Glossary of military abbreviations

List of abbreviations, acronyms and initials related to military subjects such as modern armour, artillery, infantry, and weapons, along with their definitions.

A

• AA – anti-aircraft
• AA – AEGIS Ashore
• AAA – anti-aircraft artillery "Triple A"
• AAAV – Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle
• AAD – Armoured amphibious dozer
• AADC – Area Air Defense Commander
• AAG – Anti-aircraft gun
• AAK – Appliqué armor kit (US)
• AAN – Army after next
• AAP – Advance Authority to Procure
• AAPC – Advanced Armoured Personnel Carrier (Turkey)
• AARADCOM – Army Armament Research and Development Command
• AAR – After Action Review
• AAV – Amphibious assault vehicle
• AAV – Assault Amphibious Vehicle
• AAW – Anti-Aircraft Warfare
• AAWC – Anti-Aircraft Warfare Coordinator
• AB – Air burst
• ABC – Atomic, biological, chemical (replaced by chemical, biological, radiological (CBR), and Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC))
• ABC – Automatic brightness control
• AB(C) – Aviation battalion (combat)
• ABIT – Advanced Built-In Test
• ABM – Air Bursting Munition
• ABM – Anti-Ballistic Missile
• ABMD – AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense
• ABMS – air bursting ammunition system
• ABRO – Army Base Repair Organisation
• ABS – Aww-Busting System
• ABS – anti-skid braking system
• ABSP – AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Signal Processor
• ABSV – Armoured Battlegroup Support Vehicle
• A/C – aircraft commander
• AC – alternating current
• ACA – ammunition container assembly
• ACADA – Automatic Chemical Agent Detector and Alarm
• ACAVP – Advanced Composite Armoured Vehicle Platform (UK)
• ACB – Advanced Capability Build
• ACB/TI – Advanced Capability Baseline/Technical Insertion
• ACC – AEGIS Computer Center
• ACCE – Abrams/Crusader Common Engine
• ACCV – Armored Cavalry Cannon Vehicle (US)
• ACD – Automated Common Diagrams
• ACE – Armored Combat Earthmover (US)
• ACEGIO – Advanced Conversion Equipment Group Input Output
• ACH – Advanced Combat Helmet (MICH TC-2000 Combat Helmet)
• ACLOSAutomatic Command to Line of Sight
• ACM – Acoustic Countermeasures
• ACOG – Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight
• ACOMMS – Acoustic Communications
• ACP – Automatic Colt Pistol
• ACP – Alignment control Panel
• ACPU – Aft Central Processing Unit
• ACR – Advanced Combat Rifle
• ACR – Armored cavalry regiment
• ACRV – Armoured command and reconnaissance vehicle
• ACS – Artillery communications system
• ACS – AEGIS Combat System
• ACS – Air Control Supervisor
• ACSC' – AEGIS Combat Systems Center
• ACTS – AEGIS Combat Training System
• ACU – Army combat uniform
• ACU – Antenna Coupler Unit
• ACV – Aardvark Cleaning Vehicle (US)
• ACV – Armoured combat vehicle
• ACVT – Armored Combat Vehicle Technology Program (US)
• A/D – Analog to Digital
• ADA – air defense artillery
• ADAM – Area Denial Artillery Munition
• ADAMS – Air Defense Advanced Mobile System (US)
• ADAP – Advanced Digital Antenna Production
• ADATS – Air Defence Anti-Tank System
• ADC-A – Assistant Division Commander – Fire and Maneuver
• ADC-B – Assistant Division Commander – Combat Support
• ADEA – Army Development and Employment Agency
• ADF – Australian Defence Force
• ADG' – Acoustic Display Generator
• ADI – Australian Defence Industries
• ADM – Advanced Development Model
• ADNS – Automated Digital Network System
• ADS – Advanced Display System
• AE – action express
• AECU – Antenna Environmental Control Unit
• AEF – Allied expeditionary force
• AEP – Action Entry Panel
• AER – Alteration Equivalent to Repair
• AESA – Active electronically scanned array
• AEWC – Airborne Early Warning and Control
• AEV – Armoured engineer vehicle
• AF – Air force
• AF – And Following (as "in DDG-113 AF ships will receive the AMDR Radar")
• AFA/ARA – Aerial field artillery/aerial rocket artillery (US, Vietnam war era attack helicopter batteries employing 2.75 in. FFAR)
• AFARV – Armored, Forward Area, Re-arm Vehicle (US)
• AFAS – advanced Field Artillery System
• AFATDS – Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System
• AFC – Australian Flying Corps
• AFCS – automatic fire-control systems
• AFD – automatic feeding device
• AFDL – Advanced Flight Deck Lighting
• AFFF – Aqueous Fire Fighting Foam (smothers fire cutting off oxygen)
• AFSC – air force specialty code
• AFSV – armoured fire support vehicle
• AFV – Armored Family of Vehicles (US)
• AFV – Armoured fighting vehicle
• AGC – automatic gain control
• AGF – Army ground forces
• AGL – above ground level
• AGL – automatic grenade launcher
• AGLS – automatic gun laying system
• AGS – armored gun system (US)
• AGS – Advanced Gun System
• AGV – assault gun vehicle
• AGVT – Advanced Ground Vehicle Technology
• Ah – Ampere hour
• AHC – Attack Helicopter Company (USA)
• AHE – Aircraft Handling Equipment
• AI – Action Item
• AIC – Air Intercept Controller (US Navy)
• AICS – Accuracy International Chassis System
• AICW – Advanced Individual Combat Weapon
• AIF – Australian Imperial Force (Australia, WWI)
• AIFS – Advanced Indirect Fire System
• AIFV – Armoured infantry fighting vehicle
• AIPS – Advanced Integrated Propulsion System (US)
• AIS – Automatic Identification System (US NAVY)
• AIT – Alteration Installation Team
• AIT – Advanced Information Technology
• AK – Acknowledgement
• ALAAVS – Advanced Light Armored/Amphibious Vehicle System (US)
• ALC – Advanced Land Combat (US)
• ALICE – All-purpose lightweight individual carrying equipment
• ALO – AEGIS Light Off
• ALS – Advanced laying system
• ALS – Advanced Lighting System (flight deck)
• ALSV – Armoured logistics support vehicle
• ALT – Armoured launching turret
• ALWT – Advanced Lightweight Torpedo
• AM – Acquisition Manager
• AMC – United States Army Materiel Command
• AMC – Advanced Mortar Carrier (Turkey)
• AMCCOM – Armament Munitions and Chemical Command
• AMDR – Air and Missile Defense Radar
• AMDS – Anti-Missile Discarding Sabot
• AMF – Amphibische Mehrzweck-Fahrzeuge (multipurpose amphibious vehicle)
• AML – Automitrailleuse Légère (light armoured car)
• AMLCD – Active-matrix liquid crystal display
• AMOS – Advanced mortar system
• AMPS – Afloat Master Planning System (US NAVY)
• AMR – Anti-materiel rifle
• AMR – Automitrailleuse de Reconnaissance
• AMRWS – Advanced multi-role weapon station
• AMS – Armoured mortar system
• AMS-H – Advanced Missile System – Heavy
• AMX – Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux
• ANAD – Anniston Army Depot
• ANZAC – Australia and New Zealand Army Corps
• ANZUS – Australia New Zealand United States Treaty
• AO – Area of operations
• AOI – Arab Organisation for Industrialisation
• AOS – Add-on stabilisation
• AP – Anti-personnel
• AP – Armour-piercing
• APAM – Anti-personnel, anti-matériel
• APBC – Armour-piercing ballistic cap
• APC – Armoured personnel carrier
• APC – Armour-piercing capped
• APCBC – Armour-piercing capped ballistic cap
• APC-T – Armour-piercing capped – tracer
• APCT-BF – Armour-piercing capped tracer – base fuze
• APCNR – Armour-piercing composite non-rigid
• APCR – Armour-piercing composite rigid
• APCRBC – Armour-piercing composite rigid ballistic cap
• APDS – Armour-piercing discarding sabot
• APDS-T – Armour-piercing discarding sabot – tracer
• APE – Amphibisches Pionier-Erkundungsfahrzeug (amphibious front-line reconnaissance vehicle)
• APEP – Armour-Piercing Enhancement Programme
• APERS – Anti-personnel
• APERS-T – Anti-personnel tracer
• APFIDS – Armour-piercing fragmentation incendiary discarding sabot
• APFSDS-T – Armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot – tracer
• APFSDS(P) – Armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (practice)
• APFSDSDU – Armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot, depleted uranium
• APG – Aberdeen Proving Grounds
• APGM – Autonomous precision-guided munition
• APHC – Armour-piercing hard core
• APHE – Armour-piercing high-explosive
• API – Armour-piercing incendiary
• APIT – Armour-piercing incendiary tracer
• APM – Anti-personnel mine
• APS – Advanced propulsion system
• APS – Artillery pointing system
• APSA – Armour-piercing secondary effect
• APSE – Armour-piercing secondary effect
• APSE-T – Armour-piercing secondary effect – tracer
• APT – Armour-piercing tracer
• APTE – Abrams Power Train Evolution (US)
• APU – Auxiliary power unit
• APV – Armoured patrol vehicle
• AR – Assault rifle
• AR/AAV – Armored Reconnaissance/Airborne Assault Vehicle (US)
• ARD – Anti-reflective device
• ARDEC – Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center
• ARDNOT – Automatic day/night optical tracker
• ARE – Atelier de Construction Roanne
• ARETS – Armour Remote Target System
• ARFORGEN – Army force generation
• ARMAD – Armoured and Mechanised Unit Air Defence
• ARMSCOR – Armament Manufacturing Corporation (South Africa)
• ARMVAL – Anti-armor vehicle evaluation (US)
• ARP – Anti-radiation projectile
• ARP – Armoured repair plates
• ARRADCOM – Armament Research and Development Command
• ARRV – Armoured repair and recovery vehicle
• ARSV – Armored Reconnaissance Scout Vehicle (US)
• ART – Armoured Recon Transport
• ARV – Armoured recovery vehicle or Armed Robotic Vehicle (XM1219)
• ASAAdvanced security agency
• ASAP – As soon as possible
• ASARC – Army Systems Acquisition Review Council
• ASCOD – Austrian Spanish Co-operative Development
• ASM – Armored Systems Modernisation (US)
• ASP – Automatic, self-powered
• ASTROS – Artillery Saturation Rocket System (Brazil)
• ASV – Armored Security Vehicle (US)
• ASV – Ammunition supply vehicle
• AT – Anti-tank
• AT – Ape tape
• ATACS – Advanced tank cannon system (US)
• ATAS – Automatic target acquisition system
• ATCAS – Advanced towed cannon system
• ATD – Advanced technology demonstration
• ATD – Advanced technology demonstrator (US)
• ATD – Automatic target detection
• ATDT – Automatic target detection and tracking
• ATDU – Armoured Trials and Development Unit (UK)
• ATFCS – Automated Targeting and Fire Control System
• ATG – Anti-tank gun
• ATGL – Anti-tank grenade launcher
• ATGM – Anti-tank guided missile
• ATGW – Anti-tank guided weapon
• ATK – Alliant Techsystems
• ATLAS – Advanced technology light artillery system
• ATLV – Artillery target location vehicle
• ATM – Anti-tank mine
• ATR – - EDS Automotive test rig – Electric drive system
• ATS – Atelier de Construction de Tarbes
• ATTC – All Terrain Tracked Carrier
• ATTS – Air Transportable Towed System
• ATV – All-terrain vehicle
• ATV – Armoured TOW vehicle (Turkey)
• AUG – Armee Universal Gewehr
• AVGP – Armoured Vehicle General Purpose (Canada)
• AVH – Armoured Vehicle Heavy
• AVL – Armoured Vehicle Light
• AVLB – Armoured vehicle-launched bridge
• AVM – Armoured Vehicle Medium
• AVR – Armoured vehicle reconnaissance
• AVRE – Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers (UK)
• AVT – Advanced Vehicle Technologies (US)
• AWE – Advanced Warfighting Experiment
• AWOL – Absent without official leave

