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Glossary of Military Terms
sabotage
An act or acts with intent to injure, interfere with, or
obstruct the national defense of a country by willfully injuring
or destroying, or attempting to injure or destroy, any national
defense or war materiel, premises, or utilities, to include
human and natural resources.
sabotage alert team
See security alert team.
saboteur
One who commits sabotage. See also antiterrorism;
countersabotage; sabotage.
safe anchorage
An anchorage considered safe from enemy attack to
which merchant ships may be ordered to proceed when the shipping
movement policy is implemented. See also refuge area.
safe area
A designated area in hostile territory that offers the
evader or escapee a reasonable chance of avoiding capture and of
surviving until he or she can be evacuated.
safe burst height
The height of burst at or above which the level of
fallout or damage to ground installations is at a predetermined
level acceptable to the military commander. See also types of
burst.
safe current
In naval mine warfare, the maximum current that can
be supplied to a sweep in a given waveform and pulse cycle which
does not produce a danger area with respect to the mines being
swept for.
safe depth
In naval mine warfare, the shallowest depth of water
in which a ship will not actuate a bottom mine of the type under
consideration. Safe depth is usually quoted for conditions of
ship upright, calm sea, and a given speed.
safe distance
In naval mine warfare, the horizontal range from the
edge of the explosion damage area to the center of the sweeper.
safe haven
1. Designated area(s) to which noncombatants of the United
States Government's responsibility and commercial vehicles and
materiel may be evacuated during a domestic or other valid
emergency. 2. Temporary storage provided to Department of Energy
classified shipment transporters at Department of Defense
facilities in order to assure safety and security of nuclear
material and/or nonnuclear classified material. Also includes
parking for commercial vehicles containing Class A or Class B
explosives. 3. A protected body of water or the well deck of an
amphibious ship used by small craft operating offshore for
refuge from storms or heavy seas.
safe house
An innocent-appearing house or premises established by an
organization for the purpose of conducting clandestine or covert
activity in relative security.
safe separation distance
The minimum distance between the delivery system and
the weapon beyond which the hazards associated with functioning
(detonation) are acceptable.
safety and arming mechanism
A dual function device which prevents the unintended
activation of a main charge or propulsion unit prior to arming,
but allows activation thereafter upon receipt of the appropriate
stimuli.
safety device
A device which prevents unintentional functioning.
safety distance
In road transport, the distance between vehicles
traveling in column specified by the command in light of safety
requirements.
safety fuze
A pyrotechnic contained in a flexible and weather-proof
sheath burning at a timed and constant rate; used to transmit a
flame to the detonator.
safety height
See altitude; minimum safe altitude.
safety lane
Specified sea lane designated for use in transit by
submarine and surface ships to prevent attack by friendly
forces.
safety level of supply
The quantity of materiel, in addition to the operating
level of supply, required to be on hand to permit continuous
operations in the event of minor interruption of normal
replenishment or unpredictable fluctuations in demand. See also
level of supply.
safety line
In land mine warfare, demarcation line for trip wire
or wire-actuated mines in a minefield. It serves to protect the
laying personnel. After the minefield is laid, this line is
neither marked on the ground nor plotted on the minefield
record.
safety wire
A cable, wire, or lanyard attached to the aircraft
and routed to an expendable aircraft store to prevent arming
initiation prior to store release. See also arming wire.
safety zone
An area (land, sea, or air) reserved for noncombat
operations of friendly aircraft, surface ships, submarines, or
ground forces. (Note: DOD does not use the word "submarines".)
safing
As applied to weapons and ammunition, the changing from a
state of readiness for initiation to a safe condition. Also
called de-arming.
safing and arming mechanism
A mechanism whose primary purpose is to prevent an
unintended functioning of the main charge of the ammunition
prior to completion of the arming delay and, in turn, allow the
explosive train of the ammunition to function after arming.
salted weapon
A nuclear weapon which has, in addition to its
normal components, certain elements or isotopes which capture
neutrons at the time of the explosion and produce radioactive
products over and above the usual radioactive weapon debris. See
also minimum residual radioactivity weapon.
salvage
1. Property that has some value in excess of its basic
material content but is in such condition that it has no
reasonable prospect of use for any purpose as a unit and its
repair or rehabilitation for use as a unit is clearly
impractical. 2. The saving or rescuing of condemned, discarded,
or abandoned property, and of materials contained therein for
reuse, refabrication, or scrapping.
salvage group
In an amphibious operation, a naval task organization
designated and equipped to rescue personnel and to salvage
equipment and material.
salvage operation
1. The recovery, evacuation, and reclamation of damaged,
discarded, condemned, or abandoned allied or enemy materiel,
ships, craft, and floating equipment for reuse, repair,
refabrication, or scrapping. 2. Naval salvage operations include
harbor and channel clearance, diving, hazardous towing and
rescue tug services, and the recovery of materiel, ships, craft,
and floating equipment sunk offshore or elsewhere stranded.
salvo
1. In naval gunfire support, a method of fire in which a
number of weapons are fired at the same target simultaneously.
2. In close air support or air interdiction operations, a method
of delivery in which the release mechanisms are operated to
release or fire all ordnance of a specific type simultaneously.
sanction enforcement and maritime intercept operations
Operations that employ coercive measures to interdict the
movement of certain types of designated items into or out of a
nation or specified area.
sanctuary
A nation or area near or contiguous to the combat area
that, by tacit agreement between the warring powers, is exempt
from attack and therefore serves as a refuge for staging,
logistic, or other activities of the combatant powers.
sanitize
To revise a report or other document in such a fashion as
to prevent identification of sources, or of the actual persons
and places with which it is concerned, or of the means by which
it was acquired. Usually involves deletion or substitution of
names and other key details.
satellite and missile surveillance
The systematic observation of aerospace for the purpose of
detecting, tracking, and characterizing objects, events, and
phenomena associated with satellites and inflight missiles,
friendly and enemy. See also surveillance.
S-bend distortion
See S-curve distortion.
scale
The ratio or fraction between the distance on a map,
chart, or photograph and the corresponding distance on the
surface of the Earth. See also conversion scale; graphic scale;
photographic scale; principal scale.
scale (photographic)
See photographic scale.
scaling law
A mathematical relationship which permits the
effects of a nuclear explosion of given energy yield to be
determined as a function of distance from the explosion (or from
ground zero) provided the corresponding effect is known as a
function of distance for a reference explosion, e.g., of
1-kiloton energy yield.
scan
1. The path periodically followed by a radiation beam. 2.
In electronic intelligence, the motion of an electronic beam
through space looking for a target. Scanning is produced by the
motion of the antenna or by lobe switching. See also electronic
intelligence.
scan line
The line produced on a recording medium frame by a
single sweep of a scanner.
scan period
The period taken by a radar, sonar, etc., to complete a
scan pattern and return to a starting point.
scan rate
The rate at which individual scans are recorded.
scan type
The path made in space by a point on the radar beam; for
example, circular, helical, conical, spiral, or sector.
scatterable mine
In land mine warfare, a mine laid without regard to
classical pattern and which is designed to be delivered by
aircraft, artillery, missile, ground dispenser, or by hand. Once
laid, it normally has a limited life. See also mine.
scene of action commander
In antisubmarine warfare, the commander at the scene of
contact. The commander is usually in a ship, or may be in a
fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, or submarine.
scheduled arrival date
The projected arrival date of a specified movement
requirement at a specified location.
scheduled fire
A type of prearranged fire executed at a
predetermined time.
scheduled maintenance
Periodic prescribed inspection and/or servicing of
equipment accomplished on a calendar, mileage, or hours of
operation basis. See also organizational maintenance.
scheduled service (air transport)
A routine air transport service operated in accordance
with a timetable.
scheduled speed
The planned sustained speed of a convoy through the
water which determines the speed classification of that convoy.
See also convoy speed; critical speed; declared speed.
scheduled target (nuclear)
A planned target on which a nuclear weapon is to be
delivered at a specific time during the operation of the
supported force. The time is specified in terms of minutes
before or after a designated time or in terms of the
accomplishment of a predetermined movement or task. Coordination
and warning of friendly troops and aircraft are mandatory.
scheduled targets
Planned targets upon which fires will be delivered at a
specific time. See also planned targets; target.
scheduled wave
See wave.
schedule of fire
Groups of fires or series of fires fired in a definite
sequence according to a definite program. The time of starting
the schedule may be ON CALL. For identification purposes,
schedules may be referred to by a code name or other
designation.
schedule of targets
In artillery, mortar, and naval gunfire support,
individual targets, groups, or series of targets to be fired on,
in a definite sequence according to a definite program.
scheduling and movement
Joint Operation Planning and Execution System application
software providing the capability to create, update, allocate,
manifest, and review organic carrier information before and
during deployment. It provides the ability to review, analyze,
and generate several predefined reports on an extensive variety
of scheduling and movement information. Also called S&M.
scheduling and movement capability
The capability required by Joint Operation Planning and
Execution System planners and operators to allow for review and
update of scheduling and movement data before and during
implementation of a deployment operation.
scheme of maneuver
Description of how arrayed forces will accomplish the
commander's intent. It is the central expression of the
commander's concept for operations and governs the design of
supporting plans or annexes.
