US Army Dictionary of Military Terms

cut-off velocity — (*) The velocity attained by a missile at the point of cut-off.

cutout — An intermediary or device used to obviate direct contact between members of a clandestine organization.

cutter — (*) 1. In naval mine warfare, a device fitted to a sweep wire to cut or part the moorings of mines or obstructors; it may also be fitted in the mooring of a mine or obstructor to part a sweep. 2. (DOD only)

Coast Guard watercraft 65 feet long or larger. See also mine warfare; watercraft.

(JP 3-33)

cutting charge — (*) A charge which produces a cutting effect in line with its plane of symmetry.

cyberspace — The notional environment in which digitized information is communicated over computer networks. (JP 2-01.3)

daily intelligence summary — A report prepared in message form at the joint force headquarters that provides higher, lateral, and subordinate headquarters with a summary of all significant intelligence produced during the previous 24-hour period. The “as of” time for information, content, and submission time for the report will be as specified by the joint force commander. Also called DISUM.

daily movement summary (shipping) — A tabulation of departures and arrivals of all merchant shipping (including neutrals) arriving or departing ports during a 24-hour period.

damage area — (*) In naval mine warfare, the plan area around a minesweeper inside which a mine explosion is likely to interrupt operations.

damage assessment — (*) 1. The determination of the effect of attacks on targets. 2. (DOD only) A determination of the effect of a compromise of classified information on national security. See also civil damage assessment; military damage assessment.

damage control — In naval usage, measures necessary aboard ship to preserve and reestablish watertight integrity, stability, maneuverability, and offensive power; to control list and trim; to effect rapid repairs of materiel; to limit the spread of and provide adequate protection from fire; to limit the spread of, remove the contamination by, and provide adequate protection from chemical, biological, and radiological agents; and to provide for care of wounded personnel. See also area damage control; disaster control.

damage criteria — The critical levels of various effects, such as blast pressure and

thermal radiation, required to achieve specified levels of damage.

damage estimation — A preliminary appraisal of the potential effects of an attack. See also attack assessment.

damage expectancy (nuclear) — The probability that a weapon will arrive, detonate, and achieve at least a specified level of damage (severe or moderate) against a given target. Damage expectancy is a function of both probability of arrival and probability of damage of a weapon.

damage radius — (*) In naval mine warfare, the average distance from a ship within which a mine containing a given weight and type of explosive must detonate if it is to inflict a specified amount of damage.

damage threat — (*) The probability that a target ship passing once through a minefield will explode one or more mines and sustain a specified amount of damage.

danger area — (*) 1. In air traffic control, an airspace of defined dimensions within which activities dangerous to the flight of aircraft may exist at specified times. 2. (DOD only) Aspecified area above, below, or within which there may be potential danger. See also closed area; prohibited area; restricted area.

danger close — In close air support, artillery, mortar, and naval gunfire support fires, it is the term included in the method of engagement segment of a call for fire which indicates that friendly forces are within close proximity of the target. The close proximity distance is determined by the weapon and munition fired. See also call for fire; final protective fire.

dangerous cargo — (*) Cargo which, because of its dangerous properties, is subject to special regulations for its transport.

danger space — That space between the weapon and the target where the trajectory does not rise 1.8 meters (the average height of a standing human). This includes the area encompassed by the beaten zone. See also beaten zone.

data — Representation of facts, concepts, or instructions in a formalized manner suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by humans or by automatic means. Any representations such as characters or analog quantities to which meaning is or might be assigned.

database — Information that is normally structured and indexed for user access and review. Databases may exist in the form of physical files (folders, documents, etc.) or formatted automated data processing system data files. (JP 2-0)

data block — Information presented on air imagery relevant to the geographical position, altitude, attitude, and heading of the aircraft and, in certain cases, administrative information and information on the sensors employed.

data code — A number, letter, character, or any combination thereof used to represent a data element or data item.

data element — 1. A basic unit of information built on standard structures having a unique meaning and distinct units or values. 2. In electronic recordkeeping, a combination of characters or bytes referring to one separate item of information, such as name, address, or age.

data item — A subunit of descriptive information or value classified under a data

element. For example, the data element “military personnel grade” contains data items such as sergeant, captain, and colonel.

data link — (*) The means of connecting one location to another for the purpose of transmitting and receiving data. See also tactical digital information link.