B

• BAe – British Aerospace
• BAR – M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle
• BARV – Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle
• BASE – British Aerospace Systems and Equipment
• BATES – Battlefield Artillery Target Engagement System
• BAT – Biometrics Automated Toolset
• BB – Base bleed
• BBSP – Blowback shifted pulse
• BC – Battery commander
• BCC – battery control centre
• BCP – Battery command post
• BCT – Brigade combat team (US)
• BCT – Basic combat training
• BCV – Battle command vehicle
• BD – base detonating
• BDA – Browning double action or bomb damage assessment
• BDM – Bunker demolition munition
• BDU – Battle dress uniform
• BE – Base ejection
• BFA – Blank-firing adaptor or blank-firing attachment
• BFV – Bradley Fighting Vehicle
• BGT – Brigade combat team
• bhp – Brake horsepower
• BIFF – Battlefield identification friend or foe
• BILL – Bofors, infantry, light and lethal
• BITE – Built-in test equipment
• BL – Blank
• BL-T – Black tracer
• BLITS – Beta lighted infantry telescope system
• BLT – Battalion landing team
• BLR – Blindado Ligero de Ruedas
• BMF – Belgian Mechanical Fabrication
• BMNT – Begin morning nautical twilight
• BMP – Pronounced "bimp". A Former Warsaw Pact IFV
• BMR – Blindado Medio de Ruedas
• BMS – Battalion mortar system
• BMS – Battlefield management system
• BNCC (USAF) – Base network control center
• BNS – Bill night sight
• BOCV – Battery operations centre vehicle
• BOG-Dwell – Boots on the ground – dwell (down time)
• BOL – Bearing-only launch
• BOLTS – Bolt-on loading tray system
• BOSS – Ballistic optimizing shooting system
• BPS – Battery power source
• BSP – Bright source protection
• BSSG – Brigade service support group
• BST – Basic skills trainer
• BT – Boat tail
• BT – Bullet trap
• BTA – Best technical approach
• BTRY – Battery
• BTU – Bullet trap universal
• BUA – BILL under armour or built-up area
• BW – Bacteriological warfare
• BX – Bionix AFV

C

• C3I – Command, control, communications, and intelligence
• CAB – Combat aviation battalion
• CAD – Computer-assisted design
• CAG – Commander of the Air Group
• CAL – Canadian Arsenals Limited
• CAP – Civil air patrol (USAF civilian auxiliary)
• CAP – Combat air patrol
• CAP – Combustible augmented plasma
• CAP – Covering Agent Program
• CARRV – Challenger armoured repair and recovery vehicle
• CAS – Close air support
• CASEVAC – Casualty evacuation
• CAT/FCS – Command adjusted trajectory/fire-control system (US)
• CAT/LCV – Combined arms team/lightweight combat vehicle (US)
• CATT – Combined arms tactical trainer (UK)
• CATT-B – Component Advanced Technology TestBed (US)
• CAV – Composite armored vehicle (US)
• CAWS – Cannon Artillery Weapons Systems (US)
• CAX – Combined arms exercise
• CBR – Chemical, biological, radiological
• CBRN – Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear
• CCC – Combustible cartridge case
• CCD – Charge-coupled device
• CCO – Close combat optic
• CCP – Computer control panel
• CCR – Crown copyright reserved
• CCTV – Closed-circuit television
• CCU – Central control unit
• CCV – Close combat vehicle
• CCV – Command and control vehicle (US)
• CCV-L – Close combat vehicle – light
• cd – candela
• CDA – Combat defensive action
• CDM – Coastal defence missile
• CDU – Command display unit
• CDU – Computer display unit
• CE – Chemical energy
• C/E – Crew/enlisted (enlisted aircrew member)
• CECOM – Communications-electronics command
• CEFO – Combat equipment fighting order (webbing contents)
• CENTCOM – Central command
• CENTO – Central Treaty Organisation or Baghdad Pact
• CEOI – Communications electronics operating instruction
• CEP – Circular error of probability
• CES – Engineer Services Regiment (Sri Lanka)
• CEPP – Controlled effect police projectile
• CET – Combat engineer tractor
• CEU – Computer electronics unit
• CEV – Combat engineer vehicle
• CF – Canadian Forces
• CF – Controlled fragmentation
• CFE – Conventional forces Europe
• CFV – Cavalry fighting vehicle (US)
• CG – Commanding general
• CGS – Crew gunnery simulator
• CHA – Cast homogeneous armour
• CHARM – Challenger chieftain armament
• CHIP – Challenger improvement programme
• CIFV – Composite infantry fighting vehicle
• CILAS – Compagnie Industrielle des Lasers
• CINC – Commander In-Chief
• CIS – Chartered Industries of Singapore
• CIS – Commonwealth of Independent States
• CITV – Commander's independent thermal viewer (US)
• CIWS – Close-in weapons system
• CLAMS – Clear lane marking system (US)
• CLASS – Computerised Laser Sight System
• CLAWS – Close combat light armor weapon system (US)
• CLGP – Cannon-launched guided projectile (US)
• CLOS – Command to line of sight
• CLU – Command launch unit
• CM – Colour-marking or "continue mission"
• CMS – Common missile system
• CMS – Compact modular sight
• CMT – Cadmium–mercury telluride
• CMV – Combat mobility vehicle (US)
• CNVD – Clip-on night vision device
• COB – Close of Business
• CO – Commanding officer
• COG – Course over ground
• Comp – B Composition B
• COMVAT – Combat vehicles armament technology (US)
• COMZ – Communications zone
• COP – Combat out post
• COS – Chief of section
• COSCOM – Corps support command (US Army)
• CofS – Chief of staff
• COTAC – Conduite de Tir Automatique pour Char (tank automatic fire)
• COTS – Commercial-off-the-shelf
• COV – Counter obstacle vehicle (US)
• CP – Concrete-piercing
• CPR – Common practice round
• CPS – Cardinal points specification (UK)
• CPV – Command post vehicle
• CQB – Close quarters battle
• CQBW – Close-quarters battle weapon
• CR – Capability requirement
• CR – Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment
• CRISAT – Collaborative research into small arms technology
• CRM – Composite risk management (US)
• CROWS – Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station
• CRR – Carro de Reconhecimento Sobre Rodas (reconnaissance tracking scout car)
• CRT – Cathode ray tube
• CRU – Cable reel unit
• CS – Communications subsystem
• CS – Confined space
• CS (USAF) – Communications squadron
• CSB – Combat Support Boat
• CSF – Combined service forces
• CSI – computer-synthesised image
• CSS – Computer sighting system
• CSSD – Combat service support detachment
• CTA – Case telescoped ammunition
• CTD – Concept technology demonstrator
• CTI – Central tyre inflation
• CTIS – Central tyre inflation system
• CTO – Central Treaty Organisation or Baghdad Pact
• CTR – Close Target Recce
• CTRA – Carro de Transporte Sobre Rodas Anfibo (amphibious tracking scout car)
• CTT – Challenger training tank
• CV90 – Combat Vehicle 90
• CVAST – Combat vehicle armament system technology (US)
• CVR(T) – Combat vehicle reconnaissance (tracked) (UK)
• CVR(W) – Combat vehicle reconnaissance (wheeled) (UK)
• CVRDE – Combat vehicle research and development establishment (India)
• CVT – Controlled variable time
• CVTTS – Combat vehicle targeting system
• CW – Chemical warfare
• CWR – Continuous wave radar
• CWS – Cupola weapon station

