Glossary of military abbreviations

List of abbreviations, acronyms and initials related to military subjects such as modern armour, artillery, infantry, and weapons, along with their definitions.

A

* AA – anti-aircraft
* AA – AEGIS Ashore
* AAA – anti-aircraft artillery "Triple A"
* AAAV – Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle
* AAD – Armoured amphibious dozer
* AADC – Area Air Defense Commander
* AAG – Anti-aircraft gun
* AAK – Appliqué armor kit (US)
* AAN – Army after next
* AAP – Advance Authority to Procure
* AAPC – advanced armoured personnel carrier (Turkey)
* AARADCOM – Army Armament Research and Development Command
* AAR – After Action Review
* AAV – Amphibious assault vehicle
* AAV – Assault Amphibious Vehicle
* AAW – Anti-Aircraft Warfare
* AAWC – Anti-Aircraft Warfare Coordinator
* AB – Air burst
* ABC – Atomic, biological, chemical (replaced by chemical, biological, radiological (CBR), and Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC))
* ABC – Automatic brightness control
* AB(C) – Aviation battalion (combat)
* ABIT – Advanced Built-In Test
* ABM – Air Bursting Munition
* ABM – Anti-Ballistic Missile
* ABMD – AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense
* ABMS – air bursting ammunition system
* ABRO – Army Base Repair Organisation
* ABS – Aww-Busting System
* ABS – anti-skid braking system
* ABSP – AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Signal Processor
* ABSV – Armoured Battlegroup Support Vehicle
* A/C – aircraft commander
* AC – alternating current
* ACA – ammunition container assembly
* ACADA' – Automatic Chemical Agent Detector and Alarm
* ACAVP – Advanced Composite Armoured Vehicle Platform (UK)
* ACB – Advanced Capability Build
* ACB/TI – Advanced Capability Baseline/Technical Insertion
* ACC – AEGIS Computer Center
* ACCE – Abrams/Crusader Common Engine
* ACCV – Armored Cavalry Cannon Vehicle (US)
* ACD – Automated Common Diagrams
* ACE – Armored Combat Earthmover (US)
* ACEGIO – Advanced Conversion Equipment Group Input Output
* ACH – Advanced Combat Helmet (MICH TC-2000 Combat Helmet)
* ACLOS – Automatic Command to Line of Sight
* ACM – Acoustic Countermeasures
* ACOG – Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight
* ACOMMS – Acoustic Communications
* ACP – Automatic Colt Pistol
* ACP – Alignment control Panel
* ACPU – Aft Central Processing Unit
* ACR – Advanced Combat Rifle
* ACR – Armored cavalry regiment
* ACRV – Armoured command and reconnaissance vehicle
* ACS – Artillery communications system
* ACS – AEGIS Combat System
* ACS – Air Control Supervisor
* ACSC' – AEGIS Combat Systems Center
* ACTS – AEGIS Combat Training System
* ACU – Army Combat Uniform
* ACU – Antenna Coupler Unit
* ACV – Aardvark Clearing Vehicle
* ACV – Armoured combat vehicle
* ACVT – Armored Combat Vehicle Technology Program (US)
* A/D – Analog to Digital
* ADA – air defense artillery
* ADAM – Area Denial Artillery Munition
* ADAMS – Air Defense Advanced Mobile System (US)
* ADAP – Advanced Digital Antenna Production
* ADATS – Air Defence Anti-Tank System
* ADC-A – Assistant Division Commander – Fire and Maneuver
* ADC-B – Assistant Division Commander – Combat Support
* ADEA – Army Development and Employment Agency
* ADF – Australian Defence Force
* ADG' – Acoustic Display Generator
* ADI – Australian Defence Industries
* ADM – Advanced Development Model
* ADM – Acquisition Decision Memorandum S* ADNS – Automated Digital Network System
* ADS – Advanced Display System
* AE – action express
* AECU – Antenna Environmental Control Unit
* AEF – Allied expeditionary force
* AEP – Action Entry Panel
* AER – Alteration Equivalent to Repair
* AESA – Active electronically scanned array
* AEWC – Airborne Early Warning and Control
* AEV – Armoured engineer vehicle
* AF – Air force
* AF – And Following (as "in DDG-113 AF ships will receive the AMDR Radar")
* AFA/ARA – Aerial field artillery/ aerial rocket artillery (US, Vietnam war era attack helicopter batteries employing 2.75 in. FFAR)
* AFARV – Armored, Forward Area, Re-arm Vehicle (US)
* AFAS – Advanced Field Artillery System
* AFATDS – Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System
* AFC – Australian Flying Corps
* AFCS – automatic fire-control systems
* AFD – automatic feeding device
* AFDL – Advanced Flight Deck Lighting
* AFFF – Aqueous Fire Fighting Foam (smothers fire cutting off oxygen)
* AFSC – Air Force Specialty Code
* AFSV – armoured fire support vehicle
* AFV – Armored Family of Vehicles (US)
* AFV – Armoured fighting vehicle
* AGC – automatic gain control
* AGF – Army Ground Forces
* AGL – Above Ground Level
* AGL – automatic grenade launcher
* AGLS – automatic gun laying system
* AGS – Armored Gun System (US)
* AGS – advanced gun system
* AGV – assault gun vehicle
* AGVT – Advanced Ground Vehicle Technology
* Ah – Ampere hour
* AHC – Attack Helicopter Company (USA)
* AHE – Aircraft Handling Equipment
* AI – Action Item
* AIC – Air Intercept Controller (US Navy)
* AICS – Accuracy International Chassis System
* AICW – Advanced Individual Combat Weapon
* AIF – Australian Imperial Force (Australia, WWI or WWII)
* AIFS – Advanced Indirect Fire System
* AIFV – Armoured infantry fighting vehicle
* AIPS – Advanced Integrated Propulsion System (US)
* AIS – Automatic Identification System (US NAVY)
* AIT – Alteration Installation Team
* AIT – Advanced Information Technology
* AK – Acknowledgement
* ALAAVS – Advanced Light Armored/Amphibious Vehicle System (US)
* ALC – Advanced Land Combat (US)
* ALICE – All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment
* ALO – AEGIS Light Off
* ALS – Advanced laying system
* ALS – Advanced Lighting System (flight deck)
* ALSV – Armoured logistics support vehicle
* ALT – Armoured launching turret
* ALWT – Advanced Lightweight Torpedo
* AM – Acquisition Manager
* AMC – United States Army Materiel Command
* AMC – Advanced Mortar Carrier (Turkey)
* AMCCOM – Armament Munitions and Chemical Command
* AMDR – Air and Missile Defense Radar
* AMDS – Anti-Missile Discarding Sabot
* AMF – Amphibische Mehrzweck-Fahrzeuge (multipurpose amphibious vehicle)
* AML – Automitrailleuse Légère (light armoured car)
* AMLCD – Active-matrix liquid crystal display
* AMN - Afghanistan Mission Network
* AMOS – Advanced mortar system
* AMPS – Afloat Master Planning System (US NAVY)
* AMR – Anti-materiel rifle
* AMR – Automitrailleuse de Reconnaissance
* AMRWS – Advanced multi-role weapon station
* AMS – Armoured mortar system
* AMS-H – Advanced Missile System – Heavy
* AMX – Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux
* ANAD – Anniston Army Depot
* ANZAC – Australia and New Zealand Army Corps
* ANZUS – Australia New Zealand United States Treaty
* AO – Area of operations
* AOI – Arab Organisation for Industrialisation
* AOS – Add-on stabilisation
* AP – Anti-personnel
* AP – Armour-piercing
* APAM – Anti-personnel, anti-matériel
* APBC – Armour-Piercing Ballistic Cap
* APC – Army Personnel Centre
* APC – Armoured personnel carrier
* APC – Armour-piercing capped
* APCBC – Armour-piercing capped ballistic cap
* APC-T – Armour-piercing capped – tracer
* APCT-BF – Armour-piercing capped tracer – base fuze
* APCNR – Armour-piercing composite non-rigid
* APCR – Armour-piercing composite rigid
* APCRBC – Armour-piercing composite rigid ballistic cap
* APDS – Armour-piercing discarding sabot
* APDS-T – Armour-piercing discarding sabot – tracer
* APE – Amphibisches Pionier-Erkundungsfahrzeug (amphibious front-line reconnaissance vehicle)
* APEP – Armour-Piercing Enhancement Programme
* APERS – Anti-personnel
* APERS-T – Anti-personnel tracer
* APFIDS – Armour-piercing fragmentation incendiary discarding sabot
* APFSDS – Armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot
* APFSDS-T – Armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot – tracer
* APFSDS(P) – Armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot (practice)
* APFSDSDU – Armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot, depleted uranium
* APG – Aberdeen Proving Grounds
* APGM – Autonomous precision-guided munition
* APHC – Armour-piercing hard core
* APHE – Armour-piercing high-explosive
* API – Armour-piercing incendiary
* APIT – Armour-piercing incendiary tracer
* APM – Anti-personnel mine
* APS – Advanced propulsion system
* APS – Artillery pointing system
* APSA – Armour-piercing secondary effect
* APSE – Armour-piercing secondary effect
* APSE-T – Armour-piercing secondary effect – tracer
* APT – Armour-piercing tracer
* APTE – Abrams Power Train Evolution (US)
* APU – Auxiliary power unit
* APV – Armoured patrol vehicle
* AR – ArmaLite rifle
* AR/AAV – Armored Reconnaissance/Airborne Assault Vehicle (US)
* ARD – Anti-reflective device
* ARDEC – Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center
* ARDNOT – Automatic day/night optical tracker
* ARE – Atelier de Construction Roanne
* ARETS – Armour Remote Target System
* ARFORGEN – Army force generation
* ARM – Anti-radiation missile
* ARMAD – Armoured and Mechanised Unit Air Defence
* ARMSCOR – Armament Manufacturing Corporation (South Africa)
* ARMVAL – Anti-armor vehicle evaluation (US)
* ARP – Anti-radiation projectile
* ARP – Armoured repair plates
* ARRADCOM – Armament Research and Development Command
* ARRV – Armoured repair and recovery vehicle
* ARSV – Armored Reconnaissance Scout Vehicle (US)
* ART – Armoured Recon Transport
* ARV – Armoured recovery vehicle or Armed Robotic Vehicle (XM1219)
* ASA – Advanced security agency
* ASAP – As soon as possible
* ASARC – Army Systems Acquisition Review Council
* ASCOD – Austrian Spanish Co-operative Development
* ASM – Air-to-Surface Missile
* ASP – Automatic, self-powered
* ASTROS – Artillery Saturation Rocket System (Brazil)
* ASV – Armored Security Vehicle (US)
* ASV – Ammunition supply vehicle
* AT – Anti-tank
* AT – Ape tape
* ATACS – Advanced tank cannon system (US)
* ATAS – Automatic target acquisition system
* ATCAS – Advanced towed cannon system
* ATD – Advanced technology demonstration
* ATD – Advanced technology demonstrator (US)
* ATD – Automatic target detection
* ATDT – Automatic target detection and tracking
* ATDU – Armoured Trials and Development Unit (UK)
* ATFCS – Automated Targeting and Fire Control System
* ATG – Anti-tank gun
* ATGL – Anti-tank grenade launcher
* ATGM – Anti-tank guided missile
* ATGW – Anti-tank guided weapon
* ATK – Alliant Techsystems
* ATLAS – Advanced technology light artillery system
* ATLV – Artillery target location vehicle
* ATM – Anti-tank mine
* ATR – - EDS Automotive test rig – Electric drive system
* ATS – Atelier de Construction de Tarbes
* ATTC – All Terrain Tracked Carrier
* ATTS – Air Transportable Towed System
* ATV – All-terrain vehicle
* ATV – Armoured TOW vehicle (Turkey)
* AUG – Armee Universal Gewehr
* AVGP – Armoured Vehicle General Purpose (Canada)
* AVH – Armoured Vehicle Heavy
* AVL – Armoured Vehicle Light
* AVLB – Armoured vehicle-launched bridge
* AVM – Armoured Vehicle Medium
* AVR – Armoured vehicle reconnaissance
* AVRE – Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers (UK)
* AVT – Advanced Vehicle Technologies (US)
* AWE – Advanced Warfighting Experiment
* AWOL – Absent without official leave
* APC - Armored Personnel Carrier

