Glossary

One versus one. aka ACMAir Combat Maneuvering. aka Dogfighting. Close-quarters A/A combat where each pilot tries to shoot down the other, preferably first., dogfighting.

A public address system used by an aircraft carrier Air Boss1) The officer in charge of all aircraft carrier operations involving aircraft on the flight deck and airborne in the immediate vicinity of the carrier. 2) Nickname for the Vice Admiral serving as Commander, Naval Air Forces who is responsible for the manning, training, and equipping of all aircraft, personnel, and the US Navy’s fleet of aircraft carriers. to communicate with personnel working on the flight deck and in various spaces on the interior of the ship.

Almost G-induced Loss of Consciousness. Nearly passing out due to lack of blood in the brain as a result of pulling G’s.

Air-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft.

Anti-aircraft artillery. Large-caliber guns and cannon used to shoot down aircraft. Often armed with exploding rounds.

Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile. A follow-on improvement to the HARMHigh-speed Anti-radiation Missile. A missile designed to home in on surface-to-air radar emitters, such as those affiliated with early warning detection and SAMs..

A term bestowed on aircrewGeneric term for any aircraft crew member, whether at the flight controls or not. who have downed five or more enemy aircraft in A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. combat.

Aviation Combat Element. A MAGTFMarine Air Ground Task Force. A principal United States Marine Corps organization that combines air-, land-, and sea-borne forces to conduct a wide array of military operations and humanitarian responses anywhere in the world. Comprised of a CE, ACE, GCE, and LCE. May take the form of a MEB, MEF, or MEU. component that contributes the force. Includes all aircraft (fixed- and rotary-wing), their pilots and maintenance personnel, and those units necessary for aviation command and control.

Air Combat Maneuvering. aka Dogfighting. Close-quarters A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. combat where each pilot tries to shoot down the other, preferably first.

Anti-G Straining Maneuver. A technique that employs muscle-tightening and quick breathing in an effort to maintain blood in the cranium when pulling GsGravitational Force. The pull of earth’s gravity that people and objects experience as “one G” in an unaccelerated state or “zero G” when falling..

Air Intercept Controller. A ground-, sea-, or air-based radar operator who controls the A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. intercepts of combat aircraft.

Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile. An active radar-guided missile capable of being provided target updates in flight and consummating intercept with its own radar seeker, allowing the firing aircraft to shoot more than one target simultaneously and turn and run from the fight once the missile takes over. When fired, “Fox-3” is called.

A short-medium range semi-active radar-homing A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. missile. When fired, “Fox-1” is called.

An infrared-seeking short-range A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. missile. When fired, “Fox-2” is called.

1) The officer in charge of all aircraft carrier operations involving aircraft on the flight deck and airborne in the immediate vicinity of the carrier.

2) Nickname for the Vice Admiral serving as Commander, Naval Air Forces who is responsible for the manning, training, and equipping of all aircraft, personnel, and the US Navy’s fleet of aircraft carriers.

Generic term for any aircraft crew member, whether at the flight controls or not.

Air Land Sea Application. A multi-service organization established to develop tactical-level solutions of multi-service interoperability issues, such as communications brevity.

Angle of Attack. The difference, measured in degrees, between the flight path of an aircraft and that aircraft’s longitudinal axis (i.e. where the nose is pointing).

Area of Responsibility. A geographic region of the world where related military activities occur.

Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System. Laser-guided 2.75-inch forward-firing aerial rockets.

ASWAnti-submarine Warfare. The process of detecting, tracking, and in some cases–destroying, enemy submarines. Module. A combat center on a naval warship where ASW operations are coordinated and controlled.

Anti-submarine Warfare. The process of detecting, tracking, and in some cases–destroying, enemy submarines.

Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System. An image acquisition, data storage, and data link system mounted under the nose of US Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornets.

Air Tasking Order. A document that disseminates schedules, targets, and tasking for air forces with a joint operational environment.

(See Meatball)

A positively identified enemy aircraft. Does not imply authority to engage.

Barrier CAPCombat Air Patrol. A general name for A/A missions.. A defensive A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. mission designed to protect an asset, such as an aircraft carrier, from enemy aircraft.

