USO & Military Language Glossary (2024)

AAFES

AB

Do not use this abbreviation for air base, which is Air Force nomenclature for bases outside the United States. Spell out “Air Base” in all uses. Also see AFB.

accompanied tour

An assignment in which housing or services for the service member’s family is authorized. Typically, accompanied tours last for three years, as opposed to one to two years for unaccompanied tours.

achievement medals

active-duty/active duty

Hyphenated only when used as a compound adjective. Examples: “Active-duty service members will receive a 3% raise Jan. 1.” or “Service members on active duty will receive a 3% raise Jan. 1.”

ACU

admiral

here are four grades of admiral in the Navy and Coast Guard. From lowest to highest, they are rear admiral lower half (one star), rear admiral upper half (two stars), vice admiral (three stars) and admiral (four stars). There have been five-star admirals (fleet admiral), but none since World War II. In headlines, an admiral of any rank can be referred to simply as admiral; however, his/her exact rank must be clearly noted on first reference within the story. Use Adm. before a name. Reference AP Style for other specific ranks. See general.

AFB

Do not use this abbreviation for a stateside Air Force Base. Spell out Air Force Base in all uses. Example: Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

Afghan

A person from Afghanistan. Not to be confused with afghani, the currency of Afghanistan.

afghani

The currency of Afghanistan. Not to be confused with Afghan, a person from Afghanistan.

Afghanistan War

An armed conflict, from 2001 to 2021, between an international military coalition led by the United States and al-Qaeda. It is the longest war in U.S. history. Capitalize as part of the name of the specific conflict. Part of “war on terrorism.” See also Global War on Terrorism, GWOT, war on terrorism.

AFN

AFRICOM

Air Force Cross

A medal awarded for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing force. Ranks second in precedence below the Medal of Honor. See military decorations.

Air Force Military Training Center

Located at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. The center where most Air Force personnel undergo initial training. Do not abbreviate.

Air Force specialty code

Job codes for Air Force members. Example: 3A051 is information manager, 3S051 is supply specialist and 3N071 is public affairs. Corresponds to Army military occupation specialty and Navy enlisted classification code. Use specialty, skill or code on second reference.

air station

A small Air Force overseas installation that has no flight line. Stories about air stations carry the name of the city of their location as datelines. Do not abbreviate.

airborne, Airborne

Do not abbreviate. Capitalize when referring to an airborne unit or the Army Airborne School at Fort Moore, Ga. Use Roman numerals with airborne corps, e.g., XVIII Airborne Corps, but 82nd Airborne Division. Infantry soldiers who are airborne qualified (to jump out of aircraft) are paratroops.

aircraft carriers

As with all Navy ships, use USS (Name). Do not use its hull number (i.e., CVN-70) unless absolutely needed. Do not place ship name in quotation marks and do not italicize the name.

airman

Airman Battle Uniform

The Air Force uniform that replaced the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). It was worn from 2007 to spring 2021. It was phased out from 2018-Spring 2021 by the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform. Only use the abbreviation in a headline when clarifying that it’s an Air Force reference (example: “Air Force issues new ABU guidelines”).

Airman’s Medal

An Air Force medal awarded for heroism that involves the voluntary risk of life under other-than-combat conditions. See military decorations.

AK-47

A Soviet-designed 7.62 mm automatic assault rifle, produced in many countries and in common use by armies and insurgents around the world. Initially fielded in 1947, it was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. AK refers to Avtomat Kalashnikov, the Soviet name for the weapon. A 5.45 mm version, the AK-74, was fielded in the 1970s but is not as common as the AK-47. The AK-47 design spawned an entire series of weapons of various calibers. Use AK-47 in all copy (with hyphen); Kalashnikov or Kalashnikov rifle is acceptable in a quote.

American Forces Network

AFN is acceptable on second reference and in headlines. AFN, an American Forces Radio and Television Service outlet, is funded by Congress to provide service members, military families and Department of Defense civilians with entertainment and information. AFN broadcasts TV and radio to Americans around the world.

American Forces Radio and Television Service

AFRTS acceptable in headlines and on second reference. A system that broadcasts information and entertainment to Department of Defense personnel and their families stationed overseas. Core programming from U.S. commercial networks and other sources is furnished through the American Forces Radio and Television Broadcast Center at March Air Reserve Base in California. Local programs are produced by AFRTS outlets to serve the needs of local audiences. Headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia. Parent unit of American Forces Network.

American Red Cross

Red Cross permitted on second reference. Do not abbreviate. Note that many Red Cross offices operating in foreign countries are affiliated with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Society; for example, national Red Cross societies exist in Japan, Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore. Some American Red Cross operations overseas are located on military installations, such as Misawa Air Base in Japan. When referring to a Red Cross operation on a U.S. military installation, always use American Red Cross to avoid possible confusion with other agencies.

ammo

Slang term for ammunition. Do not use except in direct quotes. Use ammunition instead.

AO

Area of operations. Military term for a unit’s garrison and field locations. Do not abbreviate.

AP

Acceptable on second reference as an abbreviation for The Associated Press (the capitalized article is part of the name). Also used in photo credits. Do not capitalize the word “the” when using the abbreviation in copy. See Associated Press Stylebook.

APO AA

Army or Air Force post office in Central or South America.

APO AE

Army or Air Force post office in Europe.

APO AP

Army or Air Force post office in the Pacific.

appropriated funds

Tax-supported funds that Congress sets aside for Department of Defense expenses. See nonappropriated funds.

Arlington National Cemetery

All military retirees and all fallen active-duty service members are eligible to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. It is adjacent to Fort Myer, Virginia, near Washington, D.C.

Armed Forces

Uppercase when referring to the United States Armed Forces. Do not abbreviate as “AF.” Capitalize names of Armed Forces of the United States. Other nations’ armed forces are lowercase unless referring to a specific unit. Examples: U.S. Army, British army and German air force, but British Royal Air Force.

Army Air Corps

Take care with references in stories about World War II. The corps was established on July 2, 1926, before it was replaced by the Army Air Forces in June 1941 — before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Hence, World War II articles should not call it the Army Air Corps. The Army Air Forces became the U.S. Air Force in September 1947 when the Department of the Air Force was established.

Army Air Forces

Established in June 1941 to replace the Army Air Corps. In September 1947, the Army Air Forces became a separate branch, the U.S. Air Force. See Army Air Corps.

Army and Air Force Exchange Service

AAFES is acceptable in all references, but make sure a first reference use is followed by the full name. Acceptable to use exchange, exchanges or the exchange service on second reference. Headquarters are in Dallas, Texas.

Army Combat Uniform

Introduced in 2005 to replace the 1980s-era Battle Dress Uniform and Desert Camouflage Uniform. Used the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) from 2005-2015, which was then replaced by the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). The ACU relies heavily on Velcro fasteners; another distinguishing feature is that the wearer’s rank is affixed to his/her chest. Use abbreviation ACU in headlines and on second reference. Generally speaking, combat uniform will suffice. See also ACU and MultiCam.

Army Corps of Engineers

The Army Corps of Engineers, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., has constructed major dams, levees, harbors, waterways and locks throughout the United States. In its military research and development role, it deals with such issues as rapid repair and restoration of bomb-damaged runways, computer-aided architectural and engineering design systems, as well as energy analysis systems for estimating fuel consumption in buildings.

Asian regions

Associated Press Stylebook

The stylebook of The Associated Press (AP). USO uses the AP Stylebook as the first reference for editing and style matters. The second reference, particularly for military issues, is this stylebook. See AP.

attention

A service member at the position of attention stands straight, arms at their sides, heels together and toes apart at a 45-degree angle. This is the only position from which a salute is rendered; it is also the position a service member assumes when talking to a warrant or commissioned officer senior to them. See parade rest.

attribution

Always seek the fullest possible attribution for news stories. Avoid use of reportedly in a news story. Instead, it is preferred the source of the information be cited. When an unnamed source is used in a story, the source should be characterized as precisely as possible without jeopardizing that person, and the reason for withholding the name should be indicated.

awards

barracks

Formally called bachelor enlisted or bachelor officer quarters (BEQ or BOQ). The Air Force calls them dormitories; the other services call them barracks. Many lower-ranking single enlisted personnel or married personnel living apart from their families live in barracks or dormitories. Barracks also applies to Navy or Coast Guard quarters on land. Quarters aboard a ship are called berthing. It’s always acceptable to use quarters.

base pay

Basic salary, excluding food, housing, cost-of-living allowances and special duty pay.

bases, camps, forts

Most stateside Army bases are called forts, although there are a number of camps that generally host National Guard units for training exercises. Many Army facilities overseas are called camps, as are many Marine bases stateside. In all cases, use the proper name of the facility, but base is always acceptable in headlines and on subsequent references.

basic training

battalion

Do not abbreviate. When used with a figure, it forms a name and should be capitalized, e.g., 1st Battalion. See echelons of command.

battery

An Army or Marine Corps unit of artillery equivalent to a company. Usually commanded by a captain and subordinate to a battalion. Proper style is “Battery A, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment.”

berthing

Quarters for personnel aboard ship. See barracks.

billet

A particular job slot a service member is assigned to. Term is most commonly used among Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

Black Hawk

Two words, both capitalized. The nickname for the Army’s UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter. There are several variants of the Black Hawk used by other services.

Blue Angels

The Navy’s air demonstration team. The team flew the F/A-18 Hornet until 2020 and started flying the new F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet in 2021.

body armor

A fabric vest with inserted metal or ceramic plates, designed to protect the wearer from shrapnel or bullets. Do not use the outdated terms flak jacket or flak vest, unless in a direct quote or in a historical context.

brackets

Brackets are used when words of the quote are missing: “Sarah said [Jane] was at the USO.” Parentheses are used to add explanatory words to the quote: “Sarah said Jane (the center manager) was at the USO.”

Bradley Fighting Vehicles

The M2 or M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle is a lightly armored, fully tracked transport vehicle that provides cross-country mobility, mounted firepower and protection from artillery and small-arms fire. It is used in mechanized infantry and armored cavalry combat. See M2, M3.

brig

A Navy, Coast Guard or Marine Corps confinement facility for service members awaiting court-martial or convicted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. See detention facility.

brigade

Bronze Star Medal

Awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service, not involving aerial flight, in combat. When a Bronze Star is awarded for heroic/valorous action, a V device is added to the ribbon of the medal.

BX

Use base exchange or exchange for a story involving AAFES at an Air Force base or installation. An Army facility is a post exchange or PX. A Navy facility is an NEX, and a similar Marine Corps facility is an MCX. Use BX only within direct quotes.

camp

captain

caregiver

The person who provides essential assistance to wounded, ill or injured service members or veterans. Caregivers often are family members, such as a spouse or a parent.

casualty

Military casualty numbers include both people who are killed and those who are wounded.

cavalry

cemeteries

The American Battle Monuments Commission, established in Washington, D.C., in 1923, maintains 26 U.S. military cemeteries on foreign soil (it does not administer any in the United States). See the American Battle Monuments Commission website for the locations of cemeteries. See Arlington National Cemetery.

Center

See also USO Center. When referring to a USO Center location, note that “Center” is uppercase. At more than 250 locations around the world, thousands of U.S. service members and their families walk through the doors of the USO every day. Inside the USO, they’ll find a place to relax, ways to connect with loved ones back home, snacks to enjoy and a wide range of USO programs and services.