B

* BAe – British Aerospace
* BAI – Battlefield Air interdiction
* BAMCIS – Begin the Planning, Arrange Recon, Make Recon, Complete Planning, Issue Order, Supervise
* BAR – M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle
* BARCAP – Barrier Combat Air Patrol
* BARV – Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle
* BASE – British Aerospace Systems and Equipment
* BATES – Battlefield Artillery Target Engagement System
* BAT – Biometrics Automated Toolset
* BB – Base bleed
* BB - Battleship
* BBSP – Blowback shifted pulse
* BC – Battery commander
* BC – Battlecruiser
* BCC – battery control centre
* BCP – Battery command post
* BCT – Brigade combat team (US)
* BCT – Basic combat training
* BCV – Battle command vehicle
* BD – base detonating
* BDA – Browning double action or bomb damage assessment
* BDM – Bunker defeat munition
* BDU – Battle dress uniform
* BE – Base ejection
* BFA – Blank-firing adaptor or blank-firing attachment
* BFV – Bradley Fighting Vehicle
* bhp – Brake horsepower
* BIFF – Battlefield identification friend or foe
* BILL – Bofors, infantry, light and lethal, referring to RBS 56 BILL or RBS 56B BILL 2
* BITE – Built-in test equipment
* BL – Blank
* BL-T – Black tracer
* BLITS – Beta lighted infantry telescope system
* BLT – Battalion landing team, BMP-2, BMP-3, etc.
* BMR – Blindado Medio de Ruedas
* BMS – Battalion mortar system
* BMS – Battlefield management system
* BNCC (USAF) – Base network control center
* BNS – BILL night sight
* BOCV – Battery operations centre vehicle
* BOG-Dwell – Boots on the ground – dwell (down time)
* BOL – Bearing-only launch
* BOLTS – Bolt-on loading tray system
* BOSS – Ballistic optimizing shooting system
* BPS – Battery power source
* BSB – Brigade support battalion
* BSP – Bright source protection
* BSSG – Brigade service support group
* BST – Basic skills trainer
* BT – Boat tail
* BT – Bullet trap
* BTA – Best technical approach
* BTRY – Battery
* BTU – Bullet trap universal
* BUA – BILL under armour or built-up area
* BW – Biological warfare
* BX – Bionix AFV

C

* C2 – Command and Control
* C3I – Command, control, communications, and intelligence
* C4 – Composition C-4
* C4ISTAR – Command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance
* C5I – Command, control, communications, computers, collaboration and intelligence
* C6ISR – command, control, communications, computers, cyber-defense, combat systems and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
* CAB – Combat aviation battalion
* CAB - Combat Action Badge
* CAD – Computer-assisted design
* CAG – Commander Air Group
* CAL – Canadian Arsenals Limited
* CAP – Civil air patrol (USAF civilian auxiliary)
* CAP – Combat air patrol
* CAP – Combustible augmented plasma
* CAP – Covering Agent Program
* CARRV – Challenger armoured repair and recovery vehicle
* CAS – Close air support
* CASEVAC – Casualty evacuation
* CAT/FCS – Command adjusted trajectory/fire-control system (US)
* CAT/LCV – Combined arms team/lightweight combat vehicle (US)
* CATT – Combined arms tactical trainer (UK)
* CATT-B – Component Advanced Technology TestBed (US)
* CAV – Composite armored vehicle (US)
* CAWS – Cannon Artillery Weapons Systems (US)
* CAX – Combined Arms Exercise
* CB – Heavy Cruiser
* CBR – Chemical, biological, radiological
* CBRNE – Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive
* CCC – Combustible cartridge case
* CCD – Charge-coupled device
* CCIP – Constantly computed impact point
* CCO – Close combat optic
* CCP - Casualty Collection Point
* CCP – Computer control panel
* CCR – Crown copyright reserved
* CCTV – Closed-circuit television
* CCU – Central control unit
* CCV – Close combat vehicle
* CCV – Command and control vehicle (US)
* CCV-L – Close combat vehicle – light
* cd – candela
* CDA – Combat defensive action
* CDM – Coastal defence missile
* CDU – Command display unit
* CDU – Computer display unit
* CE – Chemical energy
* C/E – Crew/enlisted (enlisted aircrew member)
* CECOM – Communications-electronics command
* CEFO – Combat equipment fighting order (webbing contents)
* CENTCOM – Central Command
* CENTO – Central Treaty Organisation or Baghdad Pact
* CEOI – Communications electronics operating instruction
* CEP – Circular error probable
* CES – Engineer Services Regiment (Sri Lanka)
* CEPP – Controlled effect police projectile
* CET – Combat engineer tractor
* CEU – Computer electronics unit
* CEV – Combat engineer vehicle
* CF – Canadian Forces
* CF – Controlled fragmentation
* CFE – Conventional forces Europe
* CFV – Cavalry fighting vehicle (US)
* CG – Commanding general
* CGS – Crew gunnery simulator
* CHA – Cast homogeneous armour
* CHARM – Challenger Chieftain armament
* CHIP – Challenger improvement programme
* CIFV – Composite infantry fighting vehicle
* CILAS – Compagnie Industrielle des Lasers
* CINC – Commander In-Chief
* CIP – Combat Identification Panel
* CIS – Chartered Industries of Singapore
* CIS – Commonwealth of Independent States
* CITV – Commander's independent thermal viewer (US)
* CIWS – Close-in weapons system
* CL – Light Cruiser
* CLAMS – Clear lane marking system (US)
* CLASS – Computerised Laser Sight System
* CLAWS – Close combat light armor weapon system (US)
* CLGP – Cannon-launched guided projectile (US)
* CLOS – Command to line of sight
* CLU – Command launch unit as used in FGM-148 Javelin
* CM – Colour-marking or "continue mission"
* CMS – Common missile system
* CMS – Compact modular sight
* CMT – Cadmium–mercury telluride
* CMV – Combat mobility vehicle (US)
* CNVD – Clip-on night vision device
* COA – Course Of Action
* COB – Close of Business
* CO – Commanding officer
* COG – Course over ground
* COMVAT – Combat vehicles armament technology (US)
* COMZ – Communications zone
* COP – Combat outpost
* COS – Chief of section
* COSCOM – Corps support command (US Army)
* CofS – Chief of staff
* COTAC – Conduite de Tir Automatique pour Char (tank automatic fire)
* COTS – Commercial-off-the-shelf
* COV – Counter obstacle vehicle (US)
* CP - Command Post
* CP – Concrete-piercing
* CPR – Common practice round
* CPS – Cardinal points specification (UK)
* CPV – Command post vehicle
* CQB – Close quarters battle
* CQBR – Close-quarters battle receiver
* CR – Capability requirement
* CR – Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment
* CRISAT – Collaborative Research into Small Arms Technology
* CRM – Composite risk management (US)
* CROWS – Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station
* CRR – Carro de Reconhecimento Sobre Rodas (reconnaissance tracking scout car)
* CRT – Cathode ray tube
* CRU – Cable reel unit
* CS – Communications subsystem
* CS – Confined space
* CS – Communications squadron (USAF)
* CSB – Combat Support Boat
* CSF – Combined service forces
* CSI – computer-synthesised image
* CSS – Computer sighting system
* CSSD – Combat service support detachment
* CTA – Case telescoped ammunition
* CTD – Concept technology demonstrator
* CTI – Central tyre inflation
* CTIS – Central tyre inflation system
* CTO – Central Treaty Organisation or Baghdad Pact
* CTR – Close Target Recce
* CTRA – Carro de Transporte Sobre Rodas Anfibo (amphibious tracking scout car)
* CTT – Challenger training tank
* CUOPS - Current Operations
* CV – Aircraft Carrier
* CV90 – Combat Vehicle 90
* CVAST – Combat vehicle armament system technology (US)
* CVR(T) – Combat vehicle reconnaissance (tracked) (UK)
* CVR(W) – Combat vehicle reconnaissance (wheeled) (UK)
* CVRDE – Combat vehicle research and development establishment (India)
* CVT – Controlled variable time
* CVTTS – Combat vehicle targeting system
* CW – Chemical warfare
* CWR – Continuous wave radar
* CWS – Cupola weapon station

