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GLOSSARY OF OPERATIONAL TERMS

JCSC

1. Advance: It is an operation of war carried out to contact, locate and

hold the enemy in position. The various components of a division during the
advance usually are :
a. Covering Troops. Consists of the following :
(1) Mobile Troops. Used for reconnaissance and to
secure important tactical features, e. g. bridges and defiles,
ahead of the advance.
(2) Flank Guard. To watch and protect exposed flanks.

b. Advance Guard. The battalion or the armoured regiment

group sent forward by the leading brigade. Its components are :

(1) Van Guard. The company or squadron sent forward

by the advance guard to protect the main guard.
(2) Main Guard. Advance guard less the van guard.

c. Leading Brigade. The brigade group leading the advance

of the division.

d. Main Body. Everything following the advance guard is called

main body of the brigade or the division.

2. Advance Dressing Station (ADS). A forward medical detachment,

established by a section of a Field Ambulance which is self contained for
operational role of collection, essential treatment, and evacuation of
casualties, from Regimental Aid Posts (RAP). It is sited as far forward as
possible but not within the range of enemy field artillery.

3. Advance Position. A position held in front of the main defensive

position on the enemy’s line of approach by an all arms force deployed on a
broad front to harass and delay the enemy as well as deny information about
own main position. It is different to covering troops which are based upon a
mobile element.

4. Advance to Contact. An offensive operation designed to gain or

re-establish contact with the enemy.

5. Air Control Team (ACT). A team especially organized to direct

close air support strikes in the vicinity of forward ground elements by visual or
other means.

6. Air Defence Weapons Control Status. The degree of fire control

imposed upon Army units having assigned, attached, or organic air defence
weapons. Weapons control status terms normally used are:

a. Weapons Free. Weapons may be fired at any aircraft not

positively identified as friendly. This is the least restrictive of the
weapons controls.
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b. Weapons Tight. Weapons may be fired ONLY at aircraft

positively identified as hostile according to the prevailing hostile criteria.

c. Weapons Hold. Weapons are NOT TO BE FIRED except in

self-defence.

7. A – Echelon. The vehicles and stores of an unit required for

hour to hour replenishment of F- echelon, under unit control.

8. Air Observation Post (Air OP). An army aviation aircraft from

which aerial observation and direction of fire is carried out. It normally
operates at low altitude, behind own forward troops and is flown by an army
aviation officer, under the operational control of the appropriate artillery.

9. Air Superiority. That degree of dominance in the airbattle of one

force over another which permits the conduct of operations by the former and
its related land, sea and air forces at a given time and place without
prohibitive interference by the opposing force.

10. Allocation of Forces. Designation of specific units and other

resources to subordinate commands to carry out a given tactical scheme.
Designation may include assignment, attachment, operational control or direct
support (DS), direct support reinforcing, and general support (GS).

11. All Round Defence. Ability of defender to repel an attack from

any direction, by being organized or sited for all round defence.

12. Alternative Position. A position given to weapon, unit or

individual to be occupied when the main position becomes untenable or
unsuitable for carrying out its task. The alternative position is so selected that
the original and may be an alternative task can be performed.

13. Approach. An area of ground, with distinct characteristics of its

own, which enable it to be used by a force of a given size in its advance to an
objective area. It is not a road or route but may include one or more
depending upon the size of the force using it. Approaches will be considered
in terms of frontage, depth, type and speed of movement, observation , fields
of fire, cover, concealment,

14. Area of Influence. A geographical area wherein a commander is

directly capable of influencing operations, by maneuver of fire support
systems normally under his command or control.

15. Area of Interest . That area of concern to the commander, including

the area of influence, areas adjacent thereto, and extending into enemy
territory to the objectives of current or planned operations. This area also
includes areas occupied by enemy forces who could jeopardize the
accomplishment of the mission .

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16. Area of Operations. That portion of an area of war necessary for

military operations and for the administration of such operations.

17. Area of Responsibility. A defined area of land in which

responsibility is specifically assigned to the commander of the area for the
development and maintenance of installations, control of movement and the
conduct of tactical operations involving troops under his control along with
parallel authority to exercise these functions .

18. Assailable Flank. An exposed enemy flank which is vulnerable to

envelopment. For a flank to be assailable, there must be sufficient manoeuvre
space to accommodate the attacking force.

19. Assembly Area. Area in which troops assemble preparatory to

attack. Here orders are issued, coordination and maintenance and resupply
are arranged to the extent permitted by the time available, As far as possible it
should be away from enemy observation.

20. At Priority Call. A precedence applied to the task to an artillery unit

to provide fire to a formation/unit on a guaranteed basis. Normally observer,
communications and liaison are not provided. An artillery unit in ‘direct
support’ may simultaneously be placed ‘at priority call’ to another unit or
agency for a particular task and /or a specific period of time.

21. Attack. An offensive action characterized by fire and manoeuvre

and culminating in violent assault or, in an attack by fire, in the delivery of
intensive direct fires from an advantageous position. Its purpose is to direct a
decisive blow at the enemy to hold him, destroy him in place, or force him to
capitulate, The various types and forms of attack are:

a. Counter Attack. Attack by a part of defence force, against an

enemy attacking force, for a specific purpose such as regaining lost
ground, and trapping and destroying hostile forces. Counter attacks are
of two types- local and deliberate. They differ in size and as to the level
at which they are launched, and consequently in the time taken to
launch them.