data link coordination net — A voice coordination net of voice circuits used to coordinate technical operation of data terminal equipment. One voice circuit is required for each tactical digital information link (TADIL)-B pair, and one net is required for participants on each TADIL-A, TADIL-J, or interim Joint Tactical Information Distribution System message specification net. The net is normally secure or covered. Also called DCN.

data mile — A standard unit of distance

date line — See international date line.

date-time group — The date and time, expressed in digits and time zone suffix, at which the message was prepared for transmission. (Expressed as six digits followed by the time zone suffix; first pair of digits denotes the date, second pair the hours, third pair the minutes, followed by a three-letter month abbreviation and twodigit year abbreviation.) Also called DTG.

datum — (*) Any numerical or geometrical quantity or set of such quantities which may serve as reference or base for other quantities. Where the concept is geometric, the plural form is “datums” in contrast to the normal plural “data.”

datum (antisubmarine warfare) — Adatum is the last known position of a submarine, or suspected submarine, after contact has been lost.

datum error (antisubmarine warfare) —

An estimate of the degree of accuracy in the reported position of datum.

datum (geodetic) — 1. A reference surface consisting of five quantities: the latitude and longitude of an initial point, the azimuth of a line from that point, and the parameters of the reference ellipsoid. 2. The mathematical model of the earth used to calculate the coordinates on any map. Different nations use different datums for printing coordinates on their maps. The datum is usually referenced in the marginal information of each map.

datum level — (*) A surface to which elevations, heights, or depths on a map or chart are related. See also altitude.

datum point — (*) Any reference point of known or assumed coordinates from which calculation or measurements may be taken. See also pinpoint.

datum time (antisubmarine warfare) —

The time when contact with the submarine, or suspected submarine, was lost.

davit — A small crane on a vessel that is used to raise and lower small boats, such as lifeboats, an LCM-8 on landing ship, tanks, side loadable warping tugs, or causeway sections. (JP 4-01.6)

day of supply — See one day’s supply.

dazzle — Temporary loss of vision or a temporary reduction in visual acuity; may also be applied to effects on optics. See also directed-energy warfare; flash blindness.

D-day — See times.

D-day consumption/production differential assets — As applied to the D-to-P concept, these assets are required to compensate for

the inability of the production base to meet expenditure (consumption) requirements during the D-to-P period. See also D-to-P concept.

D-day materiel readiness gross capability

— As applied to the D-to-P concept, this capability represents the sum of all assets on hand on D-day and the gross production capability (funded and unfunded) between D-day and P-day. When this capability equals the D-to-P materiel readiness gross requirement, requirements and capabilities are in balance. See also D-to-P concept.

D-day pipeline assets — As applied to the D-to-P concept, these assets represent the sum of continental United States and overseas operating and safety levels and intransit levels of supply. See also D-to-P concept.

deadline — To remove a vehicle or piece of equipment from operation or use for one of the following reasons: a. is inoperative due to damage, malfunctioning, or necessary repairs (the term does not include items temporarily removed from use by reason of routine maintenance and repairs that do not affect the combat capability of the item); b. is unsafe; and c. would be damaged by further use.

dead mine — (*) A mine which has been neutralized, sterilized, or rendered safe. See also mine.

dead space — (*) 1. An area within the maximum range of a weapon, radar, or observer, which cannot be covered by fire or observation from a particular position because of intervening obstacles, the nature of the ground, or the characteristics of the trajectory, or the limitations of the pointing capabilities of the weapon. 2. An area or zone which is within range of a radio transmitter, but in which a signal is not received. 3. The volume of space above

and around a gun or guided missile system into which it cannot fire because of mechanical or electronic limitations.

de-arming — An operation in which a weapon is changed from a state of readiness for initiation to a safe condition. Also called safing. See also arm or de-arm. (JP 3-04.1)

debarkation — The unloading of troops, equipment, or supplies from a ship or aircraft.

debarkation net — A specially prepared type of cargo net employed for the debarkation of troops over the side of a ship.

debarkation schedule — (*) A schedule that provides for the timely and orderly debarkation of troops and equipment and emergency supplies for the waterborne ship-to-shore movement.

deceased — A casualty status applicable to a person who is either known to have died, determined to have died on the basis of conclusive evidence, or declared to be dead on the basis of a presumptive finding of death. The recovery of remains is not a prerequisite to determining or declaring a person deceased. See also casualty status.

decentralized control — (*) In air defense, the normal mode whereby a higher echelon monitors unit actions, making direct target assignments to units only when necessary to ensure proper fire distribution or to prevent engagement of friendly aircraft. See also centralized control.

