerk, driver, cook, communicator ... just like her 'sisters' in other military organizations; also represented as the "long-haired army". It should be noted that while "liberated women" in free and democratic societies have clamored for "equal rights" (except for the right to be drafted into military service during wartime), women in totalitarian regimes have not only volunteered for combatant status but have willingly died in "people's wars" for their beliefs. She, the long-haired comrade, can be a tenacious and formidable opponent. See DAN CONG, PAVN, NLF, NVA, VIET MINH, VIET QUOC, CHARLIE, PRG, PLA, GOMER, LUKE THE GOOK, BAD GUYS. Also, the individuals, typically covert agents or special operators, who are authorized relaxed compliance with official grooming standards so as to permit them to meld with a foreign or civilian environment for operational purposes; these MIL-PERS are permitted to wear sideburns and side whiskers, beards and mustaches, and long hair arranged in various ethnic or religious styles; see FACE FUZZ, FLATHEAD, FLATTOP, BUZZ, WHITE WALLS, HIGH 'n' TIGHT. Also, an intellectual or lover of fine arts, as a maven, connoisseur, or aficionado; see PROFESSOR, WONK, WIZARD, WALLAH. Also, a person with long hair, especially as a manifestation of countercultural sensibilities; see HIPPIE, YIPPIE, PROTESTOR, BULLSHITVIK, PREEVERT.

LONG HOUSE :

in MONTAGNARD culture, the communal dwelling for unmarried adult males, and the socio-political gathering place of the village. See BLDG, BILLET. [nb: not to be confused with "Long Home", which has been military slang for a grave since the American CIVIL WAR] [v: bield, bower, arbor, rock-shelter, den, lair, cabin, cottage, cabana, lodge, earth lodge, hogan, HOOCH, HUT, SHEBANG, shed, byre; cf: garret, cockloft, dovecote]

LONG KNIFE :

CALL-SIGN of the Army Air Cav HUEYs; "Long Knives" (meaning sword) is also a generic term for the cavalry; see YELLOWLEG.

LONG RIFLE :

informal reference since the VIETNAM WAR for the accurized SNIPER rifle, also called "long barrel", that fires match AMMO and equipped with SILENCER and scope, such as the M-14 (XM-21), but custom models (eg: M-24 Remington 700 7.62mm/.308 caliber) have also been used, including a once experimental .50 caliber (Barrett's M-82A1 rifle at 57"L) for distances exceeding 2000 yds. See SASS, STONER. [v: Firearms Glossary]

LOOEY :

(louie) slang for Lieutenant (LT), often expressed as "Second Looey" or "First Looey", and sometimes shortened to "Loo" (Lew) or "Loot"; also expressed as "Second-" or "First John", with the implication of both penis and toilet. See BUTTER BAR, BROWN BAR, ENSIGN, AIMING STAKES, OFFICER, RANK. [nb: "Be for I cudn't eevan spel Lewtennit, an' now I are won!"]

LOOKING GLASS :

Boeing RC-135 / EC-135 airborne command post (ABNCP) aircraft; also spelled "Lookingglass"; compare STRATOLIFTER, STRATOTANKER, see BIRD.

LOOM :

something seen indistinctly at a distance or through a mist or fog, as light below the horizon that's reflected in the sky; a rising or portentous appearance; compare GREEN FLASH, PINK TIME, MOONLIGHT. [cf: half-light, Purkinje shift, crepuscule, eventide, evenfall, gloam, gloaming, sunset, sundown, cockshut, vespers, prime, matin, cockcrow, dawning; v: chromosphere, spicule, plage] Also, the distant illumination reflected into the sky from gunfire or explosions, usually without the accompanying noise from a "sound and light show"; this image often presents as a hauntingly vague or captivatingly mysterious illumination that typically flickers or wavers; see FIREWORKS, WATERWORKS.

LOOSE CANNON :

a reckless person who endangers others or jeopardizes events; derived from the damaging effects of a dismounted or unrestrained gun on the pitching deck of a ship during battle. See DUD, TRIGGER-HAPPY, DEADHEAD, MAGGOT.

