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Glossary of Military Terms
named area of interest
The geographical area where information that will satisfy
a specific information requirement can be collected. Named areas
of interest are usually selected to capture indications of
adversary courses of action, but also may be related to
conditions of the battlespace. Also called NAI. See also area of
interest.
napalm
1. Powdered aluminum soap or similar compound used to
gelatinize oil or gasoline for use in napalm bombs or flame
throwers. 2. The resultant gelatinized substance.
nap-of-the-earth flight
See terrain flight.
narco-terrorism
Terrorism conducted to further the aims of drug
traffickers. It may include assassinations, extortion,
hijackings, bombings, and kidnappings directed against judges,
prosecutors, elected officials, or law enforcement agents, and
general disruption of a legitimate government to divert
attention from drug operations.
National Air Mobility System
A broad and comprehensive system of civilian and military
capabilities and organizations that provides the President and
Secretary of Defense and combatant commanders with rapid global
mobility. This system effectively integrates the management of
airlift, air refueling, and air mobility support assets,
processes, and procedures into an integrated whole. Also called
NAMS. See also airlift; air mobility; air refueling.
national censorship
The examination and control under civil authority of
communications entering, leaving, or transiting the borders of
the United States, its territories, or its possessions. See also
censorship.
National Communications System
The telecommunications system that results from the
technical and operational integration of the separate
telecommunications systems of the several executive branch
departments and agencies having a significant telecommunications
capability. Also called NCS.
national defense area
An area established on non-Federal lands located within
the United States or its possessions or territories for the
purpose of safeguarding classified defense information or
protecting Department of Defense equipment and/or
materiel. Establishment of a national defense area temporarily
places such non-Federal lands under the effective control of the
Department of Defense and results only from an emergency event.
The senior DOD representative at the scene will define the
boundary, mark it with a physical barrier, and post warning
signs. The landowner's consent and cooperation will be obtained
whenever possible; however, military necessity will dictate the
final decision regarding location, shape, and size of the
national defense area. Also called NDA.
National Defense Reserve Fleet
1. Including the Ready Reserve Force, a fleet composed of
ships acquired and maintained by the Maritime Administration
(MARAD) for use in mobilization or emergency. 2. Less the Ready
Reserve Force, a fleet composed of the older dry cargo ships,
tankers, troop transports, and other assets in MARAD's custody
that are maintained at a relatively low level of readiness. They
are acquired by MARAD from commercial ship operators under the
provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 and are available
only on mobilization or congressional declaration of an
emergency. Because the ships are maintained in a state of
minimum preservation, activation requires 30 to 90 days and
extensive shipyard work, for many. Also called NDRF. See also
Ready Reserve Force.
national emergency
A condition declared by the President or the Congress by
virtue of powers previously vested in them that authorize
certain emergency actions to be undertaken in the national
interest. Action to be taken may include partial, full, or total
mobilization of national resources. See also mobilization.
national information infrastructure
The nationwide interconnection of communications networks,
computers, databases, and consumer electronics that make vast
amounts of information available to users. The national
information infrastructure encompasses a wide range of
equipment, including cameras, scanners, keyboards, facsimile
machines, computers, switches, compact disks, video and audio
tape, cable, wire, satellites, fiber-optic transmission lines,
networks of all types, televisions, monitors, printers, and much
more. The friendly and adversary personnel who make decisions
and handle the transmitted information constitute a critical
component of the national information infrastructure. Also
called NII. See also defense information infrastructure; global
information infrastructure; information.
national infrastructure
Infrastructure provided and financed by a NATO
member in its own territory solely for its own forces (including
those forces assigned to or designated for NATO). See also
infrastructure.
national intelligence
Integrated departmental intelligence that covers the broad
aspects of national policy and national security, is of concern
to more than one department or agency, and transcends the
exclusive competence of a single department or agency.
national intelligence estimate
A strategic estimate of the capabilities, vulnerabilities,
and probable courses of action of foreign nations produced at
the national level as a composite of the views of the
intelligence community. Also called NIE.
national intelligence support team
A nationally sourced team composed of intelligence and
communications experts from either Defense Intelligence Agency,
Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, or any
combination of these agencies. Also called NIST. See also
intelligence; national intelligence.
national intelligence surveys
Basic intelligence studies produced on a coordinated
interdepartmental basis and concerned with characteristics,
basic resources, and relatively unchanging natural features of a
foreign country or other area.
National Military Command System
The priority component of the Global Command and Control
System designed to support the Secretary of Defense and Joint
Chiefs of Staff in the exercise of their responsibilities. Also
called NMCS.
National Military Joint Intelligence Center
The national-level focal point for all defense
intelligence activities in support of joint operations. Also
called NMJIC. See also intelligence; joint intelligence center.
national military strategy
The art and science of distributing and applying military
power to attain national objectives in peace and war. Also
called NMS. See also military strategy; national security
strategy; strategy; theater strategy.
national objectives
The aims, derived from national goals and interests,
toward which a national policy or strategy is directed and
efforts and resources of the nation are applied. See also
military objective.
national objectives
The aims, derived from national goals and interests,
toward which a national policy or strategy is directed and
efforts and resources of the nation are applied. See also
military objective.
national policy
A broad course of action or statements of guidance adopted
by the government at the national level in pursuit of national
objectives.
National Reconnaissance Office
A Department of Defense agency tasked to ensure that the
United States has the technology and spaceborne and airborne
assets needed to acquire intelligence worldwide, including
support to such functions as monitoring of arms control
agreements, indications and warning, and the planning and
conducting of military operations. This mission is accomplished
through research and development, acquisition, and operation of
spaceborne and airborne intelligence data collection systems.
Also called NRO.
national security
A collective term encompassing both national defense and
foreign relations of the United States. Specifically, the
condition provided by: a. a military or defense advantage over
any foreign nation or group of nations; b. a favorable foreign
relations position; or c. a defense posture capable of
successfully resisting hostile or destructive action from within
or without, overt or covert. See also security.
