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.
Air-to-Surface. A general term for the missions and/or equipment involved in the aerial attack of surface (land or sea) targets.
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..
Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program. A secret investigatory effort funded by the US Government to study unidentified flying objects.
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/A combat where each pilot tries to shoot down the other, preferably first.
Air Defense Identification Zone. Airspace over land or water in which the identification, location, and control of civil aircraft is performed in the interest of national security. This airspace may extend beyond a country’s territory to afford more time to respond to possibly hostileA Bandit for which engagement is authorized. aircraft.
Air Defense Variant. A variant of the Panavia Tornado intended to perform A/A missions.
Active Electronically Scanned Array. A type of phased array radar where the beam is steered electronically, vice mechanically.
Automatic Flight Control System. The computer-directed system that accepts a pilot’s flight control inputs, then factors in current pitot static and aircraft information before deflecting flight control surfaces.
Artificial Feel System. A spring attachment used by the US Navy Blue AngelsThe height of an aircraft in thousands of feet. to add tension to the control stick, thus increasing the ability to make small, precise control inputs.
Aeronautical Ground Equipment. A category of various ground systems used to support military aircraft. Could include cargo loaders, aircraft tow tractors, and power carts that provide aircraft hydraulic or electrical power or air conditioning for ground operations.
Active Guard Reserve. A full-time air national guard reservist. Similar to FTSFull Time Support. A US Navy program that allows reservists to perform in positions as full-time active duty members, supporting the Navy Reserve Force..
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/A 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/A missile. When fired, “Fox-1” is called.
An infrared-seeking short-range A/A 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-launched anti-radiation missile. A British version of the US-made HARM.
Airborne countermeasures dispenser systems found on many US fighters, such as F/A-18 and F-16. The ALE-47 is an updated, more modern version.
A coordinated aerial attack performed by a preponderance of an aircraft carrier’s aircraft.
Air Land Sea Application. A multi-service organization established to develop tactical-level solutions of multi-service interoperability issues, such as communications brevity.
Altitude Reservation. A block of controlled airspace set aside for particular operations, such as aerial refueling.
The height of an aircraft in thousands of feet.
Astral-inertial System. An SR-71 Blackbird navigation system that incorporates celestial data to derive positional information.
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.
Auxiliary Power Unit. A small jet engine used to provide aircraft systems power (hydraulic, electrical, etc.).
Air Reserve Components. A structure of the U.S. military that provides operational capabilities and strategic depth to meet US defense requirements across the range of military operations. Consists of the Air Force Reserve (AFR) and Air National Guard of the United States (ANGUS).
A DCADefensive Counter Air. An A/A mission where fighters reactively engage an adversary, typically over neutral or friendly territory, in the defense of some protected asset(s). mission where fighters defend a large area, such as a geographic area or carrier strike group.
Astronaut Candidate. Someone who is new to the astronaut corps and undergoing training.
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.
Automated Terminal Information System. Recurring aerodrome information, such as weather conditions and duty runway(s), that is repeatedly broadcast on a particular frequency.
Air Tasking Order. A document that disseminates schedules, targets, and tasking for air forces with a joint operational environment.
A term used in aircraft carrier maintenance cycles denoting a period of time where the carrier avails itself to being maintained instead of operational.
(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/A 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 ACM.
Boundary Layer Control. A high-lift system that diverts bleed air from the engine and injects it into the airflow over the wings at slow speeds to prevent or postpone boundary layer separation from the wing, and thus loss of lift.
A baggage container, often converted from a fuel tank, that attaches to aircraft weapons stations.
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.
Bachelor Officer Quarters. On-base lodging for officer service members who do not have, or when away from, family members.
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.
Bearing Range Altitude (Aspect). The format of an air intercept communication call when referenced to the fighter position.
The room on a ship from which it is steered and controlled.
The ability of an airplane to land on an aircraft carrier with a given amount of fuel and/or ordnance.
Bomb Rack Unit. An adapter housed in an aircraft weapons pylon that supports the loading and wiring of various A/SAir-to-Surface. A general term for the missions and/or equipment involved in the aerial attack of surface (land or sea) targets. racks, rails, launchers, and munitions.
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/A 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.
Cartridge Actuated Device. An explosive cartridge, similar in size and shape to a shotgun shell, installed in a BRUBomb Rack Unit. An adapter housed in an aircraft weapons pylon that supports the loading and wiring of various A/S racks, rails, launchers, and munitions. used to forcibly release or jettison whatever store may be attached to the BRU.
