COMBAT MilTerms: T

M I L T E R M S :

T : TANGO

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TAB :

ARVN BDQ

Tactical Assault Boat, as for special operations; see BOAT. Also, Tactical Air Base. Also, a distinguishing label denoting classification or qualification, such as an AIRBORNE arc attached to a unit PATCH, or a sleeve tag designating individual proficiency (called a Q-TAB); see TRIPLE CANOPY, compare SCROLL, GREEN TAB. Also, a small airfoil hinged to the rear portion of a control surface, as to an elevator, aileron, or RUDDER; see FIN, TAILBOOM.

TAC-AIR :

TACtical AIR support, or Close Air Support (CAS); as distinguished from "strategic bombing". See FAC, MISTY FAC, FO, FCSL, PREP.

TACAN :

TACtical Air Navigation, also spelled "TAC-AN"; being an ultra-high frequency electronic air navigation system which provides a continuous indication of bearing and distance to the TACAN station, by common slant range components. Also, TACtical ANtenna, employing TMSQ# (T=temporary, M=mobile, S=Special type, Q=special purpose) devices, as used for VECTOR; see RADAR.

TACC :

Tactical Air Control Center; compare TADC, TAOC.

TACKLE :

any specialized apparatus, equipment, or GEAR, including rigging; see LINE. Also, a leverage system of pulleys; see BLOCK, WHIP, FAIRLEAD, CRAB. [v: double block, double Spanish burton; nb: a "sheet" is a thin LINE or CORD used in reeving TACKLE and the rigging of sails; and like a HAWSER, it is never called a ROPE]

TACS :

(forthcoming); see COMBAT LIGHTNING

TACTICS :

a plan or procedure of those movements necessary for gaining an advantage, such as in the art or science of deploying military (or naval) forces and maneuvering them in battle; as derived from arranging, to put in order. Compare STRATEGY; see CAPABILITY, COURSE OF ACTION, KNOW YOUR ENEMY, OPLAN. [nb: a theorem on the relativity of tactics and strategy is: if the tactics are wrong and the strategy is wrong then the war will be quickly lost; if the tactics are right but the strategy is wrong then battles will be won while the war is lost; if the tactics are wrong but the strategy is right then battles will be lost while the war is won; and if the tactics are right and the strategy is right then the war will be quickly won] [nb: "Them ain't tactics, honey. That's just the beast in me." by Elvis Presley as Vince Everett in Jailhouse Rock (1957)]

TAD :

NavSpeak for Temporary Additional Duty, known as Temporary Duty (TDY) by Army and Air Force personnel; abbreviation corrupted into "Traveling Around Drunk". See CHOP, SHEEP-DIPPED; compare HARDSHIP TOUR, PCS.

TADC :

Tactical Air Direction Center; compare TACC, TAOC.

TADPOLE :

being the aquatic larva of frogs, hence the NICKNAME for a FROGMAN trainee; see BUDS, UDT, DIVER, compare PUP, LEG, POLLYWOG, CHUM, NUGGET. Also, slang designation for a limbless amputee or quadriplegic; also called a "basket-case" by Brits, a "samovar" by Russians, and a "curling stone" by Canadians; compare CRISPY CRITTER, CREATURE FEATURE, FLOATER, MAGGOT, CADET.

TAEL :

formerly a basic monetary unit of currency in China, equivalent to its weight (liang = 37g/1.33oz) in silver; compare SYCEE; see YUAN, RENMINBI, LEGAL TENDER.

TAFFRAIL :

the upper part of the STERN of a ship, as derived from 'tableau'; see FANTAIL. Also, a rail above the STERN of a ship; see PULPIT; compare BULWARK, LIFELINE.

TAILBOOM :

tail assembly; the FUSELAGE extension of an aircraft ending in a small stabilizing propeller, or a split extension to mount the RUDDER and FIN stabilizers. See HUEY, HUSKY, FLYING BOXCAR, LIGHTNING, SKYMASTER, BIRD.

TAIL-END CHARLIE :

the last man in any given line or FILE, being too often "a day late and a dollar short"; compare DRAG, GOAT, CHARLIE.

TAILGATE :

the end RAMP on some aircraft, such as the HERCULES and HUSKY, CHINOOK / SEA KNIGHT, including the clamshell closure at the rear end of the DECK on the FLYING BOXCAR and FAT ALBERT, for the movement of people and cargo; being similar to the bow RAMP on LANDING CRAFT. Also, to off-load men or equipment through this HATCH, as AIRBORNE, AIRDROP, LOW-LEVEL EVACUATION DROP, or KICK-OUT delivery.

TAILHOOK :

the arresting device for catching restraining lines when landing aircraft on-board FLATTOPs (CV). See PADDLES, BURBLE, NIGHT TRAP, BOLTER, BOUNCE.

TAKE A KNEE :

the invitation extended by the commander to his subordinates to "get comfortable" by SQUATting or hunkering in the field without removing WEB GEAR or setting aside weapons; equivalent to "take a seat" when indoors. Because most Americans are not agrarian or rural, and so have never learned fieldcrafts, the SQUAT or hunker becomes very uncomfortable in a short time; therefore the most common posture assumed by fully loaded troops is a stable three-point crouch, with the body resting on one foot, the other toe and knee [nb: this is also the supported kneeling position for rifle shooting]. This TAKE A KNEE posture is a way to rest without removing essential GEAR, and can be more easily and quickly recovered from than sitting, which can expose the body to unwanted dirt, moisture, or contaminants. It's possible that this posture is derived from football, where suited-up players are informally gathered for a short lecture or discussion during practice; however the coincidence is not unusual, because most MIL-PERS are athletes, and would be involved in both playing and coaching various sports. See DUCK-WALK, FROGMARCH, LOW-CRAWL.

TALK TRASH :

to brag or lie, as bullshit or horseshit; to use vulgar, obscene, scurrilous, or profane language, as to BAD-MOUTH; also includes nervous or compulsive verbiage, as babble, blather, chatter, jabber, natter, prate, prattle, yammer, jaw-jacking, or VERBAL DIARRHEA; also includes word-play, rhyme, banter, persiflage, badinage, ranking, rake, pun, jest, jive, jeer, rag, raillery, rigmarole, rap, witticism, or the like (eg: "doin' tha dozens" [v: WOOF] was a form of "battle rhyme" or 'verbal combat' among BLACK troops). See SMACK, SHOOT THE SHIT, SNOW, GAS BAG, HOT AIR, MOTOR MOUTH, BRAVO SIERRA, TELL IT TO THE MARINES, SCUTTLEBUTT, BLOW SMOKE, CONFETTI, GODDAM, OATH, SEA STORY, WAR STORY, COUNT COUP, ATFU; compare CHICKEN SHIT, RUMOR, MIL-SPEAK. [nb: 'hooey', allegedly an Americanism used as an interjection for nonsense or tripe, is actually a corruption of the Russian vulgarity ("khuy") for penis, and is commonly used alone (eg: dick, dickhead, dick-wad) or in phrases (eg: dumber than dick; he doesn't know dick; don't dick around; don't stir your tea with your dick)] [cf: migration of "putz" from shine through ornament to penis and dolt; as sexual lure] [v: lucky stiff]

TALLY-HO :

acknowlegement by a PILOT that he has visually acquired an air or ground target which had been called to his attention, and is now in pursuit, closing, chasing, or attacking; also known as "tallyho" or "tally"; in Naval aviation, if the target is confirmed, the call skips the preliminary BANDIT, and issues a TALLY-HO immediately; see BOGIE, BANDIT, VISUAL, JOY, SCRAM, SPLASH, BATTER UP, PLAY BALL. Also, designation for the southernmost sector of North Vietnam (NVN); compare DMZ. Also, the phrase used by PILOTs and other aviation personnel to informally announce the arrival of an attractive woman in the target area, or the sighting of an attractive woman in the operations area; such usage is considered to be more refined and mature, more suave and debonair than slavering and grunting ... bug-eyed chest-pounding and wolf-whistling is deemed to be uncouth and unsophisticated, though typical of crass and boorish fly-boys! [nb: apparently "Waco!" was used by WWI pilots when suddenly encountering military or female targets, in the same way as TALLY-HO]

TALO :

Tactical Airlift Liaison Officer

TALON :

North American T-28, a 2-seat, single-engine, monoplane TRAINER; the T-28D version is an attack plane, capable of carrying a variety of ordnance on counterinsurgency missions. Compare TROJAN; see CHAPAKAO, BIRD.

TAMPON :

a plug or pledget of cotton, lint, or other absorbent material (eg: amalou), used to control bleeding from a wound or body cavity; as derived from tampion/tapon for any bung or plug (see MUZZLE); compare COMPRESS, TENT, STRETCHER; see POLICE CALL. Also, a two headed drumstick, used to play rolls; see DRUM.

TANGO BOAT :

Armored Troop Carrier (ATC); like an APC that floats [nb: APCs and tanks are "swim" rated with engine SNORKELs, but are unreliable in that mode], but was less effective on land. The originals were LCM-6s with armor-plate and bar-armor added. They had nine seats for the troops and a canvas top to keep the sun out. Each TANGO could carry a fully equipped rifle platoon. They had two twin .50 cal. machinegun mounts on the boat deck and four Browning .30 cal. light machineguns re-chambered for NATO 7.62mm in the well deck. In 1968 the Navy deployed two new river assault squadrons with TANGO BOATS built from the keel up specifically for riverine operations. See MRF, AAV.

TANK :

generic term for a track-driven (on caterpillar treads) armored combat vehicle that's armed with a cannon (MAIN-GUN) mounted inside a rotating TURRET, formerly called a "land ship", informally known as "big boy", and designated a "crab" or "turtle" by INDIGenous peoples; including STUART, GENERAL LEE, SHERMAN, PERSHING, WALKER-BULLDOG, CHAFFEE, PATTON, SHERIDAN, ABRAMS. Invented in 1914, pre-WWII doctrine designated TANK employment against troops and obstacles, so the armor was only thick enough to deflect SMALL ARMS, with counteroffense relegated to specially equipped "tank destroyer" teams; but WWII introduced more resistant fortifications and engagements between TANKs, necessitating lower silhouettes, thicker armor, and larger cannons. With the introduction of wire- and LASER-guided munitions during and after the VIETNAM WAR, TANKs also acquired better sights, faster fire, and increased speed. TANKERs convert the official "mobility and firepower" doctrine into sexual tactics: it ain't whatcha got but how ya use it! See COAX, MAIN-GUN, NLOS-C, CUPOLA, TURRET, HATCH, CHERRY JUICE, PERISCOPE, BOGIE, TRACK, MBT, APC, ARMORED CAR, LAV, HALF-TRACK, DUSTER, VTR, ARV, LOW BOY, AVLB, SNORKEL, SNORT, REACTIVE ARMOR, SPALL, SPACED ARMOR, LAAGER, TANK PARK, DRAGON'S TEETH, WIDOW MAKER, KILL RING, TOAD, CONCRETE BATTLESHIP, VOTING MACHINE. Also, a large container designed to hold a quantity of gas or liquid; see BLIVET, BLADDER, WATER BUFFALO. Also, a pond (natural or artificial) used for storing water. Also, a large cell or bullpen for the temporary detention of a group of prisoners; see BRIG, THE CASTLE, CHL, LBJ, CROSSBAR HOTEL, GUARDHOUSE, STOCKADE [v: oubliette, hock (sty or prison as a miserable place to live)].

TANK FARM :

the safe area where a group or cluster of storage tanks containing volatile liquids or combustible gases is located. Compare TANK PARK.

TANKER :

a refueling aircraft (eg: KB-29, KB-50, KC-10, KC-97, KC-135, etc); also called a "Flying Gas Station". Geopolitical and treaty concerns in the post-WWII era, involving landing and over-flight rights, necessitated the adoption of TANKERS (eg: ATCA) that could not only fuel other aircraft, but be refueled themselves. When the situation permits, TANKERs also serve as FLARESHIPs for illuminating night incidents or operations. See STRATOTANKER, EXTENDER, DROGUE, ENDURANCE; compare HOT-FUELING, FLYING COW. Also, a vehicle or other conveyance designed for the bulk shipment of liquids or gases. Also, a crewmember of a track-driven TANK or other armored vehicle; also called a "track rat" or "tankist"; see TOAD, KILL RING.

TANKER BOOTS :

tanker boot

pull-on leather boots, similar in appearance to regular combat boots, except secured by a wrapped strap (no laces or eyelets); so designed to permit the foot to be withdrawn if the boot is trapped or jammed. Developed before WWII, this design was not authorized, but was widely condoned in armored and armored cavalry units. A tanker's coverall was also proposed, under the same principle of "readily shed for escape", but was not as popular, and was not authorized. The wear of all leather boots is no longer authorized after 30 April 2008. See FOOTWEAR.