scientific and technical intelligence
The product resulting from the collection, evaluation,
analysis, and interpretation of foreign scientific and technical
information that covers: a. foreign developments in basic and
applied research and in applied engineering techniques; and b.
scientific and technical characteristics, capabilities, and
limitations of all foreign military systems, weapons, weapon
systems, and materiel; the research and development related
thereto; and the production methods employed for their
manufacture. Also called S&TI. See also intelligence; research;
scientific intelligence; technical intelligence.
scientific intelligence
See scientific and technical intelligence.
screen
1. An arrangement of ships, aircraft and/or
submarines to protect a main body or convoy. 2. In cartography,
a sheet of transparent film, glass, or plastic carrying a
"ruling" or other regularly repeated pattern which may be used
in conjunction with a mask, either photographically or
photomechanically, to produce areas of the pattern. 3. In
surveillance, camouflage and concealment, any natural or
artificial material, opaque to surveillance sensor(s),
interposed between the sensor(s) and the object to be
camouflaged or concealed. See also concealment. 4. A security
element whose primary task is to observe, identify, and report
information, and which only fights in self-protection. See also
flank guard; guard. 5. (DOD only) A task to maintain
surveillance; provide early warning to the main body; or impede,
destroy, and harass enemy reconnaissance within its capability
without becoming decisively engaged. See also security
operations.
screening group
In amphibious operations, a task organization of ships
that furnishes protection to the task force en route to the
objective area and during operations in the objective area.
scribing
In cartography, a method of preparing a map or chart
by cutting the lines into a prepared coating.
S-curve distortion
The distortion in the image produced by a scanning
sensor which results from the forward displacement of the sensor
during the time of lateral scan.
S-Day
See times.
sea-air-land team
US Navy forces organized, trained, and equipped to conduct
special operations in maritime, littoral, and riverine
environments. Also called SEAL.
sea areas
Areas in the amphibious objective area designated for the
stationing of amphibious task force ships. Sea areas include
inner transport area, sea echelon area, fire support area, etc.
See also amphibious objective area; fire support area; inner
transport area; sea echelon area.
sea barge
A type of barge-ship that can carry up to 38 loaded
barges. It may also carry tugs, stacked causeway sections,
various watercraft, or heavy lift equipment to better support
joint logistics over-the-shore operations.
seabasing
In amphibious operations, a technique of basing certain
landing force support functions aboard ship which decreases
shore-based presence. See also amphibious operation.
seaborne forces
US or foreign combatants or auxiliary ships, including
aircraft and ground forces assigned to or emanating from such
vessels and other military forces operating in support of such
forces and operating in, on, or over the sea.
sea control operations
The employment of naval forces, supported by land and air
forces as appropriate, in order to achieve military objectives
in vital sea areas. Such operations include destruction of enemy
naval forces, suppression of enemy sea commerce, protection of
vital sea lanes, and establishment of local military superiority
in areas of naval operations. See also land control operations.
sea echelon
A portion of the assault shipping which withdraws
from or remains out of the transport area during an amphibious
landing and operates in designated areas to seaward in an
on-call or unscheduled status.
sea echelon area
In amphibious operations, an area to seaward of a
transport area from which assault shipping is phased into the
transport area, and to which assault shipping withdraws from the
transport area.
sea echelon plan
In amphibious operations, the distribution plan for
amphibious shipping in the transport area to minimize losses due
to enemy attack by weapons of mass destruction and to reduce the
area to be swept of mines. See also amphibious operation.
sea frontier
The naval command of a coastal frontier, including the
coastal zone in addition to the land area of the coastal
frontier and the adjacent sea areas.
sealed cabin
The occupied space of an aircraft characterized by
walls which do not allow any gaseous exchange between the
ambient atmosphere and the inside atmosphere and containing its
own ways of regenerating the inside atmosphere.
sealift enhancement program
Special equipment and modifications that adapt
merchant-type dry cargo ships and tankers to specific military
missions. They are typically installed on Ready Reserve Force
ships or ships under Military Sealift Command control. Sealift
enhancements fall into three categories: productivity,
survivability, and operational enhancements. Also called SEP.
See also Military Sealift Command; Ready Reserve; Ready Reserve
Force.
Sealift Readiness Program
A standby contractual agreement between Military Sealift
Command and US ship operators for voluntary provision of private
ships for defense use. Call-up of ships may be authorized by
joint approval of the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of
Transportation. Also called SRP. See also Military Sealift
Command.
sea port
A land facility designated for reception of personnel or
materiel moved by sea, and that serves as an authorized port of
entrance into or departure from the country in which located.
See also port of debarkation; port of embarkation.
search
1. An operation to locate an enemy force known or believed
to be at sea. 2. A systematic reconnaissance of a defined area,
so that all parts of the area have passed within visibility. 3.
To distribute gunfire over an area in depth by successive
changes in gun elevation.
search and rescue
The use of aircraft, surface craft (land or water),
submarines, specialized rescue teams, and equipment to search
for and rescue personnel in distress on land or at sea. Also
called SAR. See also combat search and rescue; combat search and
rescue mission coordinator; component search and rescue
controller; isolated personnel; joint combat search and rescue
operation; joint search and rescue center; joint search and
rescue center director; rescue coordination center; search and
rescue mission coordinator.
search and rescue alert notice
An alerting message used for United States domestic
flights. It corresponds to the declaration of the alert phase.
Also called ALNOT. See also search and rescue incident
classification, subpart b.
search and rescue incident classification
Three emergency phases into which an incident may be
classified or progress, according to the seriousness of the
incident and its requirement for rescue service. a. uncertainty
phase--Doubt exists as to the safety of a craft or person
because of knowledge of possible difficulties or because of lack
of information concerning progress or position. b. alert
phase--Apprehension exists for the safety of a craft or person
because of definite information that serious difficulties exist
that do not amount to a distress or because of a continued lack
of information concerning progress or position. c. distress
phase--Immediate assistance is required by a craft or person
because of being threatened by grave or imminent danger or
because of continued lack of information concerning progress or
position after procedures for the alert phase have been
executed.
search and rescue mission coordinator
The designated person or organization selected to direct
and coordinate support for a specific search and rescue mission.
Also called SAR mission coordinator. See also combat search and
rescue; combat search and rescuer mission coordinator; component
search and rescue controller; search and rescue.
search and rescue region
See inland search and rescue region; maritime search and rescue
region; overseas search and rescue region.
search attack unit
The designation given to one or more ships and/or aircraft
separately organized or detached from a formation as a tactical
unit to search for and destroy submarines. Also called SAU.
searched channel
In naval mine warfare, the whole or part of a route
or a path which has been searched, swept, or hunted, the width
of the channel being specified.
searching fire
Fire distributed in depth by successive changes in
the elevation of a gun. See also fire.
search jammer
See automatic search jammer.
search mission
In air operations, an air reconnaissance by one or
more aircraft dispatched to locate an object or objects known or
suspected to be in a specific area.
search radius
In search and rescue operations, a radius centered on a
datum point having a length equal to the total probable error
plus an additional safety length to ensure a greater than 50
percent probability that the target is in the search area.
search sweeping
In naval mine warfare, the operation of sweeping a
sample of route or area to determine whether poised mines are
present.
SEASHED
A temporary deck in container ships for transport of large
military vehicles and outsized breakbulk cargo that will not fit
into containers. See also outsized cargo.
sea state
A scale that categorizes the force of progressively higher
seas by wave height. This scale is mathematically co-related to
the Pierson-Moskowitz scale and the relationship of wind to
waves. See also Pierson-Moskowitz scale.
sea surveillance
The systematic observation of surface and subsurface
sea areas by all available and practicable means primarily for
the purpose of locating, identifying and determining the
movements of ships, submarines, and other vehicles, friendly and
enemy, proceeding on or under the surface of the world's seas
and oceans. See also surveillance.
sea surveillance system
A system for collecting, reporting, correlating, and
presenting information supporting and derived from the task of
sea surveillance.
seaward launch point
A designated point off the coast from which special
operations forces will launch to proceed to the beach to conduct
operations. Also called SLP. See also seaward recovery point.
seaward recovery point
A designated point off the coast to which special
operations forces will proceed for recovery by submarine or
other means of recovery. Also called SRP. See also seaward
launch point.
secondary censorship
Armed forces censorship performed on the personal
communications of officers, civilian employees, and accompanying
civilians of the Armed Forces of the United States, and on those
personal communications of enlisted personnel of the Armed
Forces not subject to Armed Forces primary censorship or those
requiring reexamination. See also censorship.
secondary imagery dissemination
See electronic imagery dissemination.
secondary imagery dissemination system
See electronic imagery dissemination.
secondary loads
Unit equipment, supplies, and major end items that are
transported in the beds of organic vehicles.
secondary port
A port with one or more berths, normally at quays,
which can accommodate ocean-going ships for discharge.
secondary rescue facilities
Local airbase-ready aircraft, crash boats, and other air,
surface, subsurface, and ground elements suitable for rescue
missions, including government and privately operated units and
facilities.
secondary road
A road supplementing a main road, usually wide enough and
suitable for two-way, all-weather traffic at moderate or slow
speeds.
secondary targets
Alternative targets of lower publicity value that are
attacked when the primary target is unattainable. See also
antiterrorism; primary target.
secondary wave breaker system
A series of waves superimposed on another series and
differing in height, period, or angle of approach to the beach.
second strike
The first counterblow of a war. (Generally associated with
nuclear operations.)
secret
See security classification.
Secretary of a Military Department
The Secretary of the Air Force, Army, or Navy.
SECRET Internet Protocol Router Network
Worldwide SECRET level packet switch network that uses
high-speed internet protocol routers and high-capacity Defense
Information Systems Network circuitry. Also called SIPRNET. See
also Defense Information Systems Network.
section
1. As applied to ships or naval aircraft, a tactical
subdivision of a division. It is normally one-half of a division
in the case of ships, and two aircraft in the case of aircraft.
2. A subdivision of an office, installation, territory, works,
or organization; especially a major subdivision of a staff. 3. A
tactical unit of the Army and Marine Corps. A section is smaller
than a platoon and larger than a squad. In some organizations
the section, rather than the squad, is the basic tactical unit.
4. An area in a warehouse extending from one wall to the next;
usually the largest subdivision of one floor.
sector
1. An area designated by boundaries within which a
unit operates, and for which it is responsible. 2. One of the
subdivisions of a coastal frontier. See also area of influence;
zone of action.
sector of fire
A defined area which is required to be covered by
the fire of individual or crew served weapons or the weapons of
a unit.
sector scan
Scan in which the antenna oscillates through a
selected angle.
secure
In an operational context, to gain possession of a
position or terrain feature, with or without force, and to make
such disposition as will prevent, as far as possible, its
destruction or loss by enemy action. See also denial measure.
security
1. Measures taken by a military unit, activity, or
installation to protect itself against all acts designed to, or
which may, impair its effectiveness. 2. A condition that results
from the establishment and maintenance of protective measures
that ensure a state of inviolability from hostile acts or
influences. 3. With respect to classified matter, the condition
that prevents unauthorized persons from having access to
official information that is safeguarded in the interests of
national security. See also national security.
security alert team
Two or more security force members who form the initial
reinforcing element responding to security alarms, emergencies,
or irregularities. Also called SAT.
security assistance
Group of programs authorized by the Foreign Assistance Act
of 1961, as amended, and the Arms Export Control Act of 1976, as
amended, or other related statutes by which the United States
provides defense articles, military training, and other
defense-related services by grant, loan, credit, or cash sales
in furtherance of national policies and objectives. Also called
SA. See also security assistance organization; security
cooperation.
security assistance organization
All Department of Defense elements located in a foreign
country with assigned responsibilities for carrying out security
assistance management functions. It includes military assistance
advisory groups, military missions and groups, offices of
defense and military cooperation, liaison groups, and defense
attache personnel designated to perform security assistance
functions. Also called SAO. See also security assistance;
security cooperation.
security certification
A certification issued by competent authority to indicate
that a person has been investigated and is eligible for access
to classified matter to the extent stated in the certification.
security classification
A category to which national security information and
material is assigned to denote the degree of damage that
unauthorized disclosure would cause to national defense or
foreign relations of the United States and to denote the degree
of protection required. There are three such categories. a. top
secret--National security information or material that requires
the highest degree of protection and the unauthorized disclosure
of which could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally
grave damage to the national security. Examples of
"exceptionally grave damage" include armed hostilities against
the United States or its allies; disruption of foreign relations
vitally affecting the national security; the compromise of vital
national defense plans or complex cryptologic and communications
intelligence systems; the revelation of sensitive intelligence
operations; and the disclosure of scientific or technological
developments vital to national security. b. secret--National
security information or material that requires a substantial
degree of protection and the unauthorized disclosure of which
could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the
national security. Examples of "serious damage" include
disruption of foreign relations significantly affecting the
national security; significant impairment of a program or policy
directly related to the national security; revelation of
significant military plans or intelligence operations; and
compromise of significant scientific or technological
developments relating to national security. c.
confidential--National security information or material that
requires protection and the unauthorized disclosure of which
could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national
security. See also classification; security.
security clearance
An administrative determination by competent authority
that an individual is eligible, from a security stand-point, for
access to classified information
security cooperation
All Department of Defense interactions with foreign
defense establishments to build defense relationships that
promote specific US security interests, develop allied and
friendly military capabilities for self-defense and
multinational operations, and provide US forces with peacetime
and contingency access to a host nation. See also security
assistance; security assistance organization.
security countermeasures
Those protective activities required to prevent espionage,
sabotage, theft, or unauthorized use of classified or controlled
information, systems, or material of the Department of Defense.
See also counterintelligence.
security intelligence
Intelligence on the identity, capabilities, and
intentions of hostile organizations or individuals who are or
may be engaged in espionage, sabotage, subversion, or terrorism.
See also counterintelligence; intelligence; security.
security review
The process of reviewing news media products at some
point, usually before transmission, to ensure that no oral,
written, or visual information is filed for publication or
broadcast that would divulge national security information or
would jeopardize ongoing or future operations or that would
threaten the safety of the members of the force. See also
security.
sedition
Willfully advocating or teaching the duty or necessity of
overthrowing the US government or any political subdivision by
force or violence. See also counterintelligence.
seize
To employ combat forces to occupy physically and to
control a designated area. See also combat forces.
seizures
In counterdrug operations, includes drugs and conveyances
seized by law enforcement authorities and drug-related assets
(monetary instruments, etc.) confiscated based on evidence that
they have been derived from or used in illegal narcotics
activities. See also counterdrug operations; law enforcement
agency.
selected area for evasion
A designated area in hostile territory that offers evaders
or escapees a reasonable chance of avoiding capture and of
surviving until they can be evacuated. Also called SAFE. See
also escapee; evader; hostile.
selected area for evasion area intelligence description
In evasion and recovery operations, an in-depth,
all-source evasion study designed to assist the recovery of
military personnel from a selected area for evasion under
hostile conditions. Also called SAID. See also evasion; evasion
and recovery; hostile; recovery operations; selected area for
evasion.
Selected Reserve
Those units and individuals within the Ready Reserve
designated by their respective Services and approved by the
Joint Chiefs of Staff as so essential to initial wartime
missions that they have priority over all other Reserves. All
Selected Reservists are in an active status. The Selected
Reserve also includes persons performing initial active duty for
training. See also Ready Reserve.
Selected Reserve strength
The total number of guardsmen and reservists in the
Selected Reserve who are subject to the 200K Presidential recall
or mobilization under declaration of war or national emergency.
selective identification feature
A capability that, when added to the basic identification
friend or foe system, provides the means to transmit, receive,
and display selected coded replies
selective jamming
See spot jamming.
selective loading
The arrangement and stowage of equipment and
supplies aboard ship in a manner designed to facilitate issues
to units. See also loading.
selective mobilization
See mobilization, Part 2.
selective release process
The process involving requesting, analyzing, and obtaining
approval for release of weapons to obtain specific, limited
damage on selected targets.
selective unloading
In an amphibious operation, the controlled unloading from
assault shipping, and movement ashore, of specific items of
cargo at the request of the landing force commander. Normally,
selective unloading parallels the landing of nonscheduled units
during the initial unloading period of the ship-to-shore
movement.
selenodesy
That branch of applied mathematics that determines, by
observation and measurement, the exact positions of points and
the figures and areas of large portions of the moon's surface,
or the shape and size of the moon.
self-defense
A commander has the authority and obligation to use all
necessary means available and to take all appropriate action to
defend that commander's unit and other US forces in the vicinity
from a hostile act or hostile intent. Force used should not
exceed that which is necessary to decisively counter the hostile
act or intent and ensure the continued safety of US forces or
other persons and property they are ordered to protect. US
forces may employ such force in self-defense only so long as the
hostile force continues to present an imminent threat.
self-destroying fuze
A fuze designed to burst a projectile before the end
of its flight.
self-protection depth
The depth of water where the aggregate danger width
relative to mines affected by a minesweeping technique is zero.
Safe depth is a particular self-protection depth.
self-sustaining containership
A containership with shipboard-installed cranes capable of
loading and off-loading containers without assistance of port
crane service. See also containership.
semi-active homing guidance
A system of homing guidance wherein the receiver in
the missile utilizes radiations from the target which has been
illuminated by an outside source
semi-controlled mosaic
A mosaic composed of corrected or uncorrected prints
laid so that major ground features match their geographical
coordinates. See also mosaic.
semi-permanent joint task force
A joint task force that has been assigned an expanded or
follow-on mission and will continue to conduct these operations
in a specified area for an undetermined period of time. See also
joint task force; mission; operation.
senior meteorological and oceanographic officer
Meteorological and oceanographic officer responsible for
assisting the combatant commander and staff in developing and
executing operational meteorological and oceanographic service
concepts in support of a designated joint force. Also called
SMO. See also meteorological and oceanographic.
senior officer present afloat
The senior line officer of the Navy, on active service,
eligible for command at sea, who is present and in command of
any unit of the operating forces afloat in the locality or
within an area prescribed by competent authority. This officer
is responsible for the administration of matters which
collectively affect naval units of the operating forces afloat
in the locality prescribed. Also called SOPA.
sensitive
Requiring special protection from disclosure that could
cause embarrassment, compromise, or threat to the security of
the sponsoring power. May be applied to an agency, installation,
person, position, document, material, or activity.
sensitive compartmented information
All information and materials bearing special community
controls indicating restricted handling within present and
future community intelligence collection programs and their end
products for which community systems of compartmentation have
been or will be formally established. (These controls are over
and above the provisions of DOD 5200.1-R, Information Security
Program Regulation.) Also called SCI.
sensitive compartmented information facility
An accredited area, room, group of rooms, or installation
where sensitive compartmented information (SCI) may be stored,
used, discussed, and/or electronically processed. Sensitive
compartmented information facility (SCIF) procedural and
physical measures prevent the free access of persons unless they
have been formally indoctrinated for the particular SCI
authorized for use or storage within the SCIF. Also called SCIF.
See also sensitive compartmented information.
sensitive site exploitation
A related series of activities inside a captured sensitive
site to exploit personnel documents, electronic data, and
material captured at the site, while neutralizing any threat
posed by the site or its contents. Also called SSE.
separation zone
An area between two adjacent horizontal or vertical
areas into which units are not to proceed unless certain safety
measures can be fulfilled.
sequel
A major operation that follows the current major
operation. Plans for a sequel are based on the possible outcomes
(success, stalemate, or defeat) associated with the current
operation. See also branch.
sequence circuit
In mine warfare, a circuit which requires actuation
by a predetermined sequence of influences of predetermined
magnitudes.
sequenced ejection system
See ejection systems.
serial
1. An element or a group of elements within a series
which is given a numerical or alphabetical designation for
convenience in planning, scheduling, and control. 2. (DOD only)
A serial can be a group of people, vehicles, equipment, or
supplies and is used in airborne, air assault, amphibious
operations, and convoys.
serial assignment table
A table that is used in amphibious operations and shows
the serial number, the title of the unit, the approximate number
of personnel; the material, vehicles, or equipment in the
serial; the number and type of landing craft and/or amphibious
vehicles required to boat the serial; and the ship on which the
serial is embarked.
seriously ill or injured
The casualty status of a person whose illness or injury is
classified by medical authority to be of such severity that
there is cause for immediate concern, but there is not imminent
danger to life. Also called SII. See also casualty status.
seriously wounded
A casualty whose injuries or illness are of such severity
that the patient is rendered unable to walk or sit, thereby
requiring a litter for movement and evacuation. See also
evacuation; litter; patient.
service ammunition
Ammunition intended for combat rather than for training
purposes.
Service-common
Equipment, material, supplies, and services adopted by a
Military Service for use by its own forces and activities. These
include standard military items, base operating support, and the
supplies and services provided by a Military Service to support
and sustain its own forces, including those assigned to the
combatant commands. Items and services defined as Service-common
by one Military Service are not necessarily Service-common for
all other Military Services. See also special
operations-peculiar.
Service component command
A command consisting of the Service component commander
and all those Service forces, such as individuals, units,
detachments, organizations, and installations under that
command, including the support forces that have been assigned to
a combatant command or further assigned to a subordinate unified
command or joint task force. See also component; functional
component command.
service environment
All external conditions, whether natural or induced,
to which items of materiel are likely to be subjected throughout
their life cycle.
Service force module
A hypothetical force module built per Service doctrine
composed of combat, combat support, and combat service support
forces and sustainment for an estimated period, e.g., 30 days.
service group
A major naval administration and/or tactical organization,
consisting of the commander and the staff, designed to exercise
operational and administrative control of assigned squadrons and
units in executing their tasks of providing logistic support of
fleet operations.
service mine
A mine capable of a destructive explosion.
Service-organic transportation assets
Transportation assets that are: a. Assigned to a Military
Department for functions of the Secretaries of the Military
Departments set forth in Sections 3013(b), 5013(b), and 8013(b)
of Title 10 of the United States Code, including administrative
functions (such as motor pools), intelligence functions,
training functions, and maintenance functions; b. Assigned to
the Department of the Army for the execution of the missions of
the Army Corps of Engineers; c. Assigned to the Department of
the Navy as the special mission support force of missile range
instrumentation ships, ocean survey ships, cable ships,
oceanographic research ships, acoustic research ships, and naval
test support ships; the naval fleet auxiliary force of fleet
ammunition ships, fleet stores ships, fleet ocean tugs, and
fleet oilers; hospital ships; and Navy Unique Fleet Essential
Airlift Aircraft to provide delivery of passengers and/or cargo
from forward Air Mobility Command channel hubs to mobile fleet
units; Marine Corps intermediate maintenance activity ships,
Marine Corps helicopter support to senior Federal officials;
and, prior to the complete discharge of cargo, maritime
pre-positioning ships; d. Assigned to the Department of the Air
Force for search and rescue, weather reconnaissance, audiovisual
services, and aeromedical evacuation functions, and
transportation of senior Federal officials.
service squadron
An administrative and/or tactical subdivision of a naval
service force or service group, consisting of the commander and
the staff and organized to exercise operational and
administrative control of assigned units in providing logistic
support of fleet units as directed.
service test
A test of an item, system of materiel, or technique
conducted under simulated or actual operational conditions to
determine whether the specified military requirements or
characteristics are satisfied. See also troop test.
service troops
Those units designed to render supply, maintenance,
transportation, evacuation, hospitalization, and other services
required by air and ground combat units to carry out effectively
their mission in combat. See also combat service support
elements; troops.
Service-unique container
Any 20- or 40-foot International Organization for
Standardization container procured or leased by a Service to
meet Service-unique requirements. Also called component-owned
container. See also common-use container; component-owned
container.
servicing
See common servicing; cross-servicing; joint servicing. See also
inter-Service support.
severe damage
See nuclear damage, Part 3.
shaded relief
A cartographic technique that provides an apparent
three-dimensional configuration of the terrain on maps and
charts by the use of graded shadows that would be cast by high
ground if light were shining from the northwest. Shaded relief
is usually used in combination with contours. See also hill
shading.
shadowing
To observe and maintain contact (not necessarily
continuously) with a unit or force.
shallow fording
The ability of a self-propelled gun or ground vehicle
equipped with built-in waterproofing, with its wheels or tracks
in contact with the ground, to negotiate a water obstacle
without the use of a special waterproofing kit. See also
flotation.
shaped charge
A charge shaped so as to concentrate its explosive
force in a particular direction.
shared data environment
Automation services that support the implementation and
maintenance of data resources that are used by two or more
combat support applications. Services provided include:
identification of common data, physical data modeling, database
segmentation, development of data access and maintenance
routines, and database reengineering to use the common data
environment. See also data.
shear link assembly
A device designed to break at a specified mechanical
load.
sheet explosive
Plastic explosive provided in a sheet form.
sheetlines
Those lines defining the geographic limits of the map or
chart detail.
shelf life
The length of time during which an item of supply,
subject to deterioration or having a limited life which cannot
be renewed, is considered serviceable while stored. See also
storage life
shell (specify)
A command or request indicating the type of
projectile to be used.
shelter
An International Organization for Standardization
container outfitted with live- or work-in capability. See also
International Organization for Standardization.
shielding
1. Material of suitable thickness and physical
characteristics used to protect personnel from radiation during
the manufacture, handling, and transportation of fissionable and
radioactive materials. 2. Obstructions which tend to protect
personnel or materials from the effects of a nuclear explosion.
shifting fire
Fire delivered at constant range at varying deflections;
used to cover the width of a target that is too great to be
covered by an open sheaf.
ship counter
In naval mine warfare, a device in a mine which
prevents the mine from detonating until a preset number of
actuations has taken place.
ship haven
See moving havens.
ship influence
In naval mine warfare, the magnetic, acoustic, and
pressure effects of a ship, or a minesweep simulating a ship,
which is detectable by a mine or other sensing devices.
shipping configuration
The manner in which an item is prepared for shipment.
shipping control
See naval control of shipping.
shipping designator
A code word assigned to a particular overseas base, port,
or area for specific use as an address on shipments to the
overseas location concerned. The code word is usually four
letters and may be followed by a number to indicate a particular
addressee.
shipping lane
A term used to indicate the general flow of merchant
shipping between two departure/terminal areas.
shipping time
The time elapsing between the shipment of materiel by the
supplying activity and receipt of materiel by the requiring
activity. See also order and shipping time.
ship-to-shore movement
That portion of the assault phase of an amphibious
operation which includes the deployment of the landing force
from the assault shipping to designated landing areas.
shoal
A sandbank or bar that makes water shoal; i.e., a
sand-bank that is not rocky and on which there is a water depth
of 6 fathoms or less.
shock front
The boundary between the pressure disturbance
created by an explosion (in air, water, or earth) and the
ambient atmosphere, water, or earth.
shore fire control party
A specially trained unit for control of naval gunfire in
support of troops ashore. It consists of a spotting team to
adjust fire and a naval gunfire liaison team to perform liaison
functions for the supported battalion commander. Also called
SFCP.
shoreline effect
See coastal refraction.
shore party
A task organization of the landing force, formed for
the purpose of facilitating the landing and movement off the
beaches of troops, equipment, and supplies; for the evacuation
from the beaches of casualties and enemy prisoners of war; and
for facilitating the beaching, retraction, and salvaging of
landing ships and craft. It comprises elements of both the naval
and landing forces. Also called beach group. See also
beachmaster unit; beach party; naval beach group.
shore-to-shore movement
The assault movement of personnel and materiel directly
from a shore staging area to the objective, involving no further
transfers between types of craft or ships incident to the
assault movement.
shortfall
The lack of forces, equipment, personnel, materiel, or
capability, reflected as the difference between the resources
identified as a plan requirement and those apportioned to a
combatant commander for planning, that would adversely affect
the command's ability to accomplish its mission.
short-range air defense engagement zone
See weapon engagement zone.
short-range ballistic missile
A ballistic missile with a range capability up to about
600 nautical miles. Also called SRBM.
short-range transport aircraft
See transport aircraft.
short scope buoy
A buoy used as a navigational reference which
remains nearly vertical over its sinker.
short supply
An item is in short supply when the total of stock on hand
and anticipated receipts during a given period are less than the
total estimated demand during that period.
short takeoff and landing
The ability of an aircraft to clear a 50-foot (15
meters) obstacle within 1,500 feet (450 meters) of commencing
takeoff or in landing, to stop within 1,500 feet (450 meters)
after passing over a 50-foot (15 meters) obstacle. Also called
STOL.
short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft
Fixed-wing aircraft capable of clearing a 15-meter
(50-foot) obstacle within 450 meters (1,500 feet) of commencing
takeoff run, and capable of landing vertically. Also called
STOVL. See also short takeoff and landing.
short title
A short, identifying combination of letters, and/or
numbers assigned to a document or device for purposes of brevity
and/or security.
short ton
2,000 pounds. Also called S/T or STON.
shouldering
Maneuvering a vessel in contact with an opposing vessel to
cause the opposing vessel to turn away. Shouldering is
undertaken with the intent of minimizing damage to the opposing
vessel.
show of force
An operation designed to demonstrate US resolve that
involves increased visibility of US deployed forces in an
attempt to defuse a specific situation that, if allowed to
continue, may be detrimental to US interests or national
objectives.
shuttered fuze
A fuze in which inadvertent initiation of the
detonator will not initiate either the booster or the burst
charge.
side-looking airborne radar
An airborne radar, viewing at right angles to the
axis of the vehicle, which produces a presentation of terrain or
moving targets. Also called SLAR
side oblique air photograph
An oblique photograph taken with the camera axis at right
angles to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.
side overlap
See overlap.
sighting
Actual visual contact. Does not include other contacts,
which must be reported by type, e.g., radar and sonar contacts.
See also contact report.
SIGINT direct service
A reporting procedure to provide signals intelligence
(SIGINT) to a military commander or other authorized recipient
in response to SIGINT requirements. The product may vary from
recurring, serialized reports produced by the National Security
Agency/Central Security Service to instantaneous aperiodic
reports provided to the command or other recipient, usually from
a fixed SIGINT activity engaged in collection and processing.
See also signals intelligence.
SIGINT direct service activity
A signals intelligence (SIGINT) activity composed of
collection and associated resources that normally performs in a
direct service role under the SIGINT operational control of the
Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security
Service. See also signals intelligence.
SIGINT direct support
The provision of signals intelligence (SIGINT) information
to a military commander by a SIGINT direct support unit in
response to SIGINT operational tasking levied by that commander.
See also signals intelligence.
SIGINT direct support unit
A signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit, usually mobile,
designed to perform a SIGINT direct support role for a military
commander under delegated authority from the Director, National
Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service. See also
signals intelligence.
SIGINT operational control
The authoritative direction of signals intelligence
(SIGINT) activities, including tasking and allocation of effort,
and the authoritative prescription of those uniform techniques
and standards by which SIGINT information is collected,
processed, and reported. See also signals intelligence
SIGINT operational tasking
The authoritative operational direction of and direct
levying of signals intelligence (SIGINT) information needs by a
military commander on designated SIGINT resources. These
requirements are directive, irrespective of other priorities,
and are conditioned only by the capability of those resources to
produce such information. Operational tasking includes authority
to deploy all or part of the SIGINT resources for which SIGINT
operational tasking authority has been delegated. See also
signals intelligence.
SIGINT operational tasking authority
A military commander's authority to operationally direct
and levy signals intelligence (SIGINT) requirements on
designated SIGINT resources; includes authority to deploy and
redeploy all or part of the SIGINT resources for which SIGINT
operational tasking authority has been delegated. Also called
SOTA. See also signals intelligence.
SIGINT resources
Personnel and equipment of any unit, activity, or
organizational element engaged in signals intelligence
activities. See also signals intelligence.
SIGINT support plans
Plans prepared by the National Security Agency/Central
Security Service, in coordination with concerned elements of the
United States SIGINT system, which specify how the resources of
the system will be aligned in crisis or war to support military
operations covered by certain Joint Chiefs of Staff and unified
and specified command operation plans. See also signals
intelligence
signal
1. As applied to electronics, any transmitted
electrical impulse. 2. Operationally, a type of message, the
text of which consists of one or more letters, words,
characters, signal flags, visual displays, or special sounds
with prearranged meaning, and which is conveyed or transmitted
by visual, acoustical, or electrical means.
signal center
A combination of signal communication facilities operated
by the Army in the field and consisting of a communications
center, telephone switching central and appropriate means of
signal communications. See also communications center.
signal letters
See international call sign.
signal operation instructions
A series of orders issued for technical control and
coordination of the signal communication activities of a
command. In Marine Corps usage, these instructions are
designated communication operation instructions.
signal security
A generic term that includes both communications security
and electronics security. See also security.
signals intelligence
1. A category of intelligence comprising either
individually or in combination all communications intelligence,
electronic intelligence, and foreign instrumentation signals
intelligence, however transmitted. 2. Intelligence derived from
communications, electronic, and foreign instrumentation signals.
Also called SIGINT. See also communications intelligence;
electronic intelligence; intelligence; foreign instrumentation
signals intelligence.
signal-to-noise ratio
The ratio of the amplitude of the desired signal to the
amplitude of noise signals at a given point in time.
signature equipment
Any item of equipment which reveals the type and
nature of the unit or formation to which it belongs.
signed route
A route along which a unit has placed directional signs
bearing its unit identification symbol. The signs are for the
unit's use only and must comply with movement regulations.
significant wave height
The average height of the third of waves observed during a
given period of time. Significant wave height is used for
evaluating the impact of waves and breakers on watercraft in the
open sea and surf zones. See also surf zone.
Silver Triangle
The South American region consisting of Peru, Bolivia, and
Colombia that is historically known to be a major illegal drug
production area.
simulative electromagnetic deception
See electromagnetic deception.
simultaneous engagement
The concurrent engagement of hostile targets by
combination of interceptor aircraft and surface-to-air missiles.
single-anchor leg mooring
A mooring facility dedicated to the offshore petroleum
discharge system. Once installed, it permits a tanker to remain
on station and pump in much higher sea states than is possible
with a spread moor. Also called SALM. See also offshore
petroleum discharge system.
single department purchase
A method of purchase whereby one Military Department buys
commodities for another Military Department or Departments.
single flow route
A route at least one-and-a-half lanes wide allowing
the passage of a column of vehicles, and permitting isolated
vehicles to pass or travel in the opposite direction at
predetermined points. See also double flow route.
single integrated theater logistic manager
Service component or agency, usually in a mature theater,
that is designated by the combatant commander or subunified
commander as the single in-theater manager for planning and
execution of a specific common-user logistic (CUL) item or
related items. Single integrated logistic managers are normally
long-term in nature with responsibilities that include planning,
coordination, control and execution of a specific CUL function
(or similar CUL functions) at the theater level, in both
peacetime and during actual operations, within the parameters of
combatant commander's directives. Also called SITLM. See also
agency.
single manager
A Military Department or Agency designated by the
Secretary of Defense to be responsible for management of
specified commodities or common service activities on a
Department of Defense-wide basis.
single manager for transportation
The United States Transportation Command is the Department
of Defense single manager for transportation, other than
Service-organic or theater-assigned transportation assets. See
also Service-organic transportation assets; theater-assigned
transportation assets; United States Transportation Command.
single port manager
Through its transportation component commands, the US
Transportation Command is the Department of Defense-designated
single port manager for all common-user aerial and sea ports
worldwide. The single port manager performs those functions
necessary to support the strategic flow of the deploying forces'
equipment and sustainment from the aerial and sea port of
embarkation and hand-off to the combatant commander in the
aerial and sea port of debarkation (APOE and SPOD). The single
port manager is responsible for providing strategic deployment
status information to the combatant commander and to manage
workload of the APOD and SPOD operator based on the commander's
priorities and guidance. The single port manager is responsible
through all phases of the theater aerial and sea port operations
continuum, from a unimproved airfield and bare beach deployment
to a commercial contract supported deployment. Also called SPM.
See also Military Traffic Management Command; transportation
component command; United States Transportation Command.
single-service manager
A component commander, designated by the combatant
commander, who has been assigned responsibility and delegated
the authority to coordinate specific theater personnel support
activities such as theater postal operations. See also
component.
single-spot ship
Those ships certified to have less than three adjacent
landing areas. See also spot.
sinker
In naval mine warfare, a heavy weight to which a
buoyant mine is moored. The sinker generally houses the mooring
rope drum and depth-setting mechanism and for mines laid by
ships, it also serves as a launching trolley.
situation map
A map showing the tactical or the administrative
situation at a particular time. See also map.
situation report
A report giving the situation in the area of a
reporting unit or formation. Also called SITREP.
situation template
A depiction of assumed adversary dispositions, based on
adversary doctrine and the effects of the battlespace if the
adversary should adopt a particular course of action. In effect,
situation templates are the doctrinal templates depicting a
particular operation modified to account for the effects of the
battlespace environment and the adversary's current situation
(training and experience levels, logistic status, losses,
dispositions). Normally, the situation template depicts
adversary units two levels of command below the friendly force,
as well as the expected locations of high-value targets.
Situation templates use time-phase lines to indicate movement of
forces and the expected flow of the operation. Usually, the
situation template depicts a critical point in the course of
action. Situation templates are one part of an adversary course
of action model. Models may contain more than one situation
template. See also course of action; doctrinal template.
skim sweeping
In naval mine warfare, the technique of wire
sweeping to a fixed depth over deep-laid moored mines to cut any
shallow enough to endanger surface shipping.
skin paint
A radar indication caused by the reflected radar signal
from an object.
skin tracking
The tracking of an object by means of a skin paint.
slant range
The line of sight distance between two points, not
at the same level relative to a specific datum.
slated items
Bulk petroleum and packaged bulk petroleum items that are
requisitioned for overseas use by means of a consolidated
requirement document, prepared and submitted through joint
petroleum office channels. Packaged petroleum items are
requisitioned in accordance with normal requisitioning
procedures.
slice
An average logistic planning factor used to obtain
estimates of requirements for personnel and materiel. (e.g., a
personnel slice generally consists of the total strength of the
stated basic combatant elements, plus its proportionate share of
all supporting and higher headquarters personnel.)
slightly wounded
A casualty whose injuries or illness are relatively minor,
permitting the patient to walk and/or sit. See also patient;
walking patient.
small arms
Man portable, individual, and crew-served weapon systems
used mainly against personnel and lightly armored or unarmored
equipment.
small arms ammunition
Ammunition for small arms, i.e., all ammunition up to and
including 20 millimeters (.787 inches).
small austere airfield
Unsophisticated airfield, usually with a short runway,
that is limited in one or a combination of the following:
taxiway systems, ramp space, security, materials handling
equipment, aircraft servicing, maintenance, navigation aids,
weather observing sensors, and communications. Also called SAAF.
See also airfield.
small-lot storage
Generally considered to be a quantity of less than one
pallet stack, stacked to maximum storage height. Thus, the term
refers to a lot consisting of from one container to two or more
pallet loads, but is not of sufficient quantity to form a
complete pallet column. See also storage.
small-scale map
A map having a scale smaller than 1:600,000. See also map.
smoke screen
A cloud of smoke used to conceal ground maneuver, obstacle
breaching, recovery operations, and amphibious assault
operations as well as key assembly areas, supply routes, and
logistic facilities
snagline mine
A contact mine with a buoyant line attached to one
of the horns or switches which may be caught up and pulled by
the hull or propellers of a ship.
soft missile base
A launching base that is not protected against a
nuclear explosion.
soil shear strength
The maximum resistance of a soil to shearing stresses.
solatium payments
Monetary compensation given to alleviate grief, suffering,
and anxiety resulting from injuries, and property or personal
loss.
solenoid sweep
In naval mine warfare, a magnetic sweep consisting
of a horizontal axis coil wound on a floating iron tube.
sonar
A sonic device used primarily for the detection and
location of underwater objects. (This term is derived from the
words "sound navigation and ranging.")
sonic
Of or pertaining to sound or the speed of sound. See also
speed of sound.
sonobuoy
A sonar device used to detect submerged submarines that,
when activated, relays information by radio. It may be active
directional or nondirectional, or it may be passive directional
or nondirectional.
sortie
In air operations, an operational flight by one
aircraft.
sortie allotment message
The means by which the joint force commander allots excess
sorties to meet requirements of subordinate commanders that are
expressed in their air employment and/or allocation plan. Also
called SORTIEALOT.
sortie number
A reference used to identify the images taken by all
the sensors during one air reconnaissance sortie
sortie plot
An overlay representing the area on a map covered by
imagery taken during one sortie.
sortie reference
See sortie number.
sorting
In counterdrug operations, the process involved in
differentiating traffic that could be involved in drug
trafficking from legitimate air traffic. Initial sorting
criteria are established jointly by the US Coast Guard and US
Customs Service, coordinated with Department of Defense
counterparts, and disseminated as required. See also counterdrug
operations
source
1. A person, thing, or activity from which information is
obtained. 2. In clandestine activities, a person (agent),
normally a foreign national, in the employ of an intelligence
activity for intelligence purposes. 3. In interrogation
activities, any person who furnishes information, either with or
without the knowledge that the information is being used for
intelligence purposes. In this context, a controlled source is
in the employment or under the control of the intelligence
activity and knows that the information is to be used for
intelligence purposes. An uncontrolled source is a voluntary
contributor of information and may or may not know that the
information is to be used for intelligence purposes. See also
agent; collection agency.
space
A medium like the land, sea, and air within which military
activities shall be conducted to achieve US national
securityobjectives.
space asset
Any individual part of a space system as follows. (1)
Equipment that is or can be placed in space (e.g., a satellite
or a launch vehicle). (2) Terrestrially-based equipment that
directly supports space activity (e.g., a satellite ground
station).
space assignment
An assignment to the individual Departments/Services by
the appropriate transportation operating agency of movement
capability which completely or partially satisfies the stated
requirements of the Departments/Services for the operating month
and that has been accepted by them without the necessity for
referral to the Joint Transportation Board for allocation.
space available mail
A transportation category for military mail transported to
and from overseas bases by air on a space-available basis. Also
called SAM.
space capability
1. The ability of a space asset to accomplish a mission.
2. The ability of a terrestrial-based asset to accomplisha
mission in space (e.g., a ground-based or airborne laser capable
of negating a satellite). See also space; space asset.
space control
Combat, combat support, and combat service support
operations to ensure freedom of action in space for theUnited
States and its allies and, when directed, deny an adversary
freedom of action in space. The space control missionarea
includes: surveillance of space; protection of US and friendly
space systems; prevention of an adversary's ability to use space
systems and services for purposes hostile to US national
security interests; negation of space systems and services used
for purposes hostile to US national security interests; and
directly supporting battle management, command, control,
communications, and intelligence. See also combat service
support; combat support; negation; space; space systems.
space defense
All defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy
vehicles (including missiles) while in space, or to nullify or
reduce the effectiveness of such attack. See also aerospace
defense.
space environment
The region beginning at the lower boundary of the Earth's
ionosphere (approximately 50 km) and extending outward that
contains solid particles (asteroids and meteoroids), energetic
charged particles (ions, protons, electrons, etc.), and
electromagnetic and ionizing radiation (x-rays, extreme
ultraviolet, gamma rays, etc.). See also ionosphere.
space-faring nation
A nation with the ability to access space capabilities
using their indigenous space systems. See also space capability;
space systems.
space force application
Combat operations in, through, and from space to influence
the course and outcome of conflict. The space force application
mission area includes ballistic missile defense and force
projection. See also ballistic missile; force protection; space.
space force enhancement
Combat support operations to improve the effectiveness of
military forces as well as support other intelligence, civil,
and commercial users. The space force enhancement mission area
includes: intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance;
integrated tactical warning and attack assessment; command,
control, and communications; position, velocity, time, and
navigation; and environmental monitoring. See also combat
support; space.
space forces
The space and terrestrial systems, equipment, facilities,
organizations, and personnel necessary to access, use and, if
directed, control space for national security. See also national
security; space; space systems.
space power
The total strength of a nation's capabilities to conduct
and influence activities to, in, through, and from space to
achieve its objectives. See also space.
space sensor
An instrument or mechanical device mounted on a space
platform or space vehicle for collecting information or
detecting activity or conditions either in space or in a
terrestrial medium. See also space.
space superiority
The degree of dominance in space of one force over another
that permits the conduct of operations by the former and its
related land, sea, air, space, and special operations forces at
a given time and place without prohibitive interference by the
opposing force. See also space.
space support
Combat service support operations to deploy and sustain
military and intelligence systems in space. The spacesupport
mission area includes launching and deploying space vehicles,
maintaining and sustaining spacecraft on-orbit, anddeorbiting
and recovering space vehicles, if required. See also combat
service support; space.
space support team
A team of space operations experts provided by the
Commander, US Strategic Command (or one of the space component
commands and augmented by national agencies, as required) upon
request of a geographic combatant commander to assist the
supported commander in integrating space power into the
terrestrial campaign. Also called SST. See also space; space
power; space support.
space surveillance
The observation of space and of the activities occurring
in space. This mission is normally accomplished with the aid of
ground-based radars and electro-optical sensors. This term is
separate and distinct from the intelligence collection mission
conducted by space-based sensors which surveil terrestrial
activity. See also space; space control.
space systems
All of the devices and organizations forming the space
network. These consist of: spacecraft; mission
packages(s);ground stations; data links among spacecraft,
mission or user terminals, which may include initial reception,
processing, andexploitation; launch systems; and directly
related supporting infrastructure, including space surveillance
and battle management and/or command, control, communications
and computers. See also space.
space weather
The conditions and phenomena in space and specifically in
the near-earth environment that may affect spaceassets or space
operations. Space weather may impact spacecraft and ground-based
systems. Space weather is influencedby phenomena such as solar
flare activity, ionospheric variability, energetic particle
events, and geophysical events. See also space; space asset.
span of detonation (atomic demolition munition employment)
That total period of time, resulting from a timer error,
between the earliest and the latest possible detonation time. 1.
early time--The earliest possible time that an atomic demolition
munition can detonate; 2. fire time--That time the atomic
demolition munition will detonate should the timers function
precisely without error; 3. late time--The latest possible time
that an atomic demolition munition can detonate.
special access program
A sensitive program, approved in writing by a head of
agency with original top secret classification authority, that
imposes need-to-know and access controls beyond those normally
provided for access to confidential, secret, or top secret
information. The level of controls is based on the criticality
of the program and the assessed hostile intelligence threat. The
program may be an acquisition program, an intelligence program,
or an operations and support program. Also called SAP.
special activities
Activities conducted in support of national foreign policy
objectives that are planned and executed so that the role of the
US Government is not apparent or acknowledged publicly. They are
also functions in support of such activities but are not
intended to influence US political processes, public opinion,
policies, or media and do not include diplomatic activities or
the collection and production of intelligence or related support
functions.
special agent
A person, either United States military or civilian, who
is a specialist in military security or the collection of
intelligence or counterintelligence information
special air operation
An air operation conducted in support of special
operations and other clandestine, covert, and psychological
activities.
special ammunition supply point
A mobile supply point where special ammunition is stored
and issued to delivery units.
special assignment airlift requirements
Airlift requirements, including Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff -directed or -coordinated exercises, that
require special consideration due to the number of passengers
involved, weight or size of cargo, urgency of movement,
sensitivity, or other valid factors that preclude the use of
channel airlift. See also airlift requirement; channel airlift.
special boat squadron
A permanent Navy echelon III major command to which two or
more special boat units are assigned for some operational and
all administrative purposes. The squadron is tasked with the
training and deployment of these special boat units and may
augment naval special warfare task groups and task units. Also
called SBS.
special boat team
US Navy forces organized, trained, and equipped to conduct
or support special operations with patrol boats or other
combatant craft. Also called SBT.
special cargo
Cargo that requires special handling or protection, such
as pyrotechnics, detonators, watches, and precision instruments.
special-equipment vehicle
A vehicle consisting of a general-purpose chassis with
special-purpose body and/or mounted equipments designed to meet
a specialized requirement.
special forces
US Army forces organized, trained, and equipped to conduct
special operations with an emphasis on unconventional warfare
capabilities. Also called SF.
special forces group
A combat arms organization capable of planning,
conducting, and supporting special operations activities in all
operational environments in peace, conflict, and war. It
consists of a group headquarters and headquarters company, a
support company, and special forces battalions. The group can
operate as a single unit, but normally the battalions plan and
conduct operations from widely separated locations. The group
provides general operational direction and synchronizes the
activities of subordinate battalions. Although principally
structured for unconventional warfare, special forces group
units are capable of task-organizing to meet specific
requirements. Also called SFG.
special forces operations base
A command, control, and support base established and
operated by a special forces group or battalion from organic and
attached resources. The base commander and his staff coordinate
and synchronize the activities of subordinate and
forward-deployed forces. A special forces operations base is
normally established for an extended period of time to support a
series of operations. Also called SFOB.
special hazard
In aircraft crash rescue and fire-fighting
activities: fuels, materials, components, or situations that
could increase the risks normally associated with military
aircraft accidents and could require special procedures,
equipment, or extinguishing agents.
special information operations
Information operations that by their sensitive nature and
due to their potential effect or impact, security requirements,
or risk to the national security of the United States, require a
special review and approval process. Also called SIO. See also
information; information operations; operation.
special interest target
In counterdrug operations, a contact that may be outside
initial sorting criteria but still requires special handling,
such as controlled deliveries or other unusual situations. Also
called SIT. See also suspect; track of interest.
specialist intelligence report
A category of specialized, technical reports used in the
dissemination of intelligence. Also called SPIREP. See also
intelligence reporting.
specialization
An arrangement within an alliance wherein a member or
group of members most suited by virtue of technical skills,
location, or other qualifications assume(s) greater
responsibility for a specific task or significant portion
thereof for one or more other members.
special mission unit
A generic term to represent a group of operations and
support personnel from designated organizations that is
task-organized to perform highly classified activities. Also
called SMU.
special operations
Operations conducted in hostile, denied, or politically
sensitive environments to achieve military, diplomatic,
informational, and/or economic objectives employing military
capabilities for which there is no broad conventional force
requirement. These operations often require covert, clandestine,
or low visibility capabilities. Special operations are
applicable across the range of military operations. They can be
conducted independently or in conjunction with operations of
conventional forces or other government agencies and may include
operations through, with, or by indigenous or surrogate forces.
Special operations differ from conventional operations in degree
of physical and political risk, operational techniques, mode of
employment, independence from friendly support, and dependence
on detailed operational intelligence and indigenous assets. Also
called SO.
special operations combat control team
A team of Air Force personnel organized, trained, and
equipped to conduct and support special operations. Under
clandestine, covert, or low-visibility conditions, these teams
establish and control air assault zones; assist aircraft by
verbal control, positioning, and operating navigation aids;
conduct limited offensive direct action and special
reconnaissance operations; and assist in the insertion and
extraction of special operations forces. Also called SOCCT. See
also combat control team.
special operations command
A subordinate unified or other joint command established
by a joint force commander to plan, coordinate, conduct, and
support joint special operations within the joint force
commander's assigned operational area. Also called SOC. See also
special operations.
special operations command and control element
A special operations command and control element (SOCCE)
that is the focal point for the synchronization of special
operations forces activities with conventional forces
operations. It performs command and control or liaison functions
according to mission requirements and as directed by the
establishing special operations forces commander. Its level of
authority and responsibility may vary widely. It normally
collocates with the command post of the supported force. The
SOCCE can also receive special operations forces operational,
intelligence, and target acquisition reports directly from
deployed special operations elements and provide them to the
supported component headquarters. The SOCCE remains under the
operational control of the joint force special operations
component commander or commander, joint special operations task
force. Also called SOCCE. See also command and control; joint
force special operations component commander; special
operations; special operations forces.
special operations forces
Those Active and Reserve Component forces of the Military
Services designated by the Secretary of Defense and specifically
organized, trained, and equipped to conduct and support special
operations. Also called SOF. See also Air Force special
operations forces; Army special operations forces; naval special
warfare forces.
special operations liaison element
A special operations liaison team provided by the joint
force special operations component commander to the joint force
air component commander (if designated), or appropriate Service
component air command and control organization, to coordinate,
deconflict, and integrate special operations air, surface, and
subsurface operations with conventional air operations. Also
called SOLE. See also joint force air component commander; joint
force special operations component commander; special
operations.
special operations mission planning folder
The package that contains the materials required to
execute a given special operations mission. It will include the
mission tasking letter, mission tasking package, original
feasibility assessment (as desired), initial assessment (as
desired), target intelligence package, plan of execution,
infiltration and exfiltration plan of execution, and other
documentation as required or desired. Also called SOMPF.
special operations naval mobile environment team
A team of Navy personnel organized, trained, and equipped
to support naval special warfare forces by providing weather,
oceanographic, mapping, charting, and geodesy support. Also
called SONMET.
special operations-peculiar
Equipment, material, supplies, and services required for
special operations missions for which there is no Service-common
requirement. These are limited to items and services initially
designed for, or used by, special operations forces until
adopted for Service-common use by one or more Military Service;
modifications approved by the Commander, US Special Operations
Command for application to standard items and services used by
the Military Services; and items and services approved by the
Commander, US Special Operations Command as critically urgent
for the immediate accomplishment of a special operations
mission. Also called SO-peculiar. See also Service-common;
special operations.
special operations terminal attack controller
United States Air Force combat control personnel certified
to perform the terminal attack control function in support of
special operations forces missions. Special operations terminal
attack controller operations emphasize the employment of night
infrared, laser, and beacon tactics and equipment. Also called
SOTAC. See also special operations; special tactics team;
terminal.
special operations weather team/tactical element
A task-organized team of Air Force personnel organized,
trained, and equipped to collect critical weather observations
from data-sparse areas. These teams are trained to operate
independently in permissive or uncertain environments, or as
augmentation to other special operations elements in hostile
environments, in direct support of special operations. Also
called SOWT/TE.
special operations wing
An Air Force special operations wing. Also called SOW.
special (or project) equipment
Equipment not authorized in standard equipment
publications but determined as essential in connection with a
contemplated operation, function, or mission. See also
equipment.
special purpose Marine air-ground task force
A Marine air-ground task force organized, trained, and
equipped with narrowly focused capabilities. It is designed to
accomplish a specific mission, often of limited scope and
duration. It may be any size, but normally it is a relatively
small force--the size of a Marine expeditionary unit or smaller.
Also called SPMAGTF. See also aviation combat element; combat
service support element; command element; ground combat element;
Marine air-ground task force; Marine expeditionary force; Marine
expeditionary force (forward); Marine expeditionary unit; task
force.
special-purpose vehicle
A vehicle incorporating a special chassis and designed to
meet a specialized requirement.
special reconnaissance
Reconnaissance and surveillance actions conducted as a
special operation in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive
environments to collect or verify information of strategic or
operational significance, employing military capabilities not
normally found in conventional forces. These actions provide an
additive capability for commanders and supplement other
conventional reconnaissance and surveillance actions. Also
called SR.
special staff
All staff officers having duties at a headquarters and not
included in the general (coordinating) staff group or in the
personal staff group. The special staff includes certain
technical specialists and heads of services, e.g., quartermaster
officer, antiaircraft officer, transportation officer, etc. See
also staff.
special tactics
US Air Force special operations forces organized, trained,
and equipped to conduct special operations. They include combat
control team, pararescue, and combat weather personnel who
provide the interface between air and ground combat operations.
Also called ST. See also special tactics team.
special tactics team
A task-organized element of special tactics that may
include combat control, pararescue, and combat weather
personnel. Functions include austere airfield and assault zone
reconnaissance, surveillance, establishment, and terminal
control; terminal attack control; combat search and rescue;
combat casualty care and evacuation staging; and tactical
weather observations and forecasting. Also called STT. See also
combat search and rescue; special operations; special operations
forces; special tactics; terminal attack control.
special unloading berth
Berths established in the vicinity of the approach lanes
into which transports may move for unloading, thus reducing the
running time for landing craft and assisting in the dispersion
of transports.
special weapons
A term sometimes used to indicate weapons grouped for
special procedures, for security, or other reasons. Specific
terminology, e.g., "nuclear weapons" or "guided missiles," is
preferable.
specific intelligence collection requirement
An identified gap in intelligence holdings that may be
satisfied only by collection action, and that has been validated
by the appropriate requirements control authority. Also called
SICR.
specific search
Reconnaissance of a limited number of points for specific
information.
specified combatant command
See specified command.
specified command
A command that has a broad, continuing mission, normally
functional, and is established and so designated by the
President through the Secretary of Defense with the advice and
assistance of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It
normally is composed of forces from a single Military
Department. Also called specified combatant command
spectrozonal photography
A photographic technique whereby the natural
spectral emissions of all objects are selectively filtered in
order to image only those objects within a particular spectral
band or zone and eliminate the unwanted background.
spectrum management
Planning, coordinating, and managing joint use of the
electromagnetic spectrum through operational, engineering, and
administrative procedures. The objective of spectrum management
is to enable electronic systems to perform their functions in
the intended environment without causing or suffering
unacceptable interference. See also electromagnetic spectrum.
speed of advance
In naval usage, the speed expected to be made good
over the ground. Also called SOA. See also pace; rate of march.
speed of sound
The speed at which sound travels in a given medium
under specified conditions. The speed of sound at sea level in
the International Standard Atmosphere is 1108 ft/second, 658
knots, 1215 km/hour. See also hypersonic; sonic; subsonic;
supersonic; transonic.
spillover
The part of the laser spot that is not on the target
because of beam divergence or standoff range, improper
boresighting of laser designator, or poor operator illuminating
procedures. See also laser spot.
spin stabilization
Directional stability of a projectile obtained by the
action of gyroscopic forces that result from spinning of the
body about its axis of symmetry.
split cameras
An assembly of two cameras disposed at a fixed
overlapping angle relative to each other.
split-up
See break-up.
split vertical photography
Photographs taken simultaneously by two cameras
mounted at an angle from the vertical, one tilted to the left
and one to the right, to obtain a small side overlap.
spoiling attack
A tactical maneuver employed to seriously impair a hostile
attack while the enemy is in the process of forming or
assembling for an attack. Usually employed by armored units in
defense by an attack on enemy assembly positions in front of a
main line of resistance or battle position.
spoke
The portion of the hub and spoke distribution system that
refers to transportation mode operators responsible for
scheduled delivery to a customer of the "hub." See also
distribution; distribution system; hub; hub and spoke
distribution.
sponsor
Military member or civilian employee with dependents.
spot
1. To determine by observation, deviations of
ordnance from the target for the purpose of supplying necessary
information for the adjustment of fire. 2. To place in a proper
location. 3. (DOD only) An approved shipboard helicopter landing
site. See also ordnance.
spot elevation
A point on a map or chart whose elevation is noted.
spot jamming
The jamming of a specific channel or frequency. See
also barrage jamming; electronic warfare; jamming.
spot net
Radio communication net used by a spotter in calling fire.
spot report
A concise narrative report of essential information
covering events or conditions that may have an immediate and
significant effect on current planning and operations that is
afforded the most expeditious means of transmission consistent
with requisite security. Also called SPOTREP. (Note: In
reconnaissance and surveillance usage, spot report is not to be
used.) See Joint Tactical Air Reconnaissance/Surveillance
Mission Report
spot size
The size of the electron spot on the face of the
cathode ray tube.
spotter
An observer stationed for the purpose of observing and
reporting results of naval gunfire to the firing agency and who
also may be employed in designating targets. See also field
artillery observer; naval gunfire spotting team.
spotting line
Any straight line to which the fall of shot of
projectiles is related or fire is adjusted by an observer or a
spotter. See also gun-target line; observer-target line.
spray dome
The mound of water spray thrown up into the air when
the shock wave from an underwater detonation of a nuclear weapon
reaches the surface.
spreader bar
A device specially designed to permit the lifting and
handling of containers or vehicles and breakbulk cargo.
spreading fire
A notification by the spotter or the naval gunfire ship,
depending on who is controlling the fire, to indicate that fire
is about to be distributed over an area.
sprocket
In naval mine warfare, an anti-sweep device included
in a mine mooring to allow a sweep wire to pass through the
mooring without parting the mine from its sinker.
squadron
1. An organization consisting of two or more divisions of
ships, or two or more divisions (Navy) or flights of aircraft.
It is normally but not necessarily composed of ships or aircraft
of the same type. 2. The basic administrative aviation unit of
the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. 3. Battalion-sized
ground or aviation units in US Army cavalry regiments.
squib
A small pyrotechnic device that may be used to fire the
igniter in a rocket or for some similar purpose. Not to be
confused with a detonator that explodes.
squirt
In air-to-air refuelling, a means of providing
visual detection of a nearby aircraft. In practice this is
achieved by the donor aircraft dumping fuel and/or the receiver
aircraft selecting afterburners, if so equipped.
staballoy
Metal alloys made from high-density depleted uranium mixed
with other metals for use in kinetic energy penetrators for
armor-piercing munitions. Several different metals, such as
titanium or molybdenum, can be used for the purpose. The various
staballoy metals have low radioactivity that is not considered
to be a significant health hazard.
stabilized glide slope indicator
An electrohydraulic optical landing aid for use on
air-capable ships. With it, a pilot can visually establish and
maintain the proper glide slope for a safe approach and landing.
The visual acquisition range is approximately 3 miles at night
under optimal conditions. Also called SGSI. See also air-capable
ship.
stabilized patient
A patient whose airway is secured, hemorrhage is
controlled, shock treated, and fractures are immobilized. See
also patient.
stable base film
A particular type of film having a high stability in
regard to shrinkage and stretching.
stable patient
A patient for whom no inflight medical intervention is
expected but the potential for medical intervention exists. See
also patient.
staff
See multinational staff; general staff; integrated staff; joint
staff; parallel staff; special staff.
staff estimates
Assessments of courses of action by the various staff
elements of a command that serve as the foundation of the
commander's estimate.
staff supervision
The process of advising other staff officers and
individuals subordinate to the commander of the commander's
plans and policies, interpreting those plans and policies,
assisting such subordinates in carrying them out, determining
the extent to which they are being followed, and advising the
commander thereof.
stage
1. An element of the missile or propulsion system
that generally separates from the missile at burnout or cut-off.
Stages are numbered chronologically in order of burning. 2. To
process, in a specified area, troops which are in transit from
one locality to another. See also marshalling; staging area. 3
staged crews
Aircrews specifically positioned at intermediate airfields
to take over aircraft operating on air routes, thus relieving
complementary crews of flying fatigue and speeding up the flow
rate of the aircraft concerned.
staging
Assembling, holding, and organizing arriving personnel,
equipment, and sustaining materiel in preparation for onward
movement. The organizing and preparation for movement of
personnel, equipment, and materiel at designated areas to
incrementally build forces capable of meeting the operational
commander's requirements. See also staging area.
staging area
1. Amphibious or airborne-A general locality between the
mounting area and the objective of an amphibious or airborne
expedition, through which the expedition or parts thereof pass
after mounting, for refueling, regrouping of ships, and/or
exercise, inspection, and redistribution of troops. 2. Other
movements-A general locality established for the concentration
of troop units and transient personnel between movements over
the lines of communications. Also called SA. See also airborne;
marshalling; stage; staging.
staging base
1. An advanced naval base for the anchoring, fueling, and
refitting of transports and cargo ships as well as replenishment
of mobile service squadrons. 2. A landing and takeoff area with
minimum servicing, supply, and shelter provided for the
temporary occupancy of military aircraft during the course of
movement from one location to another.
standard advanced base units
Personnel and materiel organized to function as advanced |