1. Local Counter Attack. An attack organized by a unit or-

unit commander, to destroy local enemy forces who have
penetrated, or threaten to penetrate into his defensive
position/defensive locality, generally using a pre- arranged plan.

2. Deliberate Counter Attack. A planned and coordinated

outer attack organized by a formation commander, employing
his reserve.

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b. Deliberate Attack. A carefully planned and executed

offensive action, in which the various elements to a command are
employed in such as to utilize their powers to the greatest advantage to
the command as a whole.

c. Diversionary Attack. An attack, wherein a force attacks, or

threatens to attack, a target other than the main target, for the purpose
of drawing enemy attention away from the main effort.

d. Feint Attack. An attack which simulates intense activity of a

large scale attack and keeps the enemy guessing about its weight and
time.

e. Holding Attack. Attack designed to hold the enemy in

position, to deceive him as to where the main attack is being made, to
prevent him from reinforcing the elements opposing the main attack
and to cause him to commit his reserves prematurely and at an
indecisive location. Also called Containing attack.

f. Main Attack. The principal attack or effort, into which the

commander throws the full weight of the offensive power at his
disposal, directed against the main objective of the campaign or battle.

g. Mopping Up. The liquidation of remnants of enemy

resistance, in an area that has been surrounded or isolated, or through
which other units have assembled/passed without eliminating all active
resistance.

h. Quick Attack. This differs from the deliberate attack in that,

time being of paramount importance, the attack is mounted with speed
and boldness with available combat elements to achieve results in a
quicker time frame.

j. Spoiling Attack. A tactical manoeuvre employed to impair or

delay a hostile attack. It is normally launched while the enemy is in the
process of forming up or assembling for an attack. Usually employed
by units in defence or in withdrawal by an attack on enemy assembly
area or forming up place (FUP).

k. Attack by Infiltration. When infiltration is the main feature

of an offensive, it will be described as an infiltration attack.

l. Secondary Attack . While a manoeuvre is carried out to launch

the major effort, a secondary attack may also be simultaneously
launched either to exert pressure, to reduce his capability of reacting
against main effort, to deceive him about the main attack or to force
him to commit his reserve in wrong direction.

22. Attrition. The reduction in the effectiveness of a force caused by

loss of personnel and material accrued due to continuous tactical operations.
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23. Axis. A line giving the general direction of movement of tactically

formed body of troops and is assigned for purposes of control. It generally
follows terrain suitable for the size of the force assigned the axis and is often
a road, a group of roads, or a designated series of locations. An axis may not
be followed closely by the advancing or attacking forces but deviations from
an assigned axis must not interfere with the manoeuvre of adjacent forces
without prior approval of the higher commander.

24. Air Interdiction (AI). Air interdiction operations are those operations
conducted to destroy, neutralize, or delay the enemy's military potential before it
can be brought to bear effectively against friendly forces at such distances that
detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of friendly
forces is not required. Within the context of the definition, the enemy's military
potential includes those forces not engaged in close combat, his supplies,
especially those destined for his engaged troops, and the means by which
unengaged forces and supplies are moved. The air interdiction battle is directed
at preventing the enemy moving into, within and out of the area of engaged
forces. Thus, interdiction targets may include troops and vehicle concentrations,
supply trains and convoys, communication centres and headquarters, bridges,
railways, roads and waterways.

25. Armed Reconnaissance. Armed Reconnaissance is an air mission

flown with the primary purpose of locating and attacking targets of opportunity,
ie, enemy materiel, personnel and facilities in assigned general areas or along
assigned ground communication routes, and not for the purpose of attacking
specifically briefed targets.

26. Air Supremacy. Supremacy generally means the complete control of the
air or the ability to operate friendly air forces anywhere without opposition. The
air supremacy is a desirable goal, but many factors may make this impossible or
uneconomical to achieve.

27. Air Neutrality. This is also expressed as air parity, meaning neither side
has sufficient control of the air to operate without great danger.

28. Allotment. Allotment is the temporary change of assignment of tactical

air forces between sub-ordinate commands. Normally it is the allocation of air
units to different theatres of operations. The authority to allot is vested in the
JCC.

29. Allocation. The translation of the apportionment into total number of

sorties by aircraft type available for each operation/task. This is generally done
by Air Headquarters/Air Component Headquarters.

30. Air Support. All forms of support given by air forces to land and naval
forces.

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31. Backloading Point. A location in which equipment casualties

requiring repairs in workshops of a higher echelon are collected prior to
backloading by recovery resources of a higher formation.

32. Battle Drill. The routine movement or actions carried out by crews
or subunits on a command or signal and executed the same way under every
condition.

33. Battlfield illumination. The lighting of the battle area by artificial

light either visible to the naked eye.

34. Battlefield surveillance. A continuous and systematic observation /

scanning of battlefield area by day and night, under all weather conditions by
visual, electronic and other means for obtaining intelligence/and or early
warning.

35. Battle Procedure. A sequence of actions taken at various levels to

ensure that command is exercised and deployment effected, with minimum
delay, with minimum orders and with maximum efficiency.

36. Beach Head. A designated area on a hostile shore which when

seized and held, ensures the continuous landing of troops and projected
operations ashore. It is the physical objective of an Amphibious Operation.