TANK PARK :

the secure area where armored vehicles (ie: TRACKs, TANKs, etc) are temporarily housed for the performance of maintenance, refitment, repairs, refueling, and other pre- or post-operational chores. See LAAGER, MOTOR POOL, CANNIBALIZE; compare TANK FARM.

TANK PLINKING :

slang phrase used by GULF WAR gunners and weapons officers (WSO) for destroying enemy armor with laser or infrared (IR) targeting and guided munitions ... an authentic "video game" that's almost as boring as "shooting fish in a barrel"! Phrase was officially discouraged, as being disrespectful and unprofessional, hence its persistence. See LGB, GBU, PAVEWAY.

TANNOY :

the public-address (PA) system on-board ships, being a British brand name adopted during WWII, used for "Now Hear This" and "Do You Hear There" messages; also known as "1-MC", "loud hailer", and loudspeaker. Compare SQUAWK BOX, BLOWER, HORN, KLAXON, TOCSIN; see WARNING ORDER, BOATSWAIN'S PIPE, BUGLE CALL, POOP, HEADS-UP, FYI, STAND-TO, DEFCON, ESP, SACON, GQ, AHOY, HOISE, OORAH, HOOAH, HAUL-ASS, STAT.

TAO :

(t-a-o) NavSpeak for the Tactical Action Officer in operations.

TAOC :

(t-a-o-c) Tactical Air Operations Center; compare TACC, TADC; see AOC, FOC, ADOC, ASOC, OPN.

TAOR :

Tactical Area Of Responsibility, or Tactical Area of Operational Responsibility, and is designated "Tactical Area of Operations" (TAO) by USMC; includes mission of key installation defense, protective reaction force, and pacification activity support. Compare AO, TO, AOR, MOA, OA, CHOP LINE, UA.

TAP CODE :

clandestine communication method using any sound to represent letters of the alphabet, where the alphabet is arrayed as a 5X5 square (K=C). Unlike morse code, no "long" or "short" sounds are necessary. Also, an abbreviated form used by LRRPs to signal alerts or prearranged messages transmitted by a TAP CODE knocked-out on a RIFLE stock. [v: Alphabet Codes]

TAP-DANCER :

someone who's working hard at not working; someone showing alot of flash-and-dash "fancy footwork" to distract everyone from what the hands are not doing, being all style and no substance. See SKATE, MOTOR MOUTH, VERBAL DIARRHEA, HOT DOG, CYA, WANGLE, PING-PONG, DOG 'n' PONY SHOW, FIVE O'CLOCK FOLLIES, BLIVET, CHICKEN SHIT, MICKEY MOUSE, ORIFICE, HALF-ASSED, FRUIT FLY, WAR CORRESPONDENT, SMOKE 'n' MIRRORS, MILICRAT. [nb: obfuscation and obscurantism are widely represented by the military maxim: "Bullshit baffles brains!", sometimes called a "Well sir,..." excuse] [v: show-off, swank, coxcomb, princox, turkey cock, popinjay, sophist, nabob, nibs, stuffed-shirt, gentry, sophisticate, culture vulture, pooh-bah, panjandrum, high and mighty, hogen mogen, high-muckety-muck, high-muck-a-muck]

TAPS :

bugle signal indicating the end of the day, and used in memorial services to indicate the last or final day of duty; being a variation of TATTOO, and so called from the earlier practice of tapping the tune on a DRUM. The current version was composed by Dan Butterfield in 1862, and was officially adopted in 1874. TAPS is known as "The Last Post" by AUSSIE, KIWI, and other UK veterans. Term is also used as a metonym for necrology. See ANZAC, MEMORIAL DAY, MISSING MAN FORMATION, TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS, RUFFLES 'n' FLOURISHES, FACE THE MUSIC, FLAG DAY, RETREAT. [nb: before TAPS, the "Dead March" dirge was played at military funerals] [nb: when the American flag is folded into a triangle, representative of the Colonial tricorne, the red and white stripes representing the blood and bones of sacrifice are buried within the blue constellation of heaven; which is the traditional configuration for funeral and retreat ceremonies]

TAR :

a sailor; by shortening of 'tarpaulin'. Also, slang for hashish; see CAN SA, STICK, FIVE FINGERS, THAI STICK, DOPE, COLORS, JUNK, SMACK, STONED.

TAR BABY :

an inextricable problem or situation, such as a QUAGMIRE; derived from an 1881 Uncle Remus story by Joel Chandler Harris; compare BITTER END, SHIT HIT THE FAN, DEEP SHIT, FIGHT LIKE KILKENNY CATS, PYRRHIC VICTORY, BELL THE CAT. Also, a hashish addict; see HAY, HUBBLE-BUBBLE.

TARFU :

literally "Things Are Really Fucked Up", or more euphemistically as "... really fouled up"; see PVT SNAFU, FUCK-UP, FUCKED-UP, CLUSTER FUCK, WTFO, SOL, BOHICA. [nb: The Three Brothers, a 1944 U.S. Army animated short film that was directed by Friz Freleng, portrays a character named Fubar as being the brother of Privates Snafu and Tarfu]

TARGET :

an object, usually marked for scoring, to be aimed at in shooting practice, qualification, or competition; see BOLO, KD RANGE, BASS, SIGHT PICTURE, SPOT WELD, BUTT, BERM, MAGGIE'S DRAWERS, DRY RUN, POINT-BLANK, BULL'S-EYE, AIMPOINT. Also, the impersonal and unemotional objective designation of enemy personnel, weapons, vehicles, or stores (eg: "targets of opportunity", "target rich environment"); see BOGIE, VISUAL, BANDIT, TALLY-HO, PAINT, PICKLE, RANGE CARD, AIMING STAKES, CE, ROE, SOTA, STRATA, POP SMOKE, TOT, H&I, ZONE AND SWEEP, FIRE FOR EFFECT, DEFLECTION, FIRECRACKER, NAPALM, FAE, JDAM, GROUND ZERO, COLLATERAL DAMAGE, SOFT TARGET, HARD TARGET, OBJ. [nb: "smart bomb, dumb target"] [v: Aunt Sally, Jack-a-Lent, cockshy, clay pigeon, sitting duck, mark, gull, dupe, pigeon, prey, quintain, wand, hit list]

TARP :

informal designation of TARPaulin, derived by shortening; refers to a SHEET of waterproofed canvas or other material used as a protective covering for objects exposed to the weather; see BOLTROPE. Also, a sailor; see TAR.

TASK SATURATION :

being too busy to follow regular procedures, often due to insufficient time or combat/emergency conditions, usually resulting in injury or death, lost or damaged equipment; to overload or overburden. [nb: despite MIL-SPEAK, this awkward phrase, which actually refers to genuine circumstances, has not yet been enhanced to "task supersaturation" by MILICRATs! ... although "over-hype" was coined for coverage of the Iraq War] [v: fardel]

TATTOO :

a signal, such as BUGLE CALL or BOATSWAIN'S PIPE, announcing a condition or event, such as OFFICER'S CALL or TAPS. Also, any similar drumbeat or rhythm, as a heart beat; see DRUMFIRE. Also, an outdoor military pageant; see PARADE, PASS IN REVIEW, TROOP THE LINE, PASSING HONORS, COLOR GUARD, BEATERS 'n' BLEATERS, TOOTER, MISSING MAN FORMATION. Also, indelible marks or designs on the skin, as from powder burns or inserted pigments. With the exception of CLEAN agents or STERILE operatives, the military permits "personal adornment" by TATTOOs on any part of the body that's visible while in uniform, except the head, face, and throat, as long as the depiction or legend is not sexist, racist, extremist, or indecent; see MEAT MARKER, SAT CONG, ID CARD; compare EARRING, DOG TAGS, COINING, SOUVENIR.

TAXIWAY :

any surface area of an airport where aircraft are moved to and from a RUNWAY; compare APRON, THRESHOLD.

TBO :

aviation jargon for Time Before Overhaul.

TBS :

Talk Between Ships, being a short-range radiotelephone used for ship-to-ship communications during WWII.

TC :

Training Circular; see FM, TM, CHECKING THE DICTIONARY, SCRIPTURES.

T-DAY :

the unnamed effective day coincident with a Presidential declaration of national emergency, and authorization for partial mobilization, exclusive of personnel called-up on S-DAY. See TIME.

TDY :

Temporary Duty; known as Temporary Additional Duty (TAD) by Navy and Marine personnel. See CHOP, SHEEP-DIPPED; compare HARDSHIP TOUR, PCS.

TEAM :

a number of persons associated in some joint action, which variable composition is determined by mission and TO&E; abbreviated TM. See MTT, A TEAM; compare FIRE TEAM, SQUAD, STACK.

TEAM BOX :

a container, sized from FOOTLOCKER to CONEX, that's packed with all mission specific weapons and equipment for the unit's initial deployment, including radios and optics, maps and manuals, medicine and relevant clothing; also called OP BOX.

TEAMHOUSE :

primary structure for advisory teams; usually includes partitions for admin, plans, intel, and command sections, with sleeping area, guest quarters, kitchen, and bar/lounge. See BILLET, SEA HUT, HUTMENT.

TECHINT :

TECHnical INTelligence; information developed from technical sources.

TEE-TEE :

Vietnamese term for "A little bit"; often misused as 'small' or 'short'.

TELECON :

contraction of TELEgraphic CONference, but later extended to any interactive telecommunications system. Originally functioned by scheduling the principals, with or without their staff, to meet in signal offices or message centers to engage in dialogues or exchange information in real-time immediacy; which was displaced by long-distance "conference calling", and computerized "instant messaging". See TWX, CONTEL, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH, BACK CHANNEL, BUCK SLIP, FROST CALL, TELEPHONE TREE, TELEPHONE.

TELEPHONE :

see BLOWER, HORN, LANDLINE, SPAGHETTI, COAX, PIGTAIL, TELECON, AUTOVON, WATTS, DSN, PSTN, TELEPHONE TREE, SATCOM, UWT, PBX, PTT, RTO, CALL-SIGN, CODE TALKER, ENCRYPT, DECRYPT, EARS, BUG, RTP, PROWORD, A-OK, MAYDAY, EOT, BUCK SLIP; compare SCUTTLEBUTT, RUMOR, BACK CHANNEL, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH, RADIO, CONTEL, TWX, TTY, NET, COMMO. [nb: Bell patent 1876; coin-operated phone 1889; push-button telephone invented 1941; Area Codes 1952; cellular phone 1973; voice mail 1980; Caller ID 1982] [nb: mobile phone (Global System for Mobile Communications, a second-generation open-standard digital-transceiver voice/text wireless system) tracking for accountability and monitoring for security is rendered via repeater triangulation and the GPS satellite network, with an approximate margin of error of 10-50m depending on location]

TELEPHONE TREE :

the hierarchal notification setup, imitative of the unit structure, for the efficient dissemination of information, or rapid notification of alterations, to ensure personnel readiness during training, mobilization, and so forth; activation or initiation is often designated "lighting the telephone tree", where each superior notifies his immediate subordinates, who notify their immediate subordinates, and so forth. Calling guidelines must include Privacy Act restrictions, and cautions against RUMORs or BACK CHANNEL gossip. This unit communication system is also useful in post-deployment family support activities. Compare FROST CALL; see NET, TELECON. [nb: not to be confused with "telephone tag"]

TELESCOPING :

informal reference to the normal psycho-sensory response to threat or conflict, formally known as "tachypsychia" (swift+mind), wherein the participant focuses in a clear and concentrated manner on what is perceived as most dangerous to the exclusion of other stimuli, including sound, touch, periphery, and elapsed time. Sometimes referred to as "tunnel vision", the analogy to the actual use of a telescope is apt, since events seem distant but vivid, central but out of context, real but without distractions. The participant is not "deaf" or BULLETPROOF but does not react to anything immaterial or inessential, to the point of following directives without memory, or of being injured or wounded without knowing it. The time sense of the participant may contract, elongate, or vacillate; and the post-confrontational period is usually disoriented. Tachypsychia is induced by extreme physical exertion and emotional stress, exhibiting high levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, and is symptomatic of trauma (eg: PTSD). See BUBBLE, THOUSAND-YARD STARE, BLACKOUT, ZOMBIE, FLASHBACK, FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT.