Bullets at Target Range. A HUD cue depicting where previously-fired bullets are in space when they reach the range of the radar-locked target.  Used to assess guns employment effectiveness in training.

Basic Fighter Maneuvers. Aerial maneuvers employed during ACMAir Combat Maneuvering. aka Dogfighting. Close-quarters A/A combat where each pilot tries to shoot down the other, preferably first..

Bomb Live Unit. A series of warheads that contain improved explosive fill compared to the Mk 80 series.  Variants include the 500-pound BLU-111; low-collateral damage 500-pound BLU-126/B; 1,000-pound BLU-110 (1,000); and hard target-penetrating, 2,000-pound BLU-109.

An air contactEngagement of enemy forces. whose identity (friendly, enemy, or neutral) is unknown.

The front or forward-most portion of a vessel. Opposite of SternThe back or aft-most portion of a vessel. Opposite of Bow..

A formation of four aircraft where two aircraft abeam each other are followed by two other aircraft abeam each other. When viewed from above or below the four aircraft appear to be in the corners of a quadrilateral.

The room on a ship from which it is steered and controlled.

The increased and, subsequently, decreased lift an aircraft experiences as it approaches an aircraft carrier for landing as a result of the relative wind as it flows around and off the ship.

Beyond Visual Range. A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. engagements that take place farther than the human eye can see.

Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence. The exercise of authority and direction by a designated commander over assigned forces in the accomplishment of a mission.

An obsolete but more-easily spoken term for CVWCarrier Air Wing. A US Navy aviation organization composed of approximately eight independent squadrons that join as one team when deployed aboard an aircraft carrier.. Also, informal title for the CVW Commander, typically a US Navy Captain (O-6).

A nickname aircrewGeneric term for any aircraft crew member, whether at the flight controls or not. use to address one another on the ground and in-flight, in lieu of using real names and ranks.

Combat Air Patrol. A general name for A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. missions.

Close Air Support. Aerial attack that occurs in close proximity to, and with the detailed coordination of, friendly ground forces.

Captive Air Training Missile. An A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. missile used for training that lacks many, or all, of the components found on live missiles.

Cross Deck Penant. aka arresting gear wire.  An approximately 1.5-inch steel cable strung across the landing area of an aircraft carrier that is engaged by a landing aircraft’s tailhook.

Command Element. The headquarters element of a MAGTFMarine Air Ground Task Force. A principal United States Marine Corps organization that combines air-, land-, and sea-borne forces to conduct a wide array of military operations and humanitarian responses anywhere in the world. Comprised of a CE, ACE, GCE, and LCE. May take the form of a MEB, MEF, or MEU. that directs the other elements.

Combined (alternatively, Coalition) Forces Air Component Commander. A military commander tasked to plan, direct, and control joint air operations within a specific theater of operations. See also, JFACCJoint Forces Air Component Commander. A military commander tasked to plan, direct, and control joint air operations within a specific theater of operations. See also, CFACC..

Center of Gravity. The balancing point of an object.

CHange of OPerational Control. The act of military units transferring assignments from one commander to another.

Chief of Naval Operations. The highest-ranking officer in the US Navy who reports directly to the Secretary of the Navy for the command, utilization of resources, and operating efficiency of the operating forces of the Navy.

Commanding Officer. aka “Skipper”. The senior-ranking officer and individual in charge of a particular unit, such as a squadronAn aviation organization composed of aircrew, support personnel, aircraft, and equipment..

An aerial formation where two aircraft fly 1 to 1.5 miles abeam each other, headed in the same direction, and from level up to several thousand feet off each other’s altitude.

Engagement of enemy forces.

Crew Resource Management. A management system which makes optimum use of all available human factor and other resources to promote safety and enhance the efficiency of flight operations.

Carrier Air Wing. A US Navy aviation organization composed of approximately eight independent squadrons that join as one team when deployed aboard an aircraft carrier.

Distinguished Flying Cross. The fourth highest service medal by precedence awarded to service members who distinguishes themselves in support of operations by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

aka Four-ship. A coordinated flight of four aircraft operating in close proximity to one another.

A formation of two or more aircraft all lined out to one side and slightly behind the preceding aircraft.

Electronic Countermeasures Officer. An NFO who crews the backseat of an EA-18G Growler.