Central Command

Change of command

A change of command is a formal military ceremony during which the outgoing commander passes the unit colors or guidon to the incoming commander. The assumption of command is the issuing of the orders that assigns a person the legal authority to command.

chaplain

Capitalize when used before a name, as an official title, otherwise, lowercase; i.e., “Chaplain John Jones” or “The chaplain offered Mass.” Military chaplains are officers who are clergy and perform religious services for military units. Usually assigned by religious affiliation. Chaplain is a job title, not a military rank, but chaplains are routinely addressed as “Chaplain” (regardless of religion) rather than by their military rank. See doctor.

chief

Capitalize when used as part of a formal title/rank preceding a name, otherwise, lowercase. The unofficial form of address for the Army or Air Force chief of staff, but standard for an Air Force chief master sergeant, a Navy chief petty officer, a chief warrant officer or an Air Force crew chief. To prevent confusion, do not use “chief” in headlines to mean senior Navy leadership, e.g., Navy chief predicts slower promotions. Instead, use the person’s actual rank and/or job title.

chief warrant officer

Capitalize when used as part of a formal title/rank preceding a name, otherwise, lowercase. An officer in the pay grades of W-2 through W-5. Warrant officers tend to be technical experts in their chosen field, with more responsibility than enlisted personnel but without the command responsibility of commissioned officers. While chief warrant officers are informally called “Mr./Miss/Mrs. (name)” or “Chief (name)” by others, only use those terms in a direct quote. Otherwise, use AP style. The Air Force does not have chief warrant officers. See warrant officer.

chopper

Acceptable on second reference as a nickname for helicopter, but not recommended. Perhaps more appropriate for light features than press releases. Also see copter, ’copter.

chow hall

An outdated, informal term but still used in the ranks. Use only in direct quotes. Most services officially prefer the term dining facility, or d-fac. See mess hall.

chow, chow line

Slang for food or waiting in line to get food. Acceptable in feature stories; avoid in hard news stories or press releases, except in direct quotations.

CHU

Containerized Housing Unit. Acceptable on second reference. See hooch.

civil affairs

civil engineers

The unit responsible for maintaining an installation, including roads, grounds and buildings.

civvies

A slang term for nonmilitary clothing. Do not use except in direct quotes.

Class A uniform

The Army and Navy military uniform combination that includes jacket and trousers or skirt. Air Force equivalent is Combination 1. Use service uniform for any uniform combination except battle uniforms or Navy dungarees. The Army Class A uniform is also called the Army Service Uniform and comes in green (for business occasions) or blue (for formal occasions).

click, clicks

Military slang for kilometers. Do not use except in direct quotes and with explanation. See kilometer.

CNO

Chief of Naval Operations. The top Navy officer and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Do not abbreviate.

CO

Commanding officer. Use commander. “CO” may be acceptable in direct quotes but should be explained in context.

Cold War

Refers specifically to the rivalry between the United States and the former Soviet Union after the close of World War II until the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. Always capitalize.

Combat Action Badge

Awarded to soldiers who engaged or were engaged by hostile forces in designated combat zones. Generally awarded to soldiers who are not qualified for the Combat Infantry Badge or the Combat Medical Badge. There are no rank restrictions on this award; it can also be awarded to members of other services. Do not abbreviate in headlines. Established in 2005. See military decorations.

Combat Distinguishing Device

Combat Infantry Badge

Awarded to infantry or Special Forces soldiers holding the rank of colonel or below for engaging or being engaged by hostile forces in a designated combat zone. Established in 1943. Can be abbreviated in a headline; spell out on first reference. See military decorations.

Combat Medical Badge

Awarded to medical personnel holding the rank of colonel or below who are assigned or attached to ground combat units and perform medical duties under fire. Established in 1945. Do not abbreviate in headlines. See military decorations.

combat stripes

The Army awards one gold stripe for each six months of combat duty. The stripes are worn on the lower right sleeves of service and dress uniforms. Other services have similar combat duty indicators. See military decorations.

Combat V

combined

Refers to operations and task forces comprised of military forces from more than one country. For example, an early command of the allied invasion and occupation of Iraq was called Combined Joint Task Force-7. See joint.

combined command

Consists of forces from more than one nation, e.g., European and Atlantic commands contribute forces to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Combined Federal Campaign

The Department of Defense’s annual charitable fundraising effort at military installations; similar to United Way in the United States. It is the only regular, officially sanctioned fundraising effort conducted among federal employees. This campaign usually occurs during a six-week period in September and October. CFC is acceptable on second reference.

comma

command-sponsored

Term for a family member who is authorized to accompany his or her sponsor to an overseas assignment and is eligible for all benefits. Noncommand-sponsored family members are those who are not authorized to accompany their sponsors and who are not guaranteed any privileges except medical care. Sponsors must pay for their families’ transportation to the overseas location. Commissary, exchange, education and family housing privileges vary, depending upon the status of forces agreement in each country.

commander

commanding general

Use commander. For example: “Maj. Gen. Rufus T. Clodhopper, commander of the 27th Cavalry Division, said…”

commendation medal

The Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force award the commendation medal for outstanding service or achievement. The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded for outstanding performance of duty or meritorious achievement while assigned to a joint staff or joint activity of the Defense Department. Capitalize when referring to a specific branch’s medal. All commendation medals can be awarded with V device if heroism in combat was involved. See military decorations.

commissary

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) controls military commissaries worldwide. It operates 236 stores in 134 countries and 2 U.S. territories, as of 2022. DeCA’s headquarters are at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia.

commissioned officer

Air Force, Army or Marine Corps members holding ranks ranging from second lieutenant to general. Navy and Coast Guard officers range from ensign to admiral. Pay grades in all cases are from O-1 (lowest) to O-10 (highest). Their authority derives from commissions signed by the president and confirmed by Congress.

commodore

Obsolete as a U.S. Navy rank. The one-star rank is now designated as rear admiral (lower half). The term still applies to certain officers but is a job title, such as seen with executive officer or chaplain.

company

An Army or Marine Corps unit, subordinate to a battalion. Do not abbreviate company in unit names. Use Company D, not D Company or Delta Company. Sometimes, nicknames such as “Danger Company” will pop up; only use this in quotes after the proper name of the unit has been used. When spelling out a unit’s full name, the company comes after platoon and before battalion, as in “Pvt. Joe Jones, of 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, just wanted to go home.” Note that an equivalent cavalry unit is a troop; an equivalent artillery unit is a battery. See echelons of command.

company grade officer

An Army, Air Force or Marine Corps officer from second lieutenant through captain (O-1 through O-3 pay grades). See junior officer.

congressional

Lowercase unless part of a proper name: congressional salaries, the Congressional Quarterly, 1st Congressional District.

Congressional Medal of Honor Society

The official society, chartered by Congress, of all living recipients of the Medal of Honor. Note that while the name of the society says “Congressional,” the award itself is simply the Medal of Honor. See Medal of Honor.

CONUS

Continental United States. When possible, use stateside. Use CONUS only to make a story clear, e.g., in a complicated story on assignment policies. Explain this abbreviation high in the story, even if it is used in a quotation.

copter, ‘copter

Do not use as short for helicopter, chopper or helo, all of which are acceptable.

cost-of-living allowance

A monthly tax-free allowance for active-duty service members to help offset the costs of living in expensive areas overseas. The acronym COLA is acceptable in headlines and direct quotes. Do not use this wording to refer to similar adjustments to some civilian workers’ pay. Use post allowance. Civil service employees and DOD nonappropriated fund employees overseas receive post allowances. Federal retirees and Social Security recipients receive cost-of-living adjustments.

counterinsurgency

Armed conflict against an insurgency in which forces attempt to improve the lives and well-being of people in an area threatened by insurgent forces attempting to diminish or eradicate the power of a recognized, friendly government. In headlines, use COIN strategy.

court-martial, courts-martial

Military trials. Authority, composition and procedures for courts-martial are outlined in the Manual for Courts-Martial. The three kinds of courts-martial in ascending severity are: summary, special and general. The word also is used as a verb, e.g., “Sgt. Jones was court-martialed for his crimes.” In the plural form, the “s” is attached to “court.” “The courts-martial of the three soldiers concluded yesterday.”

currency

All figures in currency other than U.S. dollars should be converted whenever practical.

D-Day

The unnamed day on which an operation or offensive is to be launched. D-Day is most commonly associated with June 6, 1944, the day on which the Allied forces invaded Normandy, France, during World War II. Often used casually and informally for any significant future date. Always capitalize.

deactivate, inactivate

To deactivate a unit means it is forever retired. To inactivate means the unit may be activated again.

deck

Used by sailors and Marines to describe different levels of ships and buildings. Use deck for ship levels; use floor for those in buildings.

Defense Commissary Agency

This agency manages military commissaries worldwide. The agency headquarters are located at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia. Acronym DeCA (note the lowercase “e”) is acceptable in headlines and on second reference.

Defense Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools

The branch of the Department of Defense Education Activity that oversees primary and secondary schools for military dependents at installations in the United States, Guam and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Defense Finance and Accounting Service

The service handles Department of Defense financial management through consolidation, standardization and integration of finance and accounting procedures, operations and systems. DFAS is acceptable in headlines and on second reference.

Defense Information Systems Agency

The Department of Defense’s agency that handles computerized information and data throughout the DOD. Headquarters are at Fort Meade, Maryland. Do not use the abbreviation.

Defense Intelligence Agency

The Department of Defense’s main intelligence agency. Headquarters are at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. DIA acceptable in headlines and on second reference.

Defense Language Institute

The U.S. military’s school for foreign language training at Presidio of Monterey, California. Do not abbreviate.

Defense Logistics Agency

This agency keeps Department of Defense activities supplied with goods and contracted services. DLA acceptable in headlines and on second reference. Headquarters are at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Awarded in the name of the secretary of defense in recognition of meritorious achievement. See military decorations.

Demilitarized Zone

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), roughly along the 38th parallel North, separates the nations of North Korea and South Korea. It was established in 1953 by the truce that ended the Korean Conflict. Despite the name, the DMZ is heavily guarded by armed forces of North Korea on the north and by combined joint forces of South Korea and the U.S. on the south. DMZ acceptable in headlines and on second reference in copy.

Department of Defense

Also called the Defense Department. The acronym DOD (all caps) is permissible in headlines and on second reference.

Department of Defense Dependents Schools

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) operates the worldwide system of military schools, but it’s the Department of Defense Dependents Schools when referring to those schools overseas. DODDS acceptable in headlines and on second reference. On second reference, it should be DODEA and DODDS Europe, or simply DODDS or school system.

Department of Defense Education Activity

dependent

Traditional term for the spouse and children of a service member. Family member is preferred unless writing about compensation or legal issues that require the use of dependent in the narrow legal sense.

detainee, detainees

Term used by the U.S. military to describe enemy fighters (foreign or American) apprehended or captured during conflicts in foreign lands. Term gained popular usage as an alternative to Prisoner of War (POW) in Afghanistan and Iraq.

detention facility

A military confinement facility for either service members or detainees/POWs.

dining facility

The official term used to describe military cafeterias and other food preparation areas. Colloquially referred to as a chow hall, mess hall or “d-fac.”

discharges

There are five grades of discharges given to enlisted military personnel. They are issued administratively: honorable discharge; general discharge (under honorable conditions); other-than-honorable discharge; and two punitive grades that may result only from conviction by court-martial—the bad-conduct discharge and the dishonorable discharge.