TELL IT TO THE MARINES :

a sardonic or dismissive catch-phrase used to express disbelief or incredulity concerning an allegation or assertion, an account or tale; a protest against being regarded as gullible or as stupid as the prototypical JARHEAD. A similar phrase among civilians is: "Tell it to the women and children." See TALK TRASH, SHOOT THE SHIT, BRAVO SIERRA, WAR STORY, SEA STORY. [nb: this phrase originated with the Royal Marines, formed as the Maritime Regiment of Foot (1664), in the early 19th century as "He may tell that to the marines, but the sailors will not believe him." ("The Post-Captain, or The Wooden Walls Well Manned Comprehending a View of Naval Society and Manners" by John Davis, 1804), which was later shortened to its present form, as in "...if a soldier complained to him [the commander] of hardships which he could not comprehend, [the commander] would be very likely to recommend him to "tell it to the marines'!" (1848 preface to "A Journal of the Campaign in Flanders" by John Marshall Deane, 1708); the allegation that King Charles II mocked the credulity of these naive soldiers to Samuel Pepys is a hoax perpetrated in the 1900s by the novelist W.P. Drury, a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Marines. Americans later adopted this phrase, as in the 1918 short story ("Above the Law" by Max Brand / Frederick Faust) and in the 1926 film title for a movie about recruit training and military culture]

TELLTALE :

someone or something which reveals, discloses or warns, to give notice; see TU DAI, TRIPWIRE, WEATHER EYE, WHITE MOUSE. Also, any of various devices or mechanisms for alerting, indicating, or registering; see TRADECRAFT. Also, a suspended line, ribbon, or feather hung so as to indicate wind direction; see WINDSOCK, BEAUFORT SCALE, SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE, FUJITA SCALE.

10-CODES / TEN-CODES :

(forthcoming); see POLICE, CODE, CIPHER, BREVITY CODE (not "one-zero codes")

TENDER :

an auxiliary ship employed to attend other ships, as for supply or maintenance, such as a submarine tender; derived as a variant of attend; see MOTHER SHIP, OILER, LIGHTER, BOAT. Also, a dinghy carried or towed by a yacht; see LIFEBOAT, BOAT. [nb: an early twin-hulled tender was the "snag boat", equipped with steam-powered ram and wench, that was invented by Henry Miller Shreve at Heliopolis in 1829; which was used to clear a fairway of submerged obstacles on the Red River, permitting commercial traffic]

TENT :

a portable shelter or temporary structure made of fabric or skins, usually supported by poles and secured by stakes in the ground; as derived from stretch (cf: tenterhook) [aka: cabana, tepee (teepee/tipi), wickiup (wikiup/wickyup), wigwam, yurt]. See PUP TENT, TARP, BOLTROPE, GP, WALL TENT, HUTMENT; compare BIVOUAC, HOOCH, SHEBANG, BOHIO, SEA HUT, VILLE, COMPANY STREET. Also, a surgical probe for opening an aperture or wound, or a roll or pledget of soft absorbent material, as lint or gauze, for dilating an orifice, keeping a wound open, gaping a slit, and so forth; compare COMPRESS, TAMPON, STRETCHER.

TERRORIST :

a radical or fanatical activist who uses violence, or the threat of violence, to intimidate a society or to coerce a government into a state of fear or submissive subjection for religious, economic, racial, ethnic, or other sociopolitical objectives. Any unknown, indistinguishable, or non-descript TERRORIST type is given a generic agnomen, often diminutive or effeminate (eg: Terry, Tracy, Timmy, Tanya, Teddy, or Tommy the Tango), so as to differentiate them as targets. See GWOT, WAR ON TERROR, ANTI-TERRORISM, COUNTER-TERRORISM, SABOTAGE, PROVOCATEUR, UW, DECAPITATION, NECKLACE, HAIRCUT AND MANICURE, ATROCITY, BAD GUYS, FALL GUY, CAT AND MOUSE, CAM TU, BOMBER, "night rider" at COWBOY, PATRIOT ACT, CONSTABULARY. [nb: the difference between a TERRORIST and a FREEDOM FIGHTER, a GUERRILLA and an IRREGULAR, a "militiaman" and a "defense warden", a "revolutionary" and a "criminal", a "Death Squad" and a "SWAT Team" has more to do with one's perspective and allegiance than with the il-/legality of the violent acts themselves; synonyms include: rebel, dissident, insurgent, raider, marauder, jayhawker, bushwhacker, scallywag / scalawag, firebrand, fire-eater, redneck, cracker, reaver / reiver, rascal, ruffian, brigand, outlaw, desperado, villain / villein, freebooter, pirate, buccaneer, privateer] [v: uprising, insurrection, insurgency, revolt, rebellion, takeover, toppling, outbreak, break-out, overthrow, break-through, downfall, mutiny, turning point, putsch, coup, coup d'état, or intifada (der: "shaking off")]

TET :

Vietnamese term for the Lunar New Year holiday period, with both cultural and religious significance. The Chinese lunar calendar, reckoned in sixty-year cycles, divides each year into twelve months, with an intercalary month added seven times every nineteen years; therefore the occurrence of the new year in the lunar cycle varies from year to year.

TET OFFENSIVE :

a culturally propitious and environmentally advantageous period for military operations in Southeast Asia, especially the sudden nationwide offensive of 1968 that garnered propaganda kudos for the NVA and VC forces. Just as the SON TAY raiders trained for their special mission in a prison camp MOCK-UP, so the PAVN infiltrators trained on a MOCK-UP of the American embassy and other strategic targets for the 1968 TET OFFENSIVE at COSVN in Cambodia. It required weeks for SVN and US troops to recover and secure airfields, bases, and cities. Although the 1968 TET OFFENSIVE was a military disaster for NVN, which did not elicit a sympathetic uprising as predicted, it was turned into a "political victory" by the connivance of a complicit media ... which should have made comparisons to other failed "break-outs" or "break-throughs", but instead found inaccurate parallels with other historic "turning points", such as Gettysburg and Cowpens.

TF :

abbreviation for Task Force; see CTF, ATF, JTF, JTFEX, JSOTF, CJSOTF-AP, ATFV, MARS, DOZER INFANTRY, NIGHT STALKERS, RESTORE HOPE, AD HOC, "Task Force Troy" at GHOST UNIT. Also, abbreviation for tactical fighter.

TFW :

Tactical Fighter Wing; also abbreviated "TFWg".

THAI STICK :

hashish cigarette impregnated with heroin; see STICK, TAR, CAN SA, STONED, compare DOPE, JUNK, SMACK.

THERMITE :

incendiary composed of powdered aluminum, ferric oxide, and magnesium; see ROCKEYE, WP.

THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME :

novelty protest patch with
butterfly and slogan

butterfly protest

popular slogan bandied by PROTESTORs and HIPPIEs during the VIETNAM WAR; derived from "Sometime they'll give a war and nobody will come." by Carl Sandburg, in "The People, Yes" (1936). In 1968, the song "Zor and Zan", written by B and J Chadwick, was released on "The Birds, The Bees, and The Monkees" album, and included the phrase in the lyrics: "The great war began / They met on the battlefield, banner in hand / They looked out across the vacant land / And they counted the missing one upon one / None upon none / The war it was over before it began / Two little kings playing with games / They gave a war and nobody came". The 1970 movie "Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came?" (starring Brian Keith and Tony Curtis) echoed the phrase. The phrase was also recalled in "What if someone gave a war and Nobody came? Life would ring the bells of Ecstasy and Forever be Itself again." in a 1972 poem entitled "Graffiti" by Allen Ginsberg. The 1970 song "Imagine" by John Lennon includes a related passage in the lyrics: "Imagine there's no countries / ... / Nothing to kill or die for / ... / Living life in peace".

THOUSAND-YARD STARE :

defense mechanism symptomatic of individual need for spiritual distancing, emotional disengagement, or mental detachment, as a response to combat exposure; also known as "bulkhead stare" by Navy and Marine personnel. See PTSD, BLACKOUT, FLASHBACK, TELESCOPING, ZOMBIE, FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT. [nb: this neurotic response was an ineffective defense mechanism since it was often a prelude to dysfunction or casualty due to inattention or unawareness. Most combat casualties occur when the soldier is new and inexperienced (see FNG, cherry, NEWBEE, REPL' DEPOT), upon return from R&R, and after 180 days of combat exposure. The COC acclimation attempted to reduce early tour losses, and not much can compensate for the dulling of hard earned combat skills by R&R, but the only way to relieve fatigue losses after six months is to rotate entire units out of combat, restore unit strength, and bond the unit with new training before returning them to the combat zone. Zen or Ch'an meditation (zazen) is sometimes called "wall staring", using mental riddles (koan) and analytical discourse (mondo), together with controlled physical violence for reinforcement, to "awaken" (satori/prajna) the inner or spiritual being; hence the affinity between martial arts and Zen, where military and religious disciplines are unified.]

THREE SQUARES :

three nutritious meals each day, being one of the incentives or inducements (along with shelter and job training) for poor people to willingly serve in the military; as derived from "square meal", where 'square' means proper or satisfactory. This quotidian sentiment is also expressed as "three hots and a flop" (ie: CHOW and RACK). See BEANS, RATIONS.

THRESHOLD :

the vestibular pathways or passageways that allow airplanes to ingress and egress the RUNWAYs or landing strips; used to taxi aircraft and stage take-offs. See APRON, RAMP, STRIP ALERT, TAXIWAY, TOUCHDOWN, BOUNCE, WINDSOCK.

THROW-AWAY :

a minor operator or low-level SECRET AGENT who's sacrificed to investigators for the protection and preservation of the spy network; also called KITE or "slough". Compare DANGLE; see SLEEPER, MOLE, FIX, SWEEPER, DECOY, COMPARTMENTALIZATION, TRADECRAFT.

THROW IN THE TOWEL :

to concede DEFEAT, to quit, surrender, or resign; also expressed as "throw in the sponge" or "toss...", as derived from prizefighting, when a boxer's manager throws a towel or sponge into the ring, which signal stops the fight, and spares the beaten fighter more injury. See WHITE FLAG, STRIKE THE FLAG, CARTE BLANCHE, TRUCE, ENTENTE, DETENTE, RAPPROCHEMENT, APPEASE, WHITE FEATHER, LILY-LIVERED, FRENCH FLU, HOI CHANH, KIT CARSON SCOUT.

THULE :

(too-lee) any distant or obscure location, from the remote bush to an isolated encampment, as derived from the Eskimo culture of the same name that flourished during AD500-1400 across the Arctic region; see BOONDOCKS, BOONIES, BACKWASH, INDIAN COUNTRY, DOWN RANGE, SANDBOX; compare TULE. Also, a settlement in northwestern Greenland that was founded in 1910 by the Danish explorer Knud Rasmussen in the Etah Eskimo area, which became the site of a U.S. airbase during WWII, together with a science station. Also, the name given by the ancient Greeks to the most extreme area of northern Europe, based upon a discovery by the navigator Pytheas that was described in 310BC, variously identified with Iceland, Norway, and the Shetland Islands; the phrase "Ultima Thule" figuratively denotes the greatest or most distant goal of human endeavor, and the farthest point or a land remote beyond all reckoning. [nb: the thule/tule homophone, together with other variants, has appeared widely and interchangeably in American military writings when referring to remote locales, in the same manner that bush, sticks, woods, barrens, brush, weeds, and the like are also synecdochically representative]

THUNDERBIRDS :

(forthcoming); designation for the Precision Demonstration Team, organized in for public display of typical aviation skillcraft, performed nationwide at air shows, patriotic events, and other fairs. A precision flight demonstration of the capability and versatility of aircraft kept at least one BIRD performing between set piece formations and maneuvers. The team consisted of aviators; See BARNSTORMER, AEROBATICS.

THUNDERBOLT :

P-47 Republic bomber escort and pursuit fighter, NICKNAMEd the "Little Friend" (cf: FLYING FORTRESS), and the "Jug" due to the appearance of its cowling; this WWII designation was later transferred to the A-10 WARTHOG but widely ignored. The P-47, which derives from the earlier P-43 "Lancer", was tested during 1942, and entered combat service on 10 March 1943 as a single-prop turbo-supercharged fighter-bomber flown by one PILOT at a maximum speed of 467mph for a range of 800 miles. During and after WWII, the P-47 also served as a spotter plane during search and rescue (SAR) missions. Inventories were transferred to Asian, Middle-Eastern, and South American allies as well as being assigned to the US Air National Guard (ANG) as the re-designated F-47. [nb: another explanation for the origin of the THUNDERBOLT's "Jug" NICKNAME is a contraction of juggernaut, being any destructive object or unstoppable force, as the Hindu cart that transports Krishna, in testimony to the plane's ability to take battle damage and still bring its pilot home] [cf: the XP-72 or "Super Thunderbolt" was an experimental variant of the P-47, having increased speed, mileage, and altitude with fewer armaments, tested from the summer of 1944 until the end of WWII, when jets supplanted piston aircraft]

THUNDERCHIEF :

USAF F-105 single-engine jet fighter-bomber aircraft made by Republic; also called "Thud". See WILD WEASEL.