LORAN :

a "LOng-RANge radio-navigation" position fixing system using the time difference of reception of pulse type transmissions from two or more fixed ground stations. The USCG operated four "LORAN" stations in SE Asia: two in Vietnam and two in Thailand. These stations were part of the chain of stations across the Pacific Ocean. "LORAN" operated in two modes: "A" and "C". "A" model began operation in World War II and was eventually replaced in some areas of the world by "C" model "LORAN" is being made obsolete by the global positioning system (GPS), and the USCG closed its last Pacific "LORAN" station at Marcus Island in September 1993 and transferred to the Japanese Maritime Safety Agency. See UTM, INS, AZIMUTH, DEAD-RECKONING, WAG.

LOSAT :

(low-sat) Line Of Sight Anti-Tank missile system; see JAVELIN, DRAGON, TOW, ROCKET.

LOST :

in artillery and naval gunfire support, a spotting report by the Forward Observer (FO, ANGLICO) that the marking round or registration shot was not observed.

LOST BATTALION :

in WWI, during the period 28-30 September and 2-7 October 1918, a composite force consisting of 554 doughboys, comprising elements of the 306th Machinegun Battalion, the 307th and 308th Infantry Regiments in the 77th Division, were cut-off by Imperial German forces in "The Pocket" at the Charlevaux Mill in the French Argonne Forest, enduring cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue, pain, fear, misery, and death until the German withdrawal enabled relief when the advance reunited the units, resulting in 159 wounded and 194 survivors; also known as "Whittlesey's Lost Battalion" after its senior officer. Also, in WWII, during the period 23-30 October 1944, the 141st Battalion of the 36th Infantry Division was cut-off on a ridge in the Vosges Mountains while advancing six miles into German-held territory, where they endured cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue, pain, fear, misery, and death until the 211 Texans were rescued by the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which suffered a loss of 216 men killed and 856 wounded during its six-day relief mission.

LOVE HANDLES :

on civilians or military retirees, the fat "beer wings" that bulge-out at the hips over the belt-line, which a woman grabs to guide and control a passionate lover; on regular soldiers, the tight little muscular buttocks to which a woman clings while they frantically drive the sex act; and on SFers, his ears! Compare CHOWING DOWN, MUFF DIVER, BUSH PILOT, HAT TRICK, DAISY CHAIN, HEAD, HUMMER, WINGS, BIB, TRICK, BUTTERFLY, FUCK, DIDDLY, HOOKUP, CHURNING BUTTER, BOOM-BOOM, SHORT-TIME, SHACK-JOB. [cf: muffin top]

LOW BOY :

a towed transporter for a TANK, also called a "dragon wagon"; see VTR, ARV.

LOW-CRAWL :

to move in a prone position with the body close to or touching the ground, at a relatively slow rate of progress, in imitation of a snake or alligator, worm or caterpillar; being the typical manner of movement or maneuver while under fire on the battlefield. See DUCK-WALK. [nb: 'crawl' and 'creep' are both characterized by slow advancement; either may be on hands and knees, with a 'crawl' at or close to the ground, while a 'creep' is only near the ground; a 'creep' is additionally stealthy or difficult; a LOW-CRAWL is performed with the body on the ground, while a "high-crawl" has the body on all fours]

LOW-INTENSITY CONFLICT :

a protracted confrontation between contending states that ranges from subversion to armed outbreaks, employing a variety of instruments, from political and economic to informational and military, during an ideological opposition that is generally localized while containing global implications; being the restrained and selective application of limited military force that's employed to enforce compliance with the stated political policies of one or more disputing nations; also expressed as "Low Intensity Conflict" (LIC). See CONFLICT, STRUGGLE, INSURGENCY, GUERRILLA WARFARE, BATTLE, SHOOTING WAR, WAR.

LOW-LEVEL EVACUATION DROP :

a specialized adaptation of AIRDROP resupply by the USAF, introduced in Vietnam to compensate for the chronic "missed Drop Zone" phenomenon, wherein the palletized cargo (PLS) is extracted from the fuselage, skidded across the lowered RAMP or TAILGATE by the billowing of one or two open PARACHUTEs, and delivered directly onto the DZ from an altitude of 100' - 300' above ground level, depending upon terrain and antiaircraft fire. Sometimes the pallets are DAISY CHAINed, and sometimes the cargo is containerized (ie: CONEX), but the over-flight speed is always accelerated, and the flight path is always steeply climbing so as to aid deployment. Resupply cargo included medicine, food, ammunition, communications equipment, clothing and field gear. Cargo delivered by this LOW-LEVEL EVAC DROP method suffered surprisingly little damage, and was more consistently deposited on target. This method of AIRDROP is inherently more dangerous for crewmembers, who, along with the aircraft itself, are also more vulnerable to enemy ground fire. The higher proportion of injury and damage inflicted is due to the fact that this method is only used when resupply by vehicular CONVOY is not possible. The LOW-LEVEL EVAC DROP method was later used during the Panama INCURSION and the GULF WAR. See DROPMASTER, LOADMASTER, CREW CHIEF, COMBAT LOADED, PAYLOAD, DROP, HEAVY DROP, JPADS, DROP-TANK, LOG BIRD, ASH 'n' TRASH, FREE FALL.