Distinguished Service Cross

An Army medal given for extraordinary heroism in combat. Ranks second in precedence below the Medal of Honor. Air Force equivalent is the Air Force Cross; Navy and Marine Corps equivalent is the Navy Cross. See military decorations.

division

Do not abbreviate. Capitalize in unit names.

doctor

Dr. (Capt.) John Jones is correct, but preferred style is: “Dr. John Jones, an Army captain, treated the patient.” Or “The doctor, Capt. John Jones, was present.”

Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools

An outdated term. Use “DODEA Americas” instead, although the school system is preferable. Refers to the school system that educates some children of U.S. service members stationed in the United States and its territories.

dormitories

The Air Force’s name for bachelor enlisted quarters. See barracks.

drawdown

One word. A reduction in force throughout the armed services or from a particular theater of operations.

DUSTWUN

Duty Status–Whereabouts Unknown. Newer (post-9/11) DOD term that indicates a service member is missing, but a determination has not been made on whether that person is injured, killed, captured or otherwise. Do not use the acronym in headlines or without a full explanation.

Eagle, Globe and Anchor

Emblem of the U. S. Marine Corps. Marine Corps recruits do not wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor on their uniform until completing recruit training. Spell it out, capitalized, on first reference. Use EGA only in direct quotes.

early out

Informal term for voluntary early-release or early-retirement programs, generally implemented to reduce payroll. The program is generally called an early-out plan. Only use the term in context, with explanation as needed.

echelons of command

Each service has a system of defining levels of command, with usually more than one smaller unit subordinate to the next higher level.

EEO

Acronym for Equal Employment Opportunity, not “Equal Employment Office.” The name of the program for Department of Defense civilian personnel; it deals with employment issues only. Only use the abbreviation on second reference in copy.

EEOC

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Only use the abbreviation on second reference in copy.

emergency leave

Time off, chargeable to annual leave, granted when a personal emergency arises (such as a death in one’s family). Military personnel granted emergency leave are allowed free travel aboard Air Mobility Command aircraft. Circ*mstances involving an emergency leave request must be verified by the American Red Cross in the locality of the emergency.

emergency relief associations

Army Emergency Relief, Air Force Assistance Fund, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance and American Red Cross.

enlistment/enlisted

A person who joins the military as an enlisted person does so with an initial eight-year commitment to the military, some of which (two to six years, depending on the enlistee’s chosen military occupational specialty) will be served on active duty. The remainder of that commitment will be served in his/her service’s reserve component or on Inactive Ready Reserve. Most enlistees join at the pay grade of E-1, but some come in as an E-2, E-3 or E-4, depending on previous job experience, college credits, participation in a JROTC program and other factors.

EOD

Explosive ordnance disposal. Abbreviation EOD acceptable in headlines and second reference in copy. Spell it out on first reference in copy. Note spelling of O-R-D-N-A-N-C-E, which generally means military items that shoot, explode or use fire. “Ordinance,” with an “I,” refers to laws passed by a city.

Equal Opportunity (EO)

Equal Opportunity is for military personnel and their family members. In addition to discrimination issues in employment, it also covers those dealing with housing, club systems or clubs, for example. Use the abbreviation only on second reference in copy. See EEO.

European Command

ex-Marine

exchange

executive officer

Second in command of a military unit. Use the shorthand “XO” only in headlines or on second reference. At higher levels, the second in command may be called the “deputy commander.” Note that executive officer is a job title, not a rank.

exercise, exercises

Military practice maneuvers. CPX stands for command post exercise, which involves the headquarters or command staff. FTX stands for field training exercise, involving service members in the field and headquarters staff. Do not use either abbreviation.

Family Advocacy Program

An Army agency designed to help service members and families with problems such as child or spouse abuse, foster parenting or financial difficulties. Do not abbreviate.

family counseling centers

Each service has a one-stop help center that offers short-term counseling for personal or family problems, and referrals to local professionals for more lengthy counseling. Many centers operate hot lines to deal with emergencies, have household items that newly arrived service members may borrow and offer employment information.

family separation allowance

A monthly tax-free allowance paid to service members whose duties require them to live apart from their families. Do not abbreviate.

fatigues

Olive drab military work/combat uniforms. The term is obsolete, unless referring to uniforms used before the early 1980s.

field artillery

Use Field Artillery in unit names, not “FA”; otherwise, lowercase. The two main kinds of field artillery are self-propelled and towed (e.g., howitzers).

field grade officer

A major, lieutenant colonel or colonel in the Army, Air Force or Marine Corps. The equivalent Navy and Coast Guard ranks (lieutenant commander, commander and captain) are known as mid-grade officers. Use AP style for specific ranks.

Fifth Corps

Use V Corps. An Army three-star command with headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany. All numbered Army corps and Marine Expeditionary Forces use Roman numerals (i.e., XVIII Airborne Corps, II MEF).

fireman

In the Navy, an enlisted sailor who specializes in engineering, propulsion and other shipboard systems. Not specifically a person who fights fires (although they are trained in damage control). It’s not a rank. The term applies to both men and women.

flag officer

A Navy or Coast Guard admiral of any grade. Equivalent to Army, Air Force or Marine Corps general officers. Always use AP Style for a specific rank.

flak jacket/flak vest

An older term for projectile-resistant outer coverings. Usually refers to Vietnam-era and earlier attempts to protect individuals from shrapnel. Modern systems, with ceramic plates and higher projectile resistance, are generally referred to as body armor. Use flak jacket/flak vest only in a direct quote or in a historical context (such as in a story about the Vietnam War).

flight deck

Refers to the visible deck of an aircraft carrier where aircraft operations are carried out. Sometimes also refers to the forward compartment of an aircraft where the pilots sit, commonly referred to as a co*ckpit, especially in a civilian passenger aircraft.

flight line

A parking and servicing area for airplanes. Has broader usage referring to any space that might be occupied by aircraft taking off and landing. Acceptable in all references, with explanation as needed.

flight pay

Technically called aviation career incentive pay, this monthly supplementary pay compensates aviators for the extra hazards they face. Officers’ flight pay is based on rank, time in service and flying experience. Enlisted flight pay is based on rank. On second reference and in headlines, flight pay is acceptable.

former Marine

The preferred term for Marines who are no longer serving. Do not use “ex-Marine” unless “former Marine” just won’t fit in a headline. Marines and former Marines have been known to take issue with the term “ex-Marine.” Marines like to say, “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” hence the opposition to “ex-Marine.” If the former Marine is a retiree, use “retired Marine.”

fort

A large Army installation in the United States. Do not abbreviate. Capitalize when used as a formal name, otherwise lowercase. Examples: Fort Cavazos, Texas; Fort Liberty, North Carolina. When not using the formal name on later reference, “Army post” is acceptable. For example, “The sprawling Army post in North Carolina is home to the 82nd Airborne Division.” See bases, camps, forts.

forward

Advance detachment or main battle element of a deployed unit. Units deployed close to or in the battle area. Do not abbreviate; capitalize if part of a unit name.

forward-deployed

A term used by the military to describe elements or vessels normally assigned to a foreign country. Acceptable substitutes are based and assigned, as in “The 3rd Battalion, based at Camp Swampy, Montana., was assigned to FOB Bernstein for a year,” or “The 3rd Battalion was based out of FOB Bernstein for a year.”

frocked, frocking

The services infrequently allow a service member who has been selected for promotion to wear the insignia of grade before the promotion is official. Frocking is usually restricted to senior officers. Use judiciously; be sure to explain as needed.

front line, front-line

front line (n.), front-line (adj.)

G.I.

Originally an abbreviation for “General Issue,” this antiquated term to refer to an enlisted service member should not be used. “service member” or a variant should be used instead.

general

There are four grades of general in the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps. From lowest to highest, they are brigadier general (one star), major general (two star), lieutenant general (three star) and general (four star). There have been five-star generals (general of the Army/Air Force), but none since Omar Bradley died in 1981. In headlines, a general of any rank can be referred to simply as general; however, his/her exact rank must be clearly noted on first reference within the story. Use Gen. before a name. Reference AP style for other specific ranks. See admiral for Navy equivalents.

Gitmo

Shorthand for Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Acceptable in headlines and direct quotes only.

Global War on Terrorism

Not the favored term by the DOD. Instead use “war on terrorism.” It is all lowercase. Do not use GWOT or war on terror. Refers to operations after Sept. 11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Iraq and other locations against al-Qaeda and other state/nonstate organizations. The Armed Forces have two medals for service in the war on terrorism: the GWOT Expeditionary Medal and the GWOT Service Medal. See war on terrorism.

Golden Knights

The Army’s official aerial demonstration parachute team based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

Good Conduct Medal

Each military service awards its own medal for exemplary behavior, fidelity and efficiency. Active-duty, enlisted service members receive a new award of the Good Conduct Medal for every three years of qualifying service. Not awarded to officers. See military decorations.

Great Lakes Naval Training Center

Located at Great Lakes, Illinois, on Lake Michigan between Chicago and Milwaukee. The major units on the base are the Naval Training Center, Recruit Training Command, Service School Command, Great Lakes Naval Hospital and Personnel Support Activity.

Green Beret

Nickname for a member of the Army’s Special Forces. Use only when a first reference already has made the subject clear. Also can be used in headlines for feature/enterprise stories.

grunt

Slang term for an infantry soldier. Do not use except within direct quotes. Can be used sparingly in headlines and copy, in feature or conversational stories.

GS

General Schedule rating of government jobs. GS is acceptable on first reference, as in GS-9, but explain early in the story.

Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Officially referred to as Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, it is a 45-square-mile area on the southeastern shore of Cuba and has been occupied by the United States since 1898. Now best known for housing detainees from the war on terrorism. The Navy slang “Gitmo” is acceptable in headlines, but spell it out in copy. Do not use the Navy abbreviation “GTMO.”

guardian

Used to describe all members of the U.S. Space Force. Lowercase in all uses. See Space Force.

guardsman

When referring to an individual in a National Guard unit, use either National Guardsman or, when it stands alone, guardsman. Two preferred, gender-neutral references would be “National Guard member” or “member of the National Guard.”

guidon

A small flag carried by company or platoon-sized units indicating the unit name and type (cavalry, infantry, etc.). In a formation, the guidon bearer is posted in front of the rest of the unit members.

Gulf War

Properly, it is the Persian Gulf War, referring specifically to Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1990-1991. Use Gulf War advisedly in headlines. Do not use the term to refer to the 2003 invasion of Iraq and subsequent conflict. Use Iraq War or war in Iraq in that case.

gun

In the military, not an acceptable term for hand-held weapons such as rifles or pistols. Gun refers to large-bore weapons such as artillery, tank main weaponry and shipboard main weaponry (in other words, a weapon that cannot be carried by humans). Do not use gun in place of weapon, pistol, rifle or cannon. However, it can be used in the term machine gun.

GWOT

Abbreviation for Global War on Terrorism, which began after Sept. 11, 2001. Antiquated abbreviation that should not be used, as the war on terrorism is the preferred phrase by the military. See Global War on Terrorism, war on terrorism.

