-
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, is 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, 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.
-
LAI DAI :
-
(lie day) Vietnamese phrase for "bring to me", "come to
me", or "come here".
-
LANCE CORPORAL / 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 MATING MOSQUITOES, SWINE
LOG, EM, FIRST SHIRT, NCO.
-
LANCER :
-
the Rockwell / Boeing B-1 bomber aircraft; see 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, 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]
-
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, CONUS, ZI;
compare THE BIG PX IN THE SKY.
-
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, 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.
-
LAT-LONG :
-
informal expression of a LATitude-LONGitude position, also
spelled "latlong"; see AZIMUTH, CONTOUR LINES, GRID COORDINATES,
UTM, GPS, INS, LORAN, DEAD-RECKONING, SLANT DISTANCE, HEADING,
NAUTICAL MILE.
-
LATRINE :
-
military toilet; see CAT HOLE, SLIT TRENCH, HEAD, WATERWORKS,
DUMP, TROTS, CORK, TRA CA, E-TOOL, COMFORT STATION.
[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)]
-
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, DUCK SOUP, NO SWEAT, TURKEY SHOOT.
-
LAV :
-
Light Armored Vehicle; compare APC, HALF-TRACK, ARMORED CAR,
TRACK, TANK, AAV.
-
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.
-
LAWS OF WAR :
-
the codes and regulations affecting the conduct of MIL-PERS and
their permissible or prohibited acts, also known as "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), RFZ, FREE FIRE
ZONE, COLLATERAL DAMAGE, HOT PURSUIT, BLOODY SHIRT, CROSS THE
RUBICON, POSSE COMITATUS, RIOT ACT, RETALIATION, WAR CRIMES
TRIAL, ICC, IMT, IMTFE, UNWCC, HAGUE TRIBUNAL, WAR POWERS ACT,
GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY, BIG STICK DIPLOMACY, SABER-RATTLING, GUNPOINT,
NEUTRALIZE, 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]
-
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.
-
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, CHL, PAIN.
-
LBV :
-
(el-bee-vee) Load-Bearing Vest; 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.
-
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. See CO,
COMMAND ELEMENT, CHAIN-OF-COMMAND, CHIEF, ACTING JACK, GADGET,
BREVET, OLD MAN, HONCHO, WALLAH, MOTHER HEN, 10, MC, LPC, LITTLE
PRICK, INCOC, NCOCC, NCOA, SMA, OCS, TRADE SCHOOL, ROTC, WAR
COLLEGE, BOOTSTRAP, TOP DOG, SKIPPER, CAPTAIN, COMBAT EFFECTIVE,
COMMAND RATIO, OVERSIGHT, DON'T DO NOTHING, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL
STUFF, MICROMANAGEMENT.
[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),
bashaw, mogul (moghul/moghal), sheik (sheikh), duke, marquis,
earl, count, viscount, baron, grandee, palatine, satrap, viceroy,
nawab, regent, gauleiter, burgomaster/burgermeister/burgemeester,
steward, foreman, boss, effendi, master, liege, potentate, lord,
overlord, chief, chieftain, head, 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 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: "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]
-
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 :
-
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 :
-
the slang reference for the basic method of fire and movement
by alternating elements in advance or retreat, such that one
protects the other during maneuver. 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.
-
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; 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.
-
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 [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 :
-
an infantryman, GRUNT or SNUFFY; see 03, GI, DOUGHBOY. Also, any
non-parachutist or not-AIRBORNE qualified soldier, also known as
"straight leg"; compare CADET, TADPOLE, PUP, POLLYWOG, CHUM,
NUGGET, GROUND HOG. 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, 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. 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, DINAR, DIRHAM,
RIYAL, RIAL, FILS, MPC, HARD TIMES TOKEN, SLUSH FUND, CUMSHAW,
SOUVENIR, SHORT SNORTER, CHALLENGE COIN, CANDY, BENSON SILK.