Electronic Identification. The use of onboard systems to determine the identity of another aircraft.

A device designed to propel an aircrewGeneric term for any aircraft crew member, whether at the flight controls or not. occupant safely out of and away from a distressed aircraft.

Emergency Procedure. A scripted procedure to follow, oftentimes from memory, in the event of an aircraft malfunction or emergency.

Forward Air Controller. A pilot serving alongside ground forces, acting as a liaison with combat support aircraft.

Field Carrier Landing Practice. A flight where the purpose is to perform repeated aircraft carrier-style landings ashore in preparation for later carrier qualifying afloat.

Fighter Even, BogeyAn air contact whose identity (friendly, enemy, or neutral) is unknown. Odd. An obsolete deconfliction strategy intended to prevent mid-air collisions.  Requires fighters to arrive at the mergeThe point in time and space where opposing aircraft meet in an A/A engagement, generally heading in opposite directions. on even, whole thousand altitudes (e.g. 22,000 ft, 30,000 ft, etc.) and the adversaries at odd (e.g. 25,000 ft).

A commissioned military officer who has attained the rank of general (land forces) or admiral (maritime forces), at the rank of O-7 or above.

See AAAAnti-aircraft artillery. Large-caliber guns and cannon used to shoot down aircraft. Often armed with exploding rounds..

A communications brevity term used when launching semi-active radar / infrared seeking / and active radar missiles, respectively.

Fleet Replacement SquadronAn aviation organization composed of aircrew, support personnel, aircraft, and equipment.. aka RAGReplacement Air Group. An obsolete but sometimes-used name for the FRS.. A US Navy training squadron that prepares pilots for operational service in fleet-specific aircraft.

Gravitational Force. The pull of earth’s gravity that people and objects experience as “one GGravitational Force. The pull of earth’s gravity that people and objects experience as “one G” in an unaccelerated state or “zero G” when falling.” in an unaccelerated state or “zero G” when falling.

G-induced Loss of Consciousness. Passing out due to lack of blood in the brain as a result of pulling G’s.

Ground Combat Element. A MAGTFMarine Air Ground Task Force. A principal United States Marine Corps organization that combines air-, land-, and sea-borne forces to conduct a wide array of military operations and humanitarian responses anywhere in the world. Comprised of a CE, ACE, GCE, and LCE. May take the form of a MEB, MEF, or MEU. component usually comprised of infantry and supported by armor (tanks), and artillery. May also include special units such as scouts or Force Reconnaissance, snipers and JTACJoint Terminal Attack Controller. A qualified service member, often an aviator, who directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations from a forward position.s.

Slang for either candy or other edible treats (normally sugary), or various trinkets such as stickers, t-shirts, shot glasses, etc. So named because of the gee-dunk sound a coin makes when dropping into a vending machine.

(See Fighter Pilot)

Global Positioning System. A constellation of satellites that afford precision location information and coordinate generation on earth.

High-speed Anti-radiation Missile. A missile designed to home in on surface-to-air radar emitters, such as those affiliated with early warning detection and SAMs.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter SquadronAn aviation organization composed of aircrew, support personnel, aircraft, and equipment.. A US Marine Corps squadron comprised of AH-1 Cobra / Viper and UH-1 Huey helicopters.

A BanditA positively identified enemy aircraft. Does not imply authority to engage. for which engagement is authorized.

Hands On Throttle-And-Stick.

Horizontal Situation Indicator.

Introductory Flight Screening. A civilian, FAA-certified flight school experience that exposes prospective US Navy and Marine Corps flight students to the rigors of pilot training.

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. Integrated and synchronized collection efforts designed to provide warfighters information on the surrounding battlespace.

Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile. A low observable stand-off air-launched missile.

Jet Blast Deflector. A large shield that raises out of the flight deck of an aircraft carrier that protects other aircraft and equipment by deflecting the exhaust of an aircraft at high power settings just prior to launch.

Joint Direct Attack Munition. A GPS-guided free-fall bomb available in the 500- / 1,000- / and 2,000-pound classes.

Joint Forces Air Component Commander. A military commander tasked to plan, direct, and control joint air operations within a specific theater of operations. See also, CFACCCombined (alternatively, Coalition) Forces Air Component Commander. A military commander tasked to plan, direct, and control joint air operations within a specific theater of operations. See also, JFACC..