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 aircrew 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/A missions.
Close Air Support. Aerial attack that occurs in close proximity to, and with the detailed coordination of, friendly ground forces.
Casualty Evacuation. The act of quickly removing injured personnel from the battlefield to where medical treatment can be administered.
Captive Air Training Missile. An A/A 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.
(See Close EscortAn OCA mission where fighters operate as part of a strike package in close proximity to the A/S strike aircraft..)
Command Element. The headquarters element of a MAGTF that directs the other elements.
Circular Error Probability. A concept used to describe the accuracy of a particular aircraft / munition combination.
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.
A radar countermeasure consisting of numerous small, thin dipoles of aluminum-coated fiberglass.
CHange of OPerational Control. The act of military units transferring assignments from one commander to another.
Combat Information Center Officer. One of the five crew members aboard an E-2 Hawkeye and the senior of the three NFOs manning the radar and communications equipment.
Combined Interrogator / Transponder. An aircraft avionics system that combines an IFF and an IFF interrogator. Used to help solve positive identification of other aircraft.
An OCAOffensive Counter Air. An A/A mission where fighters preemptively seek aerial engagements with an adversary, typically over their territory. mission where fighters operate as part of a strike package in close proximity to the A/S strike aircraft.
Chief of Naval Air Training. A one star-admiral-led command responsible for training US Navy and Marine Corps student aircrew. Also overseas the Navy’s flight demonstration squadronAn aviation organization composed of aircrew, support personnel, aircraft, and equipment. (aka Blue Angels).
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.
Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management. An avionics system upgrade on the C-2A Greyhound.
Commanding Officer. aka “Skipper”. The senior-ranking officer and individual in charge of a particular unit, such as a squadron.
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.
Combat search and rescue.
Aircraft Carrier Intelligence Center. A facility within an aircraft carrier where intelligence is gathered, collated, and used to mission plan, brief, and debrief aerial missions. The space is manned by intelligence personnel and frequented by aviators.
Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
Aircraft Carrier Operating Area. Air and sea space designated for the launch, recovery, and training flights of aircraft carrier-borne aircraft.
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.
Dissimilar Air Combat Training. A/A training between differing aircraft, such as F-15s and F/A-18s.
Defensive Counter Air. An A/A mission where fighters reactively engage an adversary, typically over neutral or friendly territory, in the defense of some protected asset(s).
1) Decompression Sickness. A condition arising from dissolved gases coming out of solution into bubbles inside the body due to depressurization.
2) Digital Combat Simulator. A digital battlefield game offering authentic and realistic simulation of military aircraft, tanks, ground vehicles and ships.
Destroyer Squadron. A naval organization that overseas the operational control of naval surface warships in a carrier strike group.
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.
Drop On Request. The act of voluntarily terminating a training evolution or program.
Distinguished Visitor. Synonymous with VIP.
Energy-Maneuverability Diagram. An aircraft performance comparison method developed by USAF Colonel John Boyd that incorporates energy, thrust, weight, aerodynamic drag, wing area, flight characteristics and more.
Electrical and environmental. A term for the equipment and personnel dealing with the wiring, electrical components, cabin pressurization, and other related components on a military aircraft.
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.
Electric Combat / Reconnaissance. A West German variant of the Panavia Tornado.
Electronic Identification. The use of onboard systems to determine the identity of another aircraft.
A device designed to propel an aircrew occupant safely out of and away from a distressed aircraft.
Electronic Intelligence. Covert intelligence-gathering by electronic means.
Electromotive Force. The electrical intensity or pressure developed by a source of electrical energy such as a battery or generator.
Emergency Procedure. A scripted procedure to follow, oftentimes from memory, in the event of an aircraft malfunction or emergency.
Extravehicular Activity. A space walk.
A generic term for inflight-deployable countermeasures such as chaff
A radar countermeasure consisting of numerous small, thin dipoles of aluminum-coated fiberglass., flares, and jammer decoys. Also known as “items.”
Forward Air Controller. A pilot serving alongside ground forces, acting as a liaison with combat support aircraft.
Forward Air Controller (Airborne). Aircrew who perform FACForward Air Controller. A pilot serving alongside ground forces, acting as a liaison with combat support aircraft. duties while aloft in an aircraft, typically while also at the aircraft controls.
Full Authority Digital Engine Control. A system consisting of a digital computer and related accessories that control all aspects of aircraft engine performance.