LOW-QUARTERS :

a smooth-toed oxford-style shoe, worn with CLASS-A uniforms by all servicemembers who were not on jump status; also called KICKS. Some duty positions, such as air crew or air service support, issued or authorized the use of an ankle-high jodhpur or demiboot (sometimes called BOONDOCKERS). MIL-SPEC shoes of patent leather and "Corfam" (an uncomfortable synthetic imitation of leather made by DuPont from 1964-1968) were private purchase alternatives to issue footwear. See BLACK SHOE/BOOT, BROWN SHOE/BOOT, FOOTWEAR. [nb: this term does not refer to bottom berths, basement dwellings, or substandard housing!] [nb: Gaelic for shoe is 'brog', from which comes the English word "brogue" or brogan; the vent holes or decorative perforations that are often punched in the leather represent the piercings for drainage in the traditional deerhide footwear; Gaelic for 'my footwear' is "mo chasan", which usage by Scottish immigrants may have spawned the American name "moccasin" for the one-piece AmerIndian shoe (alternatively: "maxkeseni" in Algonquian)]

LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN :

a catch-phrase that succinctly embodies the philosophical concept of reciprocity that underlies the CHAIN-OF-COMMAND, such that to get respect then respect must be given, and that self-discipline is a prerequisite for the discipline of others; being the antithesis of the irresponsible RHIP concept beloved by MILICRATs, RING-KNOCKERs, TICKET-PUNCHERs, and other marginal leaders (LDR) or OFFICERs. See RABBI, PATRON SAINT, SEA DADDY, KHAKI MAFIA, VFR DIRECT, COMBAT EFFECTIVE, WIGGLE ROOM, RANK, UP OR OUT, DUTY, BRASS-COLLAR, CREED.

LP :

Listening Post, sometimes called "Lima Papa"; a night position setup outside the perimeter to give advanced or early warning of enemy action. Situated so as to enable the calling and adjustment of supporting ARTY or TAC AIR missions. The LP is in telephone or radio contact with the perimeter, is lightly armed and manned, and is not intended for defense. Compare OP. [cf: picket, vedette]

LPC :

(el-pee-see) U.S. Army Leadership Preparation Course, being a two-week training program established for the promotion of promising enlistees and DRAFTEEs from SLICK SLEEVEs into the lowest level of the CHAIN-OF-COMMAND as squad or section leaders at the E-3 and E-4 levels, typically using combat veteran instructors in combat arms branches (ie: INF, ARTY, ARM/CAV) as preparation for practical leadership on the battlefield; the LPC was symbolized by the COMPASS ROSE, meaning "true direction" and "universal", while all other schools used a burning lamp or torch as a symbol of knowledge; see LITTLE PRICK, SHAKE 'n' BAKE, UP OR OUT, GADGET, ACTING JACK, MOTHER HEN, INCOC, NCOCC, NCOA, LDR. Also, Leather Personnel Carrier, being a pair of shoes or COMBAT BOOTS; a play on words used by Marines, related to transport by LANDING CRAFT, expressive of all the walking they are required to perform; see FOOTWEAR.

LPH :

(el-pee-ach) Landing Platform Helicopter; the WWII aircraft carrier converted to accomodate squadrons of helicopters that would transport troops beyond the BEACHHEAD to inland LZs, placing them behind the enemy's first line of defense.

LPI :

(el-pee-eye) Low Probability of Intercept, being a form of distributed RADAR used to avoid scan or search detection; see AVIONICS.