D

* DA – double action
* DAHA – dual-axis head assembly
* DAO – double action only
* DARCOM – US Army Matériel Development and Readiness Command
* DAREOD – damaged airfield reconnaissance explosive ordnance disposal
* DARPA – Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (US)
* DAS – deep air support
* DAS – defensive aids system/suite
* DASP – demountable artillery surveillance pod
* DC – direct current
* DCA – défense contre avions (anti-aircraft)
* DCCT – dismounted close combat trainer
* DD – Detroit Diesel
* DD – Destroyer
* DDA – Detroit Diesel Allison
* DDS – Department of Defense Support
* DDU – digital display unit
* DEAD – Destruction of Enemy Air Defense
* DECA – digital electronic control assembly
* DEFA – direction des études et fabrications d'armement
* DERA – Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (UK)
* DESO – Defence Export Sales Organisation (UK)
* DFAC – Dining Facility (US)
* DFCS – digital fire-control system
* DFSV – direct fire support vehicle
* DFV – desert fighting vehicle
* DDG – Guided Missile Destroyer
* DHSS – data handling subsystem
* DIA – Defense Intelligence Agency (US)
* DICON – Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria
* DIP – driver instrument panel
* DISA – Defense Information Systems Agency
* DISCOM – division support command
* DIVARTY – division artillery
* DMC – digital magnetic compass
* DMR – Designated marksman rifle
* DMU – distance measurement unit
* DNRS – day/night range sight
* DoD – Department of Defense (US)
* DOIM – Directorate of Information Management (US Army)
* DOP – Department of Productivity
* DP – demonstration purpose
* DP – dual purpose
* DPA – Defence Procurement Agency (UK)
* DPICM – Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (US)
* DPTR – diopter
* DRA – Defence Research Agency (UK)
* DROPS – demountable rack offloading and pick-up system
* DROS – Date of Return Overseas (US)
* DS/T – practice discarding sabot/tracer
* DSACS – direct support armored cannon system (US)
* DSETS – direct support electrical test system
* DSO – Defence Sales Organisation
* DSRV – Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (US)
* DSWS – Division Support Weapon System
* DTAT – Direction Technique des Armements Terrestres
* DTT – driver training tank
* DU – depleted uranium
* DV – demining vehicle
* DVE – driver's vision enhancer
* DWFK – deep water fording kit
* DZ – drop zone

E

* EAAK – Enhanced Appliqué Armor Kit (US)
* EAS – End of Active Service
* EAOS – Enhanced Artillery Observation System
* EBG – Engin Blindé Génie (armoured combat vehicle)
* EBR – Engin Blindé de Reconnaissance (armoured reconnaissance vehicle)
* EBRC – Engine Blindé à roues de Contact
* EC – Enhanced Carbine
* ECB – Engineering and Construction Bulletins
* ECM – Electronic countermeasures
* ECOS – Enhanced Combat Optical Sight
* ECS – Environmental Control Subsystem
* ECV – Enhanced Capacity Vehicle
* EDD – Explosive Detonation Disruption
* EDS – Electric Drive System
* EFAB – Etablissement d'Etudes et de Fabrications d'Armement de Bourges
* EFC – equivalent full charge
* EFCR – equivalent full charge rounds
* EFM – Explosives Factory Maribyrnong
* EFP – Expanded Feasibility Phase
* EFP – Explosively Formed Penetrator
* EFV – Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (New name for AAAV)
* EFVS – Electronic Fighting Vehicle System (US)
* EG – External Gun
* EGLM – Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module
* EI – Engineering and Installation
* EIS – Engineering and Installation Squadron
* EI SIT – Engineering and Installation Site Implementation Team
* ELB – Extended Life Barrel
* ELEC – Electrical, Electric
* ELEK - Electronic
* ELEX – Electronics
* ELKE – Elevated Kinetic Energy Weapon (US)
* ELSAP – Elektronische Schiessanlage für Panzer (electronic fire system for tanks)
* EM – electromagnetic
* EMALS – Electromagnetic Aircraft Launcher System
* EMC – Executive Management Committee
* EMD – Engineering and Manufacturing Development
* EMDG – Euromissile Dynamics Group
* EMEW – Electromagnet Explosive Warhead
* EMG – externally mounted gun
* EMP – electromagnetic pulse
* EMPG – Electromagnetic Pulse Grenade
* ENGESA – Engesa Engenheiros Especializados (Brazil)
* EOC – Essential Operational Capability
* EOD – Explosive Ordnance Disposal
* EOR – Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance
* EOTS – Electro-Optical Targeting System
* EOW - End of Watch
* EPC – Electronic plane conversion
* EPC – Engin Principal de Combat (future main battle tank)
* EPG – Enhanced Performance Grenade
* EPG – European Production Group
* EPG – European Programme Group
* EPS – Electrical Power Subsystem
* EPU – Electronics Processing Unit
* ER – enhanced radiation
* ER – extended range
* ERA – explosive reactive armour
* ERA – extended range ammunition
* ERC – Engin de Reconnaissance Canon
* ERFB – extended range full-bore
* ERFB-BB – extended range full-bore – base bleed
* ERGFCDS – Extended Range Gunnery Fire-Control Demonstration System
* ERGP – extended range guided projectile
* ERMIS – Extended Range Modification Integration System
* ERP – Extended Range Projectile
* ERSC – extended range subcalibre
* ERV – emergency rescue vehicle
* ERV – Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle
* ES – Extreme Spread
* ESAF – Electronic Safety and Arm Function
* ESD – Electronique Serge Dassault
* ESLDE – Eyesafe Laser Daylight Elbow
* ESPAWS – Enhanced Self-Propelled Artillery Weapon System (US)
* ESRS – electro-slag refined steel
* ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival
* ETC – ElectroThermal Cannon
* ETD – Estimated Time of Departure
* ETE – Estimated Time of Endurance
* ETM – Electronic Technical Manuals
* ETS – Elevated TOW System
* ETS – Engineer Tank System
* ETS – End of Term of Service (discharge date) (US)
* EW – electronic warfare
* EWK – Eisenwerke Kaiserslautern Gцppner
* EWS – external weapon station

F

* FAAD – Forward Area Air Defense
* FAAR – Forward Area Alerting Radar (US)
* FAARP – Forward Area Arming & Refueling Point
* FAASV – Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (US)
* FAC – Forward Air Control(er)
* FAC-A – Forward Air Control(er)-Airborne
* FACE – Field Artillery Computer Equipment
* FAL – Fusil Automatique Légère
* FAPDS – Frangible Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot
* FARP – Forward Area Refueling Point
* FARS – field artillery rocket system
* FARV-A – Future Armored Resupply Vehicle – Artillery (US)
* FAST – Forward Area Support Team or Future Assault Shell Technology
* FAV – Fast Attack Vehicle (US)
* FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation
* FBM – Fleet Ballistic Missile
* FBRV – Future Beach Recovery Vehicle (UK)
* FCC – Fire Command Centre
* FCC – Fire-Control Computer
* FCCVS – Future Close-Combat Vehicle System (US)
* FCE – fire-control equipment
* FCLV – Future Command and Liaison Vehicle (UK)
* FCS – fire-control system/subsystem
* FCS – Future Combat System
* FCU – Fire Control Unit
* FDC – fire direction centre
* FDCV – fire direction centre vehicle
* FDSWS – Future Direct Support Weapon System
* FEBA – Forward Edge of the Battle Area
* FEP – Firepower Enhancement Programme
* FET – Future Engineer Tank
* FFAR – Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket
* FFE – Fire for Effect
* FFR – Fitted For Radio
* FFSS – Future Fighting Soldier System
* FFW – Fitted For Wireless
* FG – field gun
* FH – field howitzer
* FIBUA – Fighting In Built-Up Areas
* FID – Foreign Internal Defense
* FIFV – Future Infantry Fighting Vehicle (US)
* FIRM – Floating Integrated Rail Mount
* FIS – Fuze Interface System
* FISH – Fighting In Someone's House (UK) (Colloquial. Slang term for FIBUA)
* FIST – Future Integrated Soldier Technology (UK), Fire Support Team (US)
* FISTV – Fire Support Team Vehicle (US)
* FITOW – Further Improved TOW (US)
* FLEA – Frangible Low-Energy Ammunition (i.e. a fragmentation grenade or a low-yield IED)
* FLIR – forward-looking infra-red
* FLOT – forward line of own troops
* FLSW – Future Light Support Weapon
* FM – U.S. Army Field Manuals
* FM – Titanium tetrachloride (code designation)
* FMBS – Family of Muzzle Brake/Suppressors
* FMC – Food Machinery Corporation
* FMF – Fleet Marine Force
* FMJ – Full Metal Jacket
* FMJBT – Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail
* FMJLF – Full Metal Jacket Lead Free
* FMN - Federated Mission Networking
* FMPDS – Frangible Missile Piercing Discarding Sabot
* FMS – Foreign Military Sales
* FMTV – Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles
* FN – Fabrique Nationale (Manufacturer)
* FNG – Fucking New Guy
* FO – Forward Observer
* FOB – Forward Operating Base
* FOC – Full Operational Capability
* FOD – Foreign Object Damage (i.e., damage not caused by enemy fire. Includes bugs, dirt, etc.) (Aviation)
* FOG – Fibre Optic Gyro
* FOM – Fibre Optic Missile
* FOO – forward observation officer
* FORTIS – Forward Observation and Reconnaissance Thermal Imaging System
* FOTT – Follow On To TOW
* FOV – field of view
* FPA – Focal Plane Array
* FPL – Final Protective Fire
* FRAG – fragmentation
* FRAGO – FRAGmentary Order. (see OPORD)
* FRES – Future Rapid Effect System
* FROG – free rocket over ground
* FSCL – fire support coordination line
* FSCM – fire support coordination measure
* FSCV – fire support combat vehicle
* FS – fire support element
* FSED – full-scale engineering development (US)
* FSSG – Force Service Support Group
* FST – Future Soviet Tank/Follow-on Soviet Tank
* FSV – fire support vehicle
* FSV – Future Scout Vehicle (US)
* FTA – Frangible Training Ammunition
* FTMA – Future Tank Main Armament
* FTS – Future Tank Study
* FTT – Field Tactical Trainer
* FUBAR – Fouled/Fucked Up Beyond All Reason/Recognition/Repair
* FUE – First Unit Equipped
* FUG – Felderitц Usу Gépkosci
* FV – fighting vehicle
* FV/GCE – fighting vehicle gun control equipment
* FVDD – Fighting Vehicle Development Division
* FVRDE – Fighting Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (UK)
* FVS – Fighting Vehicle System (US)
* FVSC – Fighting Vehicle Systems Carrier (US)
* FY – fiscal year