GWOT Expeditionary Medal

Awarded to members of the Armed Forces who participated in an expeditionary force outside of the United States to combat terrorism on or after Sept. 11, 2001. The requirement for the award is active participation in designated overseas geographic locations. See military decorations.

GWOT Service Medal

Awarded to members of the Armed Forces who directly supported military efforts in the war on terrorism on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Those who support overseas efforts in an active or reserve status from the United States are eligible, as are service members who deploy outside the U.S. to participate in such efforts.

hail and farewell

A social event that welcomes new members of a military unit and honors departing ones.

hash marks

Army, Navy and Marine Corps personnel wear longevity stripes, informally called hash marks, on dress uniforms. Army personnel wear gold stripes, awarded for each three years of service, on their lower left sleeves. Navy hash marks, awarded for each four years of service, are worn on lower left sleeves. The first two hash marks are red. The third and subsequent marks can be either red or yellow depending upon the person’s conduct. Yellow hash marks are awarded for service with good behavior. Marine Corps personnel wear their hash marks, awarded for each four years of service, as sets on both sleeves. Only use in direct quotes, with explanation.

head

U.S. Navy jargon for toilet. Avoid using the word in print without explanation.

headlines

The USO uses an “up” headline style with the first letter of each significant word capitalized. Words that are three letters or less, and prepositions like “a, or, the, at, for,” can remain lowercase. Quoted phrases in headlines get single quotations.

headquarters company

In unit names, capitalize and do not abbreviate. Unlike lettered companies (Company A, etc.), “Headquarters” is spelled out before “Company.”

headquarters, headquartered

See “headquarters” entry in The Associated Press Stylebook, which advises against using the word as a verb. Capitalize and spell out in unit names; HQ can be used in headlines (as in “Division HQ staff officers under scrutiny”).

here

Do not use as a reference to dateline. Use name of location (i.e., “at Fort Bragg”).

hero, heroes

These are terms that should be used sparingly and not without careful consideration with regards to our service members. While we think of them in these terms, they don’t always appreciate the sentiment because, as we’ve often heard, “I’m just doing my job.”

Hesco barriers

Note, capitalization of Hesco. These are collapsible, metal-framed and fabric-lined blast barriers that are opened and filled with dirt to provide protection of buildings and other facilities from IEDs, suicide bombs and other attacks. Name taken from Hercules Engineering Solutions Consortium of Dubai. Extensively used in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places where attacks on buildings are common. Hesco barriers is acceptable in direct quotes but refer to them as blast barriers otherwise.

homeport, home-ported

Acceptable in reference to ships. For example: “Yokosuka Naval Base, the homeport of the USS George Washington…” or “The USS George Washington, home-ported at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, patrolled the Pacific.”

Honor Flight

Refers to an effort by nonprofit organizations to transport veterans to see the memorials of their respective wars, often in Washington, D.C., at no cost to the veterans.

hooch

Informal term for military housing in a combat area. It can be a tent, a bunker, a CHU or any other permanent/semi-permanent structure. Try to use only in direct quotes, with explanation if needed. See CHU.

hospital corpsman

Enlisted Navy medical personnel. The Marine Corps does not have its own medical facilities or personnel, so hospital corpsmen are assigned to Marine fighting units as field medics. Hospital corpsmen assigned to Marine Corps combat units wear the same battle uniforms (MARPAT) as Marines. Use hospital corpsman/hospital corpsmen on first reference, corpsman/corpsmen thereafter.

IG

improvised explosive device

An improvised explosive device (IED) is a type of unconventional explosive weapon that can take any form and be activated in a variety of ways. They target soldiers and civilians alike. The IED acronym is acceptable on second reference and in headlines.

inactivate, deactivate

The terms are not synonymous. To deactivate a unit means it is forever retired. To inactivate means the unit may be activated again.

indirect fire

Projectiles fired at a target in a high, curved trajectory from distances usually greater than a kilometer. Most commonly used to describe artillery, rocket or mortar fire.

inspector general, inspectors general

Each military service and brigade-level or higher unit has an inspector general system that determines the state of economy, efficiency, discipline, morale, esprit de corps and readiness through inspections and investigations. Do not abbreviate as “IG” except headlines or direct quotes.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IRFC)

Do not confuse with the American Red Cross. The International Federation is made up of 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Built largely on the principles of the American Red Cross, this organization bills itself as the world’s largest humanitarian network and claims to serve the most vulnerable nations in the world.

International Security Assistance Force

The NATO command of all allied forces in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014, often led by a U.S. four-star general who reported to U.S. Central Command. Use ISAF only on second reference in a story and sparingly in headlines.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Founded in 2004 to provide support to veterans of the post-Sept. 11 conflicts, as well as lobby for increased medical care, college benefits and resources for veterans. Abbreviation can be used in a headline and on second reference in copy. Do not confuse this group with Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW).

Iraq War

Capitalize as part of the name of a specific conflict. Part of “war on terrorism.” See also Global War on Terrorism, GWOT.

ISIS

Islamic militant organization that broke with the al-Qaeda network and took control of large parts of Iraq and Syria, where it declared a caliphate, a traditional form of Islamic rule. It is largely made up of Sunni militants from Iraq and Syria but has drawn jihadi fighters from across the Muslim world and Europe. The group is abbreviated as ISIS in headlines and on first reference.

J-1 to J-6

Do not use the military codes for offices at a joint command headquarters. Use these titles: personnel directorate instead of J-1; intelligence directorate instead of J-2; operations instead of J-3; logistics instead of J-4; plans and policy instead of J-5; and communications and electronics instead of J-6.

J.D. Crouch II

J.D. Crouch II is his proper name. Note that there is no comma preceding II. In documents, he should be referred to as CEO and President of the USO. He also has a doctorate, and that can be used in specific instances, usually at his request.

JAG

See judge advocate general. Abbreviation acceptable in headlines and on second reference.

jail

The military does not have “jails.” It has confinement facilities for prisoners awaiting trial, also known as a brig in Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps lingo.

Jane’s

A series of military reference books, such as “Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft” or “Jane’s Fighting Ships.” The reference book for nonmilitary ships is “Lloyd’s Register of Shipping.” Use Jane’s materials as first reference for all military ships, planes, equipment and weapons questions.

jarhead

Slang term for a Marine. Do not use except in direct quotes and with appropriate context.

JASDF

Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The aviation branch of Japan’s military. Do not abbreviate. “Japanese air forces” is acceptable.

JCS

Acronym for Joint Chiefs of Staff. Do not use.

joint

Refers to operations and other groupings comprised of two or more military branches from the same country. For example, the invasion of Iraq was a joint operation in which all branches of the military took part. See combined.

joint base

Under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) plan of 2005, a number of adjoining military bases were combined to form a single complex. An example is Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, formed by the merger of Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. Uppercase when referring to a specific base.

JROTC

Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Basic military education for high school students. Abbreviation is acceptable in headlines and on second reference. When referring to a branch-specific (Army, Air Force, etc.) JROTC program, be sure to indicate as such. See ROTC.

judge

For a military officer serving as a court-martial judge, use “Lt. Col. Jane Jones, the military judge,” or “the military judge, Lt. Col. Jane Jones.”

judge advocate general

The senior military legal officer responsible for administering military justice throughout a service. Abbreviation JAG is acceptable in headlines and on second reference.

junior officer

An Army, Air Force or Marine Corps lieutenant or captain; a Navy or Coast Guard ensign, lieutenant junior grade or lieutenant. Ranks equivalent to the O-1 through O-3 pay grades. See company grade officer.

Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

Basic military education for high school students. Abbreviation is acceptable in headlines and on second reference. When referring to a branch-specific (Army, Air Force, etc.) JROTC program, be sure to indicate as such. See ROTC.

K-town

Slang for Kaiserslautern, Germany. Do not use except in direct quotes (with explanation if needed).

KIA

Killed in action. KIA acceptable in headlines and on second reference.

kilometer

Metric system term for 1,000 meters. In many areas, distances and speeds are measured in kilometers. Convert distances to feet and miles in copy. Multiply kilometers by .62 to convert to miles. Where wire copy gives both measures, remove the metric distances. Exception: in military-specific stories, use the metric measurement and also convert to miles as needed. Do not use the military term click for kilometer unless in a quote, with explanation.

knot

A measure of nautical movement. One knot equals one nautical mile, the equivalent of 6,076.10 feet or 1.15 land miles per hour. Ship speeds are measured in knots. See nautical mile.

Korea

Peninsula of Asia jutting into the Sea of Japan and the South China Sea. Divided into nations of North Korea and South Korea, officially called, respectively, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea. Do not use either “Korea” or “Korean” unless referring to the Korean peninsula as a whole or to its culture or language. In other instances, use North Korea, North Korean, South Korea or South Korean, as the case may require. N. Korea or S. Korea can be used in headlines, but not “NK” or “SK.”

leatherneck

Nickname for a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. It is derived from the leather lining that used to be part of the collar on the Marine uniform. If used, provide context and only use lowercase. Can be used in headlines for feature stories with appropriate context.

Legion of Merit

A medal awarded for exceptionally meritorious service. Rarely presented to anyone other than a senior officer. There are several degrees of the Legion of Merit: Chief Commander, Commander, Officer and Legionnaire.

M designations

No dashes. The services do not use dashes in official descriptions of weapons, such as the M16 series rifles or the M998 HMMWV (or “Humvee”). However, aircraft designators (B-52, F/A-18) are hyphenated.

M device

The M device is a bronze block letter, M, ¼ inch in height. It is worn on the Armed Forces Reserve Medal to indicate mobilization in support of U.S. military operations or contingencies designated by the secretary of defense. Usage: Cpl. Smith’s awards include the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device for mobilization.

M1 tank

Use M1A1 Abrams tank or M1A2 Abrams tank, depending on the model specifically cited in the story. Tank will suffice on second and subsequent references. Do not confuse other tracked vehicles, such as howitzers and armored personnel carriers, with a tank. Do not use a dash. See M designations.

M16

Military service rifle developed in the 1950s and put into service during the Vietnam War. Fires a 5.56 mm round. Sometimes referred to with suffixes (e.g., M16A4) indicating improvements to the design over the years. Although the M16 series rifle is capable of three-round bursts (and older versions, full automatic fire), it is not a machine gun. Do not use a dash. See weapon.

M2, M3

M4

Carbine version of the M16 series rifle. Although the M4 series rifle is capable of three-round bursts or automatic fire (depending on version), it is not a machine gun. Do not use a dash. See M designations.

machine gun

A fully automatic weapon capable of firing hundreds, even thousands, of rounds per minute. In most cases, it’s a crew-served weapon, meaning one person is the gunner while the other carries and feeds ammunition. Most machine guns fire a 7.62 mm round or larger. Examples of American machine guns are the M2 (.50-caliber) and the M240 (7.62 mm). Not to be confused with rifles such as the M16 or AK-47. See rifle, weapon,gun, small arms, small-arms fire.

Marine

Marine Corps

The amphibious arm of the Department of the Navy whose primary role is invasion from the sea. Formed as the Continental Marines at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia in 1775. Individual members of the Marine Corps are Marines. In headlines and copy, Marines can be shorthand for the Corps itself, but make all attempts to use Marine Corps when referring to an organization-wide issue. (Example headline: Marine Corps to expand by 10,000). USMC is acceptable in a headline.

Marine Corps Air Station (Name)

Use the full name on first reference, then MCAS (Name) subsequently and in headlines.

