Military Language Boot Camp
So you can be as paranoid as Sousuke!
OPSEC: Operational Security
Countermeasure against unauthorized infiltration - this warfare really exists and happens everyday! The average, single conversation can give away enough information to supply the enemy with 75% to 95% of the facts they need. Electrical transmission of information is the second most targeted source for this information. All personel are trained to give only the most pertainent information to avoid breeching OPSEC. More information can be found here or here.
DoD Dictionary of Acronyms
Department of Defense breaks down the shorthand.The military shortens several words by combining parts of them into a new word. Many of these and other terms used in the military can be referenced here.
Glossary of Military Terminology and Slang
Both old and new, a comprehensive guide to all you wanted to know and more here.
Common Communication Practices
So what is that alpha, delta, charlie all about? You hear it in all kinds of military movies. A single letter can be easily confused with another - for example, “n” can sound like “m” and so on - so the military assigns a type of unique ‘call sign’ to letters instead. Click here for the complete list of this phonic alphabet. In the middle of military operations it is imparative that confusion is avoided.
Dog Tags
Familiar with the metal identification tags worn by the military? Learn all about their purpose, standards and origin here.
AEGIS
Association for the Enforcement and Gaurding of International Security is the closest we get to a real life Mithril Organization against terrorism. Sources like The Gaurdian Group over private sectors, Fortune 500 companies, local corporations - private and public, celebrity individuals, governmental agencies at the federal, state and local levels are more prominent in the United States. You can read more here.
Call Signs
Starting in 1912, the use of call signs started for radio stations but were borrowed by the military for use to heighten security measures by using a key word or phrase to represent a certain individual or action that is understood by friendly forces yet keeps the identity hidden for all other intents and purposes. For a list of FMP call signs used, click here.
Geneva Accords
The 1954 Peace agreement between Cambodia and other nations leading to an unofficial peace agreement devoid of governmental involvement. Meant to resolve the conflict once and for all, it is not recognized as legal documentation… yet. [more...]
Challenge Coins
A way of recognizing affiliation and boost moral, these coins are presented by different ranking military officials or units to individuals for exemplary involvement, volunteerism or existance. It is a less glorified personal reward for service members. Challenge Coins are often placed on the table where the individual being challenged is occupying, the coin issued from the highest rank or unit wins. The loser often has to buy a round for all present at the challenge. It is a way to ensure this valuable coin, though it has no strict monetary value, is on one’s person at all times. The coin often serves as an identifier during times of war and their branding is both limited and authentic.
Martial Law
The system of rules that takes effect when the military takes control of the normal administration of justice. Martial law is sometimes imposed during wars or occupations in the absence of any other civil government. Examples of this form of military rule include Germany and Japan after World War II or the American South during the early stages of Reconstruction. In addition it is used by governments to enforce their rule, for example after a coup d’état (Thailand 2006), when threatened by popular protests (Tiananmen Square protests of 1989), or to crack down on the opposition (Poland 1981). Martial law can also be declared in cases of major natural disasters, however most countries use a different legal construct such as a “state of emergency.”