National Security Agency/Central Security Service Representative
The senior theater or military command representative of
the Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security
Service in a specific country or military command headquarters
who provides the Director, National Security Agency, with
information on command plans requiring cryptologic support. The
National Security Agency/Central Security Service representative
serves as a special advisor to the combatant commander for
cryptologic matters, to include signals intelligence,
communications security, and computer security. Also called NCR.
See also counterintelligence.
National Security Council
A governmental body specifically designed to assist the
President in integrating all spheres of national security
policy. The President, Vice President, Secretary of State, and
Secretary of Defense are statutory members. The Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff; Director, Central Intelligence Agency;
and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs
serve as advisers. Also called NSC.
national security interests
The foundation for the development of valid national
objectives that define US goals or purposes. National security
interests include preserving US political identity, framework,
and institutions; fostering economic well-being; and bolstering
international order supporting the vital interests of the United
States and its allies.
national security strategy
The art and science of developing, applying, and
coordinating the instruments of national power (diplomatic,
economic, military, and informational) to achieve objectives
that contribute to national security. Also called national
strategy or grand strategy. See also military strategy; national
military strategy; strategy; theater strategy.
national shipping authority
The organization within each Allied government
responsible in time of war for the direction of its own merchant
shipping. Also called NSA.
National Stock Number
The 13-digit stock number replacing the 11-digit Federal
Stock Number. It consists of the 4-digit Federal Supply
Classification code and the 9-digit National Item Identification
Number. The National Item Identification Number consists of a
2-digit National Codification Bureau number designating the
central cataloging office (whether North Atlantic Treaty
Organization or other friendly country) that assigned the number
and a 7-digit (xxx-xxxx) nonsignificant number. The number shall
be arranged as follows: 9999-00-999-9999. Also called NSN.
national strategy
The art and science of developing and using the
diplomatic, economic, and informational powers of a nation,
together with its armed forces, during peace and war to secure
national objectives. Also called national security strategy or
grand strategy. See also strategy.
national support element
Any national organization or activity that supports
national forces that are a part of a multinational force. Their
mission is nation-specific support to units and common support
that is retained by the nation. Also called NSE. See also
multinational force; support.
nation assistance
Civil and/or military assistance rendered to a nation by
foreign forces within that nation's territory during peacetime,
crises or emergencies, or war based on agreements mutually
concluded between nations. Nation assistance programs include,
but are not limited to, security assistance, foreign internal
defense, other US Code title 10 programs, and activities
performed on a reimbursable basis by Federal agencies or
international organizations
natural disaster
An emergency situation posing significant danger to life
and property that results from a natural cause. See also
domestic.
nautical chart
See hydrographic chart.
nautical mile
A measure of distance equal to one minute of arc on the
Earth's surface. The United States has adopted the international
nautical mile equal to 1,852 meters or 6,076.11549 feet. Also
called nm.
nautical plotting chart
An outline chart, devoid of hydrographic
information, of a specific scale and projection, usually
portraying a graticule and compass rose, designed to be
ancillary to standard nautical charts, and produced either as an
individual chart or a part of a coordinated series.
naval advanced logistic support site
An overseas location used as the primary transshipment
point in the theater of operations for logistic support. A naval
advanced logistic support site possesses full capabilities for
storage, consolidation, and transfer of supplies and for support
of forward-deployed units (including replacements units) during
major contingency and wartime periods. Naval advanced logistic
support sites, with port and airfield facilities in close
proximity, are located within the theater of operations but not
near the main battle areas, and must possess the throughput
capacity required to accommodate incoming and outgoing
intertheater airlift and sealift. When fully activated, the
naval advanced logistic support site should consist of
facilities and services provided by the host nation, augmented
by support personnel located in the theater of operations, or
both. Also called NALSS or Naval ALSS. See also logistic
support; naval forward logistic site; support; theater of
operations.
naval base
A naval base primarily for support of the forces afloat,
contiguous to a port or anchorage, consisting of activities or
facilities for which the Navy has operating responsibilities,
together with interior lines of communications and the minimum
surrounding area necessary for local security. (Normally, not
greater than an area of 40 square miles.) See also base complex.
naval beach group
A permanently organized naval command within an amphibious
force comprised of a commander and staff, a beachmaster unit, an
amphibious construction battalion, and assault craft units,
designed to provide an administrative group from which required
naval tactical components may be made available to the attack
force commander and to the amphibious landing force commander.
Also called NBG. See also shore party.
naval coastal warfare
Coastal sea control, harbor defense, and port security,
executed both in coastal areas outside the United States in
support of national policy and in the United States as part of
this Nation's defense. Also called NCW.
naval coastal warfare area
An assigned geographic area of operations which includes
offshore waters, harbor approaches, harbors, ports, waterfront
facilities, and those internal waters and rivers which provide
access to port facilities. See also area of operations; naval
coastal warfare.
naval coastal warfare commander
An officer designated to conduct naval coastal warfare
missions within a designated naval coastal geographic area. Also
called NCWC.
naval construction force
The combined construction units of the Navy, including
primarily the mobile construction battalions and the amphibious
construction battalions. These units are part of the operating
forces and represent the Navy's capability for advanced base
construction. Also called NCF.
naval control of shipping
Control exercised by naval authorities of movement,
routing, reporting, convoy organization, and tactical diversion
of allied merchant shipping. It does not include the employment
or active protection of such shipping.
naval control of shipping officer
A naval officer appointed to form merchant convoys and
control and coordinate the routing and movements of such
convoys, independently sailed merchant ships, and hospital ships
in and out of a port or base, subject to the directions of the
operational control authority.
naval control of shipping organization
The organization within the Navy that carries out the
specific responsibilities of the Chief of Naval Operations to
provide for the control and protection of movements of merchant
ships in time of war. Also called NCSORG.
naval expeditionary warfare
Military operations mounted from the sea, usually on short
notice, consisting of forward deployed, or rapidly deployable,
self-sustaining naval forces tailored to achieve a clearly
stated objective. Also called NEW. See also expedition.