D

• DA – double action
• DAHA – dual-axis head assembly
• DAO – double action only
• DARCOM – US Army Matériel Development and Readiness Command
• DAREOD – damaged airfield reconnaissance explosive ordnance disposal
• DARPA – Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (US)
• DAS – deep air support
• DAS – defensive aid system/suite
• DASP – demountable artillery surveillance pod
• DBMS – dead bodies make sense
• DC – direct current
• DCA – défense contre avions (anti-aircraft)
• DCCT – dismounted close combat trainer
• DD – Detroit diesel
• DDA – Detroit Diesel Allison
• DDS – Department of Defense Support
• DDU – digital display unit
• DECA – digital electronic control assembly
• DEFA – direction des études et fabrications d'armement
• DERA – Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (UK)
• DESO – Defence Export Sales Organisation (UK)
• DFAC – Dining Facility (US)
• DFCS – digital fire-control system
• DFSV – direct fire support vehicle
• DFV – desert fighting vehicle
• DHSS – data handling subsystem
• DIA – Defense Intelligence Agency (US)
• DICON – Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria
• DIP – driver instrument panel
• DISA – Defense Information Systems Agency
• DISCOM – division support command
• DIVARTY – division artillery
• DMC – digital magnetic compass
• DMR – dedicated marksman rifle
• DMU – distance measurement unit
• DNRS – day/night range sight
• DoD – Department of Defense (US)
• DOIM (US Army) – Directorate of Information Management
• DOP – Department of Productivity
• DP – demonstration purpose
• DP – dual purpose
• DPA – Defence Procurement Agency (UK)
• DPICM – dual-purpose improved conventional munition (US)
• DPTR – diopter
• DRA – Defence Research Agency (UK)
• DROPS – demountable rack offloading and pick-up system
• DROS – Date of Return Overseas (US)
• DS/T – practice discarding sabot/tracer
• DSACS – direct support armored cannon system (US)
• DSETS – direct support electrical test system
• DSO – Defence Sales Organisation
• DSRV – Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (US)
• DSWS – Division Support Weapon System
• DTAT – Direction Technique des Armements Terrestres
• DTT – driver training tank
• DU – depleted uranium
• DV – demining vehicle
• DVE – driver's vision enhancer
• DWFK – deep water fording kit
• DZ – drop zone

E

• EAAK – Enhanced Appliqué Armor Kit (US)
• EAOS – Enhanced Artillery Observation System
• EBG – Engin Blindé Génie (armoured combat vehicle)
• EBR – Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance (armoured reconnaissance vehicle)
• EBRC – Engine Blindé à roues de Contact
• EC – Enhanced Carbine
• ECB – Engineering and Construction Bulletins
• ECM – Electronic countermeasures
• ECOS – Enhanced Combat Optical Sight
• ECS – Environmental Control Subsystem
• ECV – Enhanced Capacity Vehicle
• EDD – Explosive Detonation Disruption
• EDS – Electric Drive System
• EFAB – Etablissement d'Etudes et de Fabrications d'Armement de Bourges
• EFC – equivalent full charge
• EFCR – equivalent full charge rounds
• EFM – Explosives Factory Maribyrnong
• EFP – Expanded Feasibility Phase
• EFP – Explosively Formed Penetrator
• EFV – Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (New name for AAAV)
• EFVS – Electronic Fighting Vehicle System (US)
• EG – External Gun
• EGLM – Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module
• EI – Engineering and Installation
• EIS – Engineering and Installation Squadron
• EI SIT – Engineering and Installation Site Implementation Team
• ELB – Extended Life Barrel
• ELEC – Electronic
• ELEX – Electronics
• ELKE – Elevated Kinetic Energy Weapon (US)
• ELS – Electromagnetic Launcher System
• ELSAP – Elektronische Schiessanlage für Panzer (electronic fire system for tanks)
• EM – electromagnetic
• EMC – Executive Management Committee
• EMD – Engineering and Manufacturing Development
• EMDG – Euromissile Dynamics Group
• EMEW – Electromagnetically-Augmented High Explosive Warhead
• EMG – externally mounted gun
• EMP – electromagnetic pulse
• EMPG – Electromagnetic Pulse Grenade
• ENGESA – Engesa Engenheiros Especializados (Brazil)
• EOC – Essential Operational Capability
• EOD – explosive ordnance disposal
• EOR – Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance
• EOTS – Electro-Optical Tracking System
• EPC – electronic plane conversion
• EPC – Engin Principal de Combat (future main battle tank)
• EPG – Enhanced Performance Grenade
• EPG – European Production Group
• EPG – European Programme Group
• EPS – Electrical Power Subsystem
• EPU – Electronics Processing Unit
• ER – enhanced radiation
• ER – extended range
• ERA – explosive reactive armour
• ERA – extended range ammunition
• ERC – Engin de Reconnaissance Canon
• ERFB – extended range full-bore
• ERFB-BB – extended range full-bore – base bleed
• ERGFCDS – Extended Range Gunnery Fire-Control Demonstration System
• ERGP – extended range guided projectile
• ERMIS – Extended Range Modification Integration System
• ERP – Extended Range Projectile
• ERSC – extended range subcalibre
• ERV – emergency rescue vehicle
• ERV – Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle
• ES – Extreme Spread
• ESAF – Electronic Safety and Arm Function
• ESD – Electronique Serge Dassault
• ESLDE – Eyesafe Laser Daylight Elbow
• ESPAWS – Enhanced Self-Propelled Artillery Weapon System (US)
• ESRS – electro-slag refined steel
• ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival
• ETC – ElectroThermal Cannon
• ETD – Estimated Time of Departure
• ETE – Estimated Time of Endurance
• ETM – Electronic Technical Manuals
• ETS – Elevated TOW System
• ETS – Engineer Tank System
• ETS – End of Term of Service (discharge date) (US)
• EW – electronic warfare
• EWK – Eisenwerke Kaiserslautern Gцppner
• EWS – external weapon station

F

• FAAD – Forward Area Air Defense
• FAAR – Forward Area Alerting Radar (US)
• FAARP – Forward Area Arming & Refueling Point
• FAASV – Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (US)
• FAC – Forward Air Control(er)
• FAC-A – Forward Air Control(er)-Airborne
• FACE – Field Artillery Computer Equipment
• FAL – Fusil Automatique Légère
• FAPDS – Frangible Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot
• FARP – Forward Area Refueling Point
• FARS – field artillery rocket system
• FARV-A – Future Armored Resupply Vehicle – Artillery (US)
• FAST – Forward Area Support Team
• FAV – Fast Attack Vehicle (US)
• FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation
• FBM – Fleet Ballistic Missile
• FBRV – Future Beach Recovery Vehicle (UK)
• FCC – Fire Command Centre
• FCC – Fire-Control Computer
• FCCVS – Future Close-Combat Vehicle System (US)
• FCE – fire-control equipment
• FCLV – Future Command and Liaison Vehicle (UK)
• FCS – fire-control system/subsystem
• FCS – Future Combat System
• FCU – Fire Control Unit
• FDC – fire direction centre
• FDCV – fire direction centre vehicle
• FDSWS – Future Direct Support Weapon System
• FEBA – Forward Edge of the Battle Area
• FEP – Firepower Enhancement Programme
• FET – Future Engineer Tank
• FFAR – Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket
• FFE – Fire for Effect
• FFR – Fitted For Radio
• FFSS – Future Fighting Soldier System
• FFW – Fitted For Wireless
• FG – field gun
• FH – field howitzer
• FIBUA – Fighting In Built-Up Areas
• FID – Foreign Internal Defenses
• FIFV – Future Infantry Fighting Vehicle (US)
• FIRM – Floating Integrated Rail Mount
• FIS – Fuze Interface System
• FISH – Fighting In Someone's House (UK) (Colloquial. Slang term for FIBUA)
• FIST – Future Integrated Soldier Technology (UK), Fire Support Team (US)
• FISTV – Fire Support Team Vehicle (US)
• FITOW – Further Improved TOW (US)
• FLEA – Frangible Low-Energy Ammunition (i.e. a fragmentation grenade or a low-yield IED)
• FLIR – forward-looking infra-red
• FLOT – forward line of own troops
• FLSW – Future Light Support Weapon
• FM – U.S. Army Field Manuals
• FM – Titanium tetrachloride (code designation)
• FMBS – Family of Muzzle Brake/Suppressors
• FMC – Food Machinery Corporation
• FMF – Fleet Marine Force
• FMJ – Full Metal Jacket
• FMJBT – Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail
• FMJLF – Full Metal Jacket Lead Free
• FMPDS – Frangible Missile Piercing Discarding Sabot
• FMS – Foreign Military Sales
• FMTV – Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles
• FN – Fabrique Nationale (Manufacturer)
• FO – Forward Observer
• FOB – Forward Operating Base
• FOC – Full Operational Capability
• FOD – Foreign Object Damage (i.e., damage not caused by enemy fire. Includes bugs, dirt, etc.) (Aviation)
• FOG – Fibre Optic Gyro
• FOM – Fibre Optic Missile
• FOO – forward observation officer
• FORTIS – Forward Observation and Reconnaissance Thermal Imaging System
• FOTT – Follow On To TOW
• FOV – field of view
• FPA – Focal Plane Array
• FRAG – fragmentation
• FRAGO – FRAGmentary Order. (see OPORD)
• FRES – Future Rapid Effect System
• FROG – free rocket over ground
• FSCL – fire support coordination line
• FSCM – fire support coordination measure
• FSCV – fire support combat vehicle
• FS – fire support element
• FSED – full-scale engineering development (US)
• FSSG – Force Service Support Group
• FST – Future Soviet Tank/Follow-on Soviet Tank
• FSV – fire support vehicle
• FSV – Future Scout Vehicle (US)
• FTA – Frangible Training Ammunition
• FTMA – Future Tank Main Armament
• FTS – Future Tank Study
• FTT – Field Tactical Trainer
• FUBAR – Fouled/Fucked Up Beyond All Reason/Recognition/Repair
• FUE – First Unit Equipped
• FUG – Felderitц Usу Gépkosci
• FV – fighting vehicle
• FV/GCE – fighting vehicle gun control equipment
• FVDD – Fighting Vehicle Development Division
• FVRDE – Fighting Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (UK)
• FVS – Fighting Vehicle System (US)
• FVSC – Fighting Vehicle Systems Carrier (US)
• FY – fiscal year