Marine Corps Exchange

Retail stores operated by the Marine Corps. Similar to Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Navy Exchange (NEX).

Marine Expeditionary Brigade, MEB

A Marine air-ground task force that is constructed around a reinforced infantry regiment, a composite Marine aircraft group and a combat logistics regiment. Consists of about 15,000 Marine Corps and Navy personnel. Usually commanded by a major general, though sometimes a brigadier general. Use MEB very sparingly, and spell it out on first reference.

Marine Expeditionary Force, MEF

The Marine Corps’ principal warfighting unit, a Marine Expeditionary Force typically consists of a Marine division, with an air wing and support elements, and numbers about 45,000 Marine Corps and Navy personnel. Marine Expeditionary Forces use Roman numerals, as in I MEF, II MEF and III MEF (but pronounced “First MEF” and so on). Only use the acronym on second reference and in headlines, provided it is spelled out in copy.

Marine Expeditionary Unit, MEU

A Marine Corps force of roughly 2,200 Marines designed to act as a rapid reaction force. Components include a reinforced infantry battalion, air assets and a support element. Such units are usually commanded by a colonel. MEU is OK in a headline, but spell it out on first reference in copy: “Elements of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina…”

Marine One

The call sign of any Marine Corps helicopter carrying the U.S. president. Any Air Force plane carrying the president is called Air Force One.

materiel

Military weapons and supplies. Not “material.”

Meals, Ready to Eat

Abbreviation MRE is acceptable in headlines and on second reference. MREs are individual, single-meal rations with a very long shelf life, packaged in foil containers and designed to be prepared and eaten by field service members. See MRE.

Medal of Honor

Note that the Medal of Honor is “awarded,” and never “won.” The Medal of Honor is the highest honor that can be conferred on a member of the Armed Forces for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one’s life, above and beyond the call of duty. This gallantry must be performed either while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The Medal of Honor is worn before all other decorations and medals. See military decorations.

Medals

See also military decorations. Military decorations worn on uniforms consist of medals and/or ribbons for heroism, meritorious service, longevity and campaign participation. The terms “medal” and “ribbon” are not interchangeable. Medals are worn on dress uniforms. Service ribbons (e.g., for longevity of service or good conduct) and ribbons representing awarded medals are worn on other uniforms. No ribbons or medals are worn on work uniforms such as fatigues, battle dress uniforms, dungarees or medical, food service or maintenance uniforms. Note that military decorations are never “won,” they are earned, presented, received or awarded.

Meritorious Service Medal

Awarded by the military services for outstanding noncombat meritorious achievement or service to the United States. Do not confuse with the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, which is awarded by the Defense Department. See military decorations.

mess dress uniform

Military uniform for occasions of the highest formality. Essentially a military tuxedo.

mess hall

Generally an outdated term; correct/modern term is dining facility or the slang “d-fac.” “Mess” still may be used by sailors aboard ship. See chow hall. “Mess hall” can be used in direct quotes.

messmen

Use only to refer to those on Navy kitchen duty, with explanation.

MIA

Missing in action. Abbreviation acceptable in headlines and on second reference in copy.

midshipman

An undergraduate enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Undergraduates at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut are called cadets. “Middies” acceptable only in quotes or sports references.

military birthdays

Military Bowl

The Military Bowl is a postseason NCAA football game. Typically presented by Northrop Grumman, it serves as a premier regional event benefiting the USO. With first-rate participants and events, the Military Bowl seeks to generate broad support for the USO, positively impact the regional economy, honor the U.S. military and solidify the nation’s capital as a leading college football destination.

military decorations

Military decorations worn on uniforms consist of medals and/or ribbons for heroism, meritorious service, longevity and campaign participation. The terms “medal” and “ribbon” are not interchangeable. Medals are worn on dress uniforms. Service ribbons (e.g., for longevity of service or good conduct) and ribbons representing awarded medals are worn on other uniforms. No ribbons or medals are worn on work uniforms such as fatigues, battle dress uniforms, dungarees or medical, food service or maintenance uniforms. Note that military decorations are never “won,” they are earned, presented, awarded or received.

military exercises

Military exercises that occur regularly in the Pacific theater include Cobra Gold, Cope North, Foal Eagle, Keen Edge, Keen Sword, North Wind, Orient Shield, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), Tandem Thrust and Ulchi Freedom Guardian.

military occupational specialty

Army job code. Do not abbreviate as MOS, unless in a quote, with full explanation. Use skill, code or specialty on second reference. An example MOS is 11B, Infantryman.

military police

MP is acceptable in headlines and on second reference in stories referring to Army military police in general. However, in the name of specific units (i.e., 3rd Military Police Company), spell it out and capitalize. The Air Force equivalent unit is security police. The Navy counterpart is shore patrol. Do not use “MP” when referring to non-Army police.

military reserve forces

Capitalize when referring to the specific reserve branches of the five military services (Army Reserve, etc.). When used to refer collectively to the reserve forces or reserve personnel (reservists), it is lowercase.

military time

The military’s 24-hour clock, which does not use a.m. or p.m. Midnight is 0000 hours, noon is 1200 hours, 3 p.m. is 1500 hours and so on. To figure out military time after noon, take the time expressed in p.m. and add 12 hours to it. Therefore, 7:30 p.m. becomes 1930 hours. Only use military time in a direct quote.

Month of the Military Child

A Department of Defense-sponsored observance in April that focuses on issues affecting children of service members. Do not abbreviate.

months

Capitalize the names of months in all uses. When a month is used with a specific date, abbreviate only Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. Spell out when using alone, or with a year alone.

MOPP

An acronym standing for Mission-Oriented Protective Posture, referring generally to special clothing used to shield military personnel from chemical or biological weapons. Rather than “MOPP gear,” use protective suits or protective clothing.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation

Self-sustaining welfare and recreation programs such as bowling alleys, golf courses, gyms, crafts shops and libraries. Can be abbreviated as MWR in headlines, with full name used on first reference in copy.

MOS

MRE

See Meals, Ready to Eat. Acronym is acceptable in headlines and on second reference.

MultiCam

A camouflage pattern issued to soldiers deploying to Afghanistan beginning in early 2010 and until the pattern’s retirement in 2019. Today soldiers wear the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP). MultiCam is a commercial product and is capitalized. See also Army Combat Uniform.

National Military Family Association

An unofficial organization promoting the needs and views of U.S. military families. Headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia. Do not abbreviate.

nautical mile

One nautical mile equals approximately 1.15 land miles. A nautical mile is based on a minute of an arc (1/60th of a degree) of a great circle on a globe of the earth. Nautical miles are used for measuring distances in sea and air navigation. A knot is one nautical mile per hour. See knot.

Naval Air Facility

Spell out on first reference. Use the abbreviation NAF only in headlines (with a specific facility name, such as NAF Atsugi) and on second reference. Uppercase when referring to a specific installation.

Naval Air Station

A U.S. Navy installation with an aviation mission. Naval air stations are large enough to warrant their own datelines. When referring to a specific naval air station: Naval Air Station (name) on first reference, NAS (name) subsequently (and in headlines). Other terms such as base or installation are fine as well.

Naval Criminal Investigative Service, NCIS

Acronym is acceptable in headlines and on second reference, but spell it out on first reference in copy. This command, with headquarters at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia, provides criminal investigation, counterintelligence, law enforcement and physical security, as well as information and personnel security support to the Navy and Marine Corps, both ashore and afloat.

naval district

Geographically defined area established by the secretary of the Navy. Each is headed by a commandant under the command of the chief of naval operations. Each district is responsible for Naval Reserve training, area defense and control of local disasters or emergencies.

Naval Oceanography Office

This office, part of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, is responsible for the science, technology, engineering and operations necessary to explore the ocean and the atmosphere. It also provides astronomical data and time for naval and related national objectives. The office is located at Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

naval station

A land-based naval installation that has no aviation mission. Example: Naval Station Rota, Spain.

naval, Naval

Lowercase when used as an adjective, such as “naval officer.” Capitalize when used as a proper noun, such as “Naval Air Systems Command.”

Navy Cross

Awarded to Navy, Coast Guard or Marine Corps personnel for extraordinary heroism in combat. Ranks second in precedence below the Medal of Honor. Equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross and Air Force Cross. See military decorations.

Navy enlisted classification

Job codes for sailors. Do not abbreviate. Use job or skill on second reference. Corresponds to Army military occupational specialty and Air Force specialty code.

Navy Exchange

The Navy’s equivalent of the base exchange or the post exchange. Often abbreviated NEX, which should be used with caution in headlines and quotations. NEX is acceptable in headlines if it’s clear the story refers to the Navy Exchange. Use “the exchange” or simply “exchange” in second reference.

Navy Federal Credit Union

Only abbreviate on second reference in copy.

Navy Working Uniform

The Navy’s camouflage uniform with a dominant green digital pattern. This replaced the earlier iteration of the uniform, which featured a blue digital pattern, in 2019. Note that Navy hospital corpsmen assigned to Marine Corps units wear the Marine Corps MARPAT uniform.

NCIS

NCO

NCOIC

Noncommissioned officer in charge. Do not abbreviate except within direct quotes and with explanation.

NEO

newspapers

Make sure you are using the full name of a newspaper in bylines and text; paper names in stories are often missing a preceding article that is part of the paper’s name. If the name of the newspaper’s city is not included in the paper name, include the city name using parenthesis, e.g., The (Norfolk, Virginia) Virginian-Pilot.

NEX

Acronym for Navy Exchange. Avoid using in print, except in headlines and quotations. Use the exchange or the exchange service as a second reference.

NMFA

no-fly zone

Generally used to describe areas of Iraq after the Persian Gulf War and before the Iraq War that Iraqi military aircraft were prohibited from flying over. Also a slang term for something that a person has been prohibited from doing or just should not do in general. Only use in a historical context or in direct quotes.

nonappropriated funds

Funds generated by Defense Department personnel and their families and used to augment funds appropriated by Congress. Bowling centers, golf courses, craft shops and the military club system are examples of nonappropriated fund activities. Do not use the abbreviation, as it can be confused with Naval Air Facility.

noncombatant evacuation order

The State Department-directed evacuation of all nonmilitary U.S. citizens from a foreign hostile area. Do not abbreviate.

noncommissioned officer

An enlisted Army, Navy or Marine Corps member in pay grades E-4 through E-9, or E-5 through E-9 in the Air Force. (Note that Army Specialist E-4s are not NCOs. Army Corporal E-4s are.) NCO is permissible on second reference and in headlines. Do not use “noncom” except within direct quotes. Do NOT refer to a noncommissioned officer as simply “officer.”

nonjudicial punishment

Punishment not imposed by a court of justice. Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice authorizes commanders to impose punishment for minor offenses upon military members under their command. Common forms of nonjudicial punishment include loss of rank and pay, extra duties for a set period of time, restriction to quarters and, in certain circ*mstances, a short period of confinement with reduced rations. Use nonjudicial punishment rather than the service-related common terms of Article 15 (Army/Air Force), office hours (Marine Corps) or captain’s mast (Navy/Coast Guard). For example, “Spc. Joe Snuffy received nonjudicial punishment, including reduction to private first class, for missing a formation.”

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

Abbreviation NATO is universally acceptable.

