Examples of Military Terminology

Within the military, the use of military terminology is essential to successful operations within the military structure. There is a distinct context of language used to describe everyday conversations to detailed strategies. One of the major challenges of understanding military culture is the language barrier between service member and civilian.

Common Terms:

• Able-bodied – Referring to the physical and mental capacity of an individual for military service.


• All Clear – Used to inform others that the threat of imminent physical danger has passed.


• Ammunition Dump – A military storage facility that houses live ammunition and explosives.


• Base of Fire – A supporting force that provides covering fire to other advancing units.


• Blindfire – Firing a weapon from behind an object without revealing yourself.


• Camisado – A surprise attack that occurs at daybreak or night.


• Counter Offensive – Describes a large scale strategic offensive operation that successfully stops the enemy’s offense.


• Direct Fire – A method of firing in a flat trajectory instead of in a non-linear path.


• Denied Area – An area that is designated to be under non-friendly control where friendly forces do not anticipate being able to gain control with the current operational conditions.


• Embarked Military Force – A complete force that is fulfilled by an amphibious assault ship.


• Fire in Anger – Describes the use of a weapon of projectile nature that is used to deliberately cause harm to an opponent.


• Friendly Fire – Accidental firing in the direction of member of one’s own force.


• Gig Line – Referring to the alignment of the shirt, belt buckle and trouser fly.


• High and Tight – Military version of the buzz cut.


• Hotwash – A discussion on the aftermath of an exercise, training session or major event that evaluates the performing agency(s) performance.


• Indirect Fire – To aim and fire a gun without a direct line of sight between both the gun and the target.


• Interservice Rivalry – Refers to the rivalries that exist between different branches of the armed forces.


• Killed in Action – Describes the death of an individual killed at the hands of enemy fire.


• Landing Zone – Military Term for any area where an aircraft lands.


• Military Deployment – Movement of the armed forces and their support around the world.


• Missing in Action – Armed services personnel who are reported missing during active service.


• Negligent Discharge – The discharge of a fireman without the proper authorization.


• Observation Post – A position where soldiers watch for any enemy movements.


• Outpost – Detachment of troops from the main station to a station that is remote or located in a sparsely populated location.


• Pinned Down – A unit that is being suppressed by enemy fire.


• Represented Enemy – A visual enemy whose main body is completely visible.