naval forward logistic site
An overseas location, with port and airfield facilities
nearby, which provides logistic support to naval forces within
the theater of operations during major contingency and wartime
periods. Naval forward logistic sites may be located in close
proximity to main battle areas to permit forward staging of
services, throughput of high priority cargo, advanced
maintenance, and battle damage repair. Naval forward logistic
sites are linked to in-theater naval advanced logistic support
sites by intratheater airlift and sealift, but may also serve as
transshipment points for intertheater movement of high-priority
cargo into areas of direct combat. In providing fleet logistic
support, naval forward logistic site capabilities may range from
very austere to near those of a naval advanced logistic support
site. Also called NFLS or Naval FLS. See also logistic support;
naval advanced logistic support site; staging.
naval gunfire operations center
The agency established in a ship to control the
execution of plans for the employment of naval gunfire, process
requests for naval gunfire support, and to allot ships to
forward observers. Ideally located in the same ship as the
supporting arms coordination center.
naval gunfire spotting team
The unit of a shore fire control party that designates
targets; controls commencement, cessation, rate, and types of
fire; and spots fire on the target. See also field artillery
observer; spotter
naval gunfire support
Fire provided by Navy surface gun systems in support of a
unit or units tasked with achieving the commander's objectives.
A subset of naval surface fire support. Also called NGFS. See
also naval surface fire support.
naval mobile environmental team
A team of naval personnel organized, trained, and equipped
to support maritime special operations by providing weather,
oceanography, mapping, charting, and geodesy support. Also
called NMET.
naval operation
1. A naval action (or the performance of a naval mission)
that may be strategic, operational, tactical, logistic, or
training. 2. The process of carrying on or training for naval
combat in order to gain the objectives of any battle or
campaign.
naval or Marine (air) base
An air base for support of naval or Marine air units,
consisting of landing strips, seaplane alighting areas, and all
components of related facilities for which the Navy or Marine
Corps has operating responsibilities, together with interior
lines of communications and the minimum surrounding area
necessary for local security. (Normally, not greater than an
area of 20 square miles.) See also base complex.
naval port control office
The authority established at a port or port complex to
coordinate arrangements for logistic support and harbor services
to ships under naval control and to otherwise support the naval
control of shipping organization.
naval special warfare
A designated naval warfare specialty that conducts
operations in the coastal, riverine, and maritime environments.
Naval special warfare emphasizes small, flexible, mobile units
operating under, on, and from the sea. These operations are
characterized by stealth, speed, and precise, violent
application of force. Also called NSW.
naval special warfare forces
Those Active and Reserve Component Navy forces designated
by the Secretary of Defense that are specifically organized,
trained, and equipped to conduct and support special operations.
Also called NSW forces or NAVSOF.
naval special warfare group
A permanent Navy echelon III major command to which most
naval special warfare forces are assigned for some operational
and all administrative purposes. It consists of a group
headquarters with command and control, communications, and
support staff; sea-air-land teams; and sea-air-land team
delivery vehicle teams. Also called NSWG.
naval special warfare special operations component
The Navy special operations component of a unified or
subordinate unified command or joint special operations task
force. Also called NAVSOC.
naval special warfare task element
A provisional subordinate element of a naval special
warfare task unit, employed to extend the command and control
and support capabilities of its parent task unit. Also called
NSWTE. See also naval special warfare task unit.
naval special warfare task group
A provisional naval special warfare organization that
plans, conducts, and supports special operations in support of
fleet commanders and joint force special operations component
commanders. Also called NSWTG.
naval special warfare task unit
A provisional subordinate unit of a naval special warfare task
group. Also called NSWTU. See also naval special warfare task
group.
naval special warfare unit
A permanent Navy organization forward based to control and
support attached naval special warfare forces. Also called NSWU.
naval stores
Any articles or commodities used by a naval ship or
station, such as equipment; consumable supplies; clothing;
petroleum, oils, and lubricants; medical supplies; and
ammunition.
naval support area
A sea area assigned to naval ships detailed to
support an amphibious operation. See also fire support area.
naval surface fire support
Fire provided by Navy surface gun and missile systems in
support of a unit or units. Also called NSFS. See also fire
support.
naval tactical data system
A complex of data inputs, user consoles, converters,
adapters, and radio terminals interconnected with high-speed,
general-purpose computers and its stored programs. Combat data
is collected, processed, and composed into a picture of the
overall tactical situation that enables the force commander to
make rapid, accurate evaluations and decisions.
navigational grid
A series of straight lines, superimposed over a
conformal projection and indicating grid north, used as an aid
to navigation. The interval of the grid lines is generally a
multiple of 60 or 100 nautical miles. See also military grid.
navigation head
A transshipment point on a waterway where loads are
transferred between water carriers and land carriers. A
navigation head is similar in function to a railhead or
truckhead.
navigation mode
In a flight control system, a control mode in which the
flight path of an aircraft is automatically maintained by
signals from navigation equipment.
Navy cargo handling battalion
A mobile logistic support unit capable of worldwide
deployment in its entirety or in specialized detachments. It is
organized, trained, and equipped to: a. load and off-load Navy
and Marine Corps cargo carried in maritime pre-positioning ships
and merchant breakbulk or container ships in all environments;
b. operate an associated temporary ocean cargo terminal; c. load
and offload Navy and Marine Corps cargo carried in
military-controlled aircraft; and d. operate an associated
expeditionary air cargo terminal. Also called NCHB or Navy CHB.
Three sources of Navy cargo handling battalions are: a. Navy
cargo handling and port group--The active duty, cargo handling,
battalion-sized unit composed solely of active duty personnel.
Also called NAVCHAPGRU. b. Naval Reserve cargo handling training
battalion--The active duty, cargo handling training battalion
composed of both active duty and reserve personnel. Also called
NRCHTB. c. Naval Reserve cargo handling battalion--A reserve
cargo handling battalion composed solely of selected reserve
personnel. Also called NRCHB. See also maritime pre-positioning
ships.