First Assignment Instructor Pilot (aka SERGRADSelectively Retained Graduate. A flight student who completes training and immediately remains at the squadron as an instructor despite having no fleet experience.). An instructor pilot who has not yet served in an operational squadron.
F/A-18 Automated Maintenance Environment. An aviation maintenance database.
An enclosure designed to block electromagnetic fields.
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).
The act of preparing an aircraft for possible combat prior to entering into a designated area (fence in) and then ensuring the aircraft is safely ready to RTBReturn to Base. The act of returning to the place of origin or other friendly place of refuge, following a mission. when egressing combat areas (fence out).
Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio. A biennial international air show held in Santiago, Chile.
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 countermeasure deployed by aircraft to decoy infrared-seeking weapons systems and missiles.
Field Naval Aviator Evaluation Board. A board of inquiry that is held following an aviation mishap to determine the disposition of the aircrew’s further service.
A communications brevity term used when launching semi-active radar / infrared seeking / and active radar missiles, respectively.
Fleet Replacement Squadron. 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.
Full Time Support. A US Navy program that allows reservists to perform in positions as full-time active duty members, supporting the Navy Reserve Force.
Gravitational Force. The pull of earth’s gravity that people and objects experience as “one G” 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 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 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.
Ground-Controlled Intercept. AICAir Intercept Controller. A ground-, sea-, or air-based radar operator who controls the A/A intercepts of combat aircraft. provided by a ground controller.
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.
Gridded Reference Graphic. Rectangular grids used in partitioning geographic areas of interest.
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.
Hydraulic Electrical Fuel Oil Engine. A term used with associated numbers (1 for H, 2 for O, etc.) to convey aircraft malfunctions via hand signals between aircrew when radios are unavailable. Some uses replace the second E with a P for power plants. Other variations use a sixth figure for flight controls.
High Explosive, Medium Capacity. A 1,000-lb bomb fielded by Great Britain.
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron. 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.
High Value Airborne Asset Protection. An A/A mission where fighters actively defend an aircraft that is unable to defend itself. Could be a standalone mission or in conjunction with OCA or DCA missions.
Integrated Air Defense System. A system of radar, weapons, command and control nodes, and communications networks that operate together to defend a geographic area or high value asset.
Interdictor / Strike. A variant of the Panavia Tornado intended for surface attack.
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.
An aerial maneuver where the aircraft pulls up vertically, performing half a loop, then rolls upright at the top of the loop.
Inertial Navigation System. A navigation aid that uses a computer, and motion, rotation, and occasionally magnetic sensors to continuously calculate by dead reckoning the position, orientation, and velocity of a moving object without the need for external references.
Initial Operational Capability. A date where a military aircraft is sufficiently fielded and units prepared for the aircraft to be declared operationally ready for combat.
Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar. A technique using radar imaging to generate a two-dimensional high resolution image of a target, such as a submarine periscope.
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance. Integrated and synchronized collection efforts designed to provide warfighters information on the surrounding battlespace.
International Traffic in Arms Regulations. A US regulatory regime that restricts and controls the export of defense and military related technologies to safeguard national security and further US foreign policy objectives.
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.
Joint Tactical Airstrike Request. A method for ground forces to request air support for planned offensives or operations.
Nautical mile(s) per hour.
Landing Area. The part of an aircraft carrier where aircraft land.
Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System. A US Navy program that developed manned helicopters that assist the surface fleet with ASW.
Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night. A sensor pod adapted from the F-15 Eagle for use on the F-14 Tomcat, which afforded precision strike capability.
Launch Acceptability Region. A visual depiction of the intercept capability of a selected A/A 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 MAGTF.
Logistics 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.
Leading Edge Extension(s). The structural portion of an F/A-18 where the fuselage and wings meet which improves airflow at high AOAAngle 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). and low airspeeds, to improve handling and delay stall.
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 aircrew to simulate employing LGBs.
Low Rate Initial Production. Manufactured aircraft that are one step beyond prototypes but not yet full production models.
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.
Live, Virtual, Constructive. A cost- and asset-conserving strategy that includes manned aircraft, manned aircraft simulators, and computer-generated aircraft for the training and testing of various missions.
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 CE(See Close Escort.), 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..
The AGM-65 Maverick
The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground missile (AGM) designed for close air support. It is the most widely produced precision-guided missile in the Western world, and is effective against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, ground transportation and fuel storage facilities. is an air-to-ground missile (AGM) designed for close air support. It is the most widely produced precision-guided missile in the Western world, and is effective against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, ground transportation and fuel storage facilities.
Marine 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.
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.