G

* g – gramme(s)
* G – gendarmerie
* GAMA – Gun Automatic Multiple Ammunition
* GAO – General Accounting Office
* GAP – Gun Aiming Post
* GBAD – Ground Based Air Defence
* GCE – gun control equipment
* GCT – Grande Cadence de Tir (high rate of fire)
* GCU – Gun Control Unit
* GCW – Gross Combined Weight (not "Gross Combat Weight"). Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) plus Gross Trailer Weight (GTW).
* GD – General Dynamics
* GDLS – General Dynamics Land Systems
* GDU – Gun Display Unit
* GFE – Government Furnished Equipment
* GH – gun-howitzer
* GIGN-Groupe d'intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale ("National Gendarmerie Intervention Group")
* GIAT – Groupement Industriel des Armements Terrestres
* GL – Grenade Launcher
* GLATGM – Gun Launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile
* GLC – gun lay computer
* GLDNSM – Grenade Launcher Day-Night Sight Mount
* GLH-H – Ground-Launched Hellfire-Heavy (US)
* GLLD – Ground Laser Locator Designator (US)
* GLS – Gesellschaft für Logistischen Service
* GM, MVO – General Motors, Military Vehicle Operations
* GMC – General Motors Corporation
* GMG – Grenade Machine Gun
* GMLRS – Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System
* GMS – Gun Management System
* GND – Ground (electrical)
* GOCO – government-owned, contractor-operated (US)
* GOP – General Out Post
* GP – General Purpose
* GP – guided projectile
* GPMG – General Purpose Machine Gun
* GPO – gun position officer
* GPS – Global Positioning System
* GPS – gunner's primary sight
* GPSS – Gunner's Primary Sight Subsystem
* GR – Gajaba Regiment (Sri Lanka)
* GREM – Grenade Rifle Entry Munition
*GRIT – Group, Range, Indication, Type of fire
* GRU – Glavnoe Razvedyvatel'noe Upravlenie, meaning Main Intelligence Directorate
* GSR – General Staff Requirement (US)
* GSRS – General Support Rocket System
* GSG9- Grenzschutzgruppe 9 der Bundespolizei (Border Protection Group 9 of the Federal Police)
* GSOF – Georgian Special Operations Forces
* GST – General Staff Target
* GST – Gesellschaft fьr System-Technik
* GTCS – Gun Test and Control System
* GTG – Good To Go
* GTI – German Tank Improvement
* GTW – Gross Trailer Weight
* GVW – Gross Vehicle Weight. Curb weight plus max payload weight.
* GW – Gemunu Watch (Sri Lanka)
* GW – guided weapon

H

* h – hour(s)
* H&K – Heckler and Koch
* HAB – Heavy Assault Bridge (US)
* HAB – Heavy Artillery Brigade (UK)
* HAG – Heavy Artillery Gun
* HAHO – High Altitude High Opening
* HALO – High Altitude Low Opening, High Activity/Low Observable
* HAMS – Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron – Marine Aircraft Group (USMC)
* HAWK – Homing-All-the-Way-Killer (US)
* HB – heavy barrel
* HBAR – Heavy Barrel Assault Rifle
* HC – Hexachloroethane/zinc
* HC – high-capacity
* HC – Hollow Charge
* HCER – high-capacity extended range
* HCHE – high-capacity high-explosive
* HCT – HOT Compact Turret
* HDS – HOLOgraphic Diffraction Sight
* HE – high-explosive
* HE-APERS – high-explosive anti-personnel
* HE-FRAG – high-explosive fragmentation
* HE-FRAG-FS – high-explosive fragmentation – fin-stabilised
* HE-FS – high-explosive – fin-stabilised
* HE-S – high-explosive spotting
* HE-T – high-explosive tracer
* HE/PR – high-explosive practice
* HEAA – High-Explosive Anti-Armour
* HEAB – High-Explosive Air Burst
* HEAP – High-Explosive Armor-Piercing
* HEAP-T – high-explosive anti-personnel – tracer
* HEAT – high-explosive anti-tank
* HEAT-FS – high-explosive anti-tank fin-stabilised
* HEAT-MP – high-explosive anti-tank multipurpose
* HEAT-MP(P) – high-explosive anti-tank multipurpose (practice)
* HEAT-T – high-explosive anti-tank – tracer
* HEAT-T-HVY – high-explosive anti-tank – tracer – heavy
* HEAT-T-MP – high-explosive anti-tank – tracer – multipurpose
* HEAT-TP-T – high-explosive anti-tank – target practice – tracer
* HED-D – Hybrid Electric Drive – Demonstrator
* HEDP – high-explosive dual-purpose
* HEER – High-Explosive Extended Range (US)
* HEF – high-explosive fragmentation
* HEFT – High-Explosive Follow Through
* HEI – high-explosive incendiary
* HEIAP – High-explosive incendiary/armor-piercing ammunition
* HEIT – high-explosive incendiary tracer
* HEL – High-Energy Laser (US)
* HEL – Human Engineering Laboratory (US)
* HELP – Howitzer Extended Life Program (US)
* HEMAT – Heavy Expanded Mobility Ammunition Trailer (US)
* HEMP – High-Explosive Multi-Purpose
* HEMTT – Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (US)
* HEP – high-explosive plastic
* HEP-T – high-explosive practice – tracer
* HEPD – high-explosive point detonating
* HERA – high-explosive rocket-assisted
* HESH – high-explosive squash head
* HESH-T – high-explosive squash head – tracer
* HET-PF – high-explosive tracer – percussion fuze
* HETF – High Explosive Time Fuzed
* HETS – Heavy Equipment Transport System
* HFCC – Howitzer Fire-Control Computer (US)
* HFHTB – Human Factors Howitzer TestBed (US)
* HFM – Heavy Force Modernisation (US)
* HIFV – Heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle
* HIMAG – High-Mobility Agility Test Vehicle (US)
* HIMARS – High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (US)
* HIP – Howitzer Improvement Program (US)
* HIRE – Hughes Infrared Equipment
* HITP – High-Ignition Temperature Propellant
* HIU – Heading Indicator Unit
* HMC – Howitzer Motor Carriage
* HMD – Helmet-Mounted Display
* HMG – Heavy Machine Gun
* HMH – Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron
* HMLC – High-Mobility Load Carrier
* HML/A – Marine Light/Attack Helicopter Squadron
* HMM – Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron
* HMMWV – High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle
* HMX – Marine Special Mission Helicopter Squadron
* HOE – Holographic Optical Element
* HOT – Haute subsonique Optiquement Téléguidé
* How – Howitzer
* HP – High Power; Hollow Point
* hp – Horsepower
* HPFP – High-Performance Fragmentation Projectile
* HPS – Helmet Pointing System (or Sight)
* HPT – high-pressure test
* HRU – Heading Reference Unit
* HS – Headquarters Squadron – Marine Wing Support Group (USMC)
* HSS – Hunter Sensor Suite
* HSTV(L) – High-Survivability Test Vehicle (Lightweight) (US)
* HTTB – High-Technology TestBed (US)
* HVAP – high-velocity armour-piercing
* HVAP-T – high-velocity armour-piercing tracer
* HVAPDS – high-velocity armour-piercing discarding sabot
* HVAPDS-T – high-velocity armour-piercing discarding sabot – tracer
* HVAPFSDS – high-velocity armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot
* HVCC – High Velocity Canister Cartridge
* HVM – Hypervelocity Missile
* HVSS – horizontal volute spring suspension
* HVSW – Hypervelocity Support Weapon
* HVTP-T – high-velocity target practice – tracer
* HWSTD – High Water Speed Technology Demonstrator
* HYPAK – Hydraulic Power Assist Kit