decentralized execution — The delegation of execution authority to subordinate commanders. (JP 0-2)

decentralized items — Those items of supply for which appropriate authority has prescribed local management and procurement.

deception — Those measures designed to mislead the enemy by manipulation, distortion, or falsification of evidence to induce the enemy to react in a manner prejudicial to the enemy’s interests. See also counterdeception; military deception.

deception action — A collection of related deception events that form a major component of a deception operation. (JP 3-58)

deception concept — The deception course of action forwarded to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for review as part of the CINC’s strategic concept. (JP 3-58)

deception course of action — A deception scheme developed during the estimate process in sufficient detail to permit decisionmaking. At a minimum, a deception course of action will identify the deception objective, the deception target, the desired perception, the deception story, and tentative deception means. (JP 3-58)

deception event — A deception means executed at a specific time and location in support of a deception operation. (JP 3-58)

deception means — Methods, resources, and techniques that can be used to convey information to the deception target. There are three categories of deception means: a. physical means — Activities and resources used to convey or deny selected information to a foreign power. (Examples include military operations, including exercises, reconnaissance, training activities, and movement of forces; the use of dummy equipment and devices; tactics; bases, logistic actions, stockpiles, and repair activity; and test and evaluation activities.) b. technical means — Military materiel resources and their associated operating techniques used to convey or deny selected information to a foreign power through the

deliberate radiation, re-radiation, alteration, absorption, or reflection of energy; the emission or suppression of chemical or biological odors; and the emission or suppression of nuclear particles. c. administrative means — Resources, methods, and techniques to convey or deny oral, pictorial, documentary, or other physical evidence to a foreign power. (JP 3-58)

deception objective — The desired result of a deception operation expressed in terms of what the adversary is to do or not to do at the critical time and/or location. (JP 3-58)

deception story — A scenario that outlines the friendly actions that will be portrayed to cause the deception target to adopt the desired perception. (JP 3-58)

deception target — The adversary decisionmaker with the authority to make the decision that will achieve the deception objective. (JP 3-58)

decision — In an estimate of the situation, a clear and concise statement of the line of action intended to be followed by the commander as the one most favorable to the successful accomplishment of the assigned mission.

decision altitude — (*) An altitude related to the highest elevation in the touchdown zone, specified for a glide slope approach, at which a missed-approach procedure must be initiated if the required visual reference has not been established. See also decision height.

decision height — (*) A height above the highest elevation in the touchdown zone, specified for a glide slope approach, at which a missed-approach procedure must be initiated if the required visual reference has not been established. See also decision altitude.

decision point — The point in space and time where the commander or staff anticipates making a decision concerning a specific friendly course of action. A decision point is usually associated with a specific target area of interest, and is located in time and space to permit the commander sufficient lead time to engage the adversary in the target area of interest. Decision points may also be associated with the friendly force and the status of ongoing operations. See also course of actions; decision support template; target area of interest. (JP2-01.3)

decision support template — A graphic record of wargaming. The decision support template depicts decision points, timelines associated with movement of forces and the flow of the operation, and other key items of information required to execute a specific friendly course of action. See also course of action; decision point. (JP 2-01.3)

decisive engagement — In land and naval warfare, an engagement in which a unit is considered fully committed and cannot maneuver or extricate itself. In the absence of outside assistance, the action must be fought to a conclusion and either won or lost with the forces at hand.

decisive point — A geographic place, specific key event, critical system, or function that allows commanders to gain a marked advantage over an enemy and greatly influence the outcome of an attack. See also centers of gravity. (JP 3-0)

deck alert — See ground alert.

declared speed — The continuous speed which a master declares the ship can maintain on a forthcoming voyage under moderate weather conditions having due regard to the ship’s present condition.

declassification — The determination that, in the interests of national security,

classified information no longer requires any degree of protection against unauthorized disclosure, coupled with removal or cancellation of the classification designation.

declassify — (*) To cancel the security classification of an item of classified matter. Also called DECL. See also downgrade.

declination — (*) The angular distance to a body on the celestial sphere measured north or south through 90 degrees from the celestial equator along the hour circle of the body. Comparable to latitude on the terrestrial sphere. See also magnetic declination; magnetic variation.

decompression chamber — See hyperbaric chamber.

decompression sickness — A syndrome, including bends, chokes, neurological disturbances, and collapse, resulting from exposure to reduced ambient pressure and caused by gas bubbles in the tissues, fluids, and blood vessels.