Navy cargo handling force
The combined cargo handling units of the Navy, including
primarily the Navy cargo handling and port group, the Naval
Reserve cargo handling training battalion, and the Naval Reserve
cargo handling battalion. These units are part of the operating
forces and represent the Navy's capability for open ocean cargo
handling. Also called NCHF. See also Navy cargo handling
battalion.
Navy special operations component
The Navy component of a joint force special operations
component. Also called NAVSOC. See also Air Force special
operations component; Army special operations component.
Navy support element
The maritime pre-positioning force element that is
composed of naval beach group staff and subordinate unit
personnel, a detachment of Navy cargo handling force personnel,
and other Navy components, as required. It is tasked with
conducting the off-load and ship-to-shore movement of maritime
pre-positioned equipment and/or supplies. Also called NSE.
Navy tactical air control center
See tactical air control center.
Navy-unique fleet essential aircraft
Combatant commander-controlled airlift assets deemed
essential for providing air transportation in support of
navaloperations' transportation requirements. This capability is
intended to provide a balance and supplement to other
airliftassets to ensure the Navy's ability to respond to
emergency and wartime requirements. Also called NUFEA.
N-day
See times.
near miss (aircraft)
Any circumstance in flight where the degree of separation
between two aircraft is considered by either pilot to have
constituted a hazardous situation involving potential risk of
collision.
near real time
Pertaining to the timeliness of data or information
which has been delayed by the time required for electronic
communication and automatic data processing. This implies that
there are no significant delays. Also called NRT. See also real
time.
neatlines
The lines that bound the body of a map, usually
parallels and meridians. See also graticule.
need to know
A criterion used in security procedures that requires the
custodians of classified information to establish, prior to
disclosure, that the intended recipient must have access to the
information to perform his or her official duties.
negation
Measures to deceive, disrupt, deny, degrade, or destroy an
adversary's space systems and services or any other space system
or service used by an adversary that is hostile to US national
interests. See also space control.
negative phase of the shock wave
The period during which the pressure falls below ambient
and then returns to the ambient value. See also positive phase
of the shock wave.
negative photo plane
The plane in which a film or plate lies at the
moment of exposure.
negligible risk (nuclear)
A degree of risk where personnel are reasonably safe, with
the exceptions of dazzle or temporary loss of night vision. See
also emergency risk (nuclear).
negotiations
A discussion between authorities and a barricaded offender
or terrorist to effect hostage release and terrorist surrender.
See also antiterrorism.
NEOPACK
Preassembled package of selected maps, charts, and other
geographic materials of various scales to support the planning
and conduct of noncombatant evacuation operations in selected
countries or areas. See also noncombatant evacuation operations;
noncombatant evacuees.
nerve agent
A potentially lethal chemical agent which interferes
with the transmission of nerve impulses.
net call sign
A call sign which represents all stations within a
net. See also call sign.
net, chain, cell system
Patterns of clandestine organization, especially for
operational purposes. Net is the broadest of the three; it
usually involves: a. a succession of echelons; and b. such
functional specialists as may be required to accomplish its
mission. When it consists largely or entirely of nonstaff
employees, it may be called an agent net. Chain focuses
attention upon the first of these elements; it is commonly
defined as a series of agents and informants who receive
instructions from and pass information to a principal agent by
means of cutouts and couriers. Cell system emphasizes a variant
of the first element of net; its distinctive feature is the
grouping of personnel into small units that are relatively
isolated and self-contained. In the interest of maximum security
for the organization as a whole, each cell has contact with the
rest of the organization only through an agent of the
organization and a single member of the cell. Others in the cell
do not know the agent, and nobody in the cell knows the
identities or activities of members of other cells.
net (communications)
An organization of stations capable of direct
communications on a common channel or frequency.
net control station
A communications station designated to control traffic and
enforce circuit discipline within a given net. Also called NCS.
net explosive weight
The actual weight in pounds of explosive mixtures or
compounds, including the trinitrotoluene equivalent of energetic
material, that is used in determination of explosive limits and
explosive quantity data arcs. Also called NEW.
net inventory assets
That portion of the total materiel assets that is
designated to meet the materiel inventory objective. It consists
of the total materiel assets less the peacetime materiel
consumption and losses through normal appropriation and
procurement leadtime periods.
net sweep
In naval mine warfare, a two-ship sweep, using a
netlike device, designed to collect drifting mines or scoop them
up from the sea bottom.
net weight
Weight of a ground vehicle without fuel, engine oil,
coolant, on-vehicle materiel, cargo, or operating personnel.
neutral
In combat and combat support operations, an identity
applied to a track whose characteristics, behavior, origin, or
nationality indicate that it is neither supporting nor opposing
friendly forces. See also hostile; suspect; unknown.
neutrality
In international law, the attitude of impartiality during
periods of war adopted by third states toward a belligerent and
subsequently recognized by the belligerent, which creates rights
and duties between the impartial states and the belligerent. In
a United Nations enforcement action, the rules of neutrality
apply to impartial members of the United Nations except so far
as they are excluded by the obligation of such members under the
United Nations Charter.
neutralization
In mine warfare, a mine is said to be neutralized
when it has been rendered, by external means, incapable of
firing on passage of a target, although it may remain dangerous
to handle.
neutralization
In mine warfare, a mine is said to be neutralized
when it has been rendered, by external means, incapable of
firing on passage of a target, although it may remain dangerous
to handle.
neutralize
1. As pertains to military operations, to render
ineffective or unusable. 2. To render enemy personnel or
material incapable of interfering with a particular operation.