37. Be Prepared Mission. It is a mission other than the primary one

laid down in the orders designed to deal with one or more probable situations.
It allows more flexibility in planning and increases capability to meet with
sudden changes in a tactical situation.

38. B-Echelon. The vehicles and men of an unit not required at short
notice in battle ; i. e. those not included in F and A echelons.

39. Blocking Position. A defensive position so sited as to deny the

enemy access to given area or to prevent his advance in a given direction.

40. Boat Assembly Area. An area designated for assembling empty

landing craft prior to being called alongside a ship for loading.

41. Boat Hide. If the carry from the boat off loading point to the water
obstacle is too long to be accomplished in one night, it will be necessary to
carry the boats part of the way during the night, previous to the assault and to
conceal them for the day in boat hide.

42. Boat Off Loading Point. The place where assault equipment
is off
loaded from its vehicles. The off loading point will be as far forward as
vehicles can reasonably go. This will normally be forward of the assembly
area but short of the Forming Up Place.

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43. Bomb Line. A line designated by the appropriate ground force
commander and accepted by the commander of the supporting air force as a
troop safety measure for attacks by friendly aircraft. It must be easily
identifiable, well defined terrain features. Beyond this line, air forces are free
to attack any target.

44. Break In. The initial phase of an offensive against a prepared

defence. This involves the securing of bridgeheads across an obstacle.

45. Break Out. The phase of an offensive which takes place after the
enemy’s main defence have been breached and the attacking force passed
through to disrupt and destroy the enemy.

46. Breakthrough. A rupturing of the enemy’s forward defenses that

occurs as a result of a penetration. A breakthrough permits the passage of an
exploitation force.

47. Bridgehead. An area of ground, in a territory occupied or

threatened by the enemy, which must be held or at least controlled, so as to
permit the continuous embarkation, landing or crossing of troops and material,
and/or to provide manoeuvre space requisite for subsequent operations. It is
established to prevent aimed small arms fire and observed artillery fire by the
enemy on to the crossing places.

48. Bypass. Manoeuvring around an obstacle, position, or enemy

force in order to maintain the momentum of advance. Previously unreported
obstacles are reported to higher headquarters. Bypassed enemy forces must
be reported to higher headquarters.

49. Battles. Battles consist of a series of related engagements. Battles last

longer than engagements, involve larger forces and often produce decisions that
affect the subsequent course of the campaign. Battles occur when large forces
- divisions, brigades, squadrons and groups of ships commit themselves to fight
for significant goals.

50. Canalize. To restrict operations to a narrow zone by use of existing

or reinforcing obstacle or by fire or bombing.

51. Clandestine Operation. An activity to accomplish intelligence,

counter intelligence, and other similar activities sponsored or conducted in
such a way as to assure secrecy or concealment.

52. Cleared Route. A route cleared by a designated formation during

an advance, against which the enemy cannot bring direct fire. It must be kept
clear of the enemy by the designated formation until the responsibility is
handed over to another formation.

53. Clean Break. This implies that withdrawing troops break contact
with enemy and reach the new main defence/predestinated area without
getting involved in a running battle.
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54. Close Air Support. Air action against hostile targets which are in
close proximity to friendly forces and which require detailed integration of
each air mission with the fire and movement of those forces.

55. Close Support. That action of the supporting force against targets
or objectives which are sufficiently near the supported force as to require
detailed integration or co-ordination with the fire, movement, or other actions
of the supported force.

56. Combat Team. A combat team is a sub-unit of a battle group,

usually consisting of armour and infantry, commanded by a squadron or
company commander.

57. Command and Control (C2).

a. In Direct Support. An artillery unit placed in direct support of

a unit or formation has its fire guaranteed to that unit or formation. It
provides liaison, communications and observation for the utilization of
its fire. Its commander is the main adviser to the supported commander
on the employment of all available fire support. Authority to order the
guns to move into or out of action remains with higher artillery HQ.

b. In Support. Any artillery whose fire is available but not

guaranteed, to a unit or formation said to be in support of that unit or
formation. Such artillery constitutes a reserve of fire in the hands of the
commander. In the attack however, artillery given in support will give
guaranteed fire unless a clause is attached.

c. Under Command. A formation or unit may be permanently

or temporarily placed under complete operational and administrative
control of a specific commander but may be subjected to limitations
imposed by order, such as under command for move.

d. Operational Command. The authority granted to a

commander, to assign missions or tasks to subordinate commanders,
and to retain or delegate operational and/or tactical control, as may be
deemed necessary. It does not itself include administrative command
or logistical responsibility.

e. Operational Control. The authority granted to a

commander to direct forces assigned so that the commander may
accomplish specific mission or task, to deploy units concerned, and to
retain or assign tactical control of those units. It does not include
authority to a sign separate employment of components of the units
concerned. Neither does it, of itself, include administrative or logistic
control.

58. Consolidation of Position. Organizing and strengthening a

newly captured position so that it can be used against the enemy.

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59. Contingency Plan. A plan for contingencies which can
reasonably be anticipated in an area of responsibility.

60. Counter Bombardment. It is the type of fire delivered by artillery

against enemy guns or mortars to neutralize or destroy them.