THUNDER ROAD :

RVN Highway 13, running from Saigon to Loc Ninh; known to be a treacherous route due to mines and ambushes. See STREET WITHOUT JOY, HAI VAN PASS, MANG YANG PASS, AN KHE PASS.

THUNDER RUN :

the rapid movement of an armored column along a road, with guns alternated in their covering fire to either side of the trail, so as to rapidly clear or secure an area. Compare HERRINGBONE.

THUNDER TIGER :

ARVN SCU

NICKNAME for INDIGenous MIL-PERS serving with the Special Commando Unit (SCU) of the Liaison Office (LO), as the COUNTERPART organization to SOG; derived from the imagery of their shoulder PATCH. The SCU/LO developed from the Special Exploitation Service (SEPES or SES), an ARVN unit under presidential direction; and evolved into the Strategic Technical Directorate (STD), after the disbanding of the VNSF/LLDB. See CAS, CSD, RECON, VIETNAMIZATION.

THUMPER :

M-79

M-32 MGL

NICKNAME for the M-79 grenade launcher, or any other 40mm weapon; also known as "thump gun" or "bloop tube". In 2006, all versions of the single-shot grenade launcher were superseded by the M-32 Multiple-shot Grenade Launcher (MGL) for infantry operations. The grenadier's grasp, as portrayed in books or movies, of the M-79 grenade launcher when firing is a reliable TELLTALE for detecting phonies. See BLOOPER, OVER 'n' UNDER, DOVER DOG, BOFORS, DUSTER, compare SHOTGUN, GYROJET, FRAG, GRENADE, RPG. [nb: the "fire lance" flamethrower of AD 905 China utilized propulsion to launch small objects and pellets, like a shotgun, becoming a prototype firearm; with a three-barreled version for repeat firing developed later] [nb: there probably ought to be a MURPHY LAW of Combat to the effect that "weapons don't win wars", as a corollary to "the side with the simplest weapon will win the war"; since there is no doubt that the test and procurement system is defective. The other sides had better and finer weapons during WWII (the proof existing in the pistols, rifles, machineguns, and tanks adopting enemy innovations), but the American GREASE GUN and the British Sten gun triumphed behind better armies. jury-rigging and complicating US weapon systems will not defeat us, but compromising and discarding all the simple and effective designs will make the future BUTCHER'S BILL extremely expensive!]

TICKET-PUNCHER / TICKET-PUNCHING :

career management; a "ladder-climber" who needs to get credit for checkmarking all necessary steps preliminary to promotion in the "up or out" modern military. Promotion above or below the zone affected retention and retirement, with little regard for expert skills. See LIFER, OLD BREED, MILICRAT, KHAKI MAFIA, FAST TRACK, RIF, KICKSTANDED, CYA, DODGE THE BULLET, VULCANIZE, BOOTSTRAP, DOUBLE-DIP. [cf: apparatchik, nomenklatura, nabob, nibs]

TICKLER :

informal name for a "tickler file" or "suspense account", which contains SUSPENSE DATEd work that must be completed Not Later Than (NLT) a particular time/date specification; a temporary store pending final disposition. A file consisting of memoranda, notices, signals, or correspondence serving as a reminder of obligatory due-dates. See MR, SNOWFLAKE, RBI.

TIGER BALM :

a foul-smelling oil used by many Asians to ward off evil spirits; this folk remedy, along with other Chinese patent medicines, was made in Singapore. See OAN HON, PHI.

TIGER DIVISION :

NICKNAME of the South Korean (ROK) Capital Division, deployed to Vietnam in September 1966.

TIGER HOUND :

the CODENAME designation given to the southern sector of the Laotian panhandle, effective December 1965, as part of the STEEL TIGER air campaign of interdiction operations along the HO CHI MINH TRAIL from Route 9 opposite the DMZ to the Cambodian border; redesignated COMMANDO HUNT in 1968.

TIGER II :

Northrop F-5E /-5F twin-engine light fighter/bomber aircraft, built for the Vietnamese Air Force; compare FREEDOM FIGHTER.

TIGERSHARK :

F-20 aircraft

TIGER STRIPE :

(forthcoming); derived from French "lizard" pattern, which existed in both horizontal and vertical orientations; like the LEOPARD pattern, the TIGER STRIPE uniform was adopted from the French in INDOCHINA, and worn extensively by ADVISORs and RECON patrols; a desert version as well as pixelated DIGITALS have been developed for the GULF WARs; see CAMMIES, CAMO, DRESS.

TIGHTROPE :

any risky or delicate situation requiring skill and judgement, by analogy to the acrobatic feats performed on the high-wire; compare HIGHLINE, see MIL-CRAFT.

TIME :

see HACK, F-HOUR, H-HOUR, L-HOUR, ZERO-HOUR, ZULU, GMT, UTI/UTC, DTG, DATE LINE, C-DAY, D-DAY, K-DAY, M-DAY, N-DAY, R-DAY, S-DAY, T-DAY, W-DAY, FY, CY, JULIAN DATE, PINK TIME, BELLS, DOGWATCH, MIDWATCH, O-DARK-THIRTY, WHITE NIGHT; compare YEAR ZERO. [nb: military time is expressed in four-digits, from 0001 to 2400, representing each minute in all 24-hours of the day, without designating ante- or post-meridiem; there is no 0000 hour] [nb: "Combat winds its own clock." military maxim] [nb: Chinese and Vietnamese zodiacal double-hours proceed in the same cyclically recurrent order, and with the same characteristics, as do the days, months, and years: Hour of the Rat (yang): 11pm - 1am; Hour of the Ox (yin): 1am - 3am; Hour of the Tiger (yang): 3am - 5am; Hour of the Rabbit (yin): 5am - 7am; Hour of the Dragon (yang): 7am - 9am; Hour of the Snake (yin): 9am - 11am; Hour of the Horse (yang): 11am - 1pm; Hour of the Goat (yang): 1pm - 3pm; Hour of the Monkey (yin): 3pm - 5pm; Hour of the Rooster (yang): 5pm - 7pm; Hour of the Dog (yin): 7pm - 9pm; Hour of the Pig (yin): 9pm - 11pm] [v: International System of Units (si): meter (length), kilogram (mass), second (time), ampere (electric current), kelvin (temperature), mole (amount of substance), and candela (luminous intensity); including yoctosecond (ys), zeptosecond (zs), attosecond (as), femtosecond (fs), picosecond (ps), nanosecond (ns/nsec), microsecond (mis/misec), millisecond (ms/msec), centisecond (cs), second (s/sec), leap second, minute (min), mean solar minute, sidereal minute, hour (hr), day (dy), mean solar day, sidereal day, week (wk), fortnight, month (calendar, lunar, solar, sidereal, synodic), biannum, year (yr; calendar, lunar, solar, tropical, sidereal, Sothic, leap, school, man-year), epact, biennium, triennium, quadrennium, quinquennium/pentad, sexennium, septennium, octennium, novennium, decennium/decade, vicennium/score/vigintennium, quinquagennium, century/centennium, bicentennium, millennium, bimillennium, epoch, era, age, eon]

TIN CAN :

slang for USN destroyer; see DD, DDG, APD.

TIWG :

Terrorist Incident Working Group; a National Security Planning Group (NSPG) that was setup in 1983 with representatives from the JCS, DOD, CIA, DOS, FBI, and DEA; but was uncooperative on interagency operations due to its large size and lack of security, which entity later became the basis for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). See TERRORIST, ANTI-TERRORISM, OPLAN 7500, SABOTAGE, ATROCITY.

TM :

Technical Manual; see FM, TC, CHECKING THE DICTIONARY. Also, team; see MTT, A TEAM, FIRE, TEAM, TEAM; compare SQUAD, STACK.

TO :

Technical Order; see SCRIPTURES, ORDER. Also, Theater of Operations, such as European Theater of Operations (ETO) or Kuwait Theater of Operations (KTO); compare AO, OA, AOR, MOA, TAOR, CHOP LINE, UA. Also, Table of Organization; compare TO&E, SPAGHETTI CHART.

TOAD :

slang acronym for Track Of Armored Division, designating APC and TANK vehicles; but descriptive of ugly bloated things squatting around and staring impudently at everything! Term is also a derisive reference to TANKERs and other "track rat" crewmembers assigned to these vehicles; compare CRUNCHY, DOGFACE, BULLET HEAD, CANNON-COCKER, ROTOR HEAD, JET JOCK. Also, slang acronym for the Take-Off And Die syndrome exhibited by "gun-shy" aircrew (also called "fear of flying") and ground-pounders (fear of exposure when moving in the open from COVER to COVER).

TOAST :

an honorable gesture to someone or something by SALUTE or HOIST of an alcoholic beverage, usually accompanied by a concise speech or expressive phrase. Popular military TOASTS during the VIETNAM WAR included: "To all of us! And to hell with all of them!"; "To those of us, and those like us! We're damned few, and too many like us are dead."; "To absent friends. May they never be forgotten."; "To those fallen from our ranks. May they save us a seat in Valhalla.". See STIRRUP CUP, DOCH-AN-DORIS, PROP BLAST, DOLPHIN DIVE, THE DRINK, HATCH, HOIST, HOOCH, BREW, JUICE, SPLICE THE MAINBRACE, BYOB, CLASS SIX, GUSTO, SUNDOWNER. [nb: it is considered bad luck or evil omen to TOAST with non-alcoholic (ie: catlap) beverages; military toasts are most often tributes to fortitude and loyalty, while civilian toasts (grace cup) are tributes to benefaction or longevity, such as: l'chaim, prosit / prost, skoal, slàin te mhath, wassail, cheers] [v: gemütlichkeit/gemuetlichkeit] Also, a euphemism for 'killed' or 'dead', as cooked, done to a turn, roasted, crispy, and so forth; see WASTED, ZAPPED, BUY THE FARM, CHECK OUT, BELIEVER, SOL, BITTER END, DEATH CARD, TWEP, KIA, DOW; compare WIA, GSW, MILLION DOLLAR WOUND.

TOC :

Tactical Operations Center; an INTEL and OPNS planning and development area separate from the administrative headquarters (HQ). When not touring elements of his unit during combat operations, a commander (CO) is normally located at the TOC; while his Deputy Commander (DC) or Executive Officer (XO) directs support activities from the HQ in a BASE CAMP. During the GULF WAR, the TOC was buried below the open expanse of ground level, like a BUNKER, and was accordingly NICKNAMEd the "Black Hole" by those who had to work within its subterranean environment. The WAR ROOM is usually the center of the TOC, where maneuvers are updated and actions are recorded. See CTOC, JOC, JDOC, CMOC.

TOCROACH :

(tock-roach) a derogatory or disparaging reference to subterranean creatures that dwell in the air-conditioned recesses of the BOMB-PROOF Tactical Operations Center (TOC), and scurry for shelter whenever exposed to the glare of daylight (or reality, or even truth); a novel coinage by Coalition forces in GULF WAR II or the GWOT. See ACETATE COMMANDO, CHAIRBORNE, CLERKS 'n' JERKS, REMF.

TOCSIN :

(toxin) a signal, especially of alert or alarm, sounded on a bell or by ringing bells; derived from "the bell strikes". Compare SQUAWK BOX, BLOWER, HORN, KLAXON, TANNOY; see WARNING ORDER, BOATSWAIN'S PIPE, BUGLE CALL, POOP, HEADS-UP, FYI, STAND-TO, DEFCON, ESP, SACON, GQ, AHOY, HOISE, OORAH, HOOAH, HAUL-ASS, STAT.

TO&E / T O and E / TOE :

Table of Organization and Equipment; sometimes erroneously denoted as "Table of Organization, Numbers, and Equipment" (TONE), and informally called a SPAGHETTI CHART. See MTOE, CARS, PENTAGONAL; compare TO, OB.

TOE-POPPER :

small pressure-detonated, non-magnetic, anti-personnel mine (M-14), designed to disable more than to kill; based upon WWII non-magnetic "shoe" mine, which was matchbox sized, with primer detonated TNT; improvised version is pressure-detonated SMALL ARMS cartridge. Such mines are used to interdict predictable routes of advance or traverse; were also used to limit access to BOOBY-TRAPped corpses or equipment. See IED, BOOBY-TRAP, MINE.