North Korea

A totalitarian country occupying the northern half of the Korean peninsula, bounded by China on the north, Russia in the extreme northeast, South Korea to the south and by water on the east and west. See Korea.

Northern Command

See U.S. Northern Command. NORTHCOM is acceptable in a headline and on second reference.

OCS

See Officer Candidate School. Abbreviation is acceptable in headlines and on second reference. Do not confuse with the Air Force’s Officer Training School.

Office of Personnel Management

Only abbreviate on second reference in copy. This office administers a merit system for federal employment, ensures that the federal government provides personnel services to applicants and employees, and provides benefits to employees. Headquarters are in Washington, D.C.

Office of Special Investigations

An Air Force agency, with headquarters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, that investigates crimes, fraud and counterintelligence, and conducts other investigations requested by the commander of any Air Force activity. OSI permitted on second reference, but Air Force investigators, USAF investigators or just investigators are preferred.

officer

A service member in the pay grades of O-1 through O-10 (commissioned officer) or W-1 through W-5 (warrant officer). These personnel can be referred to as officers. Do not refer to noncommissioned officers (sergeants and petty officers) as simply “officers.” See commissioned officer, warrant officer.

Officer Candidate School

A program of initial training for Army, Navy and Marine Corps commissioned officers drawn from the enlisted ranks or the civilian world. The Air Force equivalent is Officer Training School. Army OCS is at Fort Benning, Georgia; Navy OCS is at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island; Marine Corps OCS is at Quantico, Virginia. Acceptable in a headline, but spell it out on first reference.

officer in charge

Do not abbreviate as “OIC” except in direct quotes.

Officer Training School

A program of initial training for Air Force commissioned officers drawn from the enlisted ranks or the civilian world. Air Force OTS is at Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama. Acceptable in a headline as long as it’s clear it’s Air Force (Air Force OTS or USAF OTS). Spell out on first reference in copy.

officers’ clubs

Facilities that usually include a bar and restaurant, rooms for private parties and musical entertainment. They are part of a club system. Government funds are appropriated for their construction but not for their operation.

Officers’ Wives Club

Use carefully. Many clubs are now called Officers’ Spouses Clubs. An unofficial club that has traditionally focused on charitable work. Many clubs have formal programs to help the disabled, hospitals and youth organizations. Some offer scholarships for service members’ children. When dealing with stories about such clubs at a specific installation, be sure to verify the official name.

Operation Enduring Care

A former USO fundraising campaign. The USO initiated Operation Enduring Care to raise money to dedicate to nonmedical care from the time of the injury through the journey to recovery. The effort resulted in the construction of two Warrior and Family Centers – one at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, the second at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Maryland – which offer wounded, ill and injured service members and their families a place to relax while receiving treatment as well as programming to help them plan for the future. Also referred to as OEC.

OPM

ordnance

Usually used to refer to military weapons, explosives, artillery and other things that explode. Do not abbreviate ordnance in units. Note spelling of O-R-D-N-A-N-C-E, which deals with ammunition and artillery, as opposed to ordinance, which is a statute or regulation.

OSI

OTS

overfly, overflight

Generally used to describe an operational flight over a specific targeted area, usually for reconnaissance purposes. Not to be confused with flyover, a term used to describe a ceremonial flight of one or more military aircraft over a funeral, sporting event or other public display.

Oxford comma

The Oxford (or serial) comma is the final comma in a list of things. It is not used in AP style and is not used in USO style.

Pacific Command

See U.S. Pacific Command. PACOM acceptable in a headline and on second reference in copy.

Pacific Fleet

This organization’s headquarters are at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Use Pacific Fleet unless confusion with other nations’ navies may arise. In such cases, use U.S. Pacific Fleet. Do not use the acronym PACFLEET.

Pacific Rim

Acceptable on first reference for all nations, in some context (e.g., vulcanology) including the United States, that have a coast on the Pacific Ocean, but used more frequently and popularly to designate developing nations of Asia with a coast on the Pacific Ocean. See Asian regions.

PAO

Public affairs officer. Abbreviation acceptable in headlines and second reference.

parade rest

A service member at the position of parade rest, which is only executed from the position of attention, stands with his/her feet about 10-12 inches apart and hands behind the small of the back, with thumbs interlocked so that the palm of the right hand is exposed. Salutes and marching movements are not executed from this position; the service member must be commanded back to attention before doing so. See attention.

paraservice member, paraservice members

parentheses

Brackets are used when words of the quote are missing: “Marlo said [Sarah] was at the USO.” Parentheses are used to add explanatory words to the quote: “Marlo said Sarah (the center manager) was at the USO.”

partner

See also USO partner. The USO relies on the generosity of its partner corporations, clubs and organizations. The contributions of such partners are vital to advancing the mission of the USO.

pay grade

This is more of an administrative/personnel term. The term pay grade does not necessarily refer to one’s actual rank. For example, a Navy E-1 is a seaman recruit, while an Army E-1 is a private. Furthermore, a pay grade within a service can have more than one rank. For example, a soldier in the E-4 pay grade can be a corporal or a specialist. Both are paid the same, but the corporal is considered senior. In all cases, use a person’s rank instead of pay grade, unless in a quote. Only use pay grades in headlines when it’s necessary for clarity and space (example: “Air Force needs more E-5s”). Pay grades are hyphenated. See rank, rating.

PCS

See permanent change of station. Abbreviation acceptable in headlines and on second reference. Avoid using the acronym as a verb (e.g., PCSed, PCSing).

peacetime

One word. This refers specifically to the time when a nation is not at war. Distinguish carefully from peaceful times.

per diem

A daily allowance to cover costs of food and lodging for government employees and service members on temporary duty (TDY).

permanent change of station

A reassignment (by location) in the military. Do not use the acronym as a verb, as in “PCSed” or “PCSing,” except in direct quotations.

Persian Gulf War

Refers to Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991) and is acceptable in headlines and copy.

petty officer

General term for a Navy or Coast Guard noncommissioned officer in the pay grades of E-4 through E-9, inclusive. When referring to individuals, be sure to include their specific rank or rating.

phone numbers

platoon

Capitalize in unit names. Lowercase when not in a unit name. Do not abbreviate.

platoon leader

A commissioned officer, usually a second or first lieutenant, directly responsible for one of the subordinate units of a company. The platoon is the smallest unit commanded by a commissioned officer. Not to be confused with platoon sergeant.

platoon sergeant

A noncommissioned officer, usually sergeant first class (Army) or staff sergeant (Marine Corps), who is the highest ranking enlisted person in one of the subordinate units of a company. He/she reports directly to the platoon leader and is generally entrusted with ensuring the platoon’s members are ready to perform their mission. Squad leaders report directly to the platoon sergeant.

port, starboard

Nautical terms for left and right, respectively.

post allowance

This term should refer only to adjustments to civilian U.S. government employees’ pay to compensate them for the difference between the local cost of living and that of the United States. Do not use this wording to refer to similar alterations to military pay, referred to officially as a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).

post-traumatic stress disorder

The term used to describe an anxiety disorder caused by the psychological wounds of war, traumatic experiences and/or long-term exposure to highly stressful situations. The symptoms of PTSD are widely varied, including anger, paranoia, anxiety and withdrawal from society. PTSD is acceptable in headlines. Do not use outdated terms like “battle fatigue” or “shell shock.” See PTSD.

POW-MIA

Prisoner of war-missing in action. POW-MIA can be used in headlines and copy when referring to the movement to recover American prisoners and missing in combat, or the black flag associated with the movement.

provost marshal

The supervising officer of a command’s or installation’s military police. Plural form is provost marshals. Either Office of the Provost Marshal or Provost Marshal’s Office are correct.

PSYOP

Psychological Operations. Renamed MISO (Military Information Support Operations) in June 2010. The use of various media to influence or change a target audience’s attitudes. PSYOP can be used in a headline, but spell it out in copy, except in a direct quote. Note that it is always PSYOP, not PSYOPS. As the military transitions to the new MISO moniker, be certain that the new term is used, along with a brief explanation of the concept.

PT

Physical training. PT can be used in headlines and on second reference.

PT boat

Spell out on first reference within a story. A small, speedy, armed patrol craft capable of launching torpedoes (PT stands for “patrol torpedo”), especially associated with World War II. A PT boat typically carried a crew of 14 and was distinguished as the swiftest and most heavily armed warship per pound in the military. Similar boats used by other navies should simply be called “patrol boats.”

PTSD

Purple Heart

A U.S. military decoration awarded for wounds or death as a direct result of combat action. The Purple Heart is not an award for valor. See military decorations.

PX

Use PX only in headlines or direct quotes. Use post exchange or exchange for an AAFES department store at Army installations. BX, or base exchange, is used on Air Force installations. NEX, or Navy Exchange, is found on naval facilities; MCX, or Marine Corps Exchange, is found on Marine facilities. “Exchange” is acceptable on subsequent references.

quartermaster

Do not abbreviate in unit names. Note that in the Army, “quartermaster” refers to units or individuals who process and distribute supplies. In the Navy, a quartermaster is a sailor trained in navigation and other functions associated with the bridge of a ship.

query

Often used by public affairs officers in response to questions from reporters and editors. Reporters are asked to provide written queries, to which the PAO office will respond. Generally viewed as a delaying tactic but can sometimes provide legitimate background information. Reporters and editors should not disregard such requests out of hand.

RAF

Royal Air Force, the military air arm of the United Kingdom. RAF is acceptable in headlines and first reference; also use RAF before the name of a British air base (i.e., RAF Mildenhall). Never use the abbreviation in a story or headline for Red Army Faction, a former terrorist group in Germany. Spell out Red Army Faction.

Ramstein Air Base, Germany

A U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) airlift base about eight miles west of Kaiserslautern.

Ranger, ranger

Uppercase in reference to an Army Ranger. Use lowercase for forest ranger.

rank

rate

Navy and Coast Guard term used to describe rank for enlisted personnel. For example, a Navy E-6 holds the rank of petty officer first class. However, a person’s rating describes his/her occupational specialty. If that petty officer first class holds the rating of boatswain’s mate, he/she would be referred to as a boatswain’s mate first class. Navy/Coast Guard personnel in the E-1 to E-3 pay grades are referred to as undesignated; however, they are referred to by their major field of training (seaman, airman, fireman or constructionman).

rating

Navy and Coast Guard term describing an enlisted person’s occupational specialty. Not to be confused with rate, which is used to describe rank for enlisted personnel. For example, a Navy E-6 holds the rating of boatswain’s mate. However, a person’s rate describes his/her hierarchical status within the organization. If that boatswain’s mate holds the rate of petty officer first class, he/she would be referred to as a boatswain’s mate first class.

reconnaissance

Uppercase and spelled out in unit names. Do not abbreviate. Lowercase when referring to the action of conducting reconnaissance or to equipment used in reconnaissance.

recruit training

Red Cross

Use American Red Cross on first reference (when dealing specifically with the American Red Cross); Red Cross permitted on second reference.

redeployment

The transfer of a unit, individuals or supplies deployed in one area to another area. Typically used to refer to the return of units in the field to their home base. Avoid in favor of “return” or similar non-jargon terms when possible.

reduction in force

Government term for layoffs, generally because of the elimination or consolidation of forces, commands or facilities. Do not use RIF in headlines; second reference is permitted. “Reductions” or “drawdown” are always good alternatives.

reenlist, reenlistment

Hyphenate. Do not use informal “re-up,” unless in a direct quote with context.

regiment

In unit names, capitalize and do not abbreviate. See also regimental system.

regimental system

Reserve

Capitalize when referring to U.S. Armed Forces, as in Army Reserve. Lowercase in reference to members of these backup forces: reserves or reservists.

retired service member

Do not include a person’s rank unless it has some bearing on the story. Example: “Watson, a retired Air Force colonel, told Congress that defense contracts should be padded.” Spell out “retired,” do not use the military abbreviation “Ret.” in copy. In quote attributions (such as in a pullout quote), “Jim Jones, Army Lt. Col. (Ret.)” is permitted.

rifle

A hand-held individual battle firearm, generally firing a round 7.62 mm or smaller. Some rifles are capable of automatic fire, but that does not qualify them as machine guns. The term rifle is commonly used to refer to small arms such as the M16, M4 or AK-47. See weapon, machine gun.