decontamination — (*) The process of making any person, object, or area safe by absorbing, destroying, neutralizing, making harmless, or removing chemical or biological agents, or by removing radioactive material clinging to or around it.

decontamination station — (*) A building or location suitably equipped and organized where personnel and materiel are cleansed of chemical, biological, or radiological contaminants.

decoy — An imitation in any sense of a person, object, or phenomenon which is intended to deceive enemy surveillance devices or mislead enemy evaluation. Also called dummy.

decoy ship — (*) A ship camouflaged as a noncombatant ship with its armament and other fighting equipment hidden and with special provisions for unmasking its weapons quickly. Also called Q-ship.

decrypt — To convert encrypted text into its equivalent plain text by means of a cryptosystem. (This does not include solution by cryptanalysis.) (Note: The term “decrypt” covers the meanings of “decipher” and “decode.”) See also cryptosystem.

deep fording capability — (*) The characteristic of a self-propelled gun or ground vehicle equipped with built-in waterproofing and/or a special waterproofing kit, to negotiate a water obstacle with its wheels or tracks in contact with the ground.

deep minefield — (*) An antisubmarine minefield which is safe for surface ships to cross. See also minefield.

de facto boundary — (*) An international or administrative boundary whose existence and legality is not recognized, but which is a practical division between separate national and provincial administering authorities.

defense area — (*) For any particular command, the area extending from the forward edge of the battle area to its rear boundary. It is here that the decisive defensive battle is fought.

Defense Business Operations Fund — A revolving industrial fund concept for a large number of Defense support functions, including transportation. Utilizes business-like cost accounting to determine total cost of a business activity. Defense Business Operations Fund-Transportation is comprised of those Defense Business

Operations Fund accounts assigned by the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Commander in Chief, United States Transportation Command control. Also called DBOF. (JP 4-01.7)

defense classification — See security classification.

Defense Communications System —

Department of Defense long-haul voice, data, and record traffic system which includes the Defense Data Network, Defense Satellite Communications System, and Defense Switched Network. Also called DCS. See also Defense Data

Network; Defense Switched Network.

(JP 3-07.4)

Defense Data Network — Component of the Defense Communications System used for switching Department of Defense automated data processing systems. Also called DDN. See also Defense

Communications System; Defense Switched Network. (JP 3-07.4)

defense emergency — An emergency condition that exists when: a. a major attack is made upon US forces overseas or on allied forces in any theater and is confirmed by either the commander of a command established by the Secretary of Defense or higher authority; or b. an overt attack of any type is made upon the United States and is confirmed either by the commander of a command established by the Secretary of Defense or higher authority.

defense in depth — The siting of mutually supporting defense positions designed to absorb and progressively weaken attack, prevent initial observations of the whole position by the enemy, and to allow the commander to maneuver the reserve.

defense information infrastructure — The shared or interconnected system of

computers, communications, data applications, security, people, training, and other support structures serving Department of Defense (DOD) local, national, and worldwide information needs. The defense information infrastructure connects DOD mission support, command and control, and intelligence computers through voice, telecommunications, imagery, video, and multimedia services. It provides information processing and services to subscribers over the Defense Information Systems Network and includes command and control, tactical, intelligence, and commercial communications systems used to transmit DOD information. Also called

DII. See also global information infrastructure; information; infrastructure; national information infrastructure. (JP 3-13)

Defense Information Systems Network —

Integrated network, centrally managed and configured to provide long-haul information transfer services for all Department of Defense activities. It is an information transfer utility designed to provide dedicated point-to-point, switched voice and data, imagery, and video teleconferencing services. Also called DISN. (JP 2-01)

defense intelligence production — The integration, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of information from single or multiple sources into finished intelligence for known or anticipated military and related national security consumer requirements. (JP 2-0)

defense message system — Consists of all hardware, software, procedures, standards, facilities, and personnel used to exchange messages electronically.

Defense Meteorological Satellite Program

— Military weather satellite controlled by

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Also called DMSP.

Defense Planning Guidance — This document, issued by the Secretary of Defense, provides firm guidance in the form of goals, priorities, and objectives, including fiscal constraints, for the development of the Program Objective Memorandums by the Military Departments and Defense agencies. Also called DPG.

defense readiness condition — A uniform system of progressive alert postures for use between the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commanders of unified and specified commands and for use by the Services. Defense readiness conditions are graduated to match situations of varying military severity (status of alert). Defense readiness conditions are identified by the short title DEFCON (5), (4), (3), (2), and (1), as appropriate. Also called DEFCON.