G

• g – gramme(s)
• G – gendarmerie
• GAMA – Gun Automatic Multiple Ammunition
• GAO – General Accounting Office
• GAP – Gun Aiming Post
• GBAD – Ground Based Air Defence
• GCE – gun control equipment
• GCT – Grande Cadence de Tir (high rate of fire)
• GCU – Gun Control Unit
• GCW – Gross Combined Weight (not "Gross Combat Weight"). Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) plus Gross Trailer Weight (GTW).
• GD – General Dynamics
• GDLS – General Dynamics Land Systems
• GDU – Gun Display Unit
• GFE – Government Furnished Equipment
• GH – gun-howitzer
• GIGN-Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale ("National Gendarmerie Intervention Group")
• GIAT – Groupement Industriel des Armements Terrestres
• GL – Grenade Launcher
• GLATGM – Gun Launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile
• GLC – gun lay computer
• GLDNSM – Grenade Launcher Day-Night Sight Mount
• GLH-H – Ground-Launched Hellfire-Heavy (US)
• GLLD – Ground Laser Locator Designator (US)
• GLS – Gesellschaft für Logistischen Service
• GM, MVO – General Motors, Military Vehicle Operations
• GMC – General Motors Corporation
• GMG – Grenade Machine Gun
• GMLRS – Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System
• GMS – Gun Management System
• GND – Ground (electrical)
• GOCO – government-owned, contractor-operated (US)
• GOP – General Out Post
• GP – General Purpose
• GP – guided projectile
• GPMG – General Purpose Machine Gun
• GPO – gun position officer
• GPS – Global Positioning System
• GPS – gunner's primary sight
• GPSS – Gunner's Primary Sight Subsystem
• GR – Gajaba Regiment (Sri Lanka)
• GREM – Grenade Rifle Entry Munition
• GRU – Glavnoe Razvedyvatel'noe Upravlenie, meaning Main Intelligence Directorate
• GSR – General Staff Requirement (US)
• GSRS – General Support Rocket System
• GSG9- Grenzschutzgruppe 9 der Bundespolizei (Border Protection Group 9 of the Federal Police)
• GST – General Staff Target
• GST – Gesellschaft fьr System-Technik
• GTCS – Gun Test and Control System
• GTG – Good To Go
• GTI – German Tank Improvement
• GTW – Gross Trailer Weight
• GVW – Gross Vehicle Weight. Curb weight plus max payload weight.
• GW – Gemunu Watch (Sri Lanka)
• GW – guided weapon

H

• h – hour(s)
• H&K – Heckler and Koch
• HAB – Heavy Assault Bridge (US)
• HAB – Heavy Artillery Brigade (UK)
• HAG – Heavy Artillery Gun
• HALO – High Altitude Low Opening, High Activity/Low Observable
• HAMS – Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron – Marine Aircraft Group (USMC)
• HAWK – Homing-All-the-Way-Killer (US)
• HB – heavy barrel
• HBAR – Heavy Barrel Assault Rifle
• HC – Hexachloroethane/zinc
• HC – high-capacity
• HC – Hollow Charge
• HCER – high-capacity extended range
• HCHE – high-capacity high-explosive
• HCT – HOT Compact Turret
• HDS – HOLOgraphic Diffraction Sight
• HE – high-explosive
• HE-APERS – high-explosive anti-personnel
• HE-FRAG – high-explosive fragmentation
• HE-FRAG-FS – high-explosive fragmentation – fin-stabilised
• HE-FS – high-explosive – fin-stabilised
• HE-S – high-explosive spotting
• HE-T – high-explosive tracer
• HE/PR – high-explosive practice
• HEAA – High-Explosive Anti-Armour
• HEAB – High-Explosive Air Burst
• HEAP – High-Explosive Armor-Piercing
• HEAP-T – high-explosive anti-personnel – tracer
• HEAT – high-explosive anti-tank
• HEAT-FS – high-explosive anti-tank fin-stabilised
• HEAT-MP – high-explosive anti-tank multipurpose
• HEAT-MP(P) – high-explosive anti-tank multipurpose (practice)
• HEAT-T – high-explosive anti-tank – tracer
• HEAT-T-HVY – high-explosive anti-tank – tracer – heavy
• HEAT-T-MP – high-explosive anti-tank – tracer – multipurpose
• HEAT-TP-T – high-explosive anti-tank – target practice – tracer
• HED-D – Hybrid Electric Drive – Demonstrator
• HEDP – high-explosive dual-purpose
• HEER – High-Explosive Extended Range (US)
• HEF – High-Explosive Fragmentation
• HEFT – High-Explosive Follow Through
• HEI – high-explosive incendiary
• HEIT – high-explosive incendiary tracer
• HEL – High-Energy Laser (US)
• HEL – Human Engineering Laboratory (US)
• HELP – Howitzer Extended Life Program (US)
• HEMAT – Heavy Expanded Mobility Ammunition Trailer (US)
• HEMP – High-Explosive Multi-Purpose
• HEMTT – Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (US)
• HEP – high-explosive plastic
• HEP-T – high-explosive practice – tracer
• HEPD – high-explosive point detonating
• HERA – high-explosive rocket-assisted
• HESH – high-explosive squash head
• HESH-T – high-explosive squash head – tracer
• HET-PF – high-explosive tracer – percussion fuze
• HETF – High Explosive Time Fuzed
• HETS – Heavy Equipment Transport System
• HFCC – Howitzer Fire-Control Computer (US)
• HFHTB – Human Factors Howitzer TestBed (US)
• HFM – Heavy Force Modernisation (US)
• HIFV – Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle
• HIMAG – High-Mobility Agility Test Vehicle (US)
• HIMARS – High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (US)
• HIP – Howitzer Improvement Program (US)
• HIRE – Hughes Infrared Equipment
• HITP – High-Ignition Temperature Propellant
• HIU – Heading Indicator Unit
• HMC – Howitzer Motor Carriage
• HMD – Helmet-Mounted Display
• HMG – Heavy Machine Gun
• HMH – Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron
• HMLC – High-Mobility Load Carrier
• HML/A – Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron
• HMM – Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron
• HMMWV – High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle
• HMX – Marine Special Mission Helicopter Squadron
• HOE – Holographic Optical Element
• HOT – Haute subsonique Optiquement Téléguidé
• How – Howitzer
• HP – High Power; Hollow Point
• hp – Horsepower
• HPFP – High-Performance Fragmentation Projectile
• HPS – Helmet Pointing System (or Sight)
• HPT – high-pressure test
• HRU – Heading Reference Unit
• HS – Headquarters Squadron – Marine Wing Support Group (USMC)
• HSS – Hunter Sensor Suite
• HSTV(L) – High-Survivability Test Vehicle (Lightweight) (US)
• HTTB – High-Technology TestBed (US)
• HVAP – high-velocity armour-piercing
• HVAP-T – high-velocity armour-piercing tracer
• HVAPDS-T – high-velocity armour-piercing discarding sabot – tracer
• HVAPFSDS – high-velocity armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot
• HVCC – High Velocity Canister Cartridge
• HVM – Hypervelocity Missile
• HVSS – horizontal volute spring suspension
• HVSW – Hypervelocity Support Weapon
• HVTP-T – high-velocity target practice – tracer
• HWSTD – High Water Speed Technology Demonstrator
• HYPAK – Hydraulic Power Assist Kit

I

• I – Incendiary
• IAF - Indian Air Force
• IAFV – infantry armoured fighting vehicle
• IAI – Israel Aircraft Industries
• IAL – Infra-red Aiming Light
• IASD – Instant Ammunition Selection Device
• IBAS – Improved Bradley Acquisition System
• ICC – information co-ordination centre
• ICM – improved conventional munition
• ICM – BB improved conventional munition base bleed
• ICV – Infantry Combat Vehicle
• IDF – Israel Defense Forces
• IDF – Indirect fire
• IDW – Individual Defence Weapon
• IED – Improvised Explosive Device
• IEPG – Independent European Program Group
• IFCS – Improved/Integrated Fire-Control System
• IFF – Identification Friend or Foe
• IFV – infantry fighting vehicle
• IFVwCM – Infantry Fighting Vehicle with Integrated Countermeasures (US)
• IGLS – Individual Grenade Launcher System
• II – image intensification/intensifier
• IIR – Imaging Infra-Red
• ILL – illuminating
• ILMS – Improved Launcher Mechanical System
• ILS – Integrated Logistic Support
• IM – Insensitive Munition(s)
• IMMLC – Improved Medium Mobility Load Carrier
• IMU – Inertial Measurement Unit
• INSAS – Indian Small Arms System
• InSb – Indium-antimonide
• IOC – initial operational capability
• IOF – Indian Ordnance Factory
• IPB – Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
• IPF – Initial Production Facility
• IPO – International Programme Office
• IPPD – Integrated Product Process Development
• IR – Infra-Red
• IRBM – Intermediate-range ballistic missile
• IRU – Inertial Reference Unit
• IS – internal security
• ISD – In Service Date
• ISGU – Integrated Sight and Guidance Unit
• ISR – Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance
• ISU – Integrated Sight Unit
• ISV – Internal Security Vehicle
• ITAS – Improved Target Acquisition System
• ITOW – Improved TOW
• ITPIAL – Infra-red Target Pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Laser
• ITT – Invitation To Tender
• ITV – Improved TOW Vehicle (US)
• IVPDL – Inter-Vehicle Positioning and Data Link (US)
• IW – Individual Weapon
• IWS – Improved Weapon System

