Military Dictionary

The Military Dictionary sets forth standard US military and associated terminology to encompass the joint activity of the Armed Forces of the United States in both US joint and allied joint operations. Military Dictionary tries to encompass the entire Department of Defense in its terminology search. These military and associated terms, together with their definitions, constitute approved DOD terminology for general use by all components of the Department of Defense. 

Standardization of Military and Associated Terminology has directed the use of terms throughout the Department of Defense to ensure standardization of military and associated terminology.  This document as been amended through 19 August 2009.


 This publication supplements standard English-language dictionaries with standard terminology for military and associated use.  However, it is not the intent of this publication to restrict the authority of the Joint Force Commander (JFC) from organizing the force and executing the mission in a manner the JFC deems most appropriate to ensure unity of effort in the accomplishment of the overall mission.  Military Dictionary is not a complete dictionary as there are many unknown terms that are used throughout the entire DOD.

Check out the US Military Acronyms and Abbreviations app for information on acronyms and abbreviations.

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