61. Covering Fire.

a. Fire used to protect troops when they are within range of enemy
small arms.

b. In amphibious usage, fire delivered prior to the landing to cover

preparatory operations such as underwater demolition or
minesweeping.
c. The aim of covering fire is the neutralization of enemy small
arms and anti-tank weapons which can engage the assaulting troops in
an attack. It should always be planned in advance whatever the scale
of the operation, It may be controlled by observation, it may be in
accordance with timed program or on call of the attacking troops, or a
combination of the last two.

62. C-vehicle. A wheeled or tracked item of earth moving equipment,

either self propelled or towed; all self mobile, self steering, purpose-made
cranes, cable laying ploughs; all industrial and agricultural tractors and rough
terrain fork lift tractors excluding warehouse tractors.

63. Close Air Support (CAS). Close Air Support is air actions against
hostile targets, which are in close proximity to friendly forces and which require
detailed integration of each air mission with the fire and movement of those
forces.

64. Command. Command is the authority that a commander in the military

service lawfully exercises over subordinates by virtue of rank and assignment.
Command includes the authority and responsibility for effectively using available
resources for planning the employment of, organizing, directing, co-ordinating
and controlling military forces for the accomplishment of assigned missions. It
also includes responsibility for health, welfare, morale and discipline of assigned
personnel.

65. Close Support. Is that action of the supporting force against targets or
objectives which are sufficiently near the supported force as to require detailed
integration or co-ordination of the supporting action with the fire, movement, or
other action with the supported force.

66. Campaign. A campaign is a series of joint actions designed to attain a

strategic objective in a theatre of war or theatre of operation. It is usually
planned by JCC/JFHQ.

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67. Culminating Point. Unless it is strategically decisive, every offensive
operation will sooner or later reach a point where the strength of the attacker no
longer significantly exceeds that of the defender, and beyond which continued
offensive operations therefore risk over-extension, counter attack, and defeat.
In operational theory, this point is called the culminating point.

68. Communication Zone. This is an area between the base/s and the rear
boundary of the higher tactical formations.

69. D-Day. The day on which an operation commences or is due to

commence. This may be the commencement of hostilities or any other
operation.

70. Dead Ground. Ground which one can not see from one’s position
is called dead ground. This means that ground can only be described as dead
in relation to the position of an observer as explained above.

71. a. Deliberate Defence. A defence, normally organized when

out of contact with the enemy or when contact with the enemy is not
imminent and adequate time is available for preparation of defences.

b. Hasty Defence. A defence, normally organized while in

contact with the enemy or when contact is imminent and the time
available is limited.

c. Mobile Defenfe. In this, primary reliance is placed on the use

of mobile elements and fires for offensive action. In mobile defence
minimum force is employed around nodal point (may be strong
points/fortifications)in the forward areas and strong mobile reserve are
held in the rear. The decisive action in this is fought within the defence
area accepting a temporary loss of the ground, The enemy is so
contained within the defence area that his destruction is facilitated.

d. Area Defence. Defence in which the bulk of the

defending force, is disposed in selected tactical localities, where the
decisive battle is to be fought; principal reliance being placed on the
ability to the forces in the defended localities to maintain their position,
and to control the terrain between them.

72. Defence Area. For any particular command, the area extending
from the forward edge of the battle area to its rear boundary. Its is here that
the decisive defensive battle is fought.

73. Defence in Depth. The siting of mutually supporting defence positions

designed to absorb and progressively weaken attack, prevent initial
observations of the whole position by the enemy and to allow the commander
to manoeuvre his reserve.

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74. Defended Area. An area of operational responsibility containing a
group of mutually supporting localities organized in depth. An enemy who
penetrates into it or passed round the flank will be engaged by the fire of all
weapons that can be brought to bear on him.

75. Defended Post. The position held by a small sub unit such as an
infantry section or platoon. Post are grouped together in mutual support to
from a defended locality.

76. a. Defensive Fire in Depth. Fire delivered into the depth of

enemy positions with the aim of disorganizing his preparations for an
attack and causing casualties to his reserves.

b. Close Defensive Fire. Fire delivered close in front of the

forward defensive locations with the aim of breaking up the attack at
the formingup place or start line or during the actual assault.

c. Defensive Fire (SOS). Fire that can be brought down

immediately on the most dangerous approaches in areas close to own
forward defended localities. When called for in response to SOS signal,
the aim is to breakup an enemy’s assault. Guns and mortars are kept
laid on a defensive fire (SOS) when not engaged elsewhere.

77. Defiladed Position. A position which is protected naturally

from observation and fire of flat trajectory weapons.

78. 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.

79. Delaying position. Position taken to slow down the advance of the
enemy without being decisively engaged. A position from where delaying
actions can be carried out.

80. Deliberate Breaching. The creation of a lane through a minefield,

or a clear route through a barrier or fortification, which is systematically
planned and carried out.

81. a. Preliminary Demolition. The demolition of an object which

is not required by our own troops in carrying out their tactical plan, but
which must be denied to the enemy, It will normally be below as soon
as it is prepared but may sometimes be deferred for reasons of security
by the formation commander. Most of the demolitions are included in
this category because it presents fewer difficulties of command and
control at all level.

b. Reserved Demolitions. A demolition which must be

specifically controlled, either because it plays a vital part in the tactical
or strategical plan or on account of structure itself.