Joint Munitions Effectiveness Manuals. A compilation of data and methodologies designed to allow selection of the best weapon to attack a given target based on certain constraints and damage / kill requirements.

(See God)

Joint Stand Off Weapon. A GPS-guided glide bomb.

Joint Terminal Attack Controller. A qualified service member, often an aviator, who directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations from a forward position.

Nautical mile(s) per hour.

Launch Acceptability Region. A visual depiction of the intercept capability of a selected A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. missile based on both the ownship and target’s current altitude, airspeed, heading, and maneuvering.

Landing Craft, Air Cushion. An amphibious vehicle used to transport, ship-to-shore and across the beach, personnel, weapons, equipment, and cargo of the assault elements of the MAGTFMarine Air Ground Task Force. A principal United States Marine Corps organization that combines air-, land-, and sea-borne forces to conduct a wide array of military operations and humanitarian responses anywhere in the world. Comprised of a CE, ACE, GCE, and LCE. May take the form of a MEB, MEF, or MEU..

Logistics Combat Element. A MAGTFMarine Air Ground Task Force. A principal United States Marine Corps organization that combines air-, land-, and sea-borne forces to conduct a wide array of military operations and humanitarian responses anywhere in the world. Comprised of a CE, ACE, GCE, and LCE. May take the form of a MEB, MEF, or MEU. component comprised of all support units such as communications, combat engineers, motor transport, medical, supply units, and certain specialized groups such as air delivery and landing support teams.

Laser-guided Bomb. An aerial free-fall weapon that homes on laser energy reflected off a designated target.

Laser-guided Training Round. A low-cost, inert laser-guided training munition that allows aircrewGeneric term for any aircraft crew member, whether at the flight controls or not. to simulate employing LGBs.

Landing Signal Officer. A pilot who has the collateral duty of assisting in the safe and expeditious recovery of aircraft, usually aboard an aircraft carrier but also as required at airfields ashore.

Maritime Augmented Guidance with Integrated Controls for Carrier Approach and Recovery Precision Enabling Technologies (*phew!*). A computer-software PLMPrecision Landing Modes. (See MAGIC CARPET) integration system that works with an aircraft’s digital flight control system to reduce pilot workload and improve safety during aircraft carrier landings.

Marine Air Ground Task Force. A principal United States Marine Corps organization that combines air-, land-, and sea-borne forces to conduct a wide array of military operations and humanitarian responses anywhere in the world. Comprised of a CECommand Element. The headquarters element of a MAGTF that directs the other elements., ACEAviation Combat Element. A MAGTF component that contributes the force. Includes all aircraft (fixed- and rotary-wing), their pilots and maintenance personnel, and those units necessary for aviation command and control., GCEGround Combat Element. A MAGTF component usually comprised of infantry and supported by armor (tanks), and artillery. May also include special units such as scouts or Force Reconnaissance, snipers and JTACs., and LCELogistics Combat Element. A MAGTF component comprised of all support units such as communications, combat engineers, motor transport, medical, supply units, and certain specialized groups such as air delivery and landing support teams.. May take the form of a MEBMarine Expeditionary Brigade. A MAGTF constructed around a reinforced infantry regiment, a composite Marine aircraft group, and a brigade service support group. Task-organized to meet the requirements of a specific situation. It can function alone, as part of a joint task force, or as the lead echelon of a MEF., MEFMarine Expeditionary Force. A MAGTF comprised of a MEF Headquarters Group, Marine Division, MAW, and Marine Logistics Group., or MEUMarine Expeditionary Unit. The smallest type of MAGTF with customizable composition based on the task at hand. Additional artillery, armor, or air units can be attached, including squadrons of MV-22B Osprey and AV-8B Harriers..

Marine Air Wing. A USMC organization that provides combat ready expeditionary aviation forces capable of short notice world wide deployment to MAGTFMarine Air Ground Task Force. A principal United States Marine Corps organization that combines air-, land-, and sea-borne forces to conduct a wide array of military operations and humanitarian responses anywhere in the world. Comprised of a CE, ACE, GCE, and LCE. May take the form of a MEB, MEF, or MEU., fleet, and unified commanders.

Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One. A US Marine Corps command that provides advanced tactical training and unit instructor certification in the support of Marine Aviation training and readiness.

Slang term for the optical landing system employed to provide glideslope information to pilots landing on an aircraft carrier.

Marine Expeditionary Brigade. A MAGTFMarine Air Ground Task Force. A principal United States Marine Corps organization that combines air-, land-, and sea-borne forces to conduct a wide array of military operations and humanitarian responses anywhere in the world. Comprised of a CE, ACE, GCE, and LCE. May take the form of a MEB, MEF, or MEU. constructed around a reinforced infantry regiment, a composite Marine aircraft group, and a brigade service support group. Task-organized to meet the requirements of a specific situation. It can function alone, as part of a joint task force, or as the lead echelonA formation of two or more aircraft all lined out to one side and slightly behind the preceding aircraft. of a MEFMarine Expeditionary Force. A MAGTF comprised of a MEF Headquarters Group, Marine Division, MAW, and Marine Logistics Group..

Medical Evacuation. The immediate removal of wounded service members from the battlefield.

Marine Expeditionary Force. A MAGTFMarine Air Ground Task Force. A principal United States Marine Corps organization that combines air-, land-, and sea-borne forces to conduct a wide array of military operations and humanitarian responses anywhere in the world. Comprised of a CE, ACE, GCE, and LCE. May take the form of a MEB, MEF, or MEU. comprised of a MEFMarine Expeditionary Force. A MAGTF comprised of a MEF Headquarters Group, Marine Division, MAW, and Marine Logistics Group. Headquarters Group, Marine Divisionaka Four-ship. A coordinated flight of four aircraft operating in close proximity to one another., MAWMarine Air Wing. A USMC organization that provides combat ready expeditionary aviation forces capable of short notice world wide deployment to MAGTF, fleet, and unified commanders., and Marine Logistics Group.

The point in time and space where opposing aircraft meet in an A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. engagement, generally heading in opposite directions.

Marine Expeditionary Unit. The smallest type of MAGTFMarine Air Ground Task Force. A principal United States Marine Corps organization that combines air-, land-, and sea-borne forces to conduct a wide array of military operations and humanitarian responses anywhere in the world. Comprised of a CE, ACE, GCE, and LCE. May take the form of a MEB, MEF, or MEU. with customizable composition based on the task at hand. Additional artillery, armor, or air units can be attached, including squadrons of MV-22B Osprey and AV-8B Harriers.

Multifunctional Information Distribution System. An advanced C4ICommand, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence. The exercise of authority and direction by a designated commander over assigned forces in the accomplishment of a mission. system incorporating high-capacity, jam-resistant, digital communication links for exchange of near real-time tactical information, including both data and voice, among air, ground, and sea elements.

A college student enrolled either at the US Naval Academy or in a Navy ROTCReserve Officer Training Corps. An officer commissioning program that allows students to attend non-service academies (i.e. public and private universities and colleges) where students pursue a bachelor’s degree while preparing for service as a commissioned officer in the military. program.

An offensive A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. mission flown in an effort to stir up and shoot down enemy aircraft.

Military Occupational Specialty. A code that identifies a particular military job or area of expertise.

Naval Aviation and Training Operations Procedures Standardization (*phew*). Flight and operating instructions and procedures applicable to the operation of all US naval aircraft and related aviation activities.

A unit of measure based on the circumference of the earth, equal to one minute of latitude. Equivalent to approx. 6,072 feet or 115% of a statute mile.

Naval Air Systems Command. A US Navy organization whose mission is to provide full life-cycle support of naval aviation aircraft, weapons and systems operated by Sailors and Marines. This support includes research, design, development and systems engineering; acquisition; test and evaluation; training facilities and equipment; repair and modification; and in-service engineering and logistics support.

Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center. The Fallon, Nevada-based center of excellence for naval aviation training and tactics development. Parent command to TOPGUNaka Navy Fighter Weapons School. A US Navy institution that develops and provides graduate-level strike-fighter tactics..

Noncombatant Evacuation Operation. The ordered (mandatory) or authorized (voluntary) departure of civilian noncombatants and nonessential military personnel from danger in an overseas country to a designated safe haven.