I

* I – Incendiary
* IAF - Indian Air Force
* IAFV – infantry armoured fighting vehicle
* IAI – Israel Aircraft Industries
* IAL – Infrared Aiming Light
* IASD – Instant Ammunition Selection Device
* IBAS – Improved Bradley Acquisition System
* ICBM - Intercontinental ballistic missile
* ICC – information co-ordination centre
* ICM – Improved Conventional Munition
* ICM – BB improved conventional munition base bleed
* ICV – Infantry Combat Vehicle
* IDF – Israel Defense Forces
* IDF – Indirect fire
* IDW – Individual Defence Weapon
* IED – Improvised Explosive Device
* IEPG – Independent European Program Group
* IFCS – Improved/Integrated Fire-Control System
* IFF – Identification Friend or Foe
* IFV – infantry fighting vehicle
* IFVwCM – Infantry Fighting Vehicle with Integrated Countermeasures (US)
* IGLS – Individual Grenade Launcher System
* II – image intensification/intensifier
* IIR – Imaging Infra-Red
* ILL – illuminating
* ILMS – Improved Launcher Mechanical System
* ILS – Integrated Logistic Support
* IM – Insensitive Munition(s)
* IMMLC – Improved Medium Mobility Load Carrier
* IMSC - International Maritime Security Construct
* IMU – Inertial Measurement Unit
* INSAS – Indian Small Arms System
* InSb – Indium-antimonide
* INS -Indian Naval ship
* IOC – initial operational capability
* IOF – Indian Ordnance Factory
* IPB – Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
* IPF – Initial Production Facility
* IPO – International Programme Office
* IPPD – Integrated Product Process Development
* IR – Infra-Red
* IRBM – Intermediate-range ballistic missile
* IRU – Inertial Reference Unit
* IS – internal security
* ISD – In Service Date
* ISGU – Integrated Sight and Guidance Unit
* ISR – Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance
* ISU – Integrated Sight Unit
* ISV – Internal Security Vehicle
* ITAS – Improved Target Acquisition System
* ITOW – Improved TOW
* ITPIAL – Infra-red Target Pointer/Illuminator/Aiming Laser
* ITT – Invitation To Tender
* ITV – Improved TOW Vehicle (US)
* IVPDL – Inter-Vehicle Positioning and Data Link (US)
* IW – Individual Weapon
* IWS – Improved Weapon System

J

* JBMoU – Joint Ballistic Memorandum of Understanding
* JDAM – Joint Direct Attack Munition
* JERRV – Joint Engineer Rapid Response Vehicle
* JGSDF – Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force
* JHP – Jacketed hollow point
* JMAC – Joint Medium-calibre Automatic Cannon
*JOIR - Joint Operations Information Range
* JPO – Joint Project Office
* JSC – Joint Steering Committee
* JSCS – Joint Service Combat Shotgun
* JSDFA – Japanese Self-Defence Force Agency
* JSP – Jacketed Soft Point
* JSSAMP – Joint Services Small Arms Master Plan
* JSSAP – Joint Service Small Arms Program

K

* KAAV – Korean Armoured Amphibious Vehicle
* KAC – Knight's Armament Company
* KE – Kinetic energy
* KEC – Kaman Electromagnetics Corporation
* KEM – Kinetic Energy Missile (US)
* kg – kilogramme(s)
* KHA – Killed Hostile Action (US Vietnam War)
* KIA – Killed in Action
* KIFV – Korean Infantry Fighting Vehicle
* KNHA – Killed Non-Hostile Action (US Vietnam War)
* KPA – Korean People's Army

L

* LAAG – light anti-aircraft gun
* LAAM – Light Anti-Aircraft Missile
* LCAC – Landing Craft Air Cushion
* LAD – light aid detachment
* LADS – light air defense system (US)
* LAG – Light Artillery Gun
* LALO – Low Altitude Low Opening
* LAM – Laser Aiming Module
* LAPES – Low-Altitude Parachute Extraction System
* LAR – Light Automatic Rifle
* LASER – Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
* LASIP – Light Artillery System Improvement Plan
* LATS – Light Armoured Turret System
* LAU – Light Armoured Unit
* LAV – Light Armored Vehicle (US)
* LAV – Light Assault Vehicle (US)
* LAV-AD – Light Armored Vehicle – Air Defense
* LAW – Light Anti-tank Weapon
* LB – Long Barrel
* LC – Laser Collimator
* LCD – Liquid crystal display
* LCS – Loader Control System
* LCU – Landing Craft Utility
* LCV – Light Contingency Vehicle (LCV) (US)
* LD – Low drag, Line of Departure
* LE – Law Enforcement
* LED – light emitting diode
* LEP – Life Extension Programme
* LEU – Launcher Erector Unit
* LF – ATGW Light Forces' Anti-Tank Guided Weapon
* LF – Linked Feed
* LFHG – Lightweight Fragmentation Hand Grenade
* LFL – Light Fighter Lethality
* LIA – Linear Induction Accelerator
*LIC – Low Intensity Conflict
* LIMAWS – Lightweight Mobile Artillery Weapon System
* LION – Lightweight Infra-red Observation Night sight
* LIW – Lyttleton Engineering Works
* LKP – Loader Keyboard Panel
* LLAD – low-level air defence
* LLLTV – low light level television
* LLM – Launcher Loader Module
* LMAW – Light Multi-purpose Assault Weapon
* LMG – Light Machine Gun
* LNS – Land Navigation System
* LNS – Laying and Navigation System
* L/O – Liaison Officer
* LOAL – Lock-On After Launch
* LOBL – Lock-On Before Launch
* LOC – Line Of Communication
* LOS – Line Of Sight
* LOSAT – Line Of Sight Anti-Tank
* LP – Liquid Propellant
* LP – Listening Post
* LPC – Launch Pod Container
* LPC – Launcher Pod Carrier
* LPG – Liquid Propellant Gun
* LPO – Leading Petty Officer
* LPT – Low-Profile Turret
* LPTS – Lightweight Protected Turret System
* LR – Long Rifle
* LR – Long-Range
* LRAR – Long Range Artillery Rocket
* LRASS – Long-Range Advanced Scout System
* LRAT – long-range anti-tank
* LRBB – long-range base bleed
* LRD – Long Range Deflagrator
* LRF – laser rangefinder
* LRF – Low Recoil Force
* LRHB – long-range hollow base
* LRIP – Low-Rate Initial Production
* LRM – Laser Rangefinder Module
* LRN – Lead Round Nose
* LRN – Low Recoil NORICUM
* LRRP – Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol
* LRSA – Long Range Sniper Ammunition
* LRSU – Long Range Surveillance Unit
* LRU – Launcher Replenishment Unit
* LRU – Line Replacement Unit
* LRU – Line-Replaceable Unit
* LSAT- Lightweight Small Arms Technologies
* LSB – Landing Support Battalion
* LSS – Lightweight Shotgun System
* LSVW – Light Support Vehicle, Wheeled (Canada)
* LSW – Light Support Weapon
* LTA – Launch Tube Assembly
* LTD – Laser Target Designator
* LTFCS – Laser Tank Fire-Control System
* LTP – Laser Target Pointer, Luminesant Training Projectile
* LUTE – Lightweight Uncooled Thermal Imager Equipment
* LVA – landing vehicle assault (US)
* LVS – Lightweight Video Sight
* LVT – Landing Vehicle Tracked (US)
* LVTC – Landing Vehicle Tracked Command (US)
* LVTE – Landing Vehicle Tracked Engineer (US)
* LVTH – Landing Vehicle Tracked Howitzer (US)
* LVTP – Landing Vehicle Tracked Personnel (US)
* LVTR – Landing Vehicle Tracked Recovery (US)
* LWC – Lead Wad Cutter
* LWIR – Long Wave Infrared
* LWL – LightWeight Launcher
* LWML – LightWeight Multiple Launcher
* LWMS – LightWeight Modular Sight
* LWS – laser warning system
* LWT – light weapon turret
* LZ – landing zone
* LRW – Light Repair Works (Indian Army)

M

* m – metre(s)
* m/s – metres per second
* MAB – Marine Amphibious Brigade
* MABS – Marine Air Base Squadron
* MAC – Medium Armored Car (US)
* MAC – Military Airlift Command
* MACS – Modular Artillery Charge System
* MACS – Marine Air Control Squadron
* MADLS – Mobile Air Defence Launching System
* MAF – Marine Amphibious Force
* MAG – Marine Aircraft Group
* MAGTEC – Marine Air/Ground Training & Education Command
* MAGTF – Marine Air/Ground Task Force
* MAHEM – Magnetohydrodynamic Explosive Munition
* MALOS – Miniature Laser Optical Sight
* MALS – Marine Air Logistics Squadron
* MAMBA – Mobile Artillery Monitoring Battlefield Radar
* MANPADS – Man Portable Air Defense System
* MAOV – Mobile Artillery Observation Vehicle
* MAP – Military Aid Programme
* MAPS – Modular Azimuth Position System
* MAR – Micro Assault Rifle
* MARDI – Mobile Advanced Robotics Defence Initiative (UK)
* MARDIV – Marine Division (US)
* MARS – Military Amateur Radio Station
* MARS – Mini Assault Rifle System
* MARS – Multi-purpose Aiming Reflex Sight
* MARS – Multiple Artillery Rocket System
* MASS – Marine Air Support Squadron
* MATCS – Marine Air Traffic Control Squadron
* MATSG – Marine Air Training Support Group
* MAU(SOC) – Marine Amphibious Unit (Special Operations Capable)
* MAV – maintenance assist vehicle
* MAVD – MLRS Aim Verification Device
* MAW – List of United States Marine Corps aircraft wings, Marine Air Wing (US)
* MBA – main battle area
* MBB – Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, Messerschmitt-Bцlkow-Blohm
* MBC – Mortar Ballistic Computer
* MBT – main battle tank
* MCISRE – Marine Corps Intelligence, Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise
* MCLOS – Manual command to line of sight, Manual Command to Line Of Sight
* MCRV – Mechanised Combat Repair Vehicle
* MCS – Microclimate Conditioning System
* MCS – modular charge system
* MCSK – Mine Clearance System Kit (US)
* MCT – Medium Combat Tractor (US)
* MCT – Mercury cadmium telluride, Mercury Cadmium Telluride
* MCV – Mechanised Combat Vehicle
* MCWL – Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory
* MCWS – Minor Caliber Weapons Station (US)
* MDB – Multi Domain Battle
* MDMP – Military Decision Making Process
* MDU – Map Display Unit
* MEB – Marine expeditionary brigade, Marine Expeditionary Brigade
* MEDEVAC – Medical evacuation, Medical Evacuation
* MEF – Marine expeditionary force, Marine Expeditionary Force
* MENS – Mission Element Need Statement (US)
* MEP – Modular Explosive Penetrator
* MEPS – United States Military Entrance Processing Command, Military Entrance Processing Station
* CENTO, METO – Middle East Treaty Organisation; CENTO or Baghdad Pact
* METL – Mission Essential Task List
* Five paragraph order, METT-TC – Mission, Enemy, Terrain and weather, Troops and support available—Time available, Civilians
* METT-TSL – Mission, Enemy, Terrain and weather, Troops and fire support available - Time available, Space, Logistics
* MEU – Marine expeditionary unit, Marine Expeditionary Unit
* MEU(SOC) – Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable), Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable)
* MEV – medical evacuation vehicle (US)
* MEWS – Mobile Electronic Warfare System
* MEWSS – Mobile Electronic Warfare Support System
* MF – multifunction
* MFC – Mortar Fire Control(ler)
* MFCS – Multi-Fire Control System/Mortar Fore Control System
* MFCV – Missile Fire-Control Vehicle
* MFF – munition filling factory
* MG – machine gun
* MGB – Medium Girder Bridge
* MGL – Multiple Grenade Launcher
* MGS – Mobile Gun System
* MGTS – MultiGun Turret System
* MGU – Mid-course Guidance Unit
* MI – Military intelligence, Military Intelligence
* MIA – Missing in action, Missing In Action
* MICOM – United States Army Aviation and Missile Command, Missile Command (US)
* MICV – Mechanized infantry combat vehicle, Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicle
* MILAN – MILAN, Missile d'Infantrie Léger Antichar (light infantry anti-tank missile)
* MILES – Multiple integrated laser engagement system, Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (US)
* MILSPEC – United States Military Standard, Military Specification
* MILSTD – Military Standard, MILitary STANdard
* MILSTAR – Military Strategic and Tactical Relay, MILitary Strategic and Tactical Relay (US)
* MIPS – Medium Integrated Propulsion System (US)
* MIR - Mechanized Infantry Regiment (Sri Lanka)
* MIRV - Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle
* MLA – Manufacturing Licence Agreement
* MLC – Military Load Classification, Military Load Class
* MLC – Modular Load Carrier
* MLF – Marine Logistics Force
* MLR – Marine Logistics Regiment
* MLI – Mid-Life Improvement
* MLO – Muzzle Loaded Ordnance
* MLRS – M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System, Multiple Launch Rocket System (US)
* mm – millimetre(s)
* MMBF – Mean time between failures, mean miles between failures
* MMG – Medium Machine Gun
* MMS – mast-mounted sight
* MMS – Modular Mounting System
* MNVD – AN/PVS-14, Monocular Night Vision Device
* MoA – Memorandum of Agreement
* MOA – Minute of angle, Minute Of Angle
* MoD – Ministry of defence
* MODA – Ministry of Defence and Aviation
* MOLF – Modular Laser Fire Control (Germany)
* MOLLE – MOLLE, MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment
* MOPP – Mission Oriented Protective Posture (US)
* MOS – United States military occupation code, Military Occupational Specialty (US)
* MoU – Memorandum of understanding, Memorandum of Understanding
* MOUT – Military Operations in Urban Terrain (urban warfare) (US)
* MP – Machine pistol, Machine Pistol
* MP - Military police
* MPBAV – MultiPurpose Base Armoured Vehicle
* MPC – MultiPurpose Carrier (Netherlands)
* MPDS – Missile Piercing Discarding Sabot
* MPGS – Mobile Protected Gun System (US)
* MPI – Mean Point of Impact
* MPIM – MultiPurpose Individual Munition
* MPM – MultiPurpose Munition
* MPS – Maritime Prepositioning Ships (US)
* MPV – Multi Purpose Vehicle, Multi-Purpose Vehicle
* MPWS – Mobile Protected Weapon System (US)
* MR – Medium Range
* MRAP – MRAP, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (Vehicle)
* MRAR – MultiRole Assault Round
* MRAV – MultiRole Armoured Vehicle
* MRBF – Mean time between failures, mean rounds before failure
* MRBS – Mean time between failures, mean rounds between stoppages
* MRE – Meal, Ready-to-Eat, Meal Ready to Eat
* MRS – multiple rocket system
* MRS – muzzle reference system
* MRSI – Multiple round simultaneous impact, Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact
* MRV(R) – Armoured recovery vehicle, Mechanised Recovery Vehicle (Repair)
* MRVR – Armoured recovery vehicle, Mechanised Repair and Recovery Vehicle (US)
* MSSG – MAU/MEU Service Support Group (USMC)
* MSL – Missile
* MSR – Missile Simulation Round
* MSR – Main supply route, Main Supply Route
* MSTAR – Man-portable Surveillance and Target Acquisition Radar
* MSV – Modular Support Vehicle
* MT – mechanical time
* MTB – Mobility TestBed
* MTBF – Mean time between failures, Mean Time Between Failure
* MTI – moving target indication
* MTL – Materials Technology Laboratory (US)
* MTR – Mobile Test Rig (US)
* MTSQ – mechanical time and super-quick
* MTSQ – Mechanical Time Semi-Quick
* MTU – Motoren- und Turbinen-Union
* MTVL – mobile tactical vehicle light
* MUGS – Multipurpose Universal Gunner Sight
* MULE – Modular Universal Laser Equipment (US)
* MUSS – Multifunctional Selfprotection System
* MV – muzzle velocity
* MVEE – Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment (UK)
* MVRS – Muzzle Velocity Radar System
* MWCS – Marine Wing Communications Squadron
* MWHS – Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron
* MWS – Manned Weapon Station (US)
* MWS – Modular weapon system, Modular Weapon System
* MWSG – List of United States Marine Corps wing support groups, Marine Wing Support Group
* MWSS – Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Wing Support Squadron

N

* NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization
* NAVSEA – Naval Sea Systems Command
* NBC – Weapons of mass destruction, Nuclear, Biological, Chemical
* NBMR – NATO Basic Military Requirement
* NCIS – Naval Criminal Investigative Service (US)
* NCO – Non-commissioned officer, Non-Commissioned Officer (US, E-4 – E-9)
* NCOIC – Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge
* NDI – Non-developmental item
* NDU – Navigation Display Unit
* NFOV – Narrow Field Of View
* NG – New/Next Generation
* Ni/Cd – Nickel–cadmium battery, Nickel Cadmium
* NLAW – NLAW, Next Light (weight) Anti-armour Weapon
* NLOS-C – Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon, Non-Line Of Sight-Cannon
* NLOS-M – Non-Line-of-Sight Mortar, Non-Line Of Sight-Mortar
* NOD(s) – Night-vision device, Night Observation Device(s)
* NOTAM – NOTAM, Notice to Airmen
* NRF – NATO Response Force
* NS – Network Services
* NTC – National Training Center (USA)
* NUGP – nominal unit ground pressure
* NV – Night Vision
* NVD – Night vision goggles, Night Vision Device
* NVE – Night-vision device, Night Vision Equipment
* NVESD – Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate
* NVG – Night Vision Goggle
* NVS – Night Vision System
* NZDF – New Zealand Defence Force
* NZEF – New Zealand Expeditionary Force (in WWI & WWII)
* NZSAS - New Zealand Special Air Service

O

* OBR – Beam riding, Optical Beam-Riding
* OCC – Obus à Charge Creusé (Shaped charge, shaped-charge shell)
* OCOKA – Observation and fields of fire, Cover and concealment, Obstacles, Key terrain, and Avenues of Approach.
* OCSW – Objective Crew Served Weapon, Objective Crew-Served Weapon
* OCU – Operational Centre Unit
* ODE – Ordnance Development and Engineering (Singapore)
* OEG – Occluded eye gunsight, Occluded Eye Gunsight (a type of Collimator sight)
* OEO – optical and electro-optical
* OFSA – Objective Family of Small Arms
* OFSA – One size fits all, One Size Fits All
* OFW – Objective Force Warrior
* OHWS – Heckler & Koch Mark 23, Offensive Hand Weapon System
* OIC – Officer commanding, Officer In Charge
* OICW – Objective Individual Combat Weapon
* OOTW – Military operations other than war, Operations Other Than War
* OP – Observation post
* OP – Operators Panel
* OPCON – OPerational CONtrol
* OPDW – Objective Personal Defense Weapon
* OPORD – OPORD, OPerations Order
* OPSEC – Operations security, OPerational SECurity
* OPV – Observation Post Vehicle
* OSW – Objective Sniper Weapon
* OSC – Operation Strategy Command
* OSS (USAF) – Operational Support Squadron
* OSW (USAF) – Operational Support, Weather
* OT – operational test
* OTA – Plunging fire, overflight top attack
* OTEA – Operational Test and Evaluation Agency (US)

P

* P – How pack howitzer
* P-38 — P-38 can opener (US)
* P3I – Pre-Planned Product Improvements
* PAR – pulse acquisition radar
* PAT – power-assisted traverse
*PAWPERSO – Protection, Ammunition, Weapon, Personal Equipment, Radio, Specialist Equipment, Orders
* PC – Personal computer, Personal Computer
* PCB – printed circuit board
* PCC – Police Compact Carbine
* PCI – Pre-combat inspection
* PD – Point-defence, Point Defense
* PD – point detonating
* PD – Point of Departure
* PDNA – Positioning Determining/Navigation Unit
* PDRR – Program Definition and Risk Reduction
* PDW – Personal defense weapon, Personal Defence Weapon
* PE – MoD Procurement Executive (UK)
* PE – Peace enforcement, Peace Enforcement (US DoD)
* PEC – Printed electronic circuit, Printed Electronic Circuits
* PFD – proximity fuze disconnector
* PFHE – prefragmented high-explosive
* PLF – protective line of fire
* PFPX – prefragmented proximity fuzed
* PGMM – Precision Guided Mortar Munition
* PH – Probability of Hit
* Pi – Probability of incapacitation
* PIAT – PIAT, Projector, Infantry, Anti Tank
* PIBD – Point Initiating Base Detonated
* PID – Positive Identification
* PIE – pyrotechnically initiated explosive
* PIP – Product Improvement Programme
* PL – Phase line (cartography), Phase Line
* PLA – People's Liberation Army
* PLARS – Position Location And Reporting System (US)
* PLC – Programmable logic controller, Programmable Logic Control
* PLO – Palestine Liberation Army, Palestinian Liberation Army
* PLOS – Predicted line of sight, Predicted Line Of Sight
* PLS – Palletized Load System (US)
* PM – porte mortier (mortar carrier)
* PM – Product manager, Product Manager
* PMCS – Preventive maintenance checks and services, Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services
* PMEE – Prime Mission Electronic Equipment (USAF)
* PMO – Project management office, Program Management Office (US)
* PMO – Provost Marshall's Office
* PMOD – Platform Modifications
* PMS – Pedestal-Mounted Stinger
* PNU – Position Navigation Unit
* POA&M – Plan Of Action & Milestones
* POF – Pakistan Ordnance Factory
* POG – Person other than Grunt
* POS – Postes Optiques de Surveillance
* POW – Prisoner of war, Prisoner of War
* PPG – PT Parade Games (Bangladesh Cadet Colleges)
* PPI – plan position indicator
* PPS – Precise Positioning Service
*PPV – Protected Patrol Vehicle
* PRAC – practice
* PRAC-T – practice tracer
*PRESAR – Preparation, React to enemy fire, Establish enemy position, Suppress the enemy, Assault, Reorg
* PRI – projector reticle image
* PRP – Personnel Reliability Program (screening and monitoring of individuals with access to "special" weapons)
* PSBC – Platoon Sergeant's Battle Course
* PSD – Propulsion System Demonstrator
* PSO – Peace Support Operations
* PSS – Primary Sight System
* PTO – power take-off
* PVP – Petit Véhicule Protégé
* PW – Prisoner of war, Prisoner of War
* PWI-SR(GR) – Panser Wagen Infanterie-Standaard (Groep)
* PWP – Plasticised White phosphorus munitions, White Phosphorus
* PWR – Power

Q

* QCB – Quick Change Barrel
* QE – Quadrant Elevation
* QRF – Quick reaction force, Quick Reaction Force

R

* RA – Royal Artillery
* RAA – Royal Australian Artillery
* RAAM – Rifle-launched Anti-Armour Munition
* RAAMS – Remote Anti-Armor Mine System (US)
* PABD – Pay Entry Base Date
* RAC – Royal Armoured Corps
* RADIRS – Rapid Deployment Multiple Rocket System (US)
* RAAF – Royal Australian Air Force
* RAE – Royal Aircraft Establishment, Royal Aircraft Establishment (Farnborough)
* RAE – Royal Australian Engineers, Australian Combat Engineers
* RAF – Royal Air Force
* RAM-D – Reliability, availability, and maintainability, reliability, availability, maintainability and durability
* RAN – Royal Australian Navy
* RAO – Rear Area Operations
* RAP – Regimental Aid Post
* RAP – rocket-assisted projectile
* RAPI – Reactive armour, Reactive Armour Protection
* RARDE – Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment (UK)
* RATAC – Radar de Tir pour L'Artillerie de Campagne (radar for field artillery fire)
* RATELO – Radio Telephone Operator
* RAW – Rifleman's Assault Weapon
* RBL – Range and Bearing Launch
* RBOC – Rapid Bloom Offboard Chaff
* RC/MAS – Reserve Component/Modified Armament System
* RCAAS – Remote-Controlled Anti-Armor System (US)
* RCAF – Royal Canadian Air Force
* RCC – ROLAND Coordination Center (US)
* RCWS – Remote controlled weapon station, Remote-Controlled Weapon Station
* RCL – Recoilless rifle
* RCN – Royal Canadian Navy
* RCS – Radar cross-section, Radar Cross Section
* RCT – Regimental combat team, Regimental Combat Team
* RCT – Royal Corps of Transport
* RCV – Robotic Command Vehicle
* RDF – Rapid deployment force, Rapid Deployment Forces
* RDF/LT – Rapid Deployment Force Light Tank (US)
* RDJTF – Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (US)
* RDT&E – Research Development Test and Evaluation
* REME – Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
* REMF – Rear echelon mother fucker, Rear Echelon Mother Fucker
* RF – Rimfire ammunition, Rimfire
* RFA – Royal Field Artillery or Royal Fleet Auxiliary
* RFAS – Russian Federation and Associated States
* RFC – Royal Flying Corps
* RFI – request for information
* RFP – request for proposals
* RFPI – Rapid Force Projection Initiative
* RFQ – Request for quotation, Request For Quotations
* RGGS – Rifle Grenade General Service
* RHA – rolled homogeneous armour
* RHA – Royal Horse Artillery
* RIN – the former Royal Indian Navy
* RIS – Rail Integration System, Rail Interface System
* RISE – Reliability Improved Selected Equipment
* RLC – Royal Logistic Corps
* RLEM – Rifle-Launched Entry Munition
* RLG – Ring laser gyroscope, Ring Laser Gyro
* RLT – Regimental Landing Team
* RMG – ranging machine gun
* RN – Royal Navy
* RNZAF – Royal New Zealand Air Force
* RNZN – Royal New Zealand Navy
* RO – Royal Ordnance
* ROBAT – Robotic Counter-Obstacle Vehicle (US)
* RoC – Taiwan, Republic of China
* ROC – required operational characteristics
* ROE – Rules of engagement, Rules Of Engagement
* ROF – Royal Ordnance Factory (UK)
* ROF – Rate of fire
* RoK – Republic of Korea
* RoKMC – Republic of Korea Marine Corps
* RoKIT – Republic of Korea Indigenous Tank
* ROR – range only radar
* ROTA – Royal Ordnance Training Ammunition
* RP – Allotropes of phosphorus, Red phosphorus
* RP – rocket-propelled
* RP - Regimental police
* RPC – Rocket pod, Rocket Pod Container
* RPG – Rocket-propelled grenade
* RPG – RPG-2, Ruchnoy Protivotankovy Granatomyot
* RPV – Remotely piloted vehicle
* RR – Recoilless rifle
* RRPR – Reduced Range Practice Rocket
* RRT – Radio Recon Team
* RRTR – Reduced Range Training Round
* RSAF – Royal Small Arms Factory (UK) (now closed)
* RSN – Role Specialist Nation (US & NATO)
* RSS – Rosette Scanning Seeker
* RTE – Rifle Team Equipment
* RTO – Radio/Telephone Operator
* RTT – Roues Transporteur de Troupes
* RUC – Royal Ulster Constabulary
* RWS – Remote weapon system (or station)

S

* s – Second, second(s)
* S&W – Smith & Wesson
* SA – Situation Awareness
* SABCA – SABCA, Société Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aéronautiques
* SABR – Selectable Assault Battle Rifle
* Stabilizing Automatic Bomb Sight, SABS – Stabilizing Automatic Bomb Sight
* SAC – Small Arms Collimator
* SACLOS – Semi-automatic command to line of sight, Semi-Automatic Command to Line Of Sight
* SADA – Standard Advanced Dewar Assembly
* SADARM – SADARM, Sense And Destroy Armor (US)
* SADF – SADF, South African Defence Force
* SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers
* SAF – Small Arms Fire
* SAFCS – Small Arms Fire Control System
* SAFIRE – Surface-to-Air Fire
* SAL – semi-active laser
* SAL – search and locate
* SAM – surface-to-air missile
* SAMM – Société d'Applications des Machines Motrices
* SANDF – South African National Defence Force
* SANG – Saudi Arabian National Guard
* SAP – Semi armour-piercing, Semi-Armour-Piercing
* SAPHEI – Semi-armor piercing high explosive incendiary, Semi-Armour-Piercing High Explosive Incendiary
* SAPI – semi-armour-piercing incendiary or Small Arms Protective Insert
* SAR – Search and rescue, Search and Rescue
* SAS – Special Air Service
* SASR – Special Air Service Regiment
* SAS-EAS – Sealed Authenticator System – Emergency Action Procedures (Nuclear Weapons Release Control)
* SASR – Special Application Sniper Rifle
* SAT – Small Arms Trainer
* SATCP – Systиme Anti-aérien à Trиs Courte Portée (very short-range anti-aircraft system)
* SAVA – Standard Army Vectronics Architecture
* SAW – Squad Automatic Weapon
* SAWS – Squad Automatic Weapon System
* SB – Short Barrel
* SCORE – Stratified Charge Omnivorous Rotary Engine
* SCC,-Sea Cadet corps
* SD – self-destruct(ion)
* SEAD – Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses
* SEAL – United States Navy SEALs, Sea/Air/Land
* SEALOCK – SEALOCK, Search, Locate, and Communicate or Kill
* SEATO – Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation
* SEME – School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
* SEN – shell extended range NORICUM
* SEP – Soldier Enhancement Programme
* SF – Special Forces (US/UK)
* SFCS – Simplified Fire-Control System
* SFIM – Société de Fabrication d'Instrument de Mesure
* SFIRR – solid fuel integral rocket/ramjet
* SFM – Sensor Fuzed Munitions
* SFMG – Sustained Fire Machine Gun
* SFSW – Special Forces Support Weapon
* SFW – Special Forces Weapon
* SGTS – Second-Generation Tank Sight
* SH/PRAC – squash head practice
* SHORAD – Short range air defense, Short-Range Air Defence System
* shp – shaft horsepower
* SIC – Second-in-command, Second in Command
* SICPS – Standard Integrated Command Post Systems
* SINCGARS – Single Channel Ground/Air Radio System
* SIP – System Improvement Plan/Programme
* SIPS – Small Integrated Propulsion System
* SITREP – Situation report, Situation Report
* SJFN – Semi-Jacketed Flat Nose
* SJHP – Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point
* SKOT – Sredni Kolowy Opancerzny Transporter (armoured personnel carrier)
* SLA - Sri Lanka Army
* SLAC - Sri Lanka Armoured Corps
* SLAF - Sri Lanka Air Force
* SLAGSE - Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps
* SLAOC - Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps
* SLAPC - Sri Lanka Army Pioneer Corps
* SLASC - Sri Lanka Army Service Corps
* SLAWC - Sri Lanka Army Women's Corps
* SLCG - Sri Lanka Coast Guard
* SLCMP - Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police
* SLE - Sri Lanka Engineers
* SLEME - Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
* SLLI - Sri Lanka Light Infantry
* SLMC - Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps
* SLNG - Sri Lanka National Guard
* SLN - Sri Lanka Navy
* SLRC - Sri Lanka Rifle Corps
* SLSR - Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment
* SLAP – saboted light armor penetrator
* SLAW – Shoulder-Launched Assault Weapon
* SLEP – Service Life Extension Program (US)
* SLR – Self-loading rifle, Self-Loading Rifle
* SLR – Super Low Recoil
* SLWAGL – Super Light Weight Automatic Grenade Launcher
* SM – smoke
* SMAW – Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon, Shoulder-launched Multi-purpose Assault Weapon
* SMG – sub-machine gun
* SMK – Smoke
* SMP – Surface Mine Plough
* SMU – Special Mission Unit
* SNAFU – Situation Normal, All Fouled Up
* SNCO – Staff Non-Commissioned Officer (USMC, E-6 – E-9)
* SNCOIC – Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge (USMC)
* SOCOM – United States Special Operations Command, Special Operations Command
* SOF – Special Operations Forces
* SOG – Speed Over Ground
* SOP – Standard operating procedure, Standing/Standard Operating Procedure(s)
* SOS – Struck Off Strength
* SP – Shore patrol, Shore Patrol
* SP – self-propelled
* SP – Soft-point bullet, Soft Point
* SPAAG – Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon, self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
* SPAAM – self-propelled Antiaircraft warfare, anti-aircraft missile
* SPAG – self-propelled assault gun
* SPARK – solid propellant advanced ramjet kinetic energy missile
* SPAS – Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun, like Franchi SPAS-12, SPAS-12 or Franchi SPAS-15, SPAS-15
* SPATG – self-propelled anti-tank gun
* SPAW – Self-propelled artillery, self-propelled artillery weapon
* SPG – Self-propelled artillery, self-propelled gun
* SPH – Self-propelled artillery, self-propelled howitzer
* SPL – self-propelled launcher
* SPLL – Self-propelled Loader Launcher
* SPLY – Supply
* SPM – Self propelled mortar, self-propelled mortar
* SPP – Special Purpose Pistol
* SPR – Mk 12 Special Purpose Rifle, Special Purpose Rifle
* SPS – Standard Positioning Service
* SPSM – Sensorgezundete Panzerabwehr SubMunition
* SPW – Special Purpose Weapon
* SR – Short Rifle
* SR – Staff Requirement
* SR – Special Reconnaissance
* SRR – Special Reconnaissance Regiment
* SRAW – FGM-172 SRAW, Short Range Assault Weapon
* SRC – Space Research Corporation
* SRG – shell replenishment gear
* SRI – Short Range Insert
* SRTS – Short Range Thermal Sight
* SRU – Shop-replaceable unit, Shop Replaceable Unit
* SRU – Slip Ring Unit
* SRV – Surrogate Research Vehicle (US)
* SS – Submarine
* SSA – Special Spaced Armour
* SSE – Sensitive site exploitation, Sensitive Site Exploitation
* SSG – Single Shot Gun
* SSK – Single Shot Kill
* SSR – Sniper Support Rifle
* SSR – Special Support and Reconnaissance Company (DNK)
* SSW – Squad Support Weapon
* ST6 - SEAL Team Six, Seal Team Six
* ST – Staff Target
* STA – shell transfer arm
* STAB – Steered Agile Beams
* STAFF – Small Target Activated Fire-and-Forget (US)
* STANAG – STANAG, STANdardisation Agreement
* STARTLE – Surveillance and Target Acquisition Radar for Tank Location and Engagement (US)
* STE/ICE – Simplified Test Equipment/Internal Combustion Engine (US)
*STF - Special Task Force (disambiguation), Special Task Force
* STOVL – STOVL, Short Take Off and Vertical Landing
* STUP – spinning tubular projectile
* SUB – SUBstitute
* SUC – Square Ultra Compact
* SUIT – Sight Unit Infantry Trilux
* SUSAT – Sight Unit Small Arms Trilux
* SWARM – Stabilised Weapon and Reconnaissance Mount
* SWAT – Special Weapons And Tactics
* SWC – Semiwadcutter, Semi WadCutter
* SWS – Sniper Weapon System

T

* T – Tracer ammunition, Tracer
* TAAR – Aerial refueling, Tactical Air to Air Refueling
* TACBE – Tactical beacon
* TACMS – MGM-140 ATACMS, Army Tactical Missile System (US)
* TACOM – U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (US)
* TACP - Tactical Air Control Party
* TAD – Temporary Additional Duty (Naval Services term) Temporary duty assignment, Temporary Duty
* TADDS – Target Alert Display Data Set (US)
* TADS – TADS/PNVS, Target Acquisition and Designation System (US)
* TAM – Tanque Argentino Mediano
* TAS – Target Acquisition Subsystem
* TAS – tracking adjunct system
* TAS – Turret Attitude Sensor
* TBAT – TOW/Bushmaster Armored Turret (US)
* TC – Tank Commander, also Truck Commander (US Army)
* TCO – Tactical Combat Operations
* TCTO – Time-Compliance Technical Order
* TCU – tactical control unit
* TD – Tank Destroyer
* TDCS – Tank Driver Command System
* TDD – Target Detection Device
* TDR – Target Data Receiver
* TDY – Temporary duty assignment, Temporary Duty
* TE – Tangent Elevation
* TEL – Transporter-Erector-Launcher
* TELAR – Transporter-Erector-Launcher And Radar
* TES – Tactical Environment Simulation
* TES – target engagement system
* TGMTS – Tank Gunnery Missile Tracking System
* TGP – Terminally Guided Projectile
* TGP – Targeting pod
* TGS – Tank Gun Sight
* TGSM – terminally guided submunition
* TGTS – tank gunnery training simulator
* TI – thermal imaging/imager
* TIC – Troops In Contact
* TICM – thermal imaging common modules
* TIIPS – Thermal Imaging and Integrated Position System
* TIM – Thermal Imaging Module
* TIPU – Thermal Image Processing Units
* TIRE – Tank Infra-Red Elbow
* TIS – Thermal Imaging System, thermal imaging system
* TLC – Transport Launching Container
* TLD – Top Level Demonstrations
* TLE – Treaty Limited Equipment
* TLP – Troop Leading Procedures (US)
* TLR – Tank Laser Rangefinder
* TLS – Tank Laser Sight
* TM&LS – Textron Marine & Land Systems
* TMBC – Turret Management Ballistic Computer
* TMP – Tactical Machine Pistol
* TMS – Turret Modernisation System
* TMUAS – Turreted Mortar Under Armor System (US)
* TNI - ''Indonesian National Armed Forces, Tentara Nasional Indonesia''
* TNT – Trinitrotoluene
* TO – Technical Order
* TOE – Table of organization and equipment, Table of organisation and equipment
* TOGS – Thermal Observation and Gunnery System (UK)
* TOP – Total Obscuring Power
* TOPAS – Transporter Obrneny Pasovy
* TOTE – Tracker, Optical Thermally Enhanced
* TOW – Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire command link guided (US)
* TP – Target practice, Target Practice
* TP-FL – target practice flash
* TP-S – or TPS Target Practice-Spotting/Signature
* TP-SM – target practice – smoke
* TP-SP – target practice – spotting
* TP-T – target practice – tracer
* TPCM – Target Practice Colour-Marking
* TPDS – Target Practice Discarding Sabot
* TPFSDS-T – target practice fin-stabilised discarding sabot – tracer
* TPTF – Target Practice Time Fