Part 16 (2/2)

MOS Military Occupational Specialty. Military Occupational Specialty.

MPF Maritime Prepositioning Force. Maritime Prepositioning Force.

MPS Maritime Prepositioning s.h.i.+p. Maritime Prepositioning s.h.i.+p.

MPSRON Maritime Prepositioning s.h.i.+p Squadron. Maritime Prepositioning s.h.i.+p Squadron.

MRC Major Regional Contingency Pentagon euphemism for small war or large crisis requiring a significant intervention of U.S. military forces as directed by the President. Major Regional Contingency Pentagon euphemism for small war or large crisis requiring a significant intervention of U.S. military forces as directed by the President.

MRE Meals, Ready to Eat. Military field ration in individual serving packs. Eaten by Marines on deployment until regular dining facilities can be constructed. Humorously known as ”Meals Rejected by Everyone.” Meals, Ready to Eat. Military field ration in individual serving packs. Eaten by Marines on deployment until regular dining facilities can be constructed. Humorously known as ”Meals Rejected by Everyone.”

NAF Naval Air Facility (typically a smaller base than a Naval Air Station). Naval Air Facility (typically a smaller base than a Naval Air Station).

NAS Naval Air Station. Naval Air Station.

Nautical Mile (nm) 6,076 feet. Not to be confused with Statute Mile, of 5,280 feet. 6,076 feet. Not to be confused with Statute Mile, of 5,280 feet.

NAVAIR Naval Air Systems Command. Organization that procures and manages aircraft and related systems and equipment for the Navy and Marine Corps. Formerly called Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAir) Naval Air Systems Command. Organization that procures and manages aircraft and related systems and equipment for the Navy and Marine Corps. Formerly called Bureau of Aeronautics (BuAir) NAVSEA Naval Sea Systems Command. Organization that procures and manages s.h.i.+ps and related systems for the Navy. Formerly called Bureau of s.h.i.+ps (Bus.h.i.+ps). Naval Sea Systems Command. Organization that procures and manages s.h.i.+ps and related systems for the Navy. Formerly called Bureau of s.h.i.+ps (Bus.h.i.+ps).

NBC Nuclear-Biological-Chemical. General term for weapons of ma.s.s destruction, including nuclear bombs or weapons designed to disperse radioactive material, toxic gases, liquids, or powders, infectious microorganisms or biological toxins. Forbidden by many international treaties that have been widely ignored. Nuclear-Biological-Chemical. General term for weapons of ma.s.s destruction, including nuclear bombs or weapons designed to disperse radioactive material, toxic gases, liquids, or powders, infectious microorganisms or biological toxins. Forbidden by many international treaties that have been widely ignored.

NCO Non-Commissioned Officer. An enlisted soldier, sailor, or airman with supervisory responsibility or technical qualifications. There are nine standardized enlisted pay grades, but each service has its own complex nomenclature for NCO ranks. In the navy these are petty officer, chief petty officer, senior chief petty officer, and master chief petty officer. The senior NCO on a vessel, regardless of rank, is informally known as ”Command Master Chief.” Non-Commissioned Officer. An enlisted soldier, sailor, or airman with supervisory responsibility or technical qualifications. There are nine standardized enlisted pay grades, but each service has its own complex nomenclature for NCO ranks. In the navy these are petty officer, chief petty officer, senior chief petty officer, and master chief petty officer. The senior NCO on a vessel, regardless of rank, is informally known as ”Command Master Chief.”

NEO Non-combatant Evacuation Operations. Use of military force to rescue American and foreign citizens, diplomatic personnel, and relief workers endangered by civil unrest or factional fighting. Non-combatant Evacuation Operations. Use of military force to rescue American and foreign citizens, diplomatic personnel, and relief workers endangered by civil unrest or factional fighting.

NORAD North American Air Defense Command. Joint U.S.-Canadian headquarters located inside Cheyenne Mountain, CO, responsible for air defense of North America. CINCNORAD is also the Commander of U.S. s.p.a.ce Command. North American Air Defense Command. Joint U.S.-Canadian headquarters located inside Cheyenne Mountain, CO, responsible for air defense of North America. CINCNORAD is also the Commander of U.S. s.p.a.ce Command.

NRO National Reconnaissance Office. Formerly super-secret intelligence agency established in early 1960's within the Department of Defense. Not officially acknowledged to exist until 1990's. Responsible for procurement, operation, and management of various types of reconnaissance satellites. A separate organization, the Central Imagery Office, is responsible for processing, interpretation, and dissemination of satellite imagery. National Reconnaissance Office. Formerly super-secret intelligence agency established in early 1960's within the Department of Defense. Not officially acknowledged to exist until 1990's. Responsible for procurement, operation, and management of various types of reconnaissance satellites. A separate organization, the Central Imagery Office, is responsible for processing, interpretation, and dissemination of satellite imagery.

NS Naval Station, typically a larger base that includes sh.o.r.e facilities, airfields, and logistic installations. Naval Station, typically a larger base that includes sh.o.r.e facilities, airfields, and logistic installations.

”Nugget” Pilot jargon for an inexperienced aviator, or new person in the squadron. Pilot jargon for an inexperienced aviator, or new person in the squadron.

O&M Operations and Maintenance. A major budget item for all military units. Operations and Maintenance. A major budget item for all military units.

OpTempo Operational tempo-subjective measure of the intensity of military operations. In combat high OpTempos can overwhelm the enemy's ability to respond, at the risk of burning out your own forces. In peacetime a high OpTempo can adversely affect morale and exhaust budgeted funds. Operational tempo-subjective measure of the intensity of military operations. In combat high OpTempos can overwhelm the enemy's ability to respond, at the risk of burning out your own forces. In peacetime a high OpTempo can adversely affect morale and exhaust budgeted funds.

Ordnance Weapons, ammunition, or other consumable armament. Frequently misspelled. Weapons, ammunition, or other consumable armament. Frequently misspelled.

OTH Over the Horizon. Used in references to sensors and targeting. Distance to the visual horizon may be 20 miles from the masthead of a s.h.i.+p, or more than 200 miles from an aircraft at high alt.i.tude. Over the Horizon. Used in references to sensors and targeting. Distance to the visual horizon may be 20 miles from the masthead of a s.h.i.+p, or more than 200 miles from an aircraft at high alt.i.tude.

PAA Primary Aircraft Authorized-the number of planes allocated to a unit for the performance of its operational mission. PAA is the basis for budgeting manpower, support equipment, and flying hours. In some cases, a unit may have fewer aircraft because of delivery schedule slippage or accidents. Units may also have more aircraft than their PAA, such as trainers, spare ”maintenance floats,” or inoperable ”hangar queens.” Primary Aircraft Authorized-the number of planes allocated to a unit for the performance of its operational mission. PAA is the basis for budgeting manpower, support equipment, and flying hours. In some cases, a unit may have fewer aircraft because of delivery schedule slippage or accidents. Units may also have more aircraft than their PAA, such as trainers, spare ”maintenance floats,” or inoperable ”hangar queens.”

PAO Public Affairs Officer. Military staff officer responsible for media relations, coordination with civil authorities, VIP escort duties, and similar ch.o.r.es. The PAO of an aircraft carrier is typically a Navy lieutenant, supervising a small team of enlisted writers and media specialists. Public Affairs Officer. Military staff officer responsible for media relations, coordination with civil authorities, VIP escort duties, and similar ch.o.r.es. The PAO of an aircraft carrier is typically a Navy lieutenant, supervising a small team of enlisted writers and media specialists.

Paveway Generic term for laser-guided bombs. Made by Raytheon/Texas Instruments since 1968. Latest Paveway III version provides standoff range of 3-5 nm. Generic term for laser-guided bombs. Made by Raytheon/Texas Instruments since 1968. Latest Paveway III version provides standoff range of 3-5 nm.

PGM Precision Guided Munition. Commonly called a ”smart bomb,” any weapon that uses electronic, electro-optical, inertial, or other advanced forms of terminal guidance to achieve a very high probability of hitting its target. Precision Guided Munition. Commonly called a ”smart bomb,” any weapon that uses electronic, electro-optical, inertial, or other advanced forms of terminal guidance to achieve a very high probability of hitting its target.

Pitch Change of an aircraft's att.i.tude relative to its lateral axis (a line drawn from left to right through the center of gravity). Pitch up and the nose rises; pitch down and the nose drops. Change of an aircraft's att.i.tude relative to its lateral axis (a line drawn from left to right through the center of gravity). Pitch up and the nose rises; pitch down and the nose drops.

”Pucker Factor” Flight crew anxiety level. Typically related to highly stressful combat situations such as major aircraft system malfunctions while under fire from enemy missiles. Flight crew anxiety level. Typically related to highly stressful combat situations such as major aircraft system malfunctions while under fire from enemy missiles.

Pylon A structure attached to the wing or fuselage of an aircraft that supports an engine, fuel tank, weapon, or external pod. The pylon itself may be removable, in which case it is attached to a ”hard point” that provides a mechanical and electrical interface. A structure attached to the wing or fuselage of an aircraft that supports an engine, fuel tank, weapon, or external pod. The pylon itself may be removable, in which case it is attached to a ”hard point” that provides a mechanical and electrical interface.

RAM Radar Absorbing Material. Metal or metal-oxide particles or fibers embedded in synthetic resin applied as a coating or surface treatment on radar-reflective areas of a vehicle in order to reduce its radar cross Radar Absorbing Material. Metal or metal-oxide particles or fibers embedded in synthetic resin applied as a coating or surface treatment on radar-reflective areas of a vehicle in order to reduce its radar cross

section. A particular RAM formulation may be specific to a narrow band of the radar frequency spectrum.

RC-135V Rivet Joint Program name for electronic reconnaissance aircraft, operated by 55th Wing based at Offut AFB, NE. Used in Saudi Arabia during Desert s.h.i.+eld/Desert Storm. Program name for electronic reconnaissance aircraft, operated by 55th Wing based at Offut AFB, NE. Used in Saudi Arabia during Desert s.h.i.+eld/Desert Storm.

RH-53E Sikorsky ”Sea Dragon” found in mine-countermeasure units. Sikorsky ”Sea Dragon” found in mine-countermeasure units.

RIM-116A RAM RIM-116A Rolling Airframe Missile. Development began in 1975 as a joint U.S./German/Danish program. Entered service in June 1993 on USS Peleliu (LHA-5). Combines seeker head of Stinger SAM with motor, warhead, and fuse from AIM-9 Sidewinder. Angled tail fins cause the missile to spin in flight for stability. Range of around 5 nm, and carried in a 21-round box launcher. RIM-116A Rolling Airframe Missile. Development began in 1975 as a joint U.S./German/Danish program. Entered service in June 1993 on USS Peleliu (LHA-5). Combines seeker head of Stinger SAM with motor, warhead, and fuse from AIM-9 Sidewinder. Angled tail fins cause the missile to spin in flight for stability. Range of around 5 nm, and carried in a 21-round box launcher.

RO-RO Roll-on/Roll-off. A cargo s.h.i.+p with vehicle parking decks, flexible ramps, and special ventilation, allowing loaded vehicles to drive on or off under their own power. Roll-on/Roll-off. A cargo s.h.i.+p with vehicle parking decks, flexible ramps, and special ventilation, allowing loaded vehicles to drive on or off under their own power.

ROE Rules of Engagement. Guidance often determined at the highest levels of national government, regarding how and when warriors may employ their weapons. In air-to-air combat, ROE usually specify specific criteria for declaring a non-friendly aircraft as hostile. In air-to-ground combat, ROE usually forbids attacking targets likely to involve significant collateral damage to civilian populations or religious sites. Regardless of the ROE, the right of self-defense against direct armed attack is Rules of Engagement. Guidance often determined at the highest levels of national government, regarding how and when warriors may employ their weapons. In air-to-air combat, ROE usually specify specific criteria for declaring a non-friendly aircraft as hostile. In air-to-ground combat, ROE usually forbids attacking targets likely to involve significant collateral damage to civilian populations or religious sites. Regardless of the ROE, the right of self-defense against direct armed attack is never never denied. denied.

Roll Change of att.i.tude relative to the longitudinal axis (a line drawn from nose to tail through the center of gravity). Roll to port and an aircraft tilts to the left; roll to starboard and it tilts to the right. Roll also describes a cla.s.s of aerobatic maneuvers, such as the barrel roll. Change of att.i.tude relative to the longitudinal axis (a line drawn from nose to tail through the center of gravity). Roll to port and an aircraft tilts to the left; roll to starboard and it tilts to the right. Roll also describes a cla.s.s of aerobatic maneuvers, such as the barrel roll.

RWR Radar Warning Receiver. An electronic detector tuned to one or more hostile radar frequencies and linked to an alarm that alerts the pilot to the approximate direction, and possibly the type of threat. Similar in concept to automotive police radar detectors. Also known as a RHAW (Radar Homing and Warning Receiver). Radar Warning Receiver. An electronic detector tuned to one or more hostile radar frequencies and linked to an alarm that alerts the pilot to the approximate direction, and possibly the type of threat. Similar in concept to automotive police radar detectors. Also known as a RHAW (Radar Homing and Warning Receiver).

SAM Surface to Air Missile. A guided missile with the primary mission of engaging and destroying enemy aircraft. Most SAMs use rocket propulsion and some type of radar or infrared guidance. Surface to Air Missile. A guided missile with the primary mission of engaging and destroying enemy aircraft. Most SAMs use rocket propulsion and some type of radar or infrared guidance.

SAR Synthetic Aperture Radar. An aircraft radar (or operating mode of a multi-function radar) that can produce highly accurate ground maps. Synthetic Aperture Radar. An aircraft radar (or operating mode of a multi-function radar) that can produce highly accurate ground maps.

SCUD Western reporting name for the Soviet R-11 (SCUD-A) and R-17 (SCUD-B) short-range ballistic missiles. Based largely on captured WW II German technology. Range of 110-180 miles with 900-kg/1,980-1b warhead, with inaccurate inertial guidance. Can be transported and erected for launch by a large truck. Widely exported to Iraq, North Korea, and other Soviet client states. Iraq modified basic SCUD-B design to produce longer-ranged Al Abbas and Al Hussein missiles with much smaller warheads. Western reporting name for the Soviet R-11 (SCUD-A) and R-17 (SCUD-B) short-range ballistic missiles. Based largely on captured WW II German technology. Range of 110-180 miles with 900-kg/1,980-1b warhead, with inaccurate inertial guidance. Can be transported and erected for launch by a large truck. Widely exported to Iraq, North Korea, and other Soviet client states. Iraq modified basic SCUD-B design to produce longer-ranged Al Abbas and Al Hussein missiles with much smaller warheads.

SEAD Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses. This requires enticing the enemy to ”light up” search and tracking radars, launch SAMs, or fire antiaircraft guns, which can then be targeted for destruction or neutralization by jamming and other countermeasures. Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses. This requires enticing the enemy to ”light up” search and tracking radars, launch SAMs, or fire antiaircraft guns, which can then be targeted for destruction or neutralization by jamming and other countermeasures.

SIGINT Signal Intelligence. Interception, decoding, and a.n.a.lysis of enemy communications traffic. Signal Intelligence. Interception, decoding, and a.n.a.lysis of enemy communications traffic.

Skunk Works Lockheed's Burbank, California, Advanced Development group, created during WW II by engineer Clarence ”Kelly” Johnson. Developed the U-2, SR-71, F-117, and other secret aircraft. Lockheed Martin copyrights the name and skunk cartoon logo. Lockheed's Burbank, California, Advanced Development group, created during WW II by engineer Clarence ”Kelly” Johnson. Developed the U-2, SR-71, F-117, and other secret aircraft. Lockheed Martin copyrights the name and skunk cartoon logo.

Slat A long, narrow, moveable control surface, usually along the leading edge of the wing, to provide additional life during takeoff. A long, narrow, moveable control surface, usually along the leading edge of the wing, to provide additional life during takeoff.

Sortie The basic unit of airpower: one complete combat mission by one aircraft. ”Sortie generation” is the ability of an air unit to re-arm, refuel, and service aircraft for repeated missions in a given period. The basic unit of airpower: one complete combat mission by one aircraft. ”Sortie generation” is the ability of an air unit to re-arm, refuel, and service aircraft for repeated missions in a given period.

Sparrow AIM-7 family of long-range radar-guided air-to-air missiles produced by Raytheon. Variants include the s.h.i.+p-launched Sea Sparrow. AIM-7 family of long-range radar-guided air-to-air missiles produced by Raytheon. Variants include the s.h.i.+p-launched Sea Sparrow.

Stall Sudden lost of lift when the airflow separates from the wing surface; may be caused by a variety of maneuvers, such as climbing too steeply with insufficient thrust. ”Compressor stall” is a different phenomenon that occurs inside a turbine engine. Sudden lost of lift when the airflow separates from the wing surface; may be caused by a variety of maneuvers, such as climbing too steeply with insufficient thrust. ”Compressor stall” is a different phenomenon that occurs inside a turbine engine.

Stealth A combination of design features, technologies, and materials, some highly cla.s.sified, designed to reduce the radar, visual, infrared, and acoustic signature of an aircraft, s.h.i.+p, or other vehicle. This can be taken to the point where effective enemy detection and countermeasures are extremely unlikely before the vehicle has completed its mission and escaped. The F-117A is the best-known modern example. A combination of design features, technologies, and materials, some highly cla.s.sified, designed to reduce the radar, visual, infrared, and acoustic signature of an aircraft, s.h.i.+p, or other vehicle. This can be taken to the point where effective enemy detection and countermeasures are extremely unlikely before the vehicle has completed its mission and escaped. The F-117A is the best-known modern example.

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