Mission-Design Series. A U.S. DOD aircraft designating system introduced in 1962 incorporating one or more letters to identify the aircraft mission and a number to denote the design model.
Slang term for the optical landing system employed to provide glideslope information to pilots landing on an aircraft carrier.
Marine 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 echelonA formation of two or more aircraft all lined out to one side and slightly behind the preceding aircraft. of a MEF.
Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Educational Program. A program that affords enlisted U.S. Marines an opportunity to finish a bachelor’s degree and receive a commission as a Marine officer.
A backup flight control mode of the F/A-18 where the pilot controls the aircraft through direct connection to horizontal stabilator hydraulic actuators. Usually considered an emergency situation.
Medical Evacuation. The immediate removal of wounded service members from the battlefield.
Marine Expeditionary Force. A MAGTF comprised of a MEF 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/A engagement, generally heading in opposite directions.
A communication term indicating that a fighter aircraft has entered the visual arena with a target of interest.
Marine 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.
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/A mission flown in an effort to stir up and shoot down enemy aircraft.
Internet Relay Chat. A popular system used by individuals and organizations to communicate, share, and work with each other on worldwide networks.
Mission number, Number of aircraft, Playtime, Ordnance, Particulars, Abort code. A standardized way for combat aircraft to check in with a JTAC.
Massive Ordnance Air Blast (a.k.a. GBU-43). A high-yield air-dropped bomb said to be the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in the US military inventory.
Military Occupational Specialty. A code that identifies a particular military job or area of expertise.
Multi-Role Combat Aircraft. An aircraft designed and/or intended to perform more than one mission in combat.
Naval Aerospace Medical Institute. A US Navy organization that supports Navy and Marine Corps aviation units through aeromedical consultation, services development and application of aeromedical standards, and training of aeromedical personnel for operational assignments. Aspiring naval aviators often refer to medical rejection by this institution as the “NAMINaval Aerospace Medical Institute. A US Navy organization that supports Navy and Marine Corps aviation units through aeromedical consultation, services development and application of aeromedical standards, and training of aeromedical personnel for operational assignments. Aspiring naval aviators often refer to medical rejection by this institution as the "NAMI whammy." whammy.”
Naval Academy Preparatory School. An institution that enhances midshipmanA college student enrolled either at the US Naval Academy or in a Navy ROTC program. candidates’ moral, mental, and physical foundations to prepare them for success at the U.S. Naval Academy.
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 Cadet. A program that facilitated an aviation student undergoing training prior to having achieved an undergraduate bachelor’s degree.
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.
Notices to Airmen. A written notification issued to aircrew before flight, advising of circumstances relating to the state of flying.
A first-tour aviator.
Offensive Counter Air. An A/A mission where fighters preemptively seek aerial engagements with an adversary, typically over their territory.
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 ROTC. Successful program completion results in commissioning as a military officer.
Operations Duty Officer. A squadron aviator responsible for executing the flight schedule. Manned by an instructor at a training squadron.
Operational Flight Program. A particular software used to control computer avionics.
Ordnance Handling Officer. A aircraft carrier-assigned officer in charge of the ship’s ordnance.
Outlying Field. An airfield used by military aircraft for landing practice.
Optimized Organizational Maintenance Activity. A US Navy and Marine Corps software suite used to manage aircraft maintenance activities.
Operations Specialist. A rating for enlisted US Navy personnel who specialize in providing AIC.
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.
Pulse Doppler Single Target Track. A radar tracking mode where pulse doppler is used to track one target, to the exclusion of any other target.
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.)
A DCA mission where fighters defend a very small asset, such as a downed aircrew.
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..
Plain Old Telephone System. A ship-based communication system that facilitates telephone-type calls via satellite from ship to shore. Notorious for the delay between spoken and heard transmissions, leading to awkward conversations.
President of the United States.
Personnel Qualification Standard. A publication that guides the training of a Navy sailor in the attainment of increased qualifications and experience.
Replacement Aircrew. 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 FRS.
Ram Air Turbine. A small, propeller-driven generator deployed in response to an aircraft malfunction to provide limited electrical power and/or hydraulic pressure.
Reduced Afterburner Thrust System. A protective feature of the F-14 Tomcat that prevented in the inadvertent selection of afterburner during aircraft carrier takeoffs and landings.
Radar Cross Section. The measure of a target’s ability to reflect radar signals in the direction of the radar receiver.
A common area where squadron aircrew 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.