ROTC

Reserve Officers Training Corps. A program of military officer training for college and university undergraduates. The Army, Air Force and Navy have ROTC programs (The Navy program also trains Marine Corps officers). Those who complete the program serve in the Armed Forces for a specified number of years. ROTC is acceptable in all references. See JROTC.

RPG

Rocket-propelled grenade. Specifically used to describe Soviet-designed, tube-fired portable rockets with a variety of warhead types. The term is usually used to describe the most common variant in use, the RPG-7. Use RPG in headlines and copy, but spell it out on first reference in copy.

S-1 - S-5

Do not use these Army codes for staff sections at brigade or battalion level. Use their titles: S-1 is adjutant; S-2 is intelligence; S-3 is operations and training; S-4 is supply; S-5 is civil affairs; and S-6 is signal.

said, says

News copy normally is cast in the past tense, but headlines in the present. In attributing information, the past said is preferred in news copy, but use says in headlines. Use says in news copy only for axiomatic statements that the speaker could be expected to utter at every opportunity. Thus: “China’s premier says Taiwan is an integral part of China.” Remember, too, readers cannot know or understand what a person in a story thinks, believes or feels unless that person said it. Thus, attribution is required, and the attribution should be something similar to: “He said he believes the world is flat.” See verb tenses.

scouts

Army personnel who act as reconnaissance elements for a battalion-size or larger combat arms unit. Scouts operate ahead of a main element to gather intelligence on enemy capabilities and composition, and sometimes destroy enemy equipment ahead of a battle. Also referred to as cavalry scouts. Explain briefly what they do.

Seabee, Seabees

A Navy nickname derived from the acronym CB, which stands for Construction Battalion. Acceptable on first reference and headlines although the Seabee unit’s mission should be explained elsewhere in the copy.

SEAL

The Navy’s Sea, Air, Land teams, commonly known as SEALs, are the service’s principal special operations force.

seaman

A sailor who specializes in seafaring-related duties. Not synonymous with sailor, the generic term for all Navy personnel. Also, one of four base groups (seaman, airman, fireman and constructionman) from which the different Navy enlisted ratings come. When using as part of an actual rank followed by a person’s name (Seaman Recruit, Seaman Apprentice, Seaman), capitalize and use AP style.

security classifications

selective reenlistment bonus

To keep some highly skilled service members in uniform, the military can offer bonuses. The bonus is calculated by taking into account pay grade, length of reenlistment, time in service and the criticality of the skill. Use bonus in headlines and on second reference. Do not abbreviate as SREB or SRB unless in a direct quote.

senior NCO

An enlisted service member in pay grades E-7, E-8 and E-9.

sergeants major

Plural form of sergeant major.

service academies

service member, service members

Always two words and lowercase in copy. This is the USO’s preferred generic term for members of the military, as it is inclusive of all military branches. All troops are service members, but not all service members are troops. Do not use the outdated “service man” or “service woman.”

she

Do not use this pronoun to refer to ships, vehicles or nations. Use “it” instead (unless in a direct quote).

ships

Identify ships as “the aircraft carrier USS George Washington” or “the USS Port Royal, a cruiser.” Do not use hull numbers (e.g., CVN-70) unless it’s crucial to the story itself. This conforms to The Associated Press style on ship identification. Ships are considered neutral nouns. Do not assign gender, such as calling a ship “she.” Submarines are boats, as are PT boats and lifeboats. For the proper description of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships not listed in this stylebook, refer to “Jane’s Fighting Ships.”

Silver Star

A medal awarded for gallantry in combat. Ranks third in precedence below the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross and Air Force Cross. See military decorations.

small arms, small-arms fire

Refers to handguns, assault rifles, shotguns and machine guns, .50-caliber/12.7 mm or less, generally used by an infantry squad. The term is often used when describing an attack. Usage: “The platoon received small-arms fire from behind a berm 100 meters away.”

soldier

Usually used to refer to enlisted Army personnel but can be used collectively to describe Army personnel of all ranks. Do not use as a generic term for all enlisted members of the Armed Forces; in that instance, use “service members.” The Air Force has airmen, the Navy has sailors, members of the Marine Corps are Marines, the Coast Guard has Coast Guardsmen, Space Force has guardians. Note that USO style for soldier is lowercase in all uses, unless at the beginning of a sentence. This differs from Army style, which is to always uppercase the word.

Soldiers’ Home

Soldier’s Medal

An Army medal awarded for heroism that involves voluntary risk of life under other than combat situations. The Army’s highest noncombat decoration for valor. See military decorations.

SOP

Standard operating procedure. Do not abbreviate except in direct quotes, and only with an explanation.

Southern Command

Space Command

Space Force

The Space Force, always capitalized, is the newest branch of the Armed Forces that conducts military operations in outer space and space warfare. It was established December 20, 2019. Members of the Space Force are called “guardians,” always lowercase.

Space-A

space-available travel

An Air Force Air Mobility Command program that allows military personnel and civilian employees of the U.S. government to fly on military aircraft to selected airfields on a stand-by basis. Space-A permitted on second reference. An especially important means of travel for U.S. personnel stationed in the Far East. Commonly still referred to as “MAC flight,” a leftover from the long-obsolete Military Airlift Command; only use that term in a direct quote, with explanation.

special operations

A term applied to unconventional warfare units, such as Army Special Forces, Marine Force Reconnaissance, Military Information Support Operations (MISO) and other elements that fall under the umbrella of the U.S. Special Operations Command, based at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. The terms Special Forces and special operations are not interchangeable. Also, special operations is uppercase when referring to a specific command. Do not use the shorthand “spec ops.”

Special Operations Command

Spirit of the USO Award

The Spirit of the USO Award has been awarded at past USO Galas to an individual or individuals whose work exemplifies the USO’s mission to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.

squad

Capitalize and do not abbreviate in unit names.

squadron

SSN

staff judge advocate

The ranking legal officer on an installation or in a unit. Do not use the SJA abbreviation except on second reference.

staff noncommissioned officer

Marines holding rank of staff sergeant through sergeant major (pay grades E-6 through E-9). While the Marines tend to differentiate staff NCOs from more junior NCOs, the best approach is to use the Marine’s rank on first reference. In headlines, the term “Marine” usually will suffice. However, use the full name of the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Quantico, Virginia.

starboard, port

Nautical terms for right and left, respectively.

states

stateside

Do not capitalize.

Strategic Command

superscript

Not used in USO style. For example, we use “82nd” not “82^nd.”

supply

In unit names, capitalize and do not abbreviate.

supply classes

The military supply class designations are: I-subsistence (food); II-clothing, tools and household cleaning supplies; III-petroleum (fuel); IV-construction; V-ammunition; VI–personal demand items (such as health and hygiene products, snacks, etc.); VII-major end items (tanks, tents, etc.); VIII-medical supplies; IX-repair parts; X-material for support of nonmilitary programs, such as agriculture.

support

In unit names, capitalize and do not abbreviate.

Supreme Allied Commander Europe

Traditionally, a U.S. Army four-star general who commands all NATO forces from Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Casteau, Belgium. He also commands the U.S. European Command, which has its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. Only use the acronym on second reference.

surgeon general, surgeons general

The top-ranking medical officer in each service.

swabbie

Slang term for a sailor. Do not use except in direct quotes and with explanation.

tactical

In unit names, capitalize and do not abbreviate.

tank

A heavily armored and armed combat vehicle that moves on tracks instead of wheels. Generally, tanks employ a large-bore (100 mm-plus) direct fire weapon as its main armament; it may have other weaponry such as machine guns mounted as well. The United States has one main battle tank, the M1 Abrams series. Note that not all tracked vehicles are tanks. Armored personnel carriers, Self-Propelled Howitzers and Infantry Fighting Vehicles, among other things, are not tanks.

task force

TDY

Acronym for temporary duty is acceptable in a headline, but spell it out on first reference. See temporary duty.

telephone numbers

For DSN (Defense Switched Network), use: DSN 555-5555. For stateside numbers, use: (202) 555-5555. See phone numbers.

temporary duty

A short-duration (usually less than two months) assignment requiring an individual to travel away from his/her regular duty station. Usually it involves schooling, conferences or participation in an exercise or operation. In most cases, the individual receives per diem. The abbreviation TDY is acceptable in headlines and on second reference. See TDY.

Thunderbirds

The Air Force’s precision-flying demonstration team. The team flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon and is assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, an Air Combat Command asset. “Thunderbirds” is acceptable in all cases.

Thunderbolt II

The official nickname of the Air Force’s A-10/OA-10 Thunderbolt II ground support aircraft. Service members almost universally refer to the A-10 as the Warthog. On first reference, use A-10 Warthog. Use Warthog thereafter.

tiger team

Military slang term for an ad hoc committee with a mission-specific task. Only use in copy with full explanation. Also acceptable in headlines, with explanation in copy.

titles

Shorten and simplify titles when possible. For example, Maj. Gen. Joe Smith is the U.S. Army Europe deputy chief of staff for personnel, but use “Maj. Gen. Joe Smith, USAREUR’s top personnel officer.” Never use “Maj. Gen. Joe Smith, USAREUR DCSPER.” As another example, Capt. Susan James is a drug and alcohol abuse specialist within an office at the USAREUR deputy chief of staff for personnel division. Use “Capt. Susan James, a USAREUR drug and alcohol specialist.”

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Monument perpetually guarded by soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Regiment (“Old Guard”) in Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

Training and Doctrine Command

The Army command with headquarters at Fort Eustis, Virginia, that trains the individual soldier, develops training doctrine, develops and conducts officer and noncommissioned officer professional development education programs, and conducts officer procurement and pre-commissioning training programs such as ROTC and Officer Candidate School. Abbreviation TRADOC acceptable in headlines and on second reference.

Transportation Command

troop, troops, trooper

Do not abbreviate. An individual cavalry soldier is a trooper, not troop. A troop is a cavalry unit equivalent in size to an infantry company. Troop should not be used to describe service members in general, as it is not inclusive of all military service branches, particularly the Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard. See service member, service members. If in doubt and referring specifically to Army personnel, soldier is always acceptable.

U.S. Africa Command

U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of 11 U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands. A full-spectrum combatant command, U.S. Africa Command is responsible for all U.S. Department of Defense operations, exercises, and security cooperation on the African continent, its island nations, and surrounding waters. AFRICOM and Africa Command are acceptable in headlines, but use the full name on first reference.