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82. a. State of Readiness 1 (SAFE). All charges are prepared and
securely fixed to target and all firing circuits are completed but not
connected. Detonators (if used) are not connected with charges.

b. State of Readiness 2 (ARMED). Demolition is ready for

immediate firing, Risk of premature firing is accepted. All firing circuits
are connected to the means of firing.

83. Dispersal Area.

a. An area in which troops, vehicles, guns, and other materiel are

widely spread, as a protective measure against enemy fire or bombing.

b. In amphibious operations, the area in which landing craft circle

in the vicinity of the mother ship while waiting to be loaded with men or
supplies.

84. Diversionary Attack. An attack wherein a force attacks, or

threatens to attack, a target other than the main target for the purpose of
drawing enemy attention away from the main effort.

85. Direct Support. Is a mission requiring a force to support another

specific force and authorizing it to answer directly the supported force's request
for assistance.

86. Engagements. Engagements are small conflicts between opposed

manoeuvre forces. Covering forces, patrols, units in defence and units
advancing to contact fight engagements when they encounter the enemy.
Engagements are normally conflicts of a few hours duration fought between
battalions, companies, naval squadrons and ships. Such engagements may or
may not bring on battle.

87. a. ‘F’ Echelon. The vehicles and men of a unit who are not
required in the action.

b. ‘A’ Echelon. The vehicles and men of a unit who are not
required to take part in action but which must be readily available to
support the ‘F’ Echelon.

c. ‘A1’/’A2’ Echelon (Armoured/ Mechanised Units). A1

echelon carries the immediate requirement of the regiment and A2
carries replenishment for its A1 echelon.

d. ‘B’ Echelon. Administrative vehicles and men of an unit, not

required to take part in actions, such as cookhouse and
quartermasters’ sores.

88. E-Day. The day on which an exercise commences.

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89. Effective Range. The maximum distance at which a weapon may be
expected to fire accurately to inflict casualties or damage.

90. Encirclement. The loss of manoeuvre freedom resulting from

enemy control of all ground routes of evacuation and reinforcement.

91. Encounter Crossing. A crossing over an obstacle, usually a water

obstacles, which is lightly held by the enemy. The momentum of the advance
is maintained by forcing, a passage across the obstacle by every available
means.

92. Envelopment. A form of offensive manoeuvre in which the main

effort is directed against the flanks of the main enemy position or towards an
objective to the rear of the enemy. It usually contains a secondary attack
directed against the enemy’s front.

93. Exploitation.
a. Taking full advantage of success in battle and following up initial
gains.

b. Taking full advantage of any information that has come to hand

for tactical or strategic purposes.
c. An offensive operation that usually follows a successful attack
and is designed to disorganize the enemy in depth.

94. Feint.

a. A show of force intended to mislead the enemy. It normally

consists of a shallow, limited objective attack executed by a small
portion of the total force.

b. In river crossing operations, a show of force by a small portion of

the assault force with a limited objective attack on the far side of the
river intended to deceive the enemy as to the exact location of the
actual crossing sites.

95. F- Echelon. The vehicles and men of a unit required in action.

96. a. Harassing Fire . Fire employed with a view to reducing the

enemy’s morale by interfering with his movement of troops and
supplies and by allowing him no rest and to force him to deploy early
and thus lose time.

b. Neutralization Fire. Fire to prevent the enemy from

making effective use of his weapons by forcing him to take cover. This
fire is also aimed at disorganizing his system of command and
damaging his equipment.

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c. Preparatory Bombardment. Bombardment which precedes
the main attack to inflict casualties, destroy enemy’s defensive works,
weapons and material, to disrupt his communications and to
demoralize the defenders.

97. Forward Air Controller (FAC). The FAC is an individual who, from a
forward position, directs the action of combat aircraft engaged in Close Air
Support of land forces. The FAC may operate from the ground or from an
aircraft. Primary FACs are provided by the air force while the secondary FACs
generally come from the army.

98. Favourable Air Situation. Where air supremacy cannot be achieved

the objective of an air force will be to establish and maintain a degree of air
superiority which may be limited in time and space.

99. Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT). The FLOT is a line, which
indicates the most forward positions of friendly forces in any kind of military
operation at a specific time.

100. Fire Support Co-ordination Line (FSCL). The FSCL is a line

established by the appropriate ground commander to ensure co-ordination of
fire not under his control but which may affect current tactical operations. The
FSCL is used to co-ordinate the fires of air, ground or sea weapons systems
using any type of ammunition against surface targets. It should follow well-
defined terrain features. The establishment of the FSCL must be co-ordinated
with the appropriate tactical air command and all supporting elements.

101. Ground Liaison Officers (GLOs). GLOs are officers of the land force
appointed to represent the land forces at wings or squadrons. Air
Reconnaissance Liaison Officers (ARLOs) are specialized GLOs. It is essential
that a clear responsibility is placed on the operations/intelligence staff at the
appropriate land force level of command to ensure that GLOs have an up-to-
date picture of land force operations.

102. Harbour.

a. An area in which a tank unit or sub-unit concentrates for any

length of time for rest, refit and maintenance.
b. An area used in an advance by the main body where a unit or a
sub-unit can halt till it can be moved forward.

103. Hasty Crossing. A crossing of a river or stream using crossing

means at hand or readily available without pausing to make elaborate
preparations.

104. Hostile Battery. Consists of any number of enemy artillery pieces

which appear to be controlled by one command post.