J

• JBMoU – Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding
• JDAM – Joint Direct Attack Munition
• JERRV – Joint Engineer Rapid Response Vehicle
• JGSDF – Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force
• JHP – Jacketed hollow point
• JLTA – Javelin Composite Launch Tube
• JMAC – Joint Medium-calibre Automatic Cannon
• JPO – Joint Project Office
• JSC – Joint Steering Committee
• JSCS – Joint Service Combat Shotgun
• JSDFA – Japanese Self-Defence Force Agency
• JSP – Jacketed Soft Point
• JSSAMP – Joint Services Small Arms Master Plan
• JSSAP – Joint Services Small Arms Programme

K

• KAAV – Korean Armoured Amphibious Vehicle
• KAC – Knight's Armament Company
• KE – Kinetic energy
• KEC – Kaman Electromagnetics Corporation
• KEM – Kinetic Energy Missile (US)
• kg – kilogramme(s)
• KIA – Killed in Action
• KIFV – Korean Infantry Fighting Vehicle
• KPA – Korean People's Army

L

• LAAG – light anti-aircraft gun
• LAAM – Light Anti-Aircraft Missile
• LAAW – Light Anti-Tank Assault Weapon
• LCAC – Landing Craft Air Cushion
• LAD – light aid detachment
• LADS – light air defense system (US)
• LAG – Light Artillery Gun
• LALO – Low Altitude Low Opening
• LAM – Laser Aiming Module
• LAPES – Low-Altitude Parachute Extraction System
• LAR – Light Automatic Rifle
• LASER – Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
• LASIP – Light Artillery System Improvement Plan
• LATS – Light Armoured Turret System
• LAU – Light Armoured Unit
• LAV – Light Armored Vehicle (US)
• LAV – Light Assault Vehicle (US)
• LAV-AD – Light Armored Vehicle – Air Defense
• LAW – light anti-tank weapon
• LB – Long Barrel
• LC – Laser Collimator
• LCD – Liquid crystal display
• LCS – Loader Control System
• LCU – Landing Craft Utility
• LCV – Light Contingency Vehicle (LCV) (US)
• LD – Low drag, Line of Departure
• LE – Law Enforcement
• LED – light emitting diode
• LEP – Life Extension Programme
• LEU – Launcher Erector Unit
• LF – ATGW Light Forces' Anti-Tank Guided Weapon
• LF – Linked Feed
• LFHG – Lightweight Fragmentation Hand Grenade
• LFL – Light Fighter Lethality
• LIA – Linear Induction Accelerator
• LIMAWS – Lightweight Mobile Artillery Weapon System
• LION – Lightweight Infra-red Observation Night sight
• LIW – Lyttleton Engineering Works
• LKP – Loader Keyboard Panel
• LLAD – low-level air defence
• LLLTV – low light level television
• LLM – Launcher Loader Module
• LMAW – Light Multi-purpose Assault Weapon
• LMG – light machine gun
• LNS – Land Navigation System
• LNS – Laying and Navigation System
• L/O – Liaison Officer
• LOAL – Lock-On After Launch
• LOBL – Lock-On Before Launch
• LOC – Line Of Communication
• LOS – Line Of Sight
• LOSAT – Line Of Sight Anti-Tank
• LP – Liquid Propellant
• LP – Listening Post
• LPC – Launch Pod Container
• LPC – Launcher Pod Carrier
• LPG – Liquid Propellant Gun
• LPO – Leading Petty Officer
• LPT – Low-Profile Turret
• LPTS – Lightweight Protected Turret System
• LR – Long Rifle
• LR – Long-Range
• LRAR – Long Range Artillery Rocket
• LRASS – Long-Range Advanced Scout System
• LRAT – long-range anti-tank
• LRBB – long-range base bleed
• LRD – Long Range Deflagrator
• LRF – laser rangefinder
• LRF – Low Recoil Force
• LRHB – long-range hollow base
• LRIP – Low-Rate Initial Production
• LRM – Laser Rangefinder Module
• LRN – Lead Round Nose
• LRN – Low Recoil NORICUM
• LRRP – Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol
• LRSA – Long Range Sniper Ammunition
• LRSU – Long Range Surveillance Unit
• LRU – Launcher Replenishment Unit
• LRU – Line Replacement Unit
• LRU – Line-Replaceable Unit
• LSB – Landing Support Battalion
• LSS – Lightweight Shotgun System
• LSVW – Light Support Vehicle, Wheeled (Canada)
• LSW – Light Support Weapon
• LTA – Launch Tube Assembly
• LTD – Laser Target Designator
• LTFCS – Laser Tank Fire-Control System
• LTP – Laser Target Pointer, Luminesant Training Projectile
• LUTE – Lightweight Uncooled Thermal Imager Equipment
• LVA – landing vehicle assault (US)
• LVS – Lightweight Video Sight
• LVT – Landing Vehicle Tracked (US)
• LVTC – Landing Vehicle Tracked Command (US)
• LVTE – Landing Vehicle Tracked Engineer (US)
• LVTH – Landing Vehicle Tracked Howitzer (US)
• LVTP – Landing Vehicle Tracked Personnel (US)
• LVTR – Landing Vehicle Tracked Recovery (US)
• LWC – Lead Wad Cutter
• LWIR – Long Wave Infrared
• LWL – LightWeight Launcher
• LWML – LightWeight Multiple Launcher
• LWMS – LightWeight Modular Sight
• LWS – laser warning system
• LWT – light weapon turret
• LZ – landing zone

M

• m – metre(s)
• m/s – metres per second
• MAB – Marine Amphibious Brigade
• MABS – Marine Air Base Squadron
• MAC – Medium Armored Car (US)
• MAC – Military Airlift Command
• MACS – Modular Artillery Charge System
• MACS – Marine Air Control Squadron
• MADLS – Mobile Air Defence Launching System
• MAF – Marine Amphibious Force
• MAG – Marine Aircraft Group
• MAGTEC – Marine Air/Ground Training & Education Command
• MAGTF – Marine Air/Ground Task Force
• MAHEM – Magnetohydrodynamic Explosive Munition
• MALOS – Miniature Laser Optical Sight
• MALS – Marine Air Logistics Squadron
• MAMBA – Mobile Artillery Monitoring Battlefield Radar
• MANPADS – Man Portable Air Defense System
• MAOV – Mobile Artillery Observation Vehicle
• MAP – Military Aid Programme
• MAPS – Modular Azimuth Position System
• MAR – Micro Assault Rifle
• MARDI – Mobile Advanced Robotics Defence Initiative (UK)
• MARDIV – Marine Division (US)
• MARS – Military Amateur Radio Station
• MARS – Mini Assault Rifle System
• MARS – Multi-purpose Aiming Reflex Sight
• MARS – Multiple Artillery Rocket System
• MASS – Marine Air Support Squadron
• MATCS – Marine Air Traffic Control Squadron
• MATSG – Marine Air Training Support Group
• MAU(SOC) – Marine Amphibious Unit (Special Operations Capable)
• MAV – maintenance assist vehicle
• MAVD – MLRS Aim Verification Device
• MAW – Marine Air Wing (US)
• MBA – main battle area
• MBB – Messerschmitt-Bцlkow-Blohm
• MBC – Mortar Ballistic Computer
• MBT – main battle tank
• MCISRE – Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise
• MCLOS – Manual Command to Line Of Sight
• MCRV – Mechanised Combat Repair Vehicle
• MCS – Microclimate Conditioning System
• MCS – modular charge system
• MCSK – Mine Clearance System Kit (US)
• MCT – Medium Combat Tractor (US)
• MCT – Mercury Cadmium Telluride
• MCV – Mechanised Combat Vehicle
• MCWL – Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory
• MCWS – Minor Calibre Weapons Station (US)
• MDMP – Military Decision Making Process
• MDU – Map Display Unit
• MEB – Marine Expeditionary Brigade
• MEDEVAC – Medical Evacuation
• MEF – Marine Expeditionary Force
• MENS – Mission Element Need Statement (US)
• MEP – Modular Explosive Penetrator
• MEPS – Military Entrance Processing Station
• METO – Middle East Treaty Organisation; CENTO or Baghdad Pact
• METL – Mission Essential Task List
• METT-TC – Mission, Enemy, Terrain and weather, Troops and support available—Time available, Civilians
• METT-TSL – Mission, Enemy, Terrain and weather, Troops and fire support available - Time available, Space, Logistics
• MEU(SOC) – Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)
• MEV – medical evacuation vehicle (US)
• MEWS – Mobile Electronic Warfare System
• MEWSS – Mobile Electronic Warfare Support System
• MF – multifunction
• MFC – Mortar Fire Control(ler)
• MFCS – Multi-Fire Control System/Mortar Fore Control System
• MFCV – Missile Fire-Control Vehicle
• MFF – munition filling factory
• MG – machine gun
• MGB – Medium Girder Bridge
• MGL – Multiple Grenade Launcher
• MGS – Mobile Gun System
• MGTS – MultiGun Turret System
• MGU – Mid-course Guidance Unit
• MI – Military Intelligence
• MIA – Missing In Action
• MICOM – Missile Command (US)
• MICV – mechanised infantry combat vehicle
• MILAN – Missile d'Infantrie Léger Antichar (light infantry anti-tank missile)
• MILES – Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (US)
• MILSPEC – Military Specification
• MILSTAN – MILitary STANdard
• MILSTAR – MILitary Strategic and Tactical Relay (US)
• MIPS – Medium Integrated Propulsion System (US)
• MIR - Mechanized Infantry Regiment (Sri Lanka)
• MIRV - Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle
• MLA – Manufacturing Licence Agreement
• MLC – Military Load Class
• MLC – Modular Load Carrier
• MLF – Marine Logistics Force
• MLR – Marine Logistics Regiment
• MLI – Mid-Life Improvement
• MLO – Muzzle Loaded Ordnance
• MLRS – Multiple Launch Rocket System (US)
• mm – millimetre(s)
• MMBF – mean miles between failures
• MMG – Medium Machine Gun
• MMS – mast-mounted sight
• MMS – Modular Mounting System
• MNVD – Monocular Night Vision Device
• MoA – Memorandum of Agreement
• MOA – Minute Of Angle
• MoD – Ministry of Defence
• MODA – Ministry of Defence and Aviation
• MOLF – Modular Laser Fire Control (Germany)
• MOLLE – MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment
• MOPP – Mission Oriented Protective Posture (US)
• MOS – Military Occupational Specialty (US)
• MoU – Memorandum of Understanding
• MOUT – Military Operations in Urban Terrain (urban warfare) (US)
• MP – Machine Pistol
• MPBAV – MultiPurpose Base Armoured Vehicle
• MPC – MultiPurpose Carrier (Netherlands)
• MPDS – Missile Piercing Discarding Sabot
• MPGS – Mobile Protected Gun System (US)
• MPI – Mean Point of Impact
• MPIM – MultiPurpose Individual Munition
• MPM – MultiPurpose Munition
• MPS – Maritime Prepositioning Ships (US)
• MPV – Multi-Purpose Vehicle
• MPWS – Mobile Protected Weapon System (US)
• MR – Medium Range
• MRAP – Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (Vehicle)
• MRAR – MultiRole Assault Round
• MRAV – MultiRole Armoured Vehicle
• MRBF – mean rounds before failure
• MRBS – mean rounds between stoppages
• MRE – Meal Ready to Eat
• MRS – multiple rocket system
• MRS – muzzle reference system
• MRSI – Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact
• MRV(R) – Mechanised Recovery Vehicle (Repair)
• MRVR – Mechanised Repair and Recovery Vehicle (US)
• MSSG – MAU/MEU Service Support Group (USMC)
• MSL – Missile
• MSR – Missile Simulation Round
• MSR – Main Supply Route
• MSTAR – Man-portable Surveillance and Target Acquisition Radar
• MSV – Modular Support Vehicle
• MT – mechanical time
• MTB – Mobility TestBed
• MTBF – Mean Time Between Failure
• MTI – moving target indication
• MTL – Materials Technology Laboratory (US)
• MTR – Mobile Test Rig (US)
• MTSQ – mechanical time and super-quick
• MTSQ – Mechanical Time Semi-Quick
• MTU – Motoren- und Turbinen-Union
• MTVL – mobile tactical vehicle light
• MUGS – Multipurpose Universal Gunner Sight
• MULE – Modular Universal Laser Equipment (US)
• MUSS – Multifunctional Selfprotection System
• MV – muzzle velocity
• MVEE – Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment (UK)
• MVRS – Muzzle Velocity Radar System
• MWCS – Marine Wing Communications Squadron
• MWHS – Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron
• MWS – Manned Weapon Station (US)
• MWS – Modular Weapon System
• MWSG – Marine Wing Support Group
• MWSS – Marine Wing Support Squadron