Defense Satellite Communications System — Geosynchronous military communications satellites that provide high data rate communications for military forces, diplomatic corps, and the White House. The Defense Satellite Communications System provides longhaul super-high frequency 7/8 gigahertz voice and high data rate communications for fixed and transportable terminals, and extends mobile service to a limited number of ships and aircraft. Also called DSCS.

Defense Support Program — Satellites that provide early warning of missile launches; the first line of defense against missile attack against North America. Also called DSP.

Defense Switched Network — Component of the Defense Communications System that handles Department of Defense voice, data, and video communications. Also called DSN. See also Defense

Communications System; Defense Data

Network. (JP 3-07.4)

Defense Transportation System — That portion of the Nation’s transportation infrastructure that supports Department of Defense common-user transportation needs across the range of military operations. It consists of those common-user military and commercial assets, services, and systems organic to, contracted for, or controlled by the Department of Defense. Also called

DTS. See also common-user transportation; transportation system.

defensive coastal area — (*) A part of a coastal area and of the air, land, and water area adjacent to the coastline within which defense operations may involve land, sea, and air forces.

defensive counterair — All defensive measures designed to detect, identify, intercept, and destroy or negate enemy forces attempting to attack or penetrate the friendly air environment. Also called DCA.

See also counterair; offensive counterair.

(JP 3-01)

defensive information operations — The integration and coordination of policies and procedures, operations, personnel, and technology to protect and defend information and information systems. Defensive information operations are conducted through information assurance, physical security, operations security, counter-deception, counter-psychological operations, counterintelligence, electronic warfare, and special information operations. Defensive information operations ensure timely, accurate, and relevant information access while denying adversaries the opportunity to exploit friendly information and information systems for their own purposes. See also counterintelligence; electronic warfare; information

assurance; information operations; information system; offensive information operations; operations security; physical security; special information operations. (JP 3-13)

defensive minefield — (*) 1. In naval mine warfare, a minefield laid in international waters or international straits with the declared intention of controlling shipping in defense of sea communications. 2. (DOD only) In land mine warfare, a minefield laid in accordance with an established plan to prevent a penetration between positions and to strengthen the defense of the positions themselves. See also minefield.

defensive sea area — A sea area, usually including the approaches to and the waters of important ports, harbors, bays, or sounds, for the control and protection of shipping; for the safeguarding of defense installations bordering on waters of the areas; and for provision of other security measures required within the specified areas. It does not extend seaward beyond the territorial waters. See also maritime control area.

defensive zone — A belt of terrain, generally parallel to the front, that includes two or more organized, or partially organized, battle positions.

defilade — (*) 1. Protection from hostile observation and fire provided by an obstacle such as a hill, ridge, or bank. 2. A vertical distance by which a position is concealed from enemy observation. 3. To shield from enemy fire or observation by using natural or artificial obstacles.

defoliant operation — (*) The employment of defoliating agents on vegetated areas in support of military operations.

defoliating agent — (*) A chemical which causes trees, shrubs, and other plants to shed their leaves prematurely.

degaussing — The process whereby a ship’s magnetic field is reduced by the use of electromagnetic coils, permanent magnets, or other means.

degree of risk — As specified by the commander, the risk to which friendly forces may be subjected from the effects of the detonation of a nuclear weapon used in the attack of a close-in enemy target; acceptable degrees of risk under differing tactical conditions are emergency, moderate, and negligible. See also emergency risk (nuclear); negligible risk (nuclear).

de jure boundary — (*) An international or administrative boundary whose existence and legality is recognized.

delayed entry program — A program under which an individual may enlist in a Reserve Component of a military service and specify a future reporting date for entry on active duty in the Active Component that would coincide with availability of training spaces and with personal plans such as high school graduation. Also called DEP. See also activeduty;ReserveComponents. (JP4-05)

delaying action — See delaying operation.

delaying operation — (*) An operation in which a force under pressure trades space for time by slowing down the enemy’s momentum and inflicting maximum damage on the enemy without, in principle, becoming decisively engaged.

delay release sinker — (*) A sinker which holds a moored mine on the sea-bed for a predetermined time after laying.

delegation of authority — The action by which a commander assigns part of his or her authority commensurate with the assigned task to a subordinate commander. While ultimate responsibility cannot be