Drafted — not technically validated
Record revision 2 · CAS, SEAD, JTAC and ROE, the missions from strike to counterair, the air defenses aircraft face, and the words each service uses differently.
Definitions are quoted or closely paraphrased from the source named with each word. Meanings change between editions and theatres; the brief and the current publications take precedence.
The joint vocabulary
These are the joint terms and abbreviations a military pilot meets in briefings, tasking and doctrine. The definitions come from the Department of Defense dictionary, which sets the standard terminology for every service and for joint operations, so the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force share them. [1]
A few words mean different things to different services, and the dictionary says so. A flight is the Air Force’s basic tactical unit of four or more aircraft, but to the Navy and Marine Corps any group of aircraft on a common mission. A wing is a different organization in each of the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. Those differences are shown in each word’s note. [1]
The set also gives the dictionary’s words for the missions aircraft fly, from strike, reconnaissance and air assault to counterair, fighter sweeps and escorts, and for the air defenses they face and the electronic attack used against them. [1] Chaff, decoys and guided weapons are in the weapons terms.
Two flying terms that mean the same to civil and military pilots, angle of attack and head-up display, are defined from the FAA’s handbook. [3] The dictionary quoted is the 2016 amendment of JP 1-02. Later editions may word some entries differently, so check the current DOD Dictionary for a term’s latest wording. [1]
49 terms
- ADA
Air defense artillery. Weapons and equipment for actively combating air targets from the ground.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 6
- AEW
Airborne early warning. The detection of enemy air or surface units by radar or other equipment carried in an airborne vehicle, and the transmitting of a warning to friendly units.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 5
- Air assault
The movement of friendly assault forces by rotary-wing aircraft to engage and destroy enemy forces or to seize and hold key terrain.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 5
- Air defense
Defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or missiles in the atmosphere, or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of such attack.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 6
- Air interdiction
Air operations conducted to divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy the enemy's military surface capabilities before it can be brought to bear effectively against friendly forces, or to otherwise achieve objectives that are conducted at such distances from friendly forces that detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of friendly forces is not required.
The distance from friendly forces, and so the lack of detailed integration, is what separates it from close air support (CAS). [1]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 7
- Air superiority
That degree of dominance in the air battle by one force that permits the conduct of its operations at a given time and place without prohibitive interference from air and missile threats.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 10
- AOA
Angle of attack. The angle at which relative wind meets an airfoil. It is the angle that is formed by the chord of the airfoil and the direction of the relative wind or between the chord line and the flight path.
Source: [3] Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), p. G-3
- AR
Air refueling. The refueling of an aircraft in flight by another aircraft.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 9
- ARM
Antiradiation missile. A missile which homes passively on a radiation source.
A friendly antiradiation missile launch is called with the brevity word MAGNUM. [2]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 13
- ATO
Air tasking order. A method used to task and disseminate to components, subordinate units, and command and control agencies projected sorties, capabilities and/or forces to targets and specific missions.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 10
- BDA
Battle damage assessment. The estimate of damage composed of physical and functional damage assessment, as well as target system assessment, resulting from the application of lethal or nonlethal military force.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 23
- CAP
Combat air patrol. An aircraft patrol provided over an objective area, the force protected, the critical area of a combat zone, or in an air defense area, for the purpose of intercepting and destroying hostile aircraft before they reach their targets.
In brevity, HOT and COLD are turns in the combat air patrol toward or away from the anticipated threats. [2]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 36
- CAS
Close air support. Air action by fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to friendly forces and that require detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 34
- CASEVAC
Casualty evacuation. The unregulated movement of casualties that can include movement both to and between medical treatment facilities.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 28
- Contact point
In air operations, the position at which a mission leader makes radio contact with an air control agency.
The dictionary gives other meanings for land warfare and personnel recovery. [1]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 46
- Counterair
A mission that integrates offensive and defensive operations to attain and maintain a desired degree of air superiority and protection by neutralizing or destroying enemy aircraft and missiles, both before and after launch.
It is made up of offensive counterair (OCA) and defensive counterair (DCA). [1]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 51
- CSAR
Combat search and rescue. The tactics, techniques, and procedures performed by forces to effect the recovery of isolated personnel during combat.
Search and rescue (SAR) is the same work in a permissive environment. [1]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 39
- Danger close
In close air support, artillery, mortar, and naval gunfire support fires, the term included in the method of engagement segment of a call for fire that indicates that friendly forces are within close proximity of the target.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 59
- DCA
Defensive counterair. All defensive measures designed to neutralize or destroy enemy forces attempting to penetrate or attack through friendly airspace.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 63
- EA
Electronic attack. Division of electronic warfare involving the use of electromagnetic energy, directed energy, or antiradiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or equipment with the intent of degrading, neutralizing, or destroying enemy combat capability.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 75
- Early warning
Early notification of the launch or approach of unknown weapons or weapons carriers.
The dictionary also abbreviates it EW, the abbreviation of electronic warfare. [1]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 73
- Electromagnetic jamming
The deliberate radiation, reradiation, or reflection of electromagnetic energy for the purpose of preventing or reducing an enemy's effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum, and with the intent of degrading or neutralizing the enemy's combat capability.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 74
- EMCON
Emission control. The selective and controlled use of electromagnetic, acoustic, or other emitters to optimize command and control capabilities while minimizing, for operations security: detection by enemy sensors; mutual interference among friendly systems; and/or enemy interference with the ability to execute a military deception plan.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 79
- EW
Electronic warfare. Military action involving the use of electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or to attack the enemy.