Radar Operator. One of the five crew members aboard an E-2 Hawkeye, and typically the most junior of the three NFOs manning the radar and communications equipment.
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.
Reconnaissance Systems Officer – An SR-71 Blackbird backseater.
Return to Base. The act of returning to the place of origin or other friendly place of refuge, following a mission.
Replacement Training Unit. (Air Force term.) A squadron 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.
Situation Awareness Data Link. An air communication and data sharing system.
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.
An OCA mission where fighters operate in conjunction with a strike package some coordinated time / distance behind.
Software Configuration Set. A set of OFPs used to operate a modern military aircraft.
Small Diameter Bomb. A 250-lb precision-guided glide bomb intended to provide aircraft with the ability to carry a higher number of more accurate bombs.
Squadron 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.
Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses
Seawater-activated Release System. A device intended to release a parachuting aircrew 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.
A combination OCA/strike mission where aircraft fight their way into a target, strike it with A/S ordnance, then fight their way out again.
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 squadron 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.
(See Self-Escort StrikeA combination OCA/strike mission where aircraft fight their way into a target, strike it with A/S ordnance, then fight their way out again..)
Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program. A unit-level training evolution designed to hone aerial combat skills as an initial step in preparation for follow-on workups for deployment. Administered by a Type Wing Weapons School.
Strike-Fighter Tactics Instructor. A TOPGUN graduate.
Signals Intelligence. The collection of electronic emissions in the interest of gaining information.
A comm brevity term used when a fighter has employed all of its active missiles.
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.
Service Life Extension Program. A maintenance process that extends an aircraft’s usefulness.
$h!tty Little Jobs Officer. A derogatory term for a young officer who is assigned menial tasks in a squadron.
Subject Matter Expert.
Stores Management System. A computerized aircraft system that acts as the conduit between the aircrew and any stores (i.e. racks, rails, launchers, fuel tanks, ordnance) that may be loaded on the aircraft.
An aviation organization composed of aircrew, support personnel, aircraft, and equipment.
Surface Surveillance Control. A patrol mission flown to build a consolidated picture of surface vessel contacts in a particular area.
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..
Short Takeoff / Vertical Land. A description of the capability of certain aircraft, such as the AV-8B Harrier or F-35B Lightning II.
The deliberate act of retiring an aircraft from active service.
An OCA mission where fighters act autonomously without being tied to any other fighter elements or strike package.
Surface Warfare Officer School. The academic institution where naval officers learn how to control and employ warships.
Tactical Air Control Party. A ground unit whose mission is to control aircraft in support of ground forces.
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
Training and Administration of the Reserve. A predecessor program to FTS.
A military intelligence officer who specializes in generating precise targets for ground targets and assists with weapon-to-target match determination.
Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System. A camera pod fitted to the F-14 Tomcat which afforded an aerial reconnaissance capability.
Tactical Crew Coordination. A standardized system to maximize the effectiveness of multi-crew tactical aircraft.
Television Camera Set. An optical system installed in the F-14 Tomcat that permitted crews to visually identify and track aircraft beyond visual range.
Troops in Contact. A term implying an emergent need for support due to ground forces currently being engaged by the enemy.
Thermal Imaging Laser Designation. An externally-mounted infrared used on the Panavia Tornado.
Type / Model / Series. An aircraft nomenclature convention used from 1924 to 1948.
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.
Tactical Situational Display. A display installed in the F-14 Tomcat to increase the crew’s situational awareness tactically.
Threat Activity, Target, Friendly situation, Artillery, Clearance authority, Ordnance requested, Restrictions. A standardized way for JTACs to pass battlefield information to supporting combat aircraft.
Turning Tanker Last Recovery. An aerial refueling-equipped aircraft manned and ready on an aircraft carrier to launch in the event more fuel is needed airborne to recover aircraft.
Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle. An unmanned aerial vehicle that carries ordnance used for offensive strikes.
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.
Utah Test and Training Range. A military testing and training area located approximately 80 miles west of Salt Lake City, Utah.
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.
Vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Device. A cowardly way to attack your enemy with a vehicle laden with explosives.
Variable Exhaust Nozzle(s). An adjustable nozzle on the aft-most portion of a jet engine designed to optimize performance.
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.
Virtual Reality. An interactive computer-generated experience that takes place within a simulated environment.
A formation of four aircraft abeam each other in a relatively-straight line, albeit possibly at different altitudes.
Weapons System Officer. An NFO who crews the backseat of an F/A-18D Hornet or F/A-18F Super Hornet.
Within Visual Range. A/A 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.