N

• NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
• NAVSEA – Naval Sea Systems Command
• NBC – Nuclear, Biological, Chemical
• NBMR – NATO Basic Military Requirement
• NCIS – Naval Criminal Investigative Service (US)
• NCO – Non-Commissioned Officer (US, E-4 – E-9)
• NCOIC – Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge
• NDI – Non-Developmental Item
• NDU – Navigation Display Unit
• NFOV – Narrow Field Of View
• NG – New/Next Generation
• Ni/Cd – Nickel Cadmium
• NLAW – Next Light (weight) Anti-armour Weapon
• NLOS-C – Non-Line Of Sight-Cannon
• NLOS-M – Non-Line Of Sight-Mortar
• NOD(s) – Night Optical Device(s)
• NRF – NATO Response Force
• NS – Network Services
• NTC – National Training Center (USA)
• NUGP – nominal unit ground pressure
• NV – Night Vision
• NVD – Night Vision Device
• NVE – Night Vision Equipment
• NVESD – Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate
• NVG – Night Vision Goggle
• NVS – Night Vision System
• NZDF – New Zealand Defence Force
• NZEF – New Zealand Expeditionary Force (in WWI & WWII)
• NZSAS - New Zealand Special Air Service

O

• OBR – Optical Beam-Riding
• OCC – Obus à Charge Creusé (shaped-charge shell)
• OCOKA – Observation and fields of fire, Cover and concealment, Obstacles, Key terrain, and Avenues of Approach.
• OCSW – Objective Crew-Served Weapon
• OCU – Operational Centre Unit
• ODE – Ordnance Development and Engineering (Singapore)
• OEG – Occluded Eye Gunsight (a type of Collimator sight)
• OEO – optical and electro-optical
• OFSA – Objective Family of Small Arms
• OFSA – One Size Fits All
• OFW – Objective Force Warrior
• OHWS – Offensive Hand Weapon System
• OIC – Officer In Charge
• OICW – Objective Individual Combat Weapon
• OOTW – Operations Other Than War
• OP – Observation post
• OP – Operators Panel
• OPCON – OPerational CONtrol
• OPDW – Objective Personal Defense Weapon
• OPORD – OPerations Order
• OPSEC – OPerational SECurity
• OPV – Observation Post Vehicle
• OSW – Objective Sniper Weapon
• OSS (USAF) – Operational Support Squadron
• OSW (USAF) – Operational Support, Weather
• OT – operational test
• OTA – overflight top attack
• OTEA – Operational Test and Evaluation Agency (US)

P

• P – How pack howitzer
• P-38 — P-38 can opener (US)
• P3I – Pre-Planned Product Improvements
• PAR – pulse acquisition radar
• PAT – power-assisted traverse
• PC – Personal Computer
• PCB – printed circuit board
• PCC – Police Compact Carbine
• PCI – Pre-combat inspection
• PD – Point Defense
• PD – point detonating
• PD – Point of Departure
• PDNA – Positioning Determining/Navigation Unit
• PDRR – Program Definition and Risk Reduction
• PDW – Personal Defence Weapon
• PE – MoD Procurement Executive (UK)
• PE – Peace Enforcement (US DoD)
• PEC – Printed Electronic Circuits
• PFD – proximity fuze disconnector
• PFHE – prefragmented high-explosive
• PLF – protective line of fire
• PFPX – prefragmented proximity fuzed
• PGMM – Precision Guided Mortar Munition
• PH – Probability of Hit
• Pi – Probability of incapacitation
• PIAT – Projector, Infantry, Anti Tank
• PIBD – Point Initiating Base Detonated
• PID – Positive Identification
• PIE – pyrotechnically initiated explosive
• PIP – Product Improvement Programme
• PL – Phase Line
• PLA – People's Liberation Army
• PLARS – Position Location And Reporting System (US)
• PLC – Programmable Logic Control
• PLO – Palestinian Liberation Army
• PLOS – Predicted Line Of Sight
• PLS – Palletised Load System (US)
• PM – porte mortier (mortar carrier)
• PM – Product Manager
• PMCS – Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services
• PMEE – U.S. Air Force abbreviation for Prime Mission Electronic Equipment
• PMO – Program Management Office (US)
• PMO – Provost Marshall's Office
• PMOD – Platform Modifications
• PMS – Pedestal-Mounted Stinger
• PNU – Position Navigation Unit
• POA&M – Plan Of Action & Milestones
• POF – Pakistan Ordnance Factory
• POS – Postes Optiques de Surveillance
• POW – Prisoner(s) of War
• PPI – plan position indicator
• PPS – Precise Positioning Service
• PRAC – practice
• PRAC-T – practice tracer
• PRI – projector reticle image
• PRP – Personnel Reliability Program (screening and monitoring of individuals with access to "special" weapons)
• PSD – Propulsion System Demonstrator
• PSO – Peace Support Operations
• PSS – Primary Sight System
• PTO – power take-off
• PVP – Petit Véhicule Protégé
• PW – Prisoner of War
• PWI-SR(GR) – Panser Wagen Infanterie-Standaard (Groep)
• PWP – Plasticised White Phosphorus
• PWR – Power

Q

• QCB – Quick Change Barrel
• QE – Quadrant Elevation
• QRF – Quick Reaction Force