Naval Flight Officer. A US Navy commissioned officer assigned to non-pilot-in-control aerial duties such as weapons control, radar intercept, or electronic countermeasures.

North American Aerospace Defense Command. A combined command between the US and Canada that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and protection of North America.

A first-tour aviator.

Officer Candidate School. A program for college graduates who did not attend a service academyA federal university that provides students an undergraduate degree and the preparation needed to serve as a commissioned officer in the US armed forces after graduation. or participate in ROTCReserve Officer Training Corps. An officer commissioning program that allows students to attend non-service academies (i.e. public and private universities and colleges) where students pursue a bachelor’s degree while preparing for service as a commissioned officer in the military.. Successful program completion results in commissioning as a military officer.

Operations Duty Officer. A squadronAn aviation organization composed of aircrew, support personnel, aircraft, and equipment. aviator responsible for executing the flight schedule. Manned by an instructor at a training squadron.

Outlying Field. An airfield used by military aircraft for landing practice.

Operations Specialist. A rating for enlisted US Navy personnel who specialize in providing AICAir Intercept Controller. A ground-, sea-, or air-based radar operator who controls the A/A intercepts of combat aircraft..

Slang term for an LSOLanding Signal Officer. A pilot who has the collateral duty of assisting in the safe and expeditious recovery of aircraft, usually aboard an aircraft carrier but also as required at airfields ashore..

Probability of destruction. A derived probability that a target will receive the desired level of damage or destruction based on a variety of factors such as weapon selection and delivery type.

Pilot Landing Aid Television. A system of low-light TV cameras and displays positioned as a tool for, and to record, aircraft carrier landings and flight deck operations.

Precision Landing Modes. (See MAGIC CARPETMaritime Augmented Guidance with Integrated Controls for Carrier Approach and Recovery Precision Enabling Technologies (*phew!*). A computer-software PLM integration system that works with an aircraft’s digital flight control system to reduce pilot workload and improve safety during aircraft carrier landings.)

Petroleum Oil Lubricants. A class of supplies consisting of various fuel, hydraulic, and lubrication fluids.

The left side of an aircraft or vessel when facing the front of the aircraft or vessel. Opposite of StarboardThe right side of an aircraft or vessel when facing the front of the aircraft or vessel. Opposite of Port..

Personnel Qualification Standard. A publication that guides the training of a Navy sailor in the attainment of increased qualifications and experience.

Replacement AircrewGeneric term for any aircraft crew member, whether at the flight controls or not.. An FRSFleet Replacement Squadron. aka RAG. A US Navy training squadron that prepares pilots for operational service in fleet-specific aircraft. student. Subdivided into one of four categories:

• Cat 1: initial training
  • e.g. A newly-winged pilot
• Cat 2: conversion training
  • e.g. An F-14 converting to the F/A-18
• Cat 3: refresher training following a long absence from flying
  • e.g. A pilot returning to duty after a non-flying tour of duty
• Cat 4: miscellaneous
  • e.g. A current F/A-18A-D pilot undergoing initial F/A-18E/F training).

Replacement Air Group. An obsolete but sometimes-used name for the FRSFleet Replacement Squadron. aka RAG. A US Navy training squadron that prepares pilots for operational service in fleet-specific aircraft..

A common area where squadronAn aviation organization composed of aircrew, support personnel, aircraft, and equipment. aircrewGeneric term for any aircraft crew member, whether at the flight controls or not. congregate, socialize, and brief & debrief missions.

Radar Intercept Officer. An NFONaval Flight Officer. A US Navy commissioned officer assigned to non-pilot-in-control aerial duties such as weapons control, radar intercept, or electronic countermeasures. who crewed the backseat of an F-4 Phantom or F-14 Tomcat.

Reserve Officer Training Corps. An officer commissioning program that allows students to attend non-service academies (i.e. public and private universities and colleges) where students pursue a bachelor’s degree while preparing for service as a commissioned officer in the military.

Replacement Training Unit. (Air Force term.) A squadronAn aviation organization composed of aircrew, support personnel, aircraft, and equipment. that prepares pilots for operational service in fleet-specific aircraft.

Radar Warning Receiver. Passive sensors used to detect the presence of off board radar emitters.