TOE RAIL :

the raised lip at the edge of a weather deck that's designed to prevent feet from slipping or sliding overboard; compare BULWARK, GUNWALE, LIFELINE.

TOE THE LINE :

to form into LINE abreast, a RANK; not "tow the line". Also, to conform to regulations, to obey the rules, to exhibit proper conduct, as being on the "straight and narrow"; see STRAIGHT ARROW, BRASS-COLLAR, NATIONAL SECURITY, SCRIPTURES, DUTY; compare HIPPIE, PREEVERT.

TOMAHAWK :

a CRUISE guided missile.

TOMB :

a safe and secure storage BUNKER, vault, mausoleum, or sepulcher for CBR or COCKTAIL munitions; as a "field of tombs" for mass burial. Compare DUMP, COFFIN, BOMB FARM, BONEYARD, GARDEN OF STONES, NATIONAL CEMETERY, RESERVATION; see HOT GREASE, HEAVY WATER, YELLOWCAKE, YELLOW RAIN, RANCH HAND, AGENT ORANGE, GAS MASK, MOPP, HAZMAT, NUKE.

TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS :

a memorial to military personnel lost in combat, especially those remains unable to be identified or recovered, and those Missing-in-Action (MIA); formerly known as the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier", established 11 November 1921. The MEDAL OF HONOR (MOH) and the Victoria Cross (Great Britain) have been awarded to the Unknown Soldier of WWI and WWII. The TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS has been under perpetual protection by the Old Guard in ceremonial attendance since its establishment. A pocket badge is authorized for permanent wear by guards who successfully perform this duty. See MEMORIAL DAY, POW-MIA DAY, MISSING MAN FORMATION, KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL, VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL, FLAG DAY. [v: cenotaph]

TOMCAT :

the Grumman F-14 twin turbofan, supersonic, all-weather, long-range fighter aircraft with dual-crew, designed for USN fleet air defense and close air support (CAS); see BIRD.

TOMMY :

slang for a British soldier, from the specimen name of "Tommy Atkins" used on sample forms since 1815; similar to American use of "John Doe", "Joe Blow", "Joe Doakes", and "Richard Row". The same practice made "Jack Tar" the universal byword for any British sailor; and made "Peter Collins" an alias for any unknown or unidentified person, being a euphemism for anyone or anybody. Similarly, the name "Joe Bloggins" or "Joe Bloggs" was used by Canadians to designate any anonymous soldier or sailor, especially in precautionary examples of incompetence leading to misfortune. See AUSSIE, KIWI, CHARLIE, GI JOE, GI. [nb: "pongo" is Australian slang for a soldier or Marine, probably after its primary meaning of 'monkey']

TOMMY-GUN :

Thompson M-1 submachinegun

Thompson submachinegun, also spelled "tommie-gun", a .45cal ACP drum or stick magazine fed, fully automatic shoulder fired weapon; developed in 1916 for WWI trench fighting, some versions have fore-end pistol-grip or "Cutts Compensator" muzzle break. Popular civilian NICKNAMEs were "chopper", "stutter-gun", "stutterer", "chatter-gun", "chatterer", and "Chicago typewriter". See SMG, GREASE GUN.

TONGUE :

indirect term for an enemy prisoner captured specifically for an INTEL debriefing or interrogation, as used during WWII and after; see PACKAGE, SNATCH, POW; compare GOO, BRACELET. [nb: the 5 S's of prisoner handling include: Search, Silence, Segregate, Safeguard, Speed; in that a prisoner and his intelligence value must be protected against escape, injury, and collusion, which means evacuating the captive(s) while the primary mission continues]

TONKIN :

name for the northern section of Vietnam under the French INDOCHINA Protectorate; compare ANNAM, COCHIN CHINA. [nb: derived from "dong kinh" = eastern capital]

TONKIN GULF INCIDENT :

clashes between North Vietnamese patrol boats and U.S. ships surveilling the coast from the South China Sea on 2 and 4 August 1964 were sufficient provocation to warrant Allied defense of South Vietnam under SEATO. Compare the sinking of the battleship USS Maine preliminary to the SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR, and the SS Lusitania preliminary to WWI. See DESOTO, WAR POWERS ACT.

TONKIN GULF RESOLUTION :

Congress resolved military/aid support for South Vietnam on 7 August 1964, following the two casus belli TONKIN GULF INCIDENTs, and was signed into law by the President on 10 August 1964; the TONKIN GULF RESOLUTION was repealed in December 1970 by Congress.

TONKIN GULF YACHT CLUB :

an apocryphal social society comprised of the U.S. Navy in operations offshore of both North and South Vietnam. Compare PERSIAN GULF YACHT CLUB, SPORT HUNTING CLUB; see DIXIE STATION, YANKEE STATION, POND, FLOAT.

TOOTER :

musician; also known as BEATERS 'n' BLEATERS. An indication of the misplaced priorities of the Vietnam-era is the fact that even the US Army Special Forces had a marching band! During the CIVIL WAR, when musicians served double-duty as litter-bearers, clerks, and cooks, a transfer request was rejected by D.H. Hill with the terse statement: "we need shooters, not tooters!" ... this kind of moral courage was absent during the VIETNAM WAR. See BUGLE CALL, DRUM, BOATSWAIN'S PIPE, TATTOO, SALUTE, RUFFLES 'n' FLOURISHES, REVEILLE, RETREAT, TAPS, CADENCE, HEP, CHANTEY, HOISE, JODY CALL, GUNG-HO, HEAVE-HO, NO-DOZE, DANCE CARD, PASSING HONORS, CHANGING TUNE, FACE THE MUSIC. [nb: a scrap of largely blue and red tartan, with the thread count falling in sevens, entitled "The 7th Cavalry Tartan", appears in a Scottish pattern book of the 19th century, which researchers now conclude was a design commissioned by George Armstrong Custer for outfitting a regimental marching band of pipers and drummers, which order was interrupted by the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn]

TOP :

the highest ranking Non-Commissioned Officer in a unit, usually the First Sergeant; also called "Top-Kick" or FIRST SHIRT, and used in the same way as OLD MAN. See SARGE, CHIEF, GUNNY, NCO.

TOP DOG :

a person, group, or entity that has acquired an authoritative or dominant position by competition or selection, as the "alpha male", "big kahuna" or "cock of the walk"; see STREAMER, TRASH, BOLO BADGE, GONG, ATTABOY, A-1, BRAVO ZULU, BRAGGING RIGHTS, TROPHY, KILL RING, HERO, TOP GUN, FUGLEMAN, SUPER-TROOPER, SWEAT HOG, HARD CHARGER, FAST MOVER, BOOMER, HOT SHOT, GOLDEN BOY, BALLS TO THE WALL, BOY WONDER, HOT-SHIT, DEEP DIP, UP OR OUT, SHAKE 'n' BAKE, OLD SWEAT, PLOWBACK; compare GOAT, DUD, GOLDBRICK, GHOST, FEATHER MERCHANT. Also, the senior RANKing MIL-PERS, as the "Top-Kick" or "Commander"; see LDR, CO, MC, DOR, RHIP, COMMAND ELEMENT, BRASS HAT, OLD MAN, TOP, SUPER GRADE, FIRST SHIRT, GUNNY, CHIEF, HONCHO, RAINMAKER, MOTHER HEN, ACTING JACK, GADGET, BREVET, OVERSIGHT. [nb: a female unit commander is not called the OLD MAN nor "old lady", not "chieftain" nor "chieftess", not the HONCHO nor "honchette", not TOP DOG nor "top bitch", but is rather antonomastically identified by the generic "boss" or "boss lady", or by her designated NICKNAME or CODENAME; also see "GI Jane", "Jane Bond", "Acting Jane", "Swinging Dickless", "Dear Jane", SKIRT, ANGEL]

TOP GUN :

NICKNAME for the formally entitled U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School at the Miramar (CA) and Fallan (NV) NASs; consisting of a ten week course of advanced fighter aircraft training for instructor PILOTs (IP), who return to their parent unit to teach upgrade skills to other qualified JET JOCKs. Unlike the USAF, which setup multi-squadron exercises, the USN concentrated on "training the trainers", who disseminated doctrine after completion. TOP GUN, also spelled "topgun", was established in 1968 as the Navy's Fighter Weapons, Tactics, and Doctrine course to increase PILOT experience by simulating combat; and is now known as the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactical Instruction course. Compare DREAMLAND, RED FLAG, HAWC, BOOMER, ZOOMIE.

TOPO :

topographic; see MAP, COMICS; compare MOSAIC MAP, CHART. [nb: the Army Corps of Engineers was assigned the responsibility for surveying America's borders and features in 1831, resulting in a separate Topographic Corps in 1838] [nb: during WWII, the OSS issued a playing card deck to some teams that, when laid out in a particular order, formed an operational map detailing the assignments for a specific mission] [nb: the source for military maps was changed from US Geologic Survey to Nat'l Imaging and Mapping Agency in Oct 1996 due to downlink satellite profiles]

TOP-OFF :

refuel completely, also called "top-up", as fill to the top of the fuel tank with PETROL to prevent condensation from diluting the propellant, and to ensure readiness; see HOT-FUELING, POL, MOGAS, JUICE, BLIVET, BLADDER, TANKER, ENDURANCE.

TOPSIDE :

on DECK, or on the outer-surface of the HULL above the waterline, often refers only to the main DECK; also known as "topsides". Also, the most authoritative level, RANK, or position; a "topsider"; see WARDROOM, OFFICER'S COUNTRY; compare BELOW DECK.

TORTURE :

(forthcoming); shared derivation with 'tort' (twisted) [v: foltern, trepalium]; see FIELD EXPEDIENT FACIAL, ROPE TRICK, PLAYING THE XYLOPHONE, NECKLACE, HAIRCUT AND MANICURE, WATER TORTURE, DECAPITATION, BRAINWASHING, REEDUCATION, CONCENTRATION CAMP, GULAG, SQUEEZE, GAUNTLET, FROGMARCH, DEATH OF A THOUSAND CUTS, TWIST IN THE WIND, GARROTE, KEELHAUL, OVER A BARREL, PAIN, CODE OF CONDUCT, LAWS OF WAR, WAR CRIMES TRIAL, CHL, UCMJ. [nb: "Human Intelligence Collector Operations" (FM 2-22.3, rev 6 Sep 2006; replacing FM 34-52 dtd 1992) prohibits 'enhanced interrogation techniques' and other euphemisms for torture; the "threat of imminent death" is one of the definitions of torture (18USC2340), and the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984; ratified 1994 by USA) prohibits the intentional infliction of severe pain or suffering, such that "No exceptional circumstances whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as a justification of torture" (Article 2); in the most effective practices, the physical experience is secondary to the psychological component, from which the traumatized person may never recover] [nb: the mutilation of enemy corpses, wherein the excised genitals are lodged in the victim's mouth, is a sexual metaphor more than a symbolic sex act; such placement denigrates the enemy's prowess and disparages him as a "cocksucker", a ponce or nance, not a "real man"; if the victim of torture, such mutilation indicates contempt, declaring that he did not die well, bravely or manfully]

TOT :

Time On Target, multi-battery artillery fire computed for simultaneous POINT OF IMPACT; coordinated mass fire. Also, Time Over Target, computation of bomb delivery period by aircraft. Compare SHOT OUT, SPLASH.

TOTAL FORCE :

the all-volunteer military was proposed, utilizing the somewhat existentialist slogan of "The Army Wants to Join You", in 1972 by Richard M. Nixon; and while the U.S. Army studied ways and means of implementing this proposal within its mission, GEN Creighton W. Abrams, as Chief of Staff, implemented the TOTAL FORCE plan which blended the reserve and active-duty components, such that active combat elements could not be deployed without simultaneously activating combat support (CS/CSS) reserve elements, in hopes that no future generation would incur the enmity and alienation of the Vietnam-era troops. This plan eliminated the reserve as a method of evading assignment to a combat zone while ensuring that experience would not be held in reserve during a crisis. Although the all-volunteer concept almost collapsed during the James E. Carter administration from lowered standards (Army Chief of Staff Edward (Shy) Meyer publicly declared that America had a "hollow Army") in an effort to meet goals and quotas without reinstituting the DRAFT, the TOTAL FORCE plan has not faltered since its inception. When standards were raised and other policies were implemented under Ronald W. Reagan, coincident with the 1980 "Be All You Can Be" ad campaign, both the active and reserve components improved. See RETREAD, RE-UP, GOTCHA, FTA, BUDDY SYSTEM, RECRUITER, VOLUNTEER, AVF, RA, COMBAT EFFECTIVE, MUSTER, CALL TO THE COLORS.