R

• RA – Royal Artillery
• RAA – Royal Australian Artillery
• RAAM – Rifle-launched Anti-Armour Munition
• RAAMS – Remote Anti-Armor Mine System (US)
• PABD – Pay Entry Base Date
• RAC – Royal Armoured Corps
• RADIRS – Rapid Deployment Multiple Rocket System (US)
• RAAF – Royal Australian Air Force
• RAE – Royal Aircraft Establishment, Royal Aircraft Establishment (Farnborough)
• RAE – Royal Australian Engineers, Australian Combat Engineers
• RAF – Royal Air Force
• RAM-D – reliability, availability, maintainability and durability
• RAN – Royal Australian Navy
• RAO – Rear Area Operations
• RAP – Regimental Aid Post ^[1]
• RAP – rocket-assisted projectile
• RAPI – Reactive Armour Protection
• RARDE – Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment (UK)
• RATAC – Radar de Tir pour L'Artillerie de Campagne (radar for field artillery fire)
• RATELO – Radio Telephone Operator
• RAW – Rifleman's Assault Weapon
• RBL – Range and Bearing Launch
• RC/MAS – Reserve Component/Modified Armament System
• RCAAS – Remote-Controlled Anti-Armor System (US)
• RCAF – Royal Canadian Air Force
• RCC – ROLAND Coordination Center (US)
• RCDU – Remote-Controlled Defence Unit
• RCL – Recoilless rifle
• RCN – Royal Canadian Navy
• RCS – Radar Cross Section
• RCT – Regimental Combat Team
• RCT – Royal Corps of Transport
• RCV – Robotic Command Vehicle
• RDF – Rapid Deployment Forces
• RDF/LT – Rapid Deployment Force Light Tank (US)
• RDJTF – Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (US)
• RDT&E – Research Development Test and Evaluation
• REME – Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• RF – Rimfire
• RFA – Royal Field Artillery
• RFAS – Russian Federation and Associated States
• RFC – Royal Flying Corps
• RFI – request for information
• RFP – request for proposals
• RFPI – Rapid Force Projection Initiative
• RFQ – Request For Quotations
• RGGS – Rifle Grenade General Service
• RHA – rolled homogeneous armour
• RHA – Royal Horse Artillery
• RIN – the former Royal Indian Navy
• RIS – Rail Interface System
• RISE – Reliability Improved Selected Equipment
• RLC – Royal Logistic Corps
• RLEM – Rifle-Launched Entry Munition
• RLG – Ring Laser Gyro
• RLT – Regimental Landing Team
• RMG – ranging machine gun
• RN – Royal Navy
• RNZAF – Royal New Zealand Air Force
• RNZN – Royal New Zealand Navy
• RO – Royal Ordnance
• ROBAT – Robotic Counter-Obstacle Vehicle (US)
• RoC – Republic of China
• ROC – required operational characteristics
• ROE – Rules Of Engagement
• ROF – Royal Ordnance Factory (UK)
• ROF – Rate of fire
• RoK – Republic of Korea
• RoKMC – Republic of Korea Marine Corps
• RoKIT – Republic of Korea Indigenous Tank
• ROR – range only radar
• ROTA – Royal Ordnance Training Ammunition
• RP – Red phosphorus
• RP – rocket-propelled
• RPC – Rocket Pod Container
• RPG – Rocket-propelled grenade
• RPG – Ruchnoy Protivotankovy Granatomyot
• RPV – Remotely piloted vehicle
• RR – Recoilless rifle
• RRPR – Reduced Range Practice Rocket
• RRTR – Reduced Range Training Round
• RSAF – Royal Small Arms Factory (UK) (now closed)
• RSN – Role Specialist Nation (US & NATO)
• RSS – Rosette Scanning Seeker
• RTE – Rifle Team Equipment
• RTT – Roues Transporteur de Troupes
• RUC – Royal Ulster Constabulary
• RWS – Remote weapon system (or station)

S

• s – second(s)
• S&W – Smith & Wesson
• SABCA – Société Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aéronautiques
• SABR – Selectable Assault Battle Rifle
• SABS – Stabilizing Automatic Bomb Sight
• SAC – Small Arms Collimator
• SACLOS – Semi-Automatic Command to Line Of Sight
• SADA – Standard Advanced Dewar Assembly
• SADARM – Sense And Destroy Armor (US)
• SADF – South African Defence Force
• SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers
• SAF – Small Arms Fire
• SAFCS – Small Arms Fire Control System
• SAFIRE – Surface-to-Air Fire
• SAL – semi-active laser
• SAM – surface-to-air missile
• SAMM – Société d'Applications des Machines Motrices
• SANDF – South African National Defence Force
• SANG – Saudi Arabian National Guard
• SAP – Semi-Armour-Piercing
• SAPHEI – Semi-Armour-Piercing High Explosive Incendiary
• SAPI – semi-armour-piercing incendiary
• SAS – Special Air Service
• SASR – Special Air Service Regiment
• SAS-EAS – Sealed Authenticator System – Emergency Action Procedures (Nuclear Weapons Release Control)
• SASR – Special Application Sniper Rifle
• SAT – Small Arms Trainer
• SATCP – Systиme Anti-aérien à Trиs Courte Portée (very short-range anti-aircraft system)
• SAVA – Standard Army Vectronics Architecture
• SAW – Squad Automatic Weapon
• SAWS – Squad Automatic Weapon System
• SB – Short Barrel
• SCORE – Stratified Charge Omnivorous Rotary Engine
• SD – self-destruct(ion)
• SEAL – Sea/Air/Land
• SEALOCK – Search, Locate, and Communicate or Kill
• SEATO – Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation
• SEME – School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
• SEN – shell extended range NORICUM
• SEP – Soldier Enhancement Programme
• SFCS – Simplified Fire-Control System
• SFIM – Société de Fabrication d'Instrument de Mesure
• SFIRR – solid fuel integral rocket/ramjet
• SFM – Sensor Fuzed Munitions
• SFMG – Sustained Fire Machine Gun
• SFSW – Special Forces Support Weapon
• SFW – Special Forces Weapon
• SGTS – Second-Generation Tank Sight
• SH/PRAC – squash head practice
• SHORAD – Short-Range Air Defence System
• shp – shaft horsepower
• SIC – Second in Command
• SICPS – Standard Integrated Command Post Systems
• SINCGARS – Single Channel Ground/Air Radio System
• SIP – System Improvement Plan/Programme
• SIPS – Small Integrated Propulsion System
• SJFN – Semi-Jacketed Flat Nose
• SJHP – Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point
• SKOT – Sredni Kolowy Opancerzny Transporter (armoured personnel carrier)
• SLA - Sri Lanka Army
• SLAC - Sri Lanka Armoured Corps
• SLAF - Sri Lanka Air Force
• SLAGSE - Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps
• SLAOC - Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps
• SLAPC - Sri Lanka Army Pioneer Corps
• SLASC - Sri Lanka Army Service Corps
• SLAWC - Sri Lanka Army Women's Corps
• SLCG - Sri Lanka Coast Guard
• SLCMP - Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police
• SLE - Sri Lanka Engineers
• SLEME - Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• SLLI - Sri Lanka Light Infantry
• SLMC - Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps
• SLNG - Sri Lanka National Guard
• SLN - Sri Lanka Navy
• SLRC - Sri Lanka Rifle Corps
• SLSR - Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment
• SLAP – saboted light armor penetrator
• SLAW – Shoulder-Launched Assault Weapon
• SLEP – Service Life Extension Program (US)
• SLR – Self-Loading Rifle
• SLR – Super Low Recoil
• SLWAGL – Super Light Weight Automatic Grenade Launcher
• SM – smoke
• SMAW – Shoulder-launched Multi-purpose Assault Weapon
• SMG – sub-machine gun
• SMK – Smoke
• Smoke – BE smoke base ejection
• Smoke – WP smoke white phosphorus
• SMP – Surface Mine Plough
• SMU – Special Mission Unit
• SNAFU – Situation Normal, All Fouled Up
• SNCO – Staff Non-Commissioned Officer (USMC, E-6 – E-9)
• SNCOIC – Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (USMC)
• SOCOM – Special Operations Command
• SOF – Special Operations Force(s)
• SOG – Speed Over Ground
• SOP – Standing/Standard Operational Procedure(s)
• SOS – Struck Off Strength
• SP – Shore Patrol
• SP – self-propelled
• SP – Soft Point
• SPAAG – self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
• SPAAM – self-propelled anti-aircraft missile
• SPAG – self-propelled assault gun
• SPARK – solid propellant advanced ramjet kinetic energy missile
• SPAS – Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun
• SPATG – self-propelled anti-tank gun
• SPAW – self-propelled artillery weapon
• SPG – self-propelled gun
• SPH – self-propelled howitzer
• SPL – self-propelled launcher
• SPLL – Self-propelled Loader Launcher
• SPLY – Supply
• SPM – self-propelled mortar
• SPP – Special Purpose Pistol
• SPR – Special Purpose Rifle
• SPS – Standard Positioning Service
• SPSM – Sensorgezundete Panzerabwehr SubMunition
• SPW – Special Purpose Weapon
• SR – Short Rifle
• SR – Staff Requirement
• SRAW – Short Range Assault Weapon
• SRC – Space Research Corporation
• SRG – shell replenishment gear
• SRI – Short Range Insert
• SRTS – Short Range Thermal Sight
• SRU – Shop Replaceable Unit
• SRU – Slip Ring Unit
• SRV – Surrogate Research Vehicle (US)
• SSA – Special Spaced Armour
• SSG – Single Shot Gun
• SSK – Single Shot Kill
• SSW – Squad Support Weapon
• ST6 - seal team six
• ST – Staff Target
• STA – shell transfer arm
• STAB – Steered Agile Beams
• STAFF – Small Target Activated Fire-and-Forget (US)
• STANAG – STANdardisation Agreement
• STARTLE – Surveillance and Target Acquisition Radar for Tank Location and Engagement (US)
• STE/ICE – Simplified Test Equipment/Internal Combustion Engine (US)
• STOVL – Short Take Off and Vertical Landing
• STUP – spinning tubular projectile
• SUB – SUBstitute
• SUC – Square Ultra Compact
• SUIT – Sight Unit Infantry Trilux
• SUSAT – Sight Unit Small Arms Trilux
• SWARM – Stabilised Weapon and Reconnaissance Mount
• SWAT – Special Weapons And Tactics
• SWC – Semi WadCutter
• SWS – Sniper Weapon System