Situational Awareness. The perception of environmental elements and events with respect to time and space.

Surface-to-air Missile. Homing or guided missiles designed to shootdow aircraft.

SAMSurface-to-air Missile. Homing or guided missiles designed to shootdow aircraft. Ambush. A tactic where aircraft attempt to draw opposing aircraft into a particular geographic area so that they can be engaged by SAMs.

Search and Rescue. The process of locating and recovering distressed personnel.

SquadronAn aviation organization composed of aircrew, support personnel, aircraft, and equipment. Duty Officer. A squadron aviator who assists the ODOOperations Duty Officer. A squadron aviator responsible for executing the flight schedule. Manned by an instructor at a training squadron. during execution of the flight schedule. Manned by a student at a training squadron.

Seawater-activated Release System. A device intended to release a parachuting aircrewGeneric term for any aircraft crew member, whether at the flight controls or not. from the parachute upon landing in the ocean to minimize entanglement and possible drowning.

aka Two-ship. A coordinated flight of two aircraft operating in close proximity to one another.

Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape. A military program designed to prepare military and other personnel to cope when in enemy territory.

Selectively Retained Graduate. A flight student who completes training and immediately remains at the squadronAn aviation organization composed of aircrew, support personnel, aircraft, and equipment. as an instructor despite having no fleet experience.

A federal university that provides students an undergraduate degree and the preparation needed to serve as a commissioned officer in the US armed forces after graduation.

Strike-Fighter Tactics Instructor. A TOPGUNaka Navy Fighter Weapons School. A US Navy institution that develops and provides graduate-level strike-fighter tactics. graduate.

Stand-off Land Attack Missile Expanded Response. A GPS-guided, cruise missile-like weapon that beams television imagery back to the launching or supporting aircraft in order for real time ‘pilot-in-the-loop’ aim point updates and success determination.

Subject Matter Expert.

An aviation organization composed of aircrewGeneric term for any aircraft crew member, whether at the flight controls or not., support personnel, aircraft, and equipment.

The right side of an aircraft or vessel when facing the front of the aircraft or vessel. Opposite of PortThe left side of an aircraft or vessel when facing the front of the aircraft or vessel. Opposite of Starboard..

The back or aft-most portion of a vessel. Opposite of BowThe front or forward-most portion of a vessel. Opposite of Stern..

The deliberate act of retiring an aircraft from active service.

Surface Warfare Officer School. The academic institution where naval officers learn how to control and employ warships.

Tactical Air-Launched Decoy. An unmanned air-launched radar decoy used to stimulate enemy air defense systems by presenting a realistic threat signature of actual manned aircraft, in radar cross sectionaka Two-ship. A coordinated flight of two aircraft operating in close proximity to one another. and flight characteristics

A military intelligence officer who specializes in generating precise targets for ground targets and assists with weapon-to-target match determination.

A 1986 American romantic military action drama motion picture.

aka Navy Fighter Weapons School. A US Navy institution that develops and provides graduate-level strike-fighter tactics.

Underway Replenishment. The act of transfering supplies, fuel, and/or ammunition between two or more ships while underway at sea by means of direct connection between ships.

Vertical / Short Takeoff and Landing. A characteristic of aircraft that can takeoff and land either vertically or in distances much shorter than tradtional fixed-wing aircraft.

Vertical Replenishment. The act of transfering supplies or ammunition between ships at sea by use of vertical-flight-capable aircraft, such as helicopters.

aka inner ear. An anatomical apparatus involved in maintaining balance and spatial orientation.

Visual Identification. A tactic employed to determine the identity of another aircraft by passing by closely and observing visually.

A formation of four aircraft abeam each other in a relatively-straight line, albeit possibly at different altitudes.

Weapons System Officer. An NFONaval Flight Officer. A US Navy commissioned officer assigned to non-pilot-in-control aerial duties such as weapons control, radar intercept, or electronic countermeasures. who crews the backseat of an F/A-18D Hornet or F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Within Visual Range. A/AAir-to-air. An aerial fight between two or more aircraft. engagements that take place within a distance that the human eye can see.

A no radio communications event or activity, such as landing on an aircraft carrier during daytime, favorable weather conditions.