[v: bread, dough, lettuce, cabbage, kale, long green, jack,
scratch, simoleon, moola, stake, lolly, 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, skin, single, cash,
thaler, cartwheel, half-eagle, eagle, double-eagle, nickel, dime,
penny, cent, coin, specie, slug]
-
LEGEND :
-
the mission-specific cover story and alias assumed for an
operative or operational team; also called "field legend". See
COVER, POCKET LITTER, CLEAN, BACKSTOP, LIFTED SKIRT, NOC,
TRADECRAFT.
-
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 :
-
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 :
-
(forthcoming); this is the first camouflage pattern that was
actually produced during WWI as a result of the color perception
research by the "camouflage corps" artists and engineers; this
spotted pattern, produced by the French ["léopard"], was
later adopted for American parachutists during WWII and ADVISORs
in Vietnam; it was supplanted by TIGER STRIPE in Southeast Asia,
WOODLAND and DESERT elsewhere in U.S. operations; a post-WWI
German 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 :
-
WWII-era B-24 Mitchell heavy bomber aircraft; also called HELL'S
BELLS.
-
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, 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, 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 aircraft.
-
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.
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 BIRD :
-
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 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 :
-
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-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 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, RATLINE, SHROUD, HAWSER, or the like and made
without wire for various uses (eg: RAPPEL, BELAY, HIGHLINE, 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 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.
-
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]
-
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.
-
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; see STRETCHER. Also, a disorderly or
untidy condition, especially when detritus or rubbish is exposed;
see SPAGHETTI, POLICE CALL, GI PARTY, FLAP, SALUTE. Also, a
vehicle borne by draft or porters, consisting of a covered and
curtained bed or couch suspended between shafts; also called a
"sedan chair" or "palanquin"/"palankeen"; see DUMMY STICK,
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.
-
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, BEANER, MUJ, INDIG; compare LITTLE
PEOPLE, DINK, GOOK, SLOPE, 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 :
-
(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 VN Airborne or Ranger units. 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).
-
LO :
-
(el-oh) Liaison Officer; see L&L. Also, Letter Order; see GO,
LOI,
LON, ORDER.
-
LOAD-LINE MARK :
-
(forthcoming);
aka: "load-line", PLIMSOLL MARK, or "waterline";
compare GRAYBACK, COUNTERSHADING; see DRAFT, HULL, FREEBOARD
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
LOG BIRD :
-
a logistical resupply helicopter, which flies a "log run" mission
of aerial resupply or support; also called "trash hauler". See
ASH 'n' TRASH, CHOPPER.
-
LOGISTICS :
-
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.
[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 :
-
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.
-
LONG HAIR :
-
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.
-
LONG HOUSE :
-
in MONTAGNARD culture, the communal dwelling for unmarried adult
males, and the socio-political gathering place of the village.
[nb: not to be confused with "Long Home", which has been military
slang for a grave since the American CIVIL WAR]
[v: bield, bower, cabin, cottage, cabana, lodge, earth lodge,
hogan, HOOCH, SHEBANG]
-
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,
AIMING STAKES, OFFICER, RANK. [nb: "Be for I cudn't eevan spel
Lewtennit, an' now I are won!"]
-
LOOKING GLASS :
-
Boeing KC-135B, EC-135A, EC-135C, and EC-135P airborne command
post (ABNCP) aircraft; also spelled "lookingglass".
-
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
bulges-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.
-
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-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 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, CAV) as preparation for practical
leadership on the battlefield; the LPC was symbolized by the
"compass rose", meaning 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 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.
-
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.
-
LRDG :
-
Long Range Desert Group, commonly known as "Desert Rats".
[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 :
-
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 tactic or
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. Vietnamese
terms: Vien Tham, 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 :
-
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.
[nb: it has been widely alleged (without documentation to date)
that test subjects, including servicemembers and other government
employees, were involuntarily administered this 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.]
-
LT :
-
(el-tee) abbreviation for Lieutenant, also referred to as "Loo",
"Loot", or LOOEY; as derived from place-holder or substitute [v:
locum tenens; cf: XO]. See BUTTER BAR, BROWN BAR, OFFICER, RANK.
-
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, LONG HAIR, 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.
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