L-PILL :

short for lethal pill, being a capsule or ampule containing a fatal dose of poison sufficient to quickly and reliably kill an adult person; also known as "suicide pill" or "poison pill", this bolus has been selectively issued to clandestine operatives and special mission crews on a limited basis since WWII, most notably to OSS agents and behind-the-lines crewmembers. Traditionally, the L-PILL is an oval capsule, approximately the size of a pea, composed of a thin-walled glass ampule covered in flesh-toned rubber that's filled with a potassium cyanide concentrate or other solution of cyanide salts. After being removed from concealment (as in a ring or belt buckle), the L-PILL may be ingested to prevent any disclosure of secrets under torture and to avoid a far more unpleasant death. Possession of an L-PILL by anyone carrying out missions with a high risk of capture and interrogation has a high psychological value, since the means of frustrating the enemy is always abailable. [nb: government-issued suicide pills of the rubber-coated type must be crushed (as between the teeth) to release the fast-acting poison contained within the ampule; a suicide pill swallowed whole, without first being crushed, would pass harmlessly through the individual's digestive tract]

LRAS3 :

Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System; introduced in 2001, this man-portable ground-mounted or vehicle-mounted advanced target location and targeting device can view the front and flanks from its setup base using Forward-Looking InfraRed (FLIR) thermal imaging. See PEEPERS.

LRCA :

Long Range Combat Aircraft, such as B-1B Lancer.

LRDG :

Long Range Desert Group, commonly known as "Desert Rats", and also called "mosquito army" and "desert taxi service". [nb: the early British LRDG, which fought Erwin "Desert Fox" Rommel's forces in North Africa, was later reorganized as a Special Air Service (SAS) unit]

LRP :

(lurp, or el-ar-pee) Long Range Patrol, being any type of small unit operating on foot or from vehicles or vessels to perform various missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, assault, hostage rescue, prisoner snatch, and other special assignments. LRP units include: LRRP, LRSP, LRPG, LRDG. The abbreviation originally meant "Long Range Penetration" and designated either the tactic or the unit when Orde Wingate conceived it, such that any unit could implement this methodology to attain a victory over an enemy; only later developing an organization to exploit this doctrine. See RECON, FORCE RECON, I&R, HAWKS, RZ, RECONDO. [nb: the long-range patrol doctrine was developed by British Major David Sterling, who also formed the Special Air Service (SAS)]

LRPG :

Long Range Patrol Group

LRRP :

(lurp, not "l r r p") Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol; created on 8 July 1966 by COMUSMACV directive authorizing commands to develop integral reconnaissance units, some of which replaced the older S-2 Intelligence and Reconnaissance (I&R) teams. The MACV RECONDO School, operated first by 5th SFGA later by 75th Abn Rngr Rgt, and finally by ARVN BDQ, trained LRRP/FORCE RECON members in a three-week course. LRRP units were subsumed when the 75th Airborne Ranger Regiment was activated (1 Feb 69 - 15 Aug 72). See LRP, RECON, RZ, HAWKS, FORCE RECON, RAIDER. [nb: Vietnamese term: Vien Tham, Tham Bao, Tham Kich, Tham Kich Xam Nhap, Tham Tu]

LRRP-RATIONS :

compact, lightweight, and dehydrated rations that were designed to enable small units to remain in the field longer due to reduced weight; however the requirement for large amounts of potable water made these rations less than satisfactory in a tropical environment. Due to longer shelf-life storage, these dehydrated RATIONS were redesigned and redesignated for winter survival use, where available liquid would not impair their effectiveness.

LRSP :

LRSD
(VN-era)

Long-Range Surveillance Patrol, also known as Long-Range Surveillance Detachment (LRSD); Vietnamese term: Tham Sat. Compare LRRP; see LRP, RECON, I&R, HAWKS, PEEPERS, WATCHER. [nb: when LRSP operations were distinguished from LRRP and other SOF missions, as CAV from INF, or INTEL from CSAR, the surveillance teams trained in RVN were awarded a qualification badge similar in design to the US Army para badge, except that the wings grasped a pair of binoculars, instead of being attached to a deployed parabolic parachute, denoting that HAWKS, scouts, and shadow walkers were supposed to "sneak, creep, and peep"]

LSA :

Lubricant Solution All-purpose, also interpreted as "Lubricant, Small Arms"; see LSU / LSA. Also, abbreviation for Logistics Support Area, being a COMPOUND or BASE CAMP.