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105. Interdiction. To isolate or seal off an area by any means ; to
deny use of a route or approach or to prevent, hinder, or delay the use of an
area or route by enemy forces.

106. Intermediate Position. During a withdrawal a position designed to

delay the enemy advance and to allow more time for the preparation of the
new main position in the rear. The intermediate position should be far enough
back so that to attack it the enemy is forced to redeploy his artillery.

107. Invest. This is an offensive maneuver designed to isolate and

dominate an objective, in order to facilitate its capture. It entails positioning of
a mobile reserve to deal with enemy reinforcements, or his attempts to get
away. It includes driving in minor opposition and domination of enemy
defences by fire and observation.

108. Key Terrain. Any locality, or area, the seizure or retention of

which affords a marked advantage to either combatant.

109. Killing Ground. An area of ground inside a defended zone or

sector not occupied by our own troops and into which it is planned to canalize
enemy penetration and destroy his armour or infantry. The enemy is
shepherded into the killing ground by obstacle or fire.

110. Killing Zone. An area in which a commander plans to force the

enemy to concentrate so as to destroy him with conventional weapons or the
tactical employment of nuclear weapons.

111. Limit of Penetration. The limit of penetration is a tactical

alignment which would generally follow well defined features beyond which
any penetration by the enemy could endanger the commanders plan for
defence. The reaction to restore the situation either by counter attack or
counter penetration, would depend on the type of terrain, the defensive
posture and the commanders design of the defence battle.

112. Local Air Superiority. The objective of local air superiority is to

establish basic air freedom of movement over a limited area for a finite period of
time.

113. Limited War. This is an armed conflict between two or more nations.
The intensity is below that of total war; means and/or ends are constrained.

114. Low Intensity Conflict. This is a limited politico-military struggle to

achieve political, social, economic and/or psychological objectives. It is often
protracted and it ranges from diplomatic, economic and psychological pressures
through terrorism and insurgency. Low intensity conflict is generally confined to
a geographic area and is often characterized by constraints on weaponry,
tactics and level of violence.

115. Main Attack. The principal attack or effort into which the
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commander throws the full weight of the offensive power at his disposal. An
attack directed against the chief objective of the campaign or battle.

116. Main Effort. The main effort is directed against the decisive
objective and must be given first priority in allocation of resources. It must be
provided with the means to gain decisive local superiority and to maintain
momentum.

117. Main Supply route. The route or routes designated within an area
of operation upon which the bulk of traffic flows in support of military
operations.

118. Marrying Up. Is that process where co-operating forces co-

ordinate various details of the forthcoming operation. The process ensures
that:
a. Correct sub-units of both tanks and infantry are launched into
battle as planned.
b. Personnel of all arms know each other and plan together.
c. Methods of target indication are tied up thoroughly.
d. Communications between tanks, infantry and other supporting
arms are working satisfactorily. Time taken to complete the marrying up
will depend on the state of training of participating units.

119. Minefields.

a. Protective. A protective minefield one employed to assist a

unit in its local, close in protection.

b. Defensive. A Defensive minefield is one laid, in accordance

with the divisional plan, to defeat penetration between positions
occupied by units of company, battalion or brigade size and to
strengthen the defence of the position themselves.

c. Barrier. A barrier minefield is one laid to block enemy

attacks in selected areas, specially to the flanks, and to deflect his
approach into other selected areas.

d. Nuisance. A nuisance minefield is one laid to delay and

disorganize the enemy and to hinder his use of and area or route. It
usually consists of isolated groups of mixed mines, often laid in dead
ground or in bottlenecks which the enemy must cross, or areas which
he is likely to use.

e. Phoney. An area of ground used to simulate a minefield

with the object of deceiving the enemy.

f. Tactical. These are laid in conjunction with natural objects,

to guide or force the enemy into chosen killing ground, and to disrupt
his abvance along the main approaches to the defence.
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120. Minefield Gap (Land mine Warfare). A portion of a minefield, in

which no mines have been laid, or specified width to enable a friendly force to
pass through the minefield in tactical formation.

121. Minefield Lane. An unmined (or demined) route through any

minefield, of specified width (normally eight yards) suitably marked.

122. Mutual Support.

`
a. That support which units render each other against an enemy,
because of their assigned tasks, their position relative to each other
and to the enemy, and their inherent capabilities.

b. The ability of one defended post or defended locality to bring fire

to bear upon the enemy attacking a neighboring post or defended
locality. Units and sub-units are considered to be mutually supporting
when their immediate fronts are so covered by fire from the
neighboring units/sub-units that the enemy is unable to mount attack
upon one without being subjected to direct fire from another.

123. Military Strategy. Military strategy is the art and science of employing
the armed forces of a nation to attain the national security objectives by the
application or threat of force. It is founded on national security strategy.

124. Mutual Support. It is that support which units render each other against
an enemy because of their assigned tasks, their position relative to each other
and to the enemy, and their inherent capabilities.

125. Major Operations. Major operation comprises the co-ordinated actions

of large forces - usually divisions, echelons above divisions, naval task forces
and flotillas - in a single phase of a campaign.

126. N Hour. The time planned for the explosion of the first of a series
of tactical nuclear weapons, as part of a specific ground force operation, or in
the case of single strike, the time planned for that explosion.