TOUCHDOWN :

the moment of contact of an aircraft with the landing surface. Compare BOUNCE, AUGER-IN, PANCAKE; see ALS, SPLASHDOWN, RUNWAY, THRESHOLD, APRON, WINDSOCK.

TOUR BABY :

anyone who repeatedly extends overseas tours, or serves them in series, one after another without an intervening stateside assignment, so as to garner more training or experience, or to take advantage of assignment perquisites (eg: supplemental pay, additional leave, tax deferments, hazardous duty, or exotic travel); often refers to someone who has GONE NATIVE or is "war crazed", which is perceived as a loss of "proper perspective" and is thus a death knell for career aspirations. Also called "double pump" by Marines. Compare HOMESTEADER, COMBAT BUM, PLANK OWNER, LIFER, MILICRAT, TICKET-PUNCHER, DOUBLE-DIP, SANDWICH. [nb: civilians go 'abroad' while soldiers go 'overseas']

TOW :

Tube-launched Optically-tracked Wire-guided anti-tank (AT) ROCKET, being a portable CREW-SERVED component linked system; see DRAGON, LOSAT, JAVELIN, ITV; compare MISSILE.

TOWED :

a light or compact field gun (eg: M-101 / M-102 / M-119 / M-202 105mm; M-1 / M-114 / M-198 155mm) with support attached to tow-bar or LIMBER for vehicular transport or aerial relocation; commonly called a "towed HOWITZER" or "towed artillery". A "Pack Howitzer" (eg: L5 105mm) is specifically designed for towing over rough terrain, is light enough to be airlifted or AIRDROPped, and may be easily dismantled for piecemeal transport. Compare SP; see PINTLE, TRAIL, TRUNNION, LIMBER, TRANSOM, ARTY.

TOY SOLDIER :

a derogatory ascription of an idealized MIL-PERS in perfect costume, often embellished or elaborated so as to be impractical for all but display purposes in some form of stylized "kabuki theater". Also, an effigy or simulacrum representing an abstract ideal of inanimate perfection; usually a model or miniature, such as a decorated chessman or costumed doll. Also called "chocolate soldier" (glitter wrapped sweet). See CHROME-DOME, SAM BROWNE BELT, MILITARY PRESS, MILITARY TUCK, SPIT 'n' POLISH, MACHO; compare FUGLEMAN, CANNON FODDER.

TRA CA :

Vietnamese for a carp-like fish raised in manure lagoons, fed on village wastes and sewage for community hygiene. See DUMP, TROTS, SLOP CHUTE, CAT HOLE, SLIT TRENCH, LATRINE.

TRACE :

any slight or faint trail made in the wilderness by animals or vehicles; especially when man-tracking (to fall in trace), a sense detectable path left by enemy personnel that's used to plot a concentration or discover a CACHE or HIDE. See PECKER TRACKS, CASTOFF, TRAIL, TRACK.

TRACER :

color emitted by ignition of treated ammunition when fired from rifle or machinegun, so shots can be tracked (traced) and their points of impact adjusted. TRACERS are visible under most light conditions, but night provides best results. Inexperienced troops quickly learn the MURPHY LAW that "tracers work both ways", so must reserve their use for specific situations. At closer ranges, before burn time is exhausted, TRACERS may ignite combustible materials under prime conditions. Enemy AK and AAA weapons fire "green" TRACERS, while Allied weapons shoot "red" TRACERS. See LINK AMMO, MAG, DRUM. [nb: US naval gunfire includes a dye-marker to help identify shots during multiple ship engagements, and to help adjust the POINT OF IMPACT by fire observation, which normally takes 8-10 rounds due to calculations of barrel/air temperatures and the moving platform of a ship at sea]

TRACK :

any track propelled vehicle, from self-propelled howitzers to tractor bulldozers, but usually refers to armored TANKs or APCs; see DOZER INFANTRY, ROME PLOW, ARMORED CAR, HALF-TRACK, CEV, LAV, AAV, AMTRACK, ALLIGATOR, GATOR-FREIGHTER, ELSIE, AVLB, VTR, SCORPION, DUSTER, ONTOS, SPAT, RR, MECH, WEASEL, SNORKEL, SNORT, TANK, REACTIVE ARMOR, SPALL, SPACED ARMOR, TANK PARK, LAAGER, DRAGON'S TEETH; compare STRYKER, DUCK, GAMMA GOAT, GATOR. Also, the track block (not "tread") on a TRACK-driven vehicle. Also, to follow sign, spoor, CASTOFF, PECKER TRACKS, or other marks when pursuing an elusive quarry; also called TRAIL or TRACE.

TRADECRAFT :

the necessary skills to perform any difficult job, especially covert operations, including everything from camouflage and marksmanship to surveillance and communications (eg: cover story, dead drops, shadowing). See SECRET AGENT, CRYPTO, SPOOK, SWEAT, SQUEEZE, FLUTTER, DEBRIEF, LIE DETECTOR, TRUTH SERUM, DEAD DROP, LETTER BOX, DEAD LETTER, BLACK BAG, FLAPS 'n' SEALS, DESK MAPPING, BOLT HOLE, RABBIT, NAKED, LIFTED SKIRT, THROW-AWAY, DANGLE, SLEEPER, MOLE, FIX, DECOY, STOOGE, PROVOCATEUR, NIGHTCRAWLER, HANDLER, CLEAN, POCKET LITTER, NOC, COVER, LEGEND, BACKSTOP, NEED TO KNOW, COMPARTMENTALIZATION, RIG, PROPAGANDA, RUMOR, THE FARM, THE PICKLE FACTORY, COUNTRY CLUB; compare MIL-CRAFT.

TRADE ENVELOPES :

a private arrangement by which friends agree to hold a sealed last or final letter, to be mailed in the event of death, but to be returned or destroyed if unharmed. See COMRADE, BUDDY SYSTEM.

TRADE SCHOOL :

any of the several most prominent (and prestigious) military academies, from West Point and Annapolis to VMI and the Citadel. See HUDSON HIGH, BOAT SCHOOL, RING-KNOCKER, ROTC, MERCHANT MARINE, COASTIES, OCS, OFFICER, MISTER, CADET, UP OR OUT, WAR COLLEGE. [v: Military Schools] [v: Siwash ("At Good Old Siwash" by George Helgeson Fitch (1911)]

TRADOC :

U.S. Army TRAining and DOCtrine command; established in 1973 to reorient the post-VN Army. See POI, BAYONET, TOTAL FORCE. [nb: USAF version is called "Directorate of Personnel Training and Education"]

TRAIL :

a path, see TRACE. Also, two supporting parts extending from the rear of a field gun; see TOWED, LIMBER, TRANSOM, ARTY. Also, rear security element, term derives from "drag"; also known as DRAG; compare POINT, SLACK, TAIL-END CHARLIE, see ZERO, BUTTONHOOK [nb: the follow-up TRAIL or DRAG element is not only responsible for guarding the back of the unit (ie: tailgunner), but in obscuring its passage (eg: scrub, scour, sweep, "dry clean", "Hoover") and detecting pursuit (eg: double-check, double-back, back-check) so as to preserve unit integrity and enable accomplishment of its mission] Also, to follow sign, spoor, CASTOFF, PECKER TRACKS, or other marks when pursuing an elusive quarry; also called TRACK or TRACE.

TRAIL WATCHER :

an enemy SENTRY, usually convalescent or elderly, posted at a point (eg: tree-stand platform or hilltop blind) of good observation on heliborne insertions and troop movements, with the responsibility to alert all affected enemy units. Imitative of the WWII Allied "Coast Watcher" surveillance system, which successfully employed noncombatant businessmen and missionaries; also called "bird watcher". Later expanded to cooperate with rear security and counter-RECON units. See BINH TRAM, STAY BEHIND, FLIP-FLOP, FALSE INSERTION, COIGN OF VANTAGE.

TRAIN :

a line or procession of aggregated persons, animals, vehicles, or vessels traveling together, as for carrying supplies or baggage; such as a CONVOY, caravan, motorcade, procession, cavalcade, or cortege, as derived from drag, draw, pull. Also, order, especially proper order and sequence, as proceeding events or ideas. Also, to develop or form the habits, thoughts, or behavior of a person by discipline and instruction, as to make an adherent proficient by instruction and practice; see BCT, AIT, SLICK SLEEVE, BOOT, CRUIT. Also, the series of results or circumstances from an event or action, as an aftermath. Also, to point, aim, or bring to bear a firearm or other device on some object; see SIGHT PICTURE, SPOT WELD, BASS, DEFLECTION, ZERO. Also, to traverse a cannon or GUN TUBE laterally, as contrasted with ELEVATION; see ARTY. Also, a successive stream, trail, or trailing part from some moving object or sequence. Also, a line of combustible material, as gunpowder, for leading fire to an explosive charge; see FUSE.

TRAINER :

a rudimentary vehicle, vessel, craft, or simulator used to instruct operators and to orient crewmembers, especially a simplified aircraft for teaching PILOTs; see LINK TRAINER, TOP GUN, GOSHAWK, DRAGONFLY, TALON, TROJAN.

TRAIN HARD - FIGHT EASY :

catch-phrase of military philosophy advocating that the more troops sweat in training the less they bleed in combat, also expressed as "a bucket of sweat for every thimble of blood"; contrasts with civilian philosophy of "work hard, play harder". See DON'T DO NOTHING, COMBAT EFFECTIVE, DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. [nb: although the British Commando raid on Dieppe and the Carlson's RAIDER INCURSION on Makin Island during WWII, as well as the Ivory Coast TF raid on the Son Tay prison camp and the PAVN assault on the U.S. Embassy during the VIETNAM WAR, all used training MOCK-UPs to ensure operational success, none fulfilled its mission ... which raises questions on the practicality of specialized training, as the British found with parachute deployment, that minimum training proved as successful (or as unsuccessful) as advanced training, and much more cost effective]

TRAITOR :

a person who betrays a trust or cause, especially his country, by treachery or disloyalty; derived from "to hand over" or "to give over". Compare DRAFT DODGER, DESERTER, TURNCOAT, WHITE VC; see TREASON, MUTINEER, RIOT ACT, FIRING SQUAD, UCMJ. [v: renegade]

TRANSOM :

a metal piece connecting the sidepieces of the tail or the cheeks of an artillery gun carriage; as derived from the alteration of "traverse" (lying across, breadth); see TRAIL, LIMBER, ARTY. Also, a flat termination to a STERN, above the water line on a vessel; see AFT. Also, any crosspiece or crossbar, such as a framework.

TRAP :

USMC Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel; a mission to expediently secure a downed aircraft, its personnel and equipment, as performed by specially trained Marines. Compare PJ, RIT, RRF; see CSAR, SAR, RCC.

TRASH :

slang for skill or qualification badges, as worn on the FATIGUE or duty uniform; so designated because in elite units such qualifications were required, so everyone had them, and in regular units, where no one else had them, they were meaningless. The acquisition of MIL-CRAFT skills, proclaimed by the award of badges and other designations, are a prerequisite to certain assignments, or essential for promotions. The TICKET-PUNCHER's lust for "trash collecting" is more for ego-gratification than the "good of the service". Compare BOLO BADGE, Q-COURSE, Q-TAB, TRIPLE CANOPY, DIVER, DOLPHIN, WINGS, OVAL, FLASH, GONG, FRUIT SALAD, CREST, GREEN TAB, DEVICE, PATCH, ASH 'n' TRASH, POWER WALL. [nb: an insignia emblematic of the honors and lineage of a military organization, unlike familial "coats of arms", may be individually enhanced but not personally heritable; v: Heraldry] [nb: an apt MURPHY LAW of Combat says: "The side with the simplest uniform will win the war."!]

TRAWL :

a recovery line trailing from a moving craft, which enables UDT, SEAL, SCUBA, or other combat swimmers to be extracted from an operational area by attaching themselves onto the line, while the vessel continues without stopping to embark departing personnel ... thus speeding the recovery process, reducing target interval, inhibiting force exposure, and avoiding mission detection; term derives from "trail", and is also called "trawl line". First used during offshore beach-clearing operations in WWII by both small boats and fixed-wing aircraft, which ferried the EXFIL swimmers to their host ship for embarkation. Compare SDV, GATOR, HOT HOIST, SKYHOOK, McGUIRE RIG, STABO, LIFELINE.