3. To render safe mines, bombs, missiles, and boobytraps. 4. To
make harmless anything contaminated with a chemical agent.
neutral state
In international law, a state that pursues a policy of
neutrality during war. See also neutrality.
neutron induced activity
Radioactivity induced in the ground or an object as
a result of direct irradiation by neutrons.
news media representative
An individual employed by a civilian radio or television
station, newspaper, newsmagazine, periodical, or news agency to
gather and report on a newsworthy event. Also called NMR. See
also public affairs.
nickname
A combination of two separate unclassified words that is
assigned an unclassified meaning and is employed only for
unclassified administrative, morale, or public information
purposes
night effect
An effect mainly caused by variations in the state
of polarization of reflected waves, which sometimes result in
errors in direction finding bearings. The effect is most
frequent at nightfall.
night vision device
Any electro-optical device that is used to detect visible
and infrared energy and provide a visible image. Night vision
goggles, forward-looking infrared, thermal sights, and low-light
level television are night vision devices. Also called NVD. See
also forward-looking infrared; night vision goggles(s).
night vision goggle(s)
An electro-optical image intensifying device that detects
visible and near-infrared energy, intensifies the energy, and
provides a visible image for night viewing. Night vision goggles
can be either hand-held or helmet-mounted. Also called NVG. See
also night vision device.
node
A location in a mobility system where a movement
requirement is originated, processed for onward movement, or
terminated.
node/command, control, communications, and computers node
The physical and functional grouping of communications and
computer systems that provide terminating, switching, and
gateway access services to support information exchange. See
also common operating environment; global grid.
no-fire area
An area designated by the appropriate commander into which
fires or their effects are prohibited. Also called NFA. See also
fires.
no-fire line
A line short of which artillery or ships do not fire
except on request or approval of the supported commander, but
beyond which they may fire at any time without danger to
friendly troops.
nominal filter
A filter capable of cutting off a nominated minimum
percentage by weight of solid particles greater than a stated
micron size.
nominal focal length
An approximate value of the focal length, rounded
off to some standard figure, used for the classification of
lenses, mirrors, or cameras.
nominal scale
See principal scale; scale.
nominal weapon
A nuclear weapon producing a yield of approximately
20 kilotons. See also kiloton weapon; megaton weapon; subkiloton
weapon.
nonair transportable
That which is not transportable by air by virtue of
dimension, weight, or special characteristics or restrictions.
nonaligned state
A state that pursues a policy of nonalignment.
nonalignment
The political attitude of a state that does not associate
or identify itself with the political ideology or objective
espoused by other states, groups of states, or international
causes, or with the foreign policies stemming therefrom. It does
not preclude involvement, but expresses the attitude of no
precommitment to a particular state (or block) or policy before
a situation arises.
nonappropriated funds
Funds generated by DOD military and civilian personnel and
their dependents and used to augment funds appropriated by the
Congress to provide a comprehensive, morale-building welfare,
religious, educational, and recreational program, designed to
improve the well-being of military and civilian personnel and
their dependents.
nonbattle injury
A person who becomes a casualty due to circumstances not
directly attributable to hostile action or terrorist activity.
Also called NBI
noncombatant evacuation operations
Operations directed by the Department of State, the
Department of Defense, or other appropriate authority whereby
noncombatants are evacuated from foreign countries when their
lives are endangered by war, civil unrest, or natural disaster
to safe havens or to the United States. Also called NEOs. See
also evacuation; NEOPACK; noncombatant evacuees; operation; safe
haven.
noncombatant evacuees
1. US citizens who may be ordered to evacuate by competent
authority include: a. civilian employees of all agencies of the
US Government and their dependents, except as noted in 2a below;
b. military personnel of the US Armed Forces specifically
designated for evacuation as noncombatants; and c. dependents of
members of the US Armed Forces. 2. US (and non-US) citizens who
may be authorized or assisted (but not necessarily ordered to
evacuate) by competent authority include: a. civilian employees
of US Government agencies and their dependents, who are
residents in the country concerned on their own volition, but
express the willingness to be evacuated; b. private US citizens
and their dependents; c. military personnel and dependents of
members of the US Armed Forces outlined in 1c above, short of an
ordered evacuation; and d. designated aliens, including
dependents of persons listed in 1a through 1c above, as
prescribed by the Department of State. See also noncombatant
evacuation operations.
noncontiguous facility
A facility for which the Service indicated has operating
responsibility, but which is not located on, or in the immediate
vicinity of, a base complex of that Service. Its area includes
only that actually occupied by the facility, plus the minimum
surrounding area necessary for close-in security. See also base
complex
nondeferrable issue demand
Issue demand related to specific periods of time that will
not exist after the close of those periods, even though not
satisfied during the period.
nondeployable account
An account where Reservists (officer and enlisted), either
in units or individually, are assigned to a reserve component
category or a training/retired category when the individual has
not completed initial active duty for training or its
equivalent. Reservists in a nondeployable account are not
considered as trained strength assigned to units or mobilization
positions and are not deployable overseas on land with those
units or mobilization positions. See also training pipeline.
nondestructive electronic warfare
Those electronic warfare actions, not including employment
of wartime reserve modes, that deny, disrupt, or deceive rather
than damage or destroy. See also electronic warfare.
nonexpendable supplies and materiel
Supplies not consumed in use that retain their original
identity during the period of use, such as weapons, machines,
tools, and equipment.
nonfixed medical treatment facility
A medical treatment facility designed to be moved from
place to place, including medical treatment facilities afloat.
nongovernmental organizations
Transnational organizations of private citizens that
maintain a consultative status with the Economic and Social
Council of the United Nations. Nongovernmental organizations may
be professional associations, foundations, multinational
businesses, or simply groups with a common interest in
humanitarian assistance activities (development and relief).
Also called NGOs.
nonhostile casualty
A person who becomes a casualty due to circumstances not
directly attributable to hostile action or terrorist activity.