U.S. Air Force Space Command

Also called Air Force Space Command or AFSPC, this command was redesignated as the U.S. Space Force in 2019. Airmen in select space-related jobs are in the process of being transferred into the Space Force, while other Airmen will remain members of the Air Force but assigned to the Space Force in a supporting role.

U.S. Armed Forces Retirement Home

Formerly known as the U.S. Naval Home and the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmens’ Home, which were combined in 1991. Each active-duty Army and Air Force enlisted member and each Army warrant officer involuntarily contributes 50 cents a month for the operation of this Washington, D.C., facility for retired soldiers and airmen. Additional funding comes from the proceeds of service members’ pay that is forfeited as a result of UCMJ action.

U.S. Central Command

Established in 1983, Central Command’s area of responsibility covers 20+ nations in the Middle East, Central Asia and northeast Africa (Egypt). Headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, CENTCOM handed responsibility for the remainder of Africa to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in 2008. CENTCOM led engagement in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. CENTCOM can be used in a headline, but spell it out as “U.S. Central Command” on first reference.

U.S. Cyber Command

A command created in 2010 to defend American computer networks as well as launch cyberattacks on the networks of enemy nations/forces. Cyber Command, under the direction of a four-star officer, falls under the umbrella of U.S. Strategic Command. Subordinate commands include Army Forces Cyber Command, 24th Air Force, Fleet Cyber Command and Marine Forces Cyber Command. CYBERCOM is acceptable in a headline, but spell it out on first reference in copy.

U.S. European Command

The top U.S. command in Europe is EUCOM, located at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany. EUCOM is acceptable in headlines, but spell out on first reference.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

With headquarters at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) is the unified command with responsibility for Asia, Australia and all of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its components include the Pacific forces of each service as well as multiservice commands in Japan, Korea and Alaska. INDOPACOM is acceptable in a headline, but use full name on first reference.

U.S. Northern Command

Based at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, this unified command was established in 2002 to coordinate the military’s Homeland Security missions. Its geographic responsibilities include all of the U.S. (except Hawaii), Canada, Mexico, some portions of the Caribbean (not including Cuba) and oceans/seas surrounding those areas. NORTHCOM is acceptable in a headline, but spell it out on first reference.

U.S. Southern Command

The U.S. Southern Command, based in Miami, Florida, is charged with defending U.S. interests in all of Central and South America, including Cuba. It is one of six unified commands with a regional rather than an operational responsibility; the others are European, Pacific, Northern, Central and Africa. Joint Task Force Guantanamo is also under SOUTHCOM. SOUTHCOM is acceptable in a headline, but spell it out on first reference.

U.S. Special Operations Command

One of the unified service commands, its responsibilities include coordinating U.S. special operations around the world. Headquarters are at MacDill Air Force Base, near Tampa, Florida. SOCOM is acceptable in a headline, but not on first reference.

U.S. Strategic Command

One of the unified service commands, it places the planning, targeting and wartime employment of strategic forces under the control of a single commander, while the day-to-day training, equipping and maintenance responsibilities for its forces — the Navy’s ballistic submarine fleet and the Air Force’s bombers and ICBMs — remained with the services. Headquarters are at Offutt Air Force Base, near Omaha, Nebraska. STRATCOM is acceptable in a headline, but spell out on first reference.

U.S. Transportation Command

A unified command, with headquarters at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, consolidating air, land and sealift activities of the Army, Navy and Air Force for the strategic mobilization of forces. TRANSCOM is acceptable in a headline, but spell it out on first reference.

unit abbreviations

In unit names, capitalize and do not abbreviate words.

unit nicknames

Service members often refer to their unit by its nickname, such as “Chaos Company.” While it’s fine to add that into a story for some color, use the actual name of the unit, such as Company C, 999th Latrine Cleaning Battalion, on first reference.

up-armored

A system of bolted- and welded-on steel doors, plates and other attachments to make a vehicle IED- and mine-resistant. Also includes very thick, projectile-resistant glass for the windshields and all windows. The system became very common in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2004. Usage: “The soldiers drove through Baghdad in an up-armored Humvee.”

USAA

An insurance and financial services company, founded by military officers in 1922, which insures 90% of all active-duty officers (and their dependents) and offers insurance to enlisted service members. USAA stands for United Services Automobile Association, but USAA is acceptable on all references.

USAF

Abbreviation for U.S. Air Force, not “U.S. Armed Forces.” Permissible only in headlines. Air Force is acceptable in all cases.

USCG

Abbreviation for U.S. Coast Guard. Acceptable in a headline, but spell it out or use Coast Guard on first reference in copy.

USMC

Abbreviation for the U.S. Marine Corps. Acceptable in a headline, but spell it out or use Marines or Marine Corps on first reference in copy.

USN

Abbreviation for U.S. Navy. Do not use this abbreviation. Navy is acceptable in all cases.

USO

A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its mission to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. The USO is not part of the U.S. government but is recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and the president of the United States, who serves as honorary chairman of the USO.

USO 1941 Legacy Society

The USO 1941 Legacy Society honors those friends of the USO who make a gift through a will, trust or other estate plan to continue the USO’s long tradition of connecting service members to family, home and country.

USO Center

Note “Center” is uppercase. At more than 250 locations around the world, thousands of U.S. service members and their families walk through the doors of the USO every day. Inside the USO, they’ll find a place to relax, ways to connect with loved ones back home, snacks to enjoy and a wide range of USO programs and services.

USO Congressional Caucus

The USO Congressional Caucus was formed in 2003 to enhance the outreach efforts of the American people to U.S. service members and their families, providing another critical link between service men and women and their representatives. Bipartisan and bicameral, the caucus brings together members from the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives who have a mutually shared interest in supporting and improving the quality of life for our service members and their families around the world.

USO Leadership Council

The USO Leadership Council is a giving society comprised of individuals and organizations that provide transformational support to the USO’s mission. Members of the council serve as goodwill ambassadors for the USO, encouraging and inspiring staff, volunteers, friends and family to join them in supporting life-changing moments for our military and their families.

USO partner

See also partner. The USO relies on the generosity of its partner corporations, clubs and organizations. The contributions of such partners are vital to advancing the mission of the USO. Lowercase in all uses.

USO tour

Note lowercase “tour.” USO entertainers are essential to boosting the morale of service members and their families. The USO’s long-standing tradition of sending entertainers around the globe will carry on as long as military men and women are stationed far from home.

USO tour veteran

Note lowercase “tour veteran.” Anyone who has participated in a USO tour aimed at raising the morale of service members stationed around the world.

USS, USNS

Navy designations for United States Ships (USS) and United States Naval Ships (USNS). Use as part of a ship’s name, such as “USS George Washington.” Similarly, in datelines, use all caps: ABOARD THE USS GEORGE WASHINGTON. USNS ships, indicated by the blue and gold bands on their stack, are part of the Military Sealift Command. The command operates ships manned by civilian crews under the command of a civilian master. Note that naval hospital ships receive the USNS designation. Commissioned ships, warships in particular, bear the USS designation.

USSF

Abbreviation for U.S. Space Force. Permissible only in headlines. Space Force is acceptable in all cases.

V Corps

The chief tactical unit in the U.S. Army Europe. Headquarters are at Campbell Barracks in Heidelberg, Germany.

V device

The V device is a bronze block letter, V, ¼ inch in height. It is worn on certain medals (Bronze Star, Commendation Medals, Air Medal) to denote participation in acts of heroism involving conflict with an armed enemy. Combat awards higher than the Bronze Star would not get a V device, as valor is implicit in the award of such decoration. Usage: Sgt. Jones earned a Bronze Star Medal with V device for valor. See military decorations.

vehicles

Use numbers for military trucks identified by capacity: three quarter-ton truck, 2 ½-ton truck (sometimes called a “deuce and a half”), etc. Use names or acronyms for others: Humvee, MRAP, M2A1, M113.

verb tenses

In general, use the past tense in news copy and the present tense in headlines. In headlines, when the present tense may imply that an activity is continuing when in fact it is not, use the past tense.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

A black granite, wedge-shaped, sunken wall on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 Americans who died or are reported missing in action in the Vietnam War. The wall was built in 1982 and is among the most visited sites in the city along with the memorials for Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln. Can be referred to as the Vietnam Wall.

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is the nation’s medical center, proudly serving military beneficiaries in the Washington, D.C., area as well as those from across the country and around the globe. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) was established on November 10, 2011, as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Act, which consolidated National Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center on the grounds of the former NNMC campus in Bethesda, Maryland.

war on terrorism

Refers to operations after Sept. 11, 2001, in Afghanistan, Iraq and other locations against al-Qaeda and other state/non-state organizations. It is all lowercase, in all uses. Do not use Global War on Terrorism, GWOT or war on terror.

warrant officer

An officer, senior to noncommissioned officer and junior to commissioned officer, who derives his or her authority from a warrant issued by the secretaries of the services. Warrant officers are considered the hands-on experts in their job fields. The Air Force is the only service that has no warrant officers. Use the appropriate AP style for all warrant officer ranks. When referring to warrant officers in general, use lowercase.

Warrior and Family Center

The name for two new Centers built by the USO using funding from Operation Enduring Care. The Warrior and Family Centers—at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and the USO Warrior and Family Support Center on Brooke Army Medical Center’s Campus in San Antonio, Texas —provide a home away from home for wounded, ill and injured service members and their families as the service members recover at nearby military hospitals.

Warrior Center

When wounded, ill and injured service members begin their journey home, USO Centers, especially those near major military medical facilities, are often the first support stop for service men and women and their families. In April 2003, the USO opened a center embedded in the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility (CASF) at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. In 2008, the USO completed the construction of a 4,000-square-foot USO Warrior Center at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) in Germany to extend supportive services to a greater number of service men and women and their families. The success of these facilities helped initiate Operation Enduring Care.

weapon

The term used by soldiers and Marines to refer to rifles, pistols and other small arms. The term gun is not used.

win, winner, won

Military decorations are never, ever “won” or “given.” They are awarded, presented, received or earned. A person receiving a medal can be said to have been decorated. A recipient of a decoration is not, under any circ*mstances, a “winner.”

women in the military

Women in uniform also are soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. Enlisted females or female officers are the most definitive terms for referring to one category of military women. Since airman/guardsman (or airmen/guardsmen) are generic terms, it is appropriate to use for enlisted women, although “members of the [branch]” is also an inclusive alternative as is simply “service members.”

Wounded Warrior Battalion

A collection of units whose focus is taking care of wounded, ill and injured Marines and their families as they proceed through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System process.

XO

Military shorthand for executive officer. The executive officer is a commander’s key staff member and responsible for seeing that the command’s policies, as applied to day-to-day operations, are carried out. The executive officer in lower echelons is equivalent to the chief of staff in higher ones. Do not use “XO” or “exec” except in direct quotes.

“hooah”

The Army’s all-purpose term of determination and spirit, hollered during rallies, sporting events, runs, etc. Also used as an acknowledgement of a statement, order and so forth. Use quote marks around the term. Do not confuse with the similar Marine Corps’ term “oorah.”

“oorah”

The Marine Corps’ all-purpose term of determination and spirit, hollered during rallies, sporting events, runs, etc. Can also be used as an affirmative answer to a question, as in “Oorah, sir!” Use quote marks around the term. Do not confuse “oorah” with the Army’s “hooah.”