127. National Interest. Interests are central to any discussion of international

relations and national strategy, because a state uses the term interests to signal
its desires and intentions to other states.

128. National Objectives. These are similar to interests, but they tend to be
more tangible, easier to change and often designed as means used to attain
interests.

129. National Policies. These are patterns of action designed to attain

specific objectives. In military terms, a policy is simply a course of action.
Several alternative courses of action could be developed to secure an objective.
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130. National Power. It is sum total of all available national resources –

geographic, political, military, economic, informational and national will. National
strategy is formed by a careful orchestration of these resources to produce a
synergistic effect to attain the national objective.

131. National Strategy. National strategy fuses all elements of national

power (geography, political, military, economy, information and national will) to
attain national interests and objectives. Within this context, there is an overall
political strategy, which addresses both international and internal issues; a
national security strategy; an economic strategy, both foreign and domestic; an
informational/media strategy and so on. Each component influences national
security immediately or tangentially.

132. Out Flanking. The movement of a force onto an enemy flank or

rear without penetration his position.

133. Operational Command (OPCOM). OPCOM is the authority to perform

those functions of command involving the composition of the subordinate forces,
assignment of tasks, designation of objectives and authoritative direction
necessary to accomplish the mission. OPCOM includes directive authority for
logistics and joint training.

134. Operational Control (OPCON). The authority delegated to a

commander to perform those functions of command over subordinate forces
involving the composition of subordinate forces, the assignment of tasks, the
designation of objectives and the authoritative direction necessary to accomplish
the mission. OPCON includes directive authority for joint training.

135. Operational Level. Commanders at operational level employ

operational art for the employment of military forces to attain strategic goals in a
theatre of war or theatre of operation through the design, organization and
conduct of campaigns and major operations.

136. Perimeter Defence. A defence without an exposed flank,

consisting of forces deployed along the perimeter of the defended area.

137. Preliminary Demolition . The demolition of an object which is not

required by out own troops in carrying out their tactical plan, but which must
be denied to the enemy. It will normally be blown as soon as it is prepared,
but may sometimes be deferred for reasons of security by the formation
commander. Most of the demolitions are included in this category because it
presents fewer difficulties of command and control at all levels.

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138. Protective Detachments. Those elements of a defending force
which are placed outside the defensive position on the enemy’s line of
approach with the object of gaining information, harassing and delaying the
enemy. These are the following types of protective detachments:
a. Reconnaissance elements.
b. Covering troops or advance position.
c. Screens.

139. Railhead. A point on a railway where loads are transferred between

trains and other means of transport.

140. Rear Party. Troops who, in a withdrawal remain in position in the

forward defended localities until the time for final abandonment is reached, in
order to prevent a quick follow up by the enemy.

141. Reconnaissance.

a. Strategic Reconnaissance. A type of

reconnaissance, which aims at getting information, which may
influence the general conduct of the campaign. This is normally
carried out from the air in areas of ground, beyond striking
distance of the ground forces.

b. Tactical Reconnaissance. A type of

reconnaissance which aims at obtaining information from the
enemy’s movements and dispositions on which is based the
plan for a particular operation. It is carried out in areas of ground
where enemy ground forces are within striking distance. It is
divided into medium and close reconnaissance.

(1) Medium Reconnaissance. Primarily

carried out by the air force or by highly mobile army units
upto the extreme limit of striking distance or radius of
action.

(2) Close Reconnaissance. Reconnaissance

carried out immediately ahead of our forward troops to
obtain detailed information of the ground and of the
enemy’s location, strength and movements.

142. Reconnaissance in Force. Reconnaissance in force is a limited

objective attack launched to gain information and assess the strength of the
enemy’s position. The size of the force employed will depend on the task,
enemy terrain and availability of own troops. The force must be strong enough
to make the enemy react to the attack and thus disclose his location,
disposition and strength.

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143. Report Line. An imaginary line, having no tactical significance,
recognizable on the map and on ground, arranged if possible, to follow
well defined features, laid down by the higher commander to retain
control and assist in coordination. In an advanced operation, sub-units,
units or formations report their arrival on reaching the report line but do
not halt.

144. Spoiling Attack. A tactical manoeuvre employed to impair

seriously a hostile attack while the enemy is in the process of forming
up or assembling for an attack.

145. Strategy. The science and technique of planning on a large scale

for the most advantageous employment of military forces and material.

146. Strategic Nuclear Weapon. They include nuclear weapons

designed to be used on the strategic plane. They are not necessarily
the weapons considered adequate to destroy the enemy’s strategic
and counter value targets at the longest ranges . These include nuclear
weapons launched by ballistic missiles from the surface, from
submarine and by long range strategic bombers.

147. Strong Point. A key point is defensive position, usually strongly

fortified and heavily armed with automatic weapons, around which other
positions are grouped for its protection.

148. Superimposed. A term used in fire planning to indicate that an

artillery unit is augmenting fire on a target and its fire may be lifted from
that target by the authority implicit in its fire support role.

149. Support.

a. The action of a force that aids, protects, complements, or sustains

another force in accordance with a directive requiring such action.

b. A unit which helps another unit in battle. Aviation, artillery, or naval

gunfire may be used as a support for infantry.

c. An element of a command which assists, protects, or supplies

other forces in combat.