LSD :

Landing Ship Dock; see LANDING CRAFT. Also, abbreviation for lysergic acid diethylamide, being a crystalline psychedelic drug that was jointly developed by the Army and CIA to induce a psychotic state, often producing temporary hallucinations, during interrogation; see BUMMER, STONED, DOPE, COLORS. [v: gateway drug, hard drug, soft drug, designer drug, prodrug; cf: miracle drug, wonder drug] [nb: it has been widely alleged (without documentation to date) that test subjects, including servicemembers and other government employees, were involuntarily administered LSD and other experimental psychotropic drugs without their informed consent, resulting in many notorious incidents, including at least one (now infamous) suicide (Frank Olson in 1953)] [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.]

LSI :

Landing Ship Infantry; see LANDING CRAFT.

LSO :

abbreviation for Landing Signals Officer on an aircraft carrier; commonly called PADDLES.

LST :

Landing Ship Tank, also called "Long Slow Target"; see LANDING CRAFT.

LSU / LSA :

Lubricant Solution Utility or Lubricant Solution All-purpose (also interpreted as "Lubricant Small Arms"); a lightweight (or thin viscosity) gun oil. [nb: due to wartime import constraints on petroleum products, Imperial Germany invented margarine (a glyceride of margaric acid) as a substitute firearm lubricant; which later became, with a coloring agent, a butter substitute.]

LSV :

Light Surveillance Vehicle, being a small, lightweight, skeletonized vehicle used for high-mobility transport in rough terrain; this is the military version of the All Terrain Vehicle (ATV). Compare FAV, MULE, LAV, CHAPARRAL, GAMMA GOAT.

LT :

Lieutenant

(el-tee) abbreviation for Lieutenant, also referred to as "Loo", "Loot", or LOOEY; as derived from place-holder or substitute [v: locum tenens. Differentiated into Second (2LT) and First (1LT) GRADEs; the designation of second lieutenant succeeded subaltern, coronet, and ensign in the early 1800s, but wore no insignia of rank until WWI. Compare XO; see BUTTER BAR, BROWN BAR, OFFICER, RANK.

LTC :

the abbreviation for LieutenanT Colonel, a field grade rank in the Army, Air Force, and Marines, that's equivalent to Commander (CDR) in the Navy; also represented as "Lt. Col." and commonly known as a LIGHT BIRD (by contrast with a FULL BIRD).

LTR :

abbreviation for "letter"; compare LO, see SUBJ, ENCL.

LUFF :

to raise or lower the outer end of the BOOM of a crane or derrick, moving its load horizontally.

LUKE THE GOOK :

dismissive reference by rhyming to any enemy soldier in the VIETNAM WAR; as HERMAN THE GERMAN was used during World War Two. See CHARLIE, LONGHAIR, GOMER, IVAN, BAD GUYS.

LUGGAGE TAG :

slang for the casualty tag, formally designated the Field Medical Card (DD Form 1380), which is also known as a "field casualty card", "wound chit", "shipping label", or "toe tag". LUGGAGE TAGs identify the patient, report injury details, record treatment, and assist in later TRIAGE assessment. The LUGGAGE TAG is usually tied to the patient's chest, but if no cards are available, the injury and treatment information will be written directly on the patient's forehead (or, in the case of a head injury, on their chest). See SYRETTE, MEDIC, DOC, BONE CUTTER, BAND-AID, MEDEVAC, EVAC.

LVT :

Landing Vehicle Tank, also called "Large Vulnerable Target"; see LANDING CRAFT.

LVTA :

Landing Vehicle Tracked Amphibious; see LANDING CRAFT.

LVTP :

Landing Vehicle Track Propelled; see LANDING CRAFT.

LZ :

Landing Zone; an area of ingress or egress for HELIBORNE operations, including hoist, ladder, and rope (eg: RAPPEL, FRIES, McGuire, STABO). Originated with WWII glider LZ. Compare DZ; see PZ, CLZ, LIFT, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, ROMMEL'S ASPARAGUS.

LZ CUT :

usually performed by rolling a large bomb (BLU-82) out the rear cargo hatch from a C-130 aircraft, with a short fuse attached for above ground detonation. The bomb blew horizontally, without creating a crater, making an instant landing zone (LZ). See DAISY CUTTER.

MilTerms
index

S-1:
ADMIN

S-2:
INTEL

S-3:
OPNS

S-4:
QM

S-5:
CA

S-6:
COMMO

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