Casualties due to the elements, self-inflicted wounds, and
combat fatigue are nonhostile casualties. Also called NHCS. See
also casualty; casualty type; hostile casualty.
nonlethal weapons
Weapons that are explicitly designed and primarily
employed so as to incapacitate personnel or material, while
minimizing fatalities, permanent injury to personnel, and
undesired damage to property and the environment. a. Unlike
conventional lethal weapons that destroy their targets through
blast, penetration, and fragmentation, nonlethal weapons employ
means other than gross physical destruction to prevent the
target from functioning. b. Nonlethal weapons are intended to
have one, or both, of the following characteristics: (1) They
have relatively reversible effects on personnel or materiel. (2)
They affect objects differently within their area of influence.
non-linear approach
In approach and landing systems, a final approach in
which the nominal flight path is not a straight line.
nonorganic transportation requirement
Unit personnel and cargo for which the transportation
source must be an outside agency, normally a component of US
Transportation Command.
nonpersistent agent
A chemical agent that when released dissipates and/or
loses its ability to cause casualties after 10 to 15 minutes.
nonprecision approach
Radar-controlled approach or an approach flown by
reference to navigation aids in which glide slope information is
not available. See also final approach; precision approach.
nonprior service personnel
Individuals without any prior military service, who have
not completed basic inactive duty training, and who receive a
commission in or enlist directly into an Armed Force of the
United States.
nonproliferation
Those actions (e.g., diplomacy, arms control, multilateral
agreements, threat reduction assistance, and export controls)
taken to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction by dissuading or impeding access to, or distribution
of, sensitive technologies, material, and expertise. Also called
NP. See also counterproliferation.
nonrecurring demand
A request by an authorized requisitioner to satisfy a
materiel requirement known to be a one-time occurrence. This
materiel is required to provide initial stockage allowances, to
meet planned program requirements, or to satisfy a one-time
project or maintenance requirement. Nonrecurring demands
normally will not be considered by the supporting supply system
in the development of demand-based elements of the requirements
computation.
non-registered publication
A publication which bears no register number and for
which periodic accounting is not required.
nonscheduled units
Units of the landing force held in readiness for landing
during the initial unloading period, but not included in either
scheduled or on-call waves. This category usually includes
certain of the combat support units and most of the combat
service support units with higher echelon (division and above)
reserve units of the landing force. Their landing is directed
when the need ashore can be predicted with a reasonable degree
of accuracy.
non-self-sustaining containership
A containership that does not have a built-in capability
to load or off-load containers, and requires a port crane or
craneship service. Also called NSSCS. See also containership;
self-sustaining containership.
nonstandard item
An item of supply determined by standardization action as
not authorized for procurement
nonstandard unit
A force requirement identified in a time-phased force and
deployment data for which movement characteristics have not been
described in the type unit characteristics file. The planner is
required to submit detailed movement characteristics for these
units.
nonstocked item
An item that does not meet the stockage criteria for a
given activity, and therefore is not stocked at the particular
activity.
nonstrategic nuclear forces
Those nuclear-capable forces located in an operational
area with a capability to employ nuclear weapons by land, sea,
or air forces against opposing forces, supporting installations,
or facilities. Such forces may be employed, when authorized by
competent authority, to support operations that contribute to
the accomplishment of the commander's mission within the theater
of operations
non-submarine contact chart
A special naval chart, at a scale of 1:100,000 to
1:1,000,000, showing bathymetry, bottom characteristics, wreck
data, and non-submarine contact data for coastal and off-shore
waters. It is designed for use in conducting submarine and
antisubmarine warfare operations. Also called non-sub contact
chart.
non-unit record
A time-phased force and deployment data file entry for
non-unit-related cargo and personnel. Characteristics include
using and providing organization, type of movement, routing
data, cargo category, weight, volume, area required, and number
of personnel requiring transportation.
non-unit-related cargo
All equipment and supplies requiring transportation to an
operational area, other than those identified as the equipment
or accompanying supplies of a specific unit (e.g., resupply,
military support for allies, and support for nonmilitary
programs, such as civil relief). Also called NURC
non-unit-related personnel
All personnel requiring transportation to or from an
operational area, other than those assigned to a specific unit
(e.g., filler personnel; replacements; temporary duty/temporary
additional duty personnel; civilians; medical evacuees; and
retrograde personnel). Also called NRP or NUP
non-US forces
Includes all armed forces of states other than US forces.
US forces may act in defense of non-US forces when so designated
by the President or Secretary of Defense.
normal charge
Charge employing a standard amount of propellant to fire a
gun under ordinary conditions, as compared with a reduced
charge. See also reduced charge.
normal impact effect
See cardinal point effect.
normal intelligence reports
A category of reports used in the dissemination of
intelligence, conventionally used for the immediate
dissemination of individual items of intelligence. See also
intelligence reporting; specialist intelligence report.
normal lighting
Lighting of vehicles as prescribed or authorized by
the law of a given country without restrictions for military
reasons. See also reduced lighting.
normal operations
Generally and collectively, the broad functions that a
combatant commander undertakes when assigned responsibility for
a given geographic or functional area. Except as otherwise
qualified in certain unified command plan paragraphs that relate
to particular commands, "normal operations" of a combatant
commander include: planning and execution of operations
throughout the range of military operations; planning and
conduct of cold war activities; planning and administration of
military assistance; and maintaining the relationships and
exercising the directive or coordinating authority prescribed in
JP 0-2 and JP 4-01.
North American Aerospace Defense Command
A bi-national command of the US and Canada that provides
aerospace surveillance, warning and assessment of aerospace
attack, and maintains the sovereignty of US and Canadian
airspace. Also called NORAD.
no-strike list
A list of geographic areas, complexes, or installations
not planned for capture or destruction. Attacking these
mayviolate the law of armed conflict or interfere with friendly
relations with indigenous personnel or governments. Also
calledNSL. See also law of armed conflict.
notice to airmen
A notice containing information concerning the
establishment, condition, or change in any aeronautical
facility, service, procedures, or hazard, the timely knowledge
of which is essential to personnel concerned with flight
operations. Also called NOTAM.
notional ship
A theoretical or average ship of any one category used in
transportation planning (e.g., a Liberty ship for dry cargo; a
T-2 tanker for bulk petroleum, oils, and lubricants; a personnel
transport of 2,400 troop spaces).
not mission capable, maintenance
Material condition indicating that systems and equipment
are not capable of performing any of their assigned missions
because of maintenance requirements. Also called NMCM. See also
not mission capable, supply.
not mission capable, supply
Material condition indicating that systems and equipment
are not capable of performing any of their assigned missions
because of maintenance work stoppage due to a supply shortage.