150. Strategic Level. Military strategy is the art and science of employing the
armed forces of a nation to secure policy objectives by the application or threat
of force. Military strategy sets the fundamental conditions of operations of war
or to deter war. It establishes goals in theatres of war and theatres of operations.
It assigns forces, provides assets and imposes conditions on the use of force.
Strategy derived from policy must be clearly understood to be the sole
authoritative basis of all operations.

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151. Strategic Guidance. This is provided by the Prime Minister to the JCC
basing on the national security strategies. Usually it is given in the form of
operational directive. Three elements of strategic guidance are critical to the
design and conduct of military operations. They are aims, resources, and
limiting
factors. The JCC formulates military strategy basing on the strategic guidance
provided by the Prime Minister.

152. Strategic Aim. It is a component of the strategic guidance provided by

the Prime Minister.

153. Strategic Objective. The strategic objective/s for the theatre of war
is/are selected by the JCC basing on the strategic aim provided in the strategic
guidance. When there is more than one theatre of operation, the strategic
objectives in each theatre of operation contribute to the attainment of the
strategic objective/s of the theatre of war. Generally, the strategic objectives of
the theatres of operations are given by the JCC.

154. Staging. During a campaign, lines of communication will often become

over-extended. This may require the staging of logistic bases forward as the
combat forces advance; or the rapid evacuation of those bases if friendly forces
withdraw.

155. Tactical Nuclear Weapons. These are smaller yield nuclear

weapons of upto 50 kiloton and below which are used to destroy military
targets in the tactical battle area and nuclear imply a localised use. This
includes weapons of fractional yield e. g. kilo ton which can be fired through
artillery guns (such as 8” howitzer, 203 milimeter heavy gun and the 155
milimeter gun/howitzer). Larger yield tactical nuclear weapons can be
mounted on short range ballistic missiles or delivered or target by aircraft. Air
defence missiles (ADMs) also fall into this category.

156. Tank Hide. These are prepared positions which tank occupy when
in anti-tank role. These positions are completely concealed from which tanks
move out by using covered approaches to previously reconnoitered positions
and fire on the pre-arranged area. These hides are not the actual fire
positions.

157. Terrain Analysis. The process of interpreting a geographical area

to determine the effect of the natural and man made features on military
operations. This includes the influence of weather and climate on those
features.

158. Theater of Operations. That portion of land, sea or air areas which
is required for military operations ; usually divided into a combat zone and a
communications zone.

159. Thinning Out. The process by which a unit or formation

withdraws from a position in contact with the enemy. The process works
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down-wards and from rear to front.

160. Trafficability. Capability of terrain to bear traffic. It refers to the

extent to which the terrain will permit continued movement of any and/or all
types of traffic.

161. Turning Movement. A variation of the envelopment in which the

attacking force passes around or over the enemy’s principal defensive
positions in order to secure objectives deep in the enemy’s rear and force the
enemy to abandon his position or divert major forces to meet the threat.

162. Theatre Strategy. This is a component of the overall military strategy

that attains theatre strategic objectives.

163. Tactical Air Reconnaissance (TAR). Air Reconnaissance is the

acquisition of intelligence information by visual observation and/or by sensors in
air vehicles. Tactical air reconnaissance operations are directed towards
satisfying the requirement of a combined force commander or component
commander engaged in surface and tactical air operations.

164. Tactical Control (TACON). The detailed and usually local direction and
control of movements or manoeuvres necessary to accomplish missions or
tasks assigned.

165. Total War. It is armed conflict between two or more nations. Each
belligerent employs his total resources and the survival of a major belligerent
may be in jeopardy.

166. Tactical Level. While operational art sets the objectives and pattern of
military activities, tactics is the art by which division and smaller unit
commanders translate potential combat power into victorious battles and
engagements.

167. The Centre of Gravity. It is that characteristic, capability, or locality from

which a military force derives its freedom of action, physical strength, or will to
fight. Clausewitz defined it as `the hub of all power and movement, on which
everything depends'. Its destruction is or should be the focus of all operations.

168. Theatre of War. A theatre of war is a geographical area within which

land, sea, and air operations are directed toward a common strategic aim.
Typically, but not invariably, operations within single theatre of war are directed
against a single adversary or coalition of adversaries.

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169. Theatre of Operation. Within the theatre of war, the JCC may be faced
with conducting operations along one or several lines of operations. All are
conducted within a common theatre strategic framework, but each may be
operationally autonomous by virtue of geography, the threat or the nature of
operations. In such cases, the JCC may divide the theatre of war into several
theatres of operations, appointing a subordinate JFHQ to command and control
each.

170. Vehicle.

a. A-Vehicle. A tracked or wheeled armoured combat land

vehicle primarily designed for offensive purposes and a specialist
vehicle derived from these basic designs.

b. B-Vehicle. A tracked or wheeled land vehicle, self- propelled

or towed, commercial or general service, which is not primarily
designed for offensive purposes and which is not otherwise specially
defined.

c. C-Vehicle. A wheeled or tracked item of earth moving

equipment, either self-propelled or towed; all self mobile, self steering,
purpose made cranes, cable laying ploughs; all industrial and
agricultural tractors and rough terrain fork lift tractors excluding ware
house tractors.

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HANDOUT ON GLOSSARY OF OPERATIONAL

TERMS
TACTICS WING

Compiled By : Capt Abden,Tac Wg

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