T

• T – Tracer
• TACBE – Tacbe
• TACMS – Army Tactical Missile System (US)
• TACOM – Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (US)
• TACP - Tactical Air Control Party
• TAD – Temporary Additional Duty (Naval Services term)Temporary Duty
• TADDS – Target Alert Display Data Set (US)
• TADS – Target Acquisition and Designation System (US)
• TAM – Tanque Argentino Mediano
• TAS – Target Acquisition Subsystem
• TAS – tracking adjunct system
• TAS – Turret Attitude Sensor
• TBAT – TOW/Bushmaster Armored Turret (US)
• TC – Tank Commander, also Truck Commander (US Army)
• TCO – Tactical Combat Operations
• TCTO – Time-Compliance Technical Order
• TCU – tactical control unit
• TD – Tank Destroyer
• TDCS – Tank Driver Command System
• TDD – Target Detection Device
• TDR – Target Data Receiver
• TDY – Temporary Duty
• TE – Tangent Elevation
• TEL – Transporter-Erector-Launcher
• TELAR – Transporter-Erector-Launcher And Radar
• TES – Tactical Environment Simulation
• TES – target engagement system
• TGMTS – Tank Gunnery Missile Tracking System
• TGP – Terminally Guided Projectile
• TGP – Targeting pod
• TGS – Tank Gun Sight
• TGSM – terminally guided submunition
• TGTS – tank gunnery training simulator
• TI – thermal imaging/imager
• TIC – Troops In Contact
• TICM – thermal imaging common modules
• TIIPS – Thermal Imaging and Integrated Position System
• TIM – Thermal Imaging Module
• TIPU – Thermal Image Processing Units
• TIRE – Tank Infra-Red Elbow
• TIS – thermal imaging system
• TLC – Transport Launching Container
• TLD – Top Level Demonstrations
• TLE – Treaty Limited Equipment
• TLP – Troop Leading Procedures (US)
• TLR – Tank Laser Rangefinder
• TLS – Tank Laser Sight
• TM&LS – Textron Marine & Land Systems
• TMBC – Turret Management Ballistic Computer
• TMP – Tactical Machine Pistol
• TMS – Turret Modernisation System
• TMUAS – Turreted Mortar Under Armor System (US)
• TNT – Trinitrotoluene
• TO – Technical Order
• TOE – table of organisation and equipment
• TOGS – Thermal Observation and Gunnery System (UK)
• TOP – Total Obscuring Power
• TOPAS – Transporter Obrneny Pasovy
• TOTE – Tracker, Optical Thermally Enhanced
• TOW – Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire command link guided (US)
• TP – Target Practice
• TP-FL – target practice flash
• TP-S – or TPS Target Practice-Spotting/Signature
• TP-SM – target practice – smoke
• TP-SP – target practice – spotting
• TP-T – target practice – tracer
• TPCM – Target Practice Colour-Marking
• TPDS – Target Practice Discarding Sabot
• TPFSDS-T – target practice fin-stabilised discarding sabot – tracer
• TPTF – Target Practice Time Fuzed
• TR – Triple Rail
• TRACER – Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement (UK)
• TRACKSTAR – Tracked Search and Target Acquisition Radar System (US)
• TRADOC – Training and Doctrine Command (US)
• TSFCS – Tank Simplified Fire-Control System
• TSQ – time and super-quick
• TSR – Tavor Sporting Rifle
• TT – transport de troupes (troop transporter)
• TTB – Tank TestBed (US)
• TTD – Transformation Technology Demonstrator
• TTG – Time To Go
• TTS – Tank Thermal Sight
• TU – Terminal Unit
• TU – Traversing Unit
• TUA – TOW Under Armor (US)
• TUR – Tiefflieger-Ьberwachungs-Radar (low-level surveillance radar)
• TV – Television
• TWD – Thermal Warning Device
• TWMP – Track Width Mine Plough
• TWS – Thermal Weapon Sight
• TYDP – Ten Year Defence Programme (Australia)

U

• UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
• UBLE – Universal Bridge Launching Equipment
• UCVP – Universal Combat Vehicle Platform
• UDR – Ulster Defence Regiment
• UET – Universal Engineer Tractor (US)
• UGV – Unmanned Ground Vehicle
• ULC – Unit Load Container
• UMA – Universal Mounting Adapter
• UMP – Universal Machine Pistol
• USA – United States of America/United States Army
• USAADS – U.S. Army Air Defense School
• USAARMS – U.S. Army Armor School
• USAAVNS – U.S. Army Aviation School
• USAAF – United States Army Air Forces
• USAF – United States Air Force
• USCG – United States Coast Guard
• USMC – United States Marine Corps
• USN – United States Navy
• USP – Universal Self-loading Pistol
• UTL – Universal Tactical Light
• UTM – Universal Transverse Mercator
• UTS – Universal Turret System
• UV – Ultraviolet
• UW – Urban warfare

V

• V – Volt(s)
• VAB – Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé (front armoured car)
• VAB – Vickers Armoured Bridgelayer
• VADS – Vulcan Air Defense System (US)
• VAE – Vehiculo Armado Exploracion
• VAK – Vehicle Adaptor Kit
• VAPE – Vehiculo Apoyo y Exploracion
• VARRV – Vickers Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle
• VARV – Vickers Armoured Recovery Vehicle
• VBC – Véhicule Blindé de Combat (armoured combat vehicle)
• VBCI – Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie
• VBL – Véhicule Blindé Léger (light armoured vehicle)
• VBM – Véhicules Blindés Modulaires
• VC – Vehicle Commander
• VCA – Véhicule Chenillé d'Accompagnement (tracked support vehicle)
• VCC – Veicolo Corazzato de Combattimento
• VCG – Véhicule de Combat du Genie (armoured engineer vehicle)
• VCI – Véhicule de Combat d'Infanterie; Vehiculo combate infanteria (infantry combat vehicle)
• VCP – Vehicle Check Point
• VCR – variable compression ratio
• VCR – Véhicule de Combat à Roues (wheeled combat vehicle)
• VCR/AT – Véhicule de Combat à Roues/Atelier Technique (salvage)
• VCR/IS – Véhicule de Combat à Roues/Intervention Sanitaire (stretchers)
• VCR/PC – Véhicule de Combat à Roues/Poste de Commandement (HQ)
• VCR/TH – Véhicule de Combat à Roues/Tourelle HOT (turret with four HOT ATGW)
• VCR/TT – Véhicule de Combat à Roues/Transport de Troupes (troop carrier)
• VCTIS – Vehicle Command and Tactical Information System
• VCTM – Vehiculo de Combate Transporte de Mortero (armoured mortar carrier)
• VCTP – Vehiculo de Combate Transporte de Personal (armoured personnel carrier)
• VDA – Véhicule de Défense Anti-aérienne (anti-aircraft defence vehicle)
• VDAA – Véhicule d'Auto-Défense Anti-aérienne
• VDC – Voltage Direct Current
• VDM – viscous damped mount
• VDSL – Vickers Defence Systems Ltd
• VDU – visual display unit
• VEC – Vehiculo de Exploraciòn de Caballerie
• VEDES – Vehicle Exhaust Dust Ejection System (US)
• VERDI – Vehicle Electronics Research Defence Initiative (UK)
• VHIS – visual hit indicator system
• VIB – Véhicule d'Intervention du Base
• VIDS – Vehicle Integrated Defence System
• VINACS – Vehicle Integrated Navigation and Command System
• VIRSS – Visual and InfraRed Smoke Screening System
• VITS – Video Image Tracking Systems
• VLAP – Velocity-enhanced Long-range Artillery Projectile
• VLC – Véhicule Léger de Combat (light armoured car)
• VLI – Visible Light Illuminator
• VLSMS – Vehicle-Launched Scatterable Mine System
• VMA – Marine Light Attack Squadron
• VMA(AW) – Marine All-Weather Attack Squadron
• VMBT – Vickers Main Battle Tank
• VMF – Marine Fighter Squadron
• VMFA – Marine Fighter Attack Squadron
• VMFA(AW) – Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron
• VMGR – Marine Aerial Refueler/Transport Squadron
• VMFP – Marine Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron
• VMM – Marine Tilt-rotor (MV-22B) Squadron
• VMU – Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron
• VMR – Marine Transport Squadron
• VMAQ – Marine Electronic Warfare Attack Squadron
• VMS – Vehicle Motion Sensor
• VNAS – Vehicle Navigation Air System
• VRL – Véhicule Reconnaissance Léger (light reconnaissance vehicle)
• VSEL – Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd
• VT – variable time (fuse)
• VTOL – Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft
• VTP – véhicule transport de personnel (personnel carrier)
• VTT – véhicule transport de troupe (troop transporter)
• VVSS – vertical volute spring suspension
• VXB – Véhicule Blindé à Vocations Multiples (multipurpose armoured car)

W

• WAAC – Women's Auxiliary Army Corps and individual members of; obsolete
• WAC – Women's Army Corps and individual members of; obsolete
• WAF – Women (in the) Air Force and individual members of; obsolete
• WAM – Wide Area Mines (US)
• WAMI – Wide Area Motion Imagery (US)
• WAPC – Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier (Canada)
• WASAD – Wide Angle Surveillance and Automatic Detection Device
• WAV – Wide Angle Viewing
• WAVES – Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (USN); obsolete
• WES – Wing Engineer Squadron (USMC)
• WFOV – Wide Field Of View
• WFSV – Wheeled Fire Support Vehicle (Canada)
• WHA – Weapons Head Assembly
• WHSA – Weapons Head Support Assembly
• WLR – Weapon Locating Radar
• WM – Woman/Women Marine(s)
• WMD – Weapon(s) of Mass Destruction
• WMRV – Wheeled Maintenance and Recovery Vehicle (Canada)
• WP – white phosphorus
• WP-T – white phosphorus – tracer
• WSM – Winchester Short Magnum
• WTS – Wing Transportation Squadron (USMC)

X

• XO – Executive Officer

Y

• YMRS – Yugoslav multiple rocket system

Z

• ZULU – GMT/UTC

See also

• List of established military terms
• List of military tactics
• Glossary of firearms terminology

References

• Armor and Artillery Glossary
• Infantry Weapons Glossary
• FM 17-97 Cavalry Troop (October 1995)
• FM 5-19 (formerly FM 100-14) Composite Risk Management (21 Aug 2006)
• Military abbreviations and Dictionaries
• Military acronyms and military abbreviations