Also called NMCS. See also not mission capable, maintenance.
not seriously injured
The casualty status of a person whose injury may or may
not require hospitalization; medical authority does not classify
as very seriously injured, seriously injured, or incapacitating
illness or injury; and the person can communicate with the next
of kin. Also called NSI. See also casualty status.
no-wind position
See air position.
NSWTF
naval special warfare task force
nuclear accident
See nuclear weapon(s) accident.
nuclear airburst
The explosion of a nuclear weapon in the air, at a
height greater than the maximum radius of the fireball. See also
types of burst.
nuclear, biological, and chemical-capable nation
A nation that has the capability to produce and employ one
or more types of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons
across the full range of military operations and at any level of
war in order to achieve political and military objectives.
nuclear, biological, and chemical conditions
See nuclear, biological, and chemical environment.
nuclear, biological, and chemical defense
Defensive measures that enable friendly forces to survive,
fight, and win against enemy use of nuclear, biological, or
chemical (NBC) weapons and agents. US forces apply NBC defensive
measures before and during integrated warfare. In integrated
warfare, opposing forces employ nonconventional weapons along
with conventional weapons (NBC weapons are nonconventional). See
also integrated warfare.
nuclear, biological, and chemical environment
Environments in which there is deliberate or accidental
employment, or threat of employment, of nuclear, biological, or
chemical weapons; deliberate or accidental attacks or
contamination with toxic industrial materials, including toxic
industrial chemicals; or deliberate or accidental attacks or
contamination with radiological (radioactive) materials. See
also contamination.
nuclear bonus effects
Desirable damage or casualties produced by the
effects from friendly nuclear weapons that cannot be accurately
calculated in targeting as the uncertainties involved preclude
depending on them for a militarily significant result.
nuclear burst
See types of burst.
nuclear certifiable
Indicates a unit or vehicle possessing the potential
of passing functional tests and inspections of all normal and
emergency systems affecting the nuclear weapons.
nuclear certified
See nuclear certified delivery unit; nuclear certified delivery
vehicle.
nuclear certified delivery unit
Any level of organization and support elements which
are capable of executing nuclear missions in accordance with
appropriate bilateral arrangements and NATO directives. See also
nuclear delivery unit.
nuclear certified delivery vehicle
A delivery vehicle whose compatibility with a
nuclear weapon has been certified by the applicable nuclear
power through formal procedures. See also nuclear delivery
vehicle.
nuclear cloud
An all-inclusive term for the volume of hot gases,
smoke, dust, and other particulate matter from the nuclear bomb
itself and from its environment, which is carried aloft in
conjunction with the rise of the fireball produced by the
detonation of the nuclear weapon.
nuclear collateral damage
Undesired damage or casualties produced by the effects
from friendly nuclear weapons.
nuclear column
A hollow cylinder of water and spray thrown up from
an underwater burst of a nuclear weapon, through which the hot,
high-pressure gases formed in the explosion are vented to the
atmosphere. A somewhat similar column of dirt is formed in an
underground explosion.
nuclear commitment
A statement by a NATO member that specific forces
have been committed or will be committed to NATO in a nuclear
only or dual capable role.
nuclear contact surface burst
An explosion of a nuclear weapon whose center of energy is
at the surface of land or water.
nuclear coordination
A broad term encompassing all the actions involved with
planning nuclear strikes, including liaison between commanders,
for the purpose of satisfying support requirements or because of
the extension of weapons effects into the territory of another.
nuclear damage
1. Light Damage--Damage which does not prevent the
immediate use of equipment or installations for which it was
intended. Some repair by the user may be required to make full
use of the equipment or installations. 2. Moderate
Damage--Damage which prevents the use of equipment or
installations until extensive repairs are made. 3. Severe
Damage--Damage which prevents use of equipment or installations
permanently.
nuclear damage assessment
The determination of the damage effect to the
population, forces, and resources resulting from actual nuclear
attack. It is performed during and after an attack. The
operational significance of the damage is not evaluated in this
assessment.
nuclear defense
The methods, plans, and procedures involved in
establishing and exercising defensive measures against the
effects of an attack by nuclear weapons or radiological warfare
agents. It encompasses both the training for, and the
implementation of, these methods, plans, and procedures. See
also nuclear, biological, and chemical defense; radiological
defense.
nuclear delivery unit
Any level of organization capable of employing a
nuclear weapon system or systems when the weapon or weapons have
been released by proper authority.
nuclear delivery vehicle
That portion of the weapon system which provides the
means of delivery of a nuclear weapon to the target.
nuclear detonation detection and reporting system
A system deployed to provide surveillance coverage
of critical friendly target areas, and indicate place, height of
burst, yield, and ground zero of nuclear detonations. Also
called NUDETS.
nuclear dud
A nuclear weapon that, when launched at or emplaced on a
target, fails to provide any explosion of that part of the
weapon designed to produce the nuclear yield.
nuclear energy
All forms of energy released in the course of a nuclear
fission or nuclear transformation.
nuclear exoatmospheric burst
The explosion of a nuclear weapon above the sensible
atmosphere (above 120 kilometers) where atmospheric interaction
is minimal. See also types of burst.
nuclear incident
An unexpected event involving a nuclear weapon, facility,
or component, resulting in any of the following, but not
constituting a nuclear weapon(s) accident: a. an increase in the
possibility of explosion or radioactive contamination; b. errors
committed in the assembly, testing, loading, or transportation
of equipment, and/or the malfunctioning of equipment and
materiel which could lead to an unintentional operation of all
or part of the weapon arming and/or firing sequence, or which
could lead to a substantial change in yield, or increased dud
probability; and c. any act of God, unfavorable environment, or
condition resulting in damage to the weapon, facility, or
component.
nuclear intelligence
Intelligence derived from the collection and analysis of
radiation and other effects resulting from radioactive sources.