TREADWAY BRIDGE :

a bridge constructed by engineers to carry its intended traffic, from foot soldiers to armored vehicles, suspended or floating, but with the travel surface limited to one or two tracks, instead of a complete roadway that uses more materials and helps to redistribute the weight. See BRIDGE RATING, BAILEY BRIDGE, PONTOON BRIDGE, ROUTE STEP, ROPE BRIDGE.

TREASON :

acting to harm or overthrow the duly constituted government, or to lend aid and comfort to the enemies of that government, as an offense against the people of that sovereign nation, as explicated in Article 3 Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution; term derived from "handing over tradition". Also, the violation or betrayal of a sacred trust or state allegiance, as treachery; as by a "treasonist". See TRAITOR, RIOT ACT, DRUMHEAD, FIRING SQUAD, UCMJ, POSSE COMITATUS. [v: sedition, incitement, provocation, lese / lèse majesté]; cf: prevaricator, agitator]

TRENCH :

(forthcoming); first used during Crimean War (1853-6), see TRENCH WARFARE [cf: escarp, scarp/escarpment, counterscarp; v: trench fever, trench foot, trench mouth]

TRENCH ART :

a token or memento, made by hand in the field from surplus or expendable materials, and acquired as a relic, SOUVENIR, TROPHY, artifact, reminder, remembrancer, keepsake, favor, commemorative, memento mori, memorabilia, sign, insignia, mark, or vestige. Examples of TRENCH ART have included CARTRIDGE case lighters, SHELL casing ashtrays, BEERCAN badges, hand-embroidered PATCHes, end-of-tour plaque CRESTs, campaign belt buckles, knife hilts, uniform buttons, caricatures and portraitures. See CUMSHAW, SLUSH FUND, SHORT SNORTER, BRAGGING RIGHTS, POWER WALL, SAFE ROOM.

TRENCH WARFARE :

although the trench has been used intermittently since ancient times as a temporary fortification, it was first used during the Crimean War (1853-6) as a style of combat emphasizing regimentation, uniform formations, fixed intervals, limited initiative, and close coordination of fire and maneuver; compare OPEN WAR, see WAR.

TRIAGE :

the process of sorting mass casualties from a battle or disaster to determine their priority of medical treatment, based upon their probability of survival with intervention, as an effort to economize resources; as derived from "sort". Those victims who will survive without care and those who will not survive even with care are left untreated. Also, the determination of priorities for action in any type of emergency. Also, a designation pertaining to or performing the prioritizing process, as the "triage officer"; see DOW, ZERO WARD.

TRIATHLON :

an athletic competition comprising three consecutive events, usually a medley of swimming, bicycling, and distance running; derived from "three" + "contest", modeled upon 'decathlon'. Compare BIATHLON, PENTATHLON, DECATHLON; see PT, PFT, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, TRUSCOTT TROT, WAR GAMES.

TRI-BORDER :

the area of intersection in SEAsia where the borders of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos meet. See INDOCHINA; compare GOLDEN TRIANGLE, SILVER TRIANGLE, GOLDEN CRESCENT.

TRICK :

a crafty or cunning device, maneuver, stratagem, expedient, or the like, intended to deceive; an artifice, ruse, feint, or wile; see DECEPTION, DECOY, FALSE FLAG, RED HERRING, CAT'S-PAW, TROJAN HORSE, STALKING HORSE. Also, a clever device or adroit technique, as the "tricks of the trade" or a feat of legerdemain; see ROPE TRICK, PLAYING THE XYLOPHONE, TORTURE. Also, a highly-trained elite or special operations force (SOF) unit, such as WWII Marine Raiders or Army Rangers. Also, to embellish or adorn with ornaments or other attention-getting devices, as in the wearing of inappropriate attire or the ostentatious display of FRUIT SALAD or TRASH; to "trick-out", to be "tricked-out". Also, a period or stint of duty; a term, turn, shift, evolution, tour, or assignment. Also, in heraldry, a preliminary sketch of a coat of arms. Also, in heraldry, to indicate the tinctures of a coat of arms with engraver's tricks. Also, slang for a prostitute's customer. Also, a sexual act or to engage in sexual acts for hire, as to "turn a trick"; see FUCK, CHURNING BUTTER, BOOM-BOOM, SHORT-TIME, DIDDLY, HAT TRICK, DAISY CHAIN, SHACK-JOB, BUTTERFLY, DU, STEAM 'n' CREAM, HOOKUP, HELL ON WHEELS, ACT OF CONGRESS. [nb: the "comfort girls" who were employed as contract prostitutes to serve the sexual needs (TRICKs) of Imperial Japanese troops in the field, usually at a COMFORT STATION or SIN CITY, were called "shock absorbers" by the Allied POWs who happened to observe their (mis-)treatment]

TRIDENT :

the C4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), manufactured since 1979 by Lockheed-Martin and designed to fit existing SILOs aboard ships; Trident I succeeded by Trident II in 1997. Also, a nuclear-powered submarine; see BOOMER. Also, the SEAL qualification badge that was adapted from the UDT qualification badge in 1971; commonly called a BUDWEISER (qv) but formally known as the Special Warfare Badge.

TRIGGER :

an actuating tongue, lever, or other mechanism that's used to discharge a firearm, launch a weapon, or initiate a munition; also called initiator or activator, derived from trek (migrate); see DETONATOR, WAR NOSE, EXPLOSIVE. Also, anything that initiates or precipitates a reaction or series of reactions; the starter, cause, or prime mover. [cf: sympathetic vs spontaneous ignition]

TRIGGER-HAPPY :

obsessed by or apt to use firepower as a universally favored solution to all difficulties or complexities, as someone who is quick to or ready to shoot a firearm at the least provocation, regardless of the situation or probable consequences; see HOT DOG, DUD, COWBOY, LOOSE CANNON, HOT SHOT, HAPPY FIRE. Also, someone who is reckless in advocating action that can result in war, a HAWK or WARMONGER; see WAR PARTY. [cf: slaphappy (ie: severely befuddled or agreeably foolish)]

TRIM :

the set of a ship in the water, especially the most advantageous posture with respect to the intended course and the prevailing conditions; also called ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT. Also, the attitude of an airplane with respect to all three axes, at which balance occurs in forward flight under no controls.

TRIPLE CANOPY :

triple canopy

ostensibly a layered wilderness foliage or thick COVER, representing three stages of growth, that is so dense that it is virtually impenetrable for military operations from either the ground or the air, except along game trails, which are readily BOOBY-TRAPped. When referring to the tropical jungle forests of INDOCHINA, this term is overused, misused and misleading. Most forests have growth of similar height, some low enough and interspersed with clearings such that scrubby bushes and vines proliferate, making penetration and maneuver very difficult; and other forests have growth high enough that direct sunshine is prevented from reaching the ground, leaving it relatively clear and open ... creating an understory of filtered light and cooler temperatures that's well suited for ferns and flowers. See JUNGLE PENETRATOR, HOT HOIST, McGUIRE RIG, STABO. Also, slang for the wearing of multiple Q-TAB arcs, especially the SF, Rngr, and Abn tabs above the unit PATCH (SSI); see Q-COURSE.

TRIPOD :

a three-part or three-legged supportive stand that is often mounted midway (at or near the center or balance point) of a heavy-duty firearm, with the point of attachment adjustable for relative level. Also used with sighting, listening, and other surveillance devices. Compare BIPOD, PINTLE.

TRIPWIRE / TRIP-WIRE :

thin wire strung across defensive areas or probable pathways, attached to mines or flares, as used by both sides for alert or demolition; see BOOBY-TRAP, MA, ALPHA-ALPHA, AMBUSH, TELLTALE.

TRI-TAC :

designation for the interservice (tri-) standard applied to the tactical communications equipment program.

TRNG :

TRaiNinG, consisting of formal or special instruction in an officially designated course according to outlined objectives; see POI, TRAIN; compare OJT, UP THE HAWSEPIPE. [nb: a military axiom states that training is just like combat without blood; and that war is just like training without sweat!]

TROI OI :

Vietnamese expression used as an exclamation; literally "heaven + dear", meaning "Dear heaven!", "Dear God!", "Good heavens!", or "Oh God!".

TROJAN :

North American AT-28 advanced TRAINER, being a 2-seat single-engine monoplane that was also used on counterinsurgency missions. Compare TALON; see CHAPAKAO, BIRD.

TROJAN HORSE :

any person or device that undermines or destroys from within. Compare STALKING HORSE, DARK HORSE, CAT'S-PAW, RED HERRING, DECOY, FALSE FLAG, HIDE, DECEPTION.

TRON :

Target Recognition Operator Notification, an LED infrared (IR) pulsing fiber optic system that's bundled in a temporary display arrangement that can be visually detected by air support personnel while on a target run so as to identify friendlies and avoid BLUE ON BLUE damage; variously sized and readily programmable fabric that includes the circuit board and batteries for 200 hours of operation. The individual TRON fabric weighs only 3 ounces, and may be worn, draped, wrapped, or attached to equipment; and it may be set to different patterns to distinguish different units, or to enable security verification. TRON has been developed, since 2004, at the Air Force Research Lab at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

TROOP THE LINE :

the inspection or review of arrayed units by officials who walk or ride before them along the PARADE GROUND; as distinguished from PASS IN REVIEW, during which the arrayed units PARADE past the assembled dignitaries on the "reviewing stand". See COLOR GUARD, PARADE, SHOW THE FLAG, MISSING MAN FORMATION.

TROPHY :

any award, memento, SOUVENIR, prize, or spoil taken in competition or war; a token or evidence of valor, skill, success, or victory. Also, a representation or depiction of attainment or achievement. Originally in ancient Greece and Rome, a memorial of captured arms and armor dedicated at the site to a military victory; term derives from 'turn', as "put to flight", "ended in a ROUT". In unit competitions and WAR GAMES, the military still emphasizes group performance over individual success, because battles are not won by a solitary execution or singular act. See STREAMER, BRAGGING RIGHTS, BANDIT, KILL RING, KILL CREDIT, EARS, TOP DOG, HERO.

TROPO :

abridgement of tropospheric, which identifies the type of antenna used for long range voice communications; see EARS, ANTENNA FARM, COMMO.

TROTS :

diarrhea, or any other intestinal disorder involving frequent bowel evacuations; also called "squirts", "skidders", or "Green Apple Quick Step". Contrary to popular fiction, enemy contact would temporarily cure (not cause) this condition. See PUCKER FACTOR, DUMP, HEAD CALL, SLOP CHUTE, CAT HOLE, LATRINE, TRA CA, CORK, COMFORT STATION.

TRP :

troop; a company-sized air- or armored cavalry unit; see CAV, ACR, HHT, SQDN.

TRUCE :

a mutual agreement or treaty by the warring parties that establishes a suspension of hostilities for a specified period of time; an armistice (stop+arms) or CEASE-FIRE. Also, a respite, as a recess, intermission, postponement, or pause; derived from belief, TRUTH or trust (trow). See WAR, ENTENTE, RAISON D'ETAT, DETENTE, CARTE BLANCHE, COUP D'ETAT, RAPPROCHEMENT, APPEASE, PEACE.

TRUCK :

motor-powered wheeled vehicle for transport of personnel or cargo, including M-37 three-quarter ton weapons carrier, M-561 GAMMA GOAT, M-35 DEUCE-AND-A-HALF, M-953 6X6 five ton truck, M-939 Heavy Expanded-Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) five ton truck, M-52A2 five ton tractor-trailer truck; see GUN TRUCK, JEEP, HUMVEE, JERRV, MRAP, WAR PIG, COUGAR, BUFFALO, DUCK/DUKW, MOTOR POOL. [nb: PAVN transport of materiel was labor-intensive, using modified bicycles; but the military use of wheelbarrows (both push and pull types) dates from the first century AD, and remain in use today. Such wheelbarrows, drawn by teams or even sail mounted, transported goods and wounded troops, portable launchers, and served as temporary barriers to cavalry.]

TRUE BELIEVER :

a fanatical opponent, being the equivalent of a zealot who regards communism as a new secular religion, or a devotee of an exclusive faith. Any courtesy or consideration shown to these incorrigibles was regarded as "proof" of American weakness; and field interrogation of these intractable captives was a waste of time. Compare BELIEVER, CHIEU HOI, PARTY LINE; see BRASS-COLLAR, BRASS EAR. [v: agitprop]

TRUNNION :

any of various supports, such as the cylindrical projections on the sides of cannon, the suspension posts on heavy machinery, or the lifting pegs on large containers, used for cradling the object when moved or carried; compare PINTLE, see LIMBER.

TRUSCOTT TROT :

a rapid march tempo instituted during mobilization for WWII by Lucian K. Truscott, later Third Infantry Division and Fifth Army commander, imitative of the ancient Roman Legion and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's "foot cavalry"; wherein the unit would march at the rate of 5mph for the first hour of travel, and 4mph thereafter ... this was an increase from the then standard 2.5mph required of regular and reserve personnel. This increase, which was considered demanding by American standards, granted the GI parity with the opposing Axis troops. See PT, PFT, DAILY DOZEN, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, SLANT DISTANCE, DEAD-RECKONING.

TRUTH :

from ancient times, the "first casualty of war"; which must contend with the solipsistic weltanschauung expressed in the rude military maxim: "Opinions are like assholes; everybody's got one, and they all stink!". See INTEL, PSYOPS, PROPAGANDA, PARTY LINE, TRUE BELIEVER, WHITE PROPAGANDA, FALSE FLAG, DECEPTION, RED HERRING, DECOY, TROJAN HORSE, STALKING HORSE, CAT'S-PAW, RUMOR. [NB: "In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies." by Winston L.S. Churchill; "In any war, the first casualty is common sense, and the second is free and open discussion." by James Reston; "Truth may be the first casualty of war, but perspective is its lingering corpse." anonymous] [nb: the neologism "pollaganda" / "polloganda" (poll + propaganda) has been coined to identify the representation of biased samples, slanted surveys, special pleading arguments, and ex-parte news depicted as authentic or authoritative]

TRUTH SERUM :

a drug, such as the barbiturate thiopental sodium, considered to induce an inclination to speak freely and unreservedly, so as to reveal repressed or consciously withheld information; also called "truth drug". See SWEAT, SQUEEZE, FLUTTER, DEBRIEF, TRADECRAFT, BRAINWASHING. [nb: Pentothal is a trademarked brand]

TS CARD :

mythical "Tough Shit Card" supposedly issued to everyone upon entry into the military, which would be TICKET-PUNCHed by the Drill Sergeant, Field First Sergeant, First Sergeant, or Chaplain when the individual had a problem or complaint. Anyone could quit training or refuse to participate at any time, called RING THE BELL, and undergo military punishment or out-processing; but the post-Vietnam military would issue actual "Stress Cards" for a "time-out" during any procedure to encourage hassle-free troop retention ... veterans know that there is no "stop the war" device, so training "casualties" are better than combat losses. See POOP, BUS TRANSFER, KNOCK IT OFF, SYMPATHY.

T-SHIRT :

a lightweight, pullover, short sleeved undershirt, usually knitted with a round collarless neckline; also called "tee", which name derives from its shape when spread out flat. First issued by the U.S. Navy in 1915, then produced commercially in 1930 by Hanes. Wear of the brown T-SHIRT is no longer authorized after 30 April 2008. See SKIVVIES, DRESS.

TSN :

Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam.

TTP :

abbreviation for Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, being operational factors subject to variation from assignment to assignment, mission to mission, as a preventive of predictability.

TTY :

teletypewriter; compare TWX, see CONTEL, TELEPHONE, TELECON, RADIO, COMMO, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH. [nb: the first teletypewriter began operating in 1867; telex (TELeprinter EXchange) is a form of teletypewriter. facsimile/FAX (make + like) technology for the exact reproduction of text or illustrations antedates both telephonic and wireless forms of communication.]

TUBE :

slang for the cannon barrel of a MORTAR, or the MAIN-GUN of a TANK or ARTY piece.

TUBE MONKEY :

slang for an ARTILLERYMAN or artillerist, from the practice of assigning one or two crewmembers to hang from the MAIN-GUN barrel as counterweights so the base can be repositioned by pivoting; see BULLET HEAD, CANNON-COCKER, FAG, REDLEG, CREW-SERVED WEAPONS.

TU DAI :

(to die) Vietnamese phrase posted on small signs to warn of nearby BOOBY-TRAPS or minefields; the US adopted "TU DAI Area" for SITREPs. See TELLTALE, LO DUN.

TUG OF WAR :

a hard-fought critical struggle for supremacy, often surging back and forth; as derived from 'contend' or 'wrestle', also spelled "tug-o'-war". This severe engagement has devolved into a rope pulling contest between opposing teams, which anti-war PROTESTORs and other counterculturalists have attempted to redesignate "tug of peace" or "tug-o'-piece". Compare DUCK ON DRAKE, DUCKS AND DRAKES, KING OF THE HILL, WAR GAMES.

TUGRIK :

the basic monetary unit of currency for the Mongolian People's Republic; derived from "circle" or "disk", and also spelled "tughrik". Compare MONGO, see LEGAL TENDER.

TULE :

(too-lee) a kind of large rush, bulrush, sedge, marsh grass, cattail, or reed found in inundated lands and wetlands; as used in "tule fog" or "Tule Lake", and in the plural as 'tules' (too-lees). See ELEPHANT GRASS, SAW GRASS, NIPA, KUNAI, PITA, BOONIES. [nb: Tule Lake, situated along the California - Oregon border, is an intermittent catchment fed by Lost River, that was a factor in the Modoc War, and is the location of the Tule Lake War Relocation Center, which was a Japanese-American internment camp during WWII] [nb: the thule/tule homophone, together with other variants, has appeared widely and interchangeably in American military writings when referring to remote locales, in the same manner that bush, sticks, woods, barrens, brush, weeds, and the like are also synecdochically representative]

TUPPERWARE :

slang for molded plastic-bodied SMALL ARMS, especially PISTOLs, which have the virtue of being lighter weight, self-lubricating, quieter, rust-resistant, and with a larger AMMO capacity; these weapons typically use non-ferrous metal or ceramic parts for the critical elements.

TUNNEL RAT :

Tunnel Rat

originally, the smallest member of any unit who would be directed to investigate tunnel entrances; later developed into specialty RECON teams with recovery LINEs, silenced PISTOLs, headset RADIOs, miner's head lamps, and other specific GEAR. TUNNEL RAT units in Vietnam had the highest per capita ratio of PURPLE HEART awards; the program was discontinued on 7 April 1971; its unofficial motto was "Not worth a rat's ass!" or "Couldn't give a rat's ass!" (Latin: Non Gratum Anus Rodentum); compare MICKEY MOUSE. Also, during WWII, anyone working in a protected BOMB-PROOF environment, or who's dependent (agoraphobic) upon the physical security of a bomb shelter or BUNKER.

TURD :

a demerit or reprimand, the accumulation of which places the recipient on the punishment or extra duty SHIT LIST; see ADY, GIG, DUTY ROSTER, STRAC, SQUARED AWAY, SHIPSHAPE. Also, a DUD, DEADHEAD, GOLDBRICK, SOS, SHIT MAGNET, MAGGOT, SMACK, YARDBIRD, or the like; see SMACK, PYHOOYA.

TURKEY SHOOT :

an easy destruction of enemy positions, vehicles and vessels, men and materiel, especially by attacking aircraft (eg: The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot); which derives from the marksmanship contest wherein a tethered live turkey had to be shot through the head by a rifle, but this competition later adopted moving inanimate targets for rifles, with a turkey dinner as the prize. A too easy victory that resembles a MASSACRE is sometimes described as "shooting fish in a barrel", but fishermen formerly killed fish by shooting them with rifles during winter so as to survive. See MASSACRE, OVERKILL, ATROCITY, BODY COUNT, KILL 'EM ALL, GENOCIDE. [cf: Festival of the Popinjay; v: Aunt Sally, Jack-a-Lent, cockshy, clay pigeon, sitting duck, mark, gull, dupe, pigeon, prey, quintain, wand, hit list]

TURK'S HEAD :

a large decorative knot, used to finish a special line or lanyard (such as suspended from the clapper of a ship's bell); sometimes called "Nigger Head". Compare MONKEY FIST.

TURNCOAT :

a person who switches sides, as if by reversing one's coat to change its color, being someone who changes to the opposite position or affiliation, reverses principles, betrays loyalty or trust; a renegade, apostate, defector, changeling. Compare DRAFT DODGER, DESERTER, TRAITOR, JUDAS GOAT, WHITE VC, FIRING SQUAD.

TURN IN THE BARREL :

expressed as "your TURN ..." or "his TURN IN THE BARREL", taken from the punch-line of a bad old joke, which applies to the military system or any other social institution in that the individual member is only rewarded enough to perpetuate the process ... one gets the chance to screw only by getting screwed repeatedly! Less offensive civilian equivalents are "you gotta go along to get along" and "what goes around comes around". See CIRCLE JERK, PISSING CONTEST, FIRING LINE, CLUSTER FUCK.

TURN THE JACK :

defense against a salient thrust by both forward and flank fire which redirects the resultant force; by playing card analogy since the mid-19th century, such that a "kiss" is a solid hit or strike, and a "turn" is an oblique or glancing blow of mis- or indirection to the King as headquarters, to the Queen as the principal point on the FRONT LINE, and to the Jack as a secondary position. See KISS THE MISTRESS. [nb: according to classic military lore, carrying playing cards (also called a "California prayer book" or the "Devil's calling cards") in combat is bad luck, so the deck must be left behind in camp or buried upon departure; cf: DEATH CARDS, KNOCK THEIR SPOTS OFF, WAR GAMES]

TURN TURTLE :

slang for take COVER from HIGH ANGLE HELL; based upon the amazing fact, which was repeatedly demonstrated throughout the war, in total refutation of all the laws of physics, that a fully equipped adult soldier can be entirely concealed and completely contained inside his own helmet! ... the fact that a turtle, with his head buried in the ground, can respire through its rectum is not only well known but ably practiced by infantrymen under fire! Also, slang for capsize; compare GROUND LOOP, AUGER-IN, NOSEDIVE, PANCAKE, ALUMINUM RAIN, BOUNCE, TOUCHDOWN, ALS, AUTO-ROTATE.

TURRET :

a revolving domed structure mounting a MAIN-GUN and housing a crew compartment, such as on a TANK, airplane, or ship; derived from "tower". Compare CUPOLA, SPONSON, RING MOUNT; see HATCH.

TURTLE :

slang for an individual replacement, being any "warm body" whose arrival would permit the departure of a SHORT-TIMER; so called because it seemed to take so very long for him to arrive! See REPL' DEPOT, FNG, CHERRY, NEWBEE.

T-WALL :

(forthcoming); see BLAST WALL, REVETMENT, BANQUETTE

TWEP :

abbreviation for Terminate With Extreme Prejudice, being a euphemism for "kill", execute, exterminate, or assassinate, as allegedly employed by the CIA for "wet work"; also known as "de-effectuate", "liquidate", "purge". See ZAP, WASTED, BUY THE FARM, CHECK OUT, SOL, DEATH CARD, BELIEVER, SWEEPER, STROLLER, KILLER KANE, SHADOW WARRIOR, SECRET AGENT, BODYGUARD; compare COLLATERAL DAMAGE.

TWIDGET :

Navy slang for an electronics specialist, usually in enlisted GRADE or RATING; also called "wire biter". See ET, ELINT, ECM, BEAR.

TWIG :

to watch or observe, to be alert to or to be made aware of, to notice. Also, to understand or comprehend, as derived from a similar sounding Irish word; see FATHOM.

TWIN OTTER :

DeHavilland UV-18 / V-18 twin-engined "bush" aircraft, STOL capable by wheels, skis, or floats; compare BEAVER, OTTER; see BIRD.

TWIST IN THE WIND :

anxiously awaiting action or decision, especially about punishment for misconduct; derived from the practice of leaving a hanged corpse as an example to others. Compare HANG LOOSE; see UCMJ.

2DD :

(two-dee-dee) two Dimensional Data, being any facts or information obtained (or inferred) by remote survey; any INTEL that has not been confirmed by direct observation or field experience. This "flat" data, superficial and incomplete, is better than nothing, but is never as good as "full bodied" (3D) information, even when such contact information is confused or contradictory. [cf: one-dimensional man]

TWO DIGIT NUMBERS :

less than 100 days to DEROS; such numerals were the standard reply to greetings (eg: "How's it going?" "73 and a wake-up!"). See FREEDOM BIRD.

TWX :

(twix) originally a Teletype Writer eXchange message, but later used to mean any brief written message, sent by any method. See BUG, COAX, LANDLINE, TELEPHONE, TELECON, CONTEL, BACK CHANNEL, FLASH, EOT, RADIO, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH, TTY. [nb: facsimile/FAX (make + like) technology for the exact reproduction of text or illustrations antedates both telephonic and wireless forms of communication. The first teletypewriter began operating in 1867; telex (TELeprinter EXchange) is a form of teletypewriter. The test sentence, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.", was used before the American CIVIL WAR by telegraphers, and has since been adopted as a practice phrase for morse code (CW).]

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