The 2020 multi-service brevity publication expands EW as electromagnetic warfare. [2]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 76
- FAC
Forward air controller. An officer (aviator/pilot) member of the tactical air control party who, from a forward ground or airborne position, controls aircraft in close air support of ground troops.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 93
- FAC(A)
Forward air controller (airborne). A specifically trained and qualified aviation officer, normally an airborne extension of the tactical air control party, who exercises control from the air of aircraft engaged in close air support of ground troops.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 93
- FARP
Forward arming and refueling point. A temporary facility, organized, equipped, and deployed to provide fuel and ammunition necessary for the employment of aviation maneuver units in combat.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 93
- Fighter escort
An offensive counterair operation providing dedicated protection sorties by air-to-air capable fighters in support of other offensive air and air support missions over enemy territory, or in a defensive counterair role to protect high value airborne assets.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 85
- Fighter sweep
An offensive mission by fighter aircraft to seek out and destroy enemy aircraft or targets of opportunity in a designated area.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 86
- Flight
1. In Navy and Marine Corps usage, a specified group of aircraft usually engaged in a common mission. 2. The basic tactical unit in the Air Force, consisting of four or more aircraft in two or more elements. 3. A single aircraft airborne on a nonoperational mission.
The meaning differs by service: to the Air Force a flight is a unit of four or more aircraft, to the Navy and Marine Corps any group of aircraft on a common mission. [1]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 88
- FLOT
Forward line of own troops. A line that indicates the most forward positions of friendly forces in any kind of military operation at a specific time.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 93
- FSCL
Fire support coordination line. A fire support coordination measure established by the land or amphibious force commander to support common objectives within an area of operation; beyond which all fires must be coordinated with affected commanders prior to engagement, and short of the line, all fires must be coordinated with the establishing commander prior to engagement.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 86
- HUD
Head-up display. A special type of flight viewing screen that allows the pilot to watch the flight instruments and other data while looking through the windshield of the aircraft for other traffic, the approach lights, or the runway.
Source: [3] Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), p. G-14
- IFF
Identification, friend or foe. A device that emits a signal positively identifying it as a friendly.
In brevity the IFF transponder is PARROT, and SQUAWK sets it. [2]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 107
- JTAC
Joint terminal attack controller. A qualified (certified) Service member who, from a forward position, directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in close air support and other offensive air operations.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 133
- Kill box
A three-dimensional permissive fire support coordination measure with an associated airspace coordinating measure used to facilitate the integration of fires.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 135
- LZ
Landing zone. Any specified zone used for the landing of aircraft.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 138
- OCA
Offensive counterair. Offensive operations to destroy, disrupt, or neutralize enemy aircraft, missiles, launch platforms, and their supporting structures and systems both before and after launch, and as close to their source as possible.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 172
- Reconnaissance
A mission undertaken to obtain, by visual observation or other detection methods, information about the activities and resources of an enemy or adversary, or to secure data concerning the meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular area.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 198
- ROE
Rules of engagement. Directives issued by competent military authority that delineate the circumstances and limitations under which United States forces will initiate and/or continue combat engagement with other forces encountered.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 207
- SAR
Search and rescue. The use of aircraft, surface craft, submarines, and specialized rescue teams and equipment to search for and rescue distressed persons on land or at sea in a permissive environment.
In the brevity publication SAR stands for synthetic aperture radar. [2]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 211
- SEAD
Suppression of enemy air defenses. Activity that neutralizes, destroys, or temporarily degrades surface-based enemy air defenses by destructive and/or disruptive means.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 229
- Section
As applied to ships or naval aircraft, a tactical subdivision of a division.
To the Army and Marine Corps on the ground, a section is a tactical unit smaller than a platoon and larger than a squad. [1]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 212
- Sortie
In air operations, an operational flight by one aircraft.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 219
- Squadron
1. An organization consisting of two or more divisions of ships, or two or more divisions (Navy) or flights of aircraft. 2. The basic administrative aviation unit of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. 3. Battalion-sized ground or aviation units.
A Navy squadron is built from divisions of aircraft, an Air Force squadron from flights. [1]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 223
- STOL
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.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 217
- Strike
An attack to damage or destroy an objective or a capability.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 227
- TOT
Time on target. The actual time at which munitions impact the target.
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 243
- Wing
1. An Air Force unit composed normally of one primary mission group and the necessary supporting organizations. 2. A fleet air wing is the basic organizational and administrative unit for naval-, land-, and tender-based aviation. 3. A balanced Marine Corps task organization of aircraft groups and squadrons, together with appropriate command, air control, administrative, service, and maintenance units.
The Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps each mean a different organization by a wing. The dictionary's fourth meaning is a flank unit of a ground force. [1]
Source: [1] JP 1-02, p. 259
Sources
- JP 1-02, Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Joint Chiefs of Staff, 8 November 2010, as amended through 15 January 2016. https://schoolresources.militaryfamilies.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/department_of_defense_dictionary_of_military_and_associated_terms.pdf (accessed 2026-10-26). Copy hosted by Penn State's Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness. Preface p. i; terms by printed page, pp. 5 to 229. Later editions, published as the DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, may word some entries differently.
- ATP 1-02.1 / MCRP 3-30B.1 / NTTP 6-02.1 / AFTTP 3-2.5, Brevity: Multi-Service Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Multi-Service Brevity Codes. Air Land Sea Application Center for the US Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force, 28 May 2020, Change 1 of 2 April 2021. https://irp.fas.org/doddir/army/atp1-02-1.pdf (accessed 2026-10-26). Table 1 (EW expanded as electromagnetic warfare) p. 1; COLD p. 12, HOT p. 25, MAGNUM p. 30, PARROT p. 34, SQUAWK p. 49; glossary (SAR) in the back matter.
- Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Glossary. Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/21_phak_glossary.pdf (accessed 2026-10-26). Angle of attack p. G-3; head-up display p. G-14. A civil handbook, cited for terms that mean the same in military and civil flying.