Also called NUCINT. See also intelligence.
nuclear logistic movement
The transport of nuclear weapons in connection with supply
or maintenance operations. Under certain specified conditions,
combat aircraft may be used for such movements.
nuclear nation
Military nuclear powers and civil nuclear powers.
nuclear parity
A condition at a given point in time when opposing forces
possess nuclear offensive and defensive systems approximately
equal in overall combat effectiveness.
nuclear planning system
A system composed of personnel, directives, and electronic
data processing systems to directly support geographic nuclear
combatant commanders in developing, maintaining, and
disseminating nuclear operation plans.
nuclear proximity-surface burst
An explosion of a nuclear weapon at a height less than the
maximum radius of its fireball, but low enough to facilitate
cratering and/or the propagation of a shock wave into the
ground.
nuclear radiation
Particulate and electromagnetic radiation emitted
from atomic nuclei in various nuclear processes. The important
nuclear radiations, from the weapon standpoint, are alpha and
beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons. All nuclear radiations
are ionizing radiations, but the reverse is not true; X-rays for
example, are included among ionizing radiations, but they are
not nuclear radiations since they do not originate from atomic
nuclei.
nuclear reactor
A facility in which fissile material is used in a
self-supporting chain reaction (nuclear fission) to produce heat
and/or radiation for both practical application and research and
development.
nuclear round
See complete round.
nuclear safety line
A line selected, if possible, to follow well-defined
topographical features and used to delineate levels of
protective measures, degrees of damage or risk to friendly
troops, and/or to prescribe limits to which the effects of
friendly weapons may be permitted to extend.
nuclear stalemate
A concept that postulates a situation wherein the relative
strength of opposing nuclear forces results in mutual deterrence
against employment of nuclear forces.
nuclear strike warning
A warning of impending friendly or suspected enemy
nuclear attack.
nuclear support
The use of nuclear weapons against hostile forces in
support of friendly air, land, and naval operations. See also
immediate nuclear support; preplanned nuclear support.
nuclear transmutation
Artificially induced modification (nuclear reaction) of
the constituents of certain nuclei, thus giving rise to
different nuclides.
nuclear underground burst
The explosion of a nuclear weapon in which the
center of the detonation lies at a point beneath the surface of
the ground. See also types of burst.
nuclear underwater burst
The explosion of a nuclear weapon in which the
center of the detonation lies at a point beneath the surface of
the water. See also types of burst.
nuclear vulnerability assessment
The estimation of the probable effect on population,
forces, and resources from a hypothetical nuclear attack. It is
performed predominantly in the preattack period; however, it may
be extended to the transattack or postattack periods.
nuclear warfare
Warfare involving the employment of nuclear weapons.
See also postattack period; transattack period.
nuclear warning message
A warning message that must be disseminated to all
affected friendly forces any time a nuclear weapon is to be
detonated if effects of the weapon will have impact upon those
forces.
nuclear weapon
A complete assembly (i.e., implosion type, gun type,
or thermonuclear type), in its intended ultimate configuration
which, upon completion of the prescribed arming, fusing, and
firing sequence, is capable of producing the intended nuclear
reaction and release of energy.
nuclear weapon degradation
The degeneration of a nuclear warhead to such an extent
that the anticipated nuclear yield is lessened.
nuclear weapon employment time
The time required for delivery of a nuclear weapon
after the decision to fire has been made.
nuclear weapon exercise
An operation not directly related to immediate
operational readiness. It includes removal of a weapon from its
normal storage location, preparing for use, delivery to an
employment unit, and the movement in a ground training exercise,
to include loading aboard an aircraft or missile and return to
storage. It may include any or all of the operations listed
above, but does not include launching or flying operations.
Typical exercises include aircraft generation exercises, ground
readiness exercises, ground tactical exercises, and various
categories of inspections designed to evaluate the capability of
the unit to perform its prescribed mission. See also immediate
operational readiness; nuclear weapon maneuver.
nuclear weapon maneuver
An operation not directly related to immediate
operational readiness. It may consist of all those operations
listed for a nuclear weapon exercise and is extended to include
flyaway in combat aircraft, but does not include expenditure of
the weapon. Typical maneuvers include nuclear operational
readiness maneuvers and tactical air operations. See also
immediate operational readiness; nuclear weapon exercise.
nuclear weapon(s) accident
An unexpected event involving nuclear weapons or
radiological nuclear weapon components that results in any of
the following; a. accidental or unauthorized launching, firing,
or use by United States forces or United States supported allied
forces of a nuclear-capable weapon system that could create the
risk of an outbreak of war; b. nuclear detonation; c. nonnuclear
detonation or burning of a nuclear weapon or radiological
nuclear weapon component; d. radioactive contamination; e.
seizure, theft, loss, or destruction of a nuclear weapon or
radiological nuclear weapon component, including jettisoning;
and f. public hazard, actual or implied.
nuclear weapons state
See military nuclear power.
nuclear weapons surety
Materiel, personnel, and procedures that contribute to the
security, safety, and reliability of nuclear weapons and to the
assurance that there will be no nuclear weapon accidents,
incidents, unauthorized weapon detonations, or degradation in
performance at the target.
nuclear yields
The energy released in the detonation of a nuclear weapon,
measured in terms of the kilotons or megatons of trinitrotoluene
required to produce the same energy release. Yields are
categorized as follows: very low--less than 1 kiloton; low--1
kiloton to 10 kilotons; medium--over 10 kilotons to 50 kilotons;
high--over 50 kilotons to 500 kilotons; very high--over 500
kilotons. See also nominal weapon; subkiloton weapon.
nuisance minefield
A minefield laid to delay and disorganize the enemy
and to hinder the use of an area or route. See also minefield.
number . . . in (out)
In artillery, term used to indicate a change in
status of weapon number _______________.
numbered beach
In amphibious operations, a subdivision of a colored
beach, designated for the assault landing of a battalion landing
team or similarly sized unit, when landed as part of a larger
force.
numbered fleet
A major tactical unit of the Navy immediately subordinate
to a major fleet command and comprising various task forces,
elements, groups, and units for the purpose of prosecuting
specific naval operations. See also fleet.
numbered wave
See wave.
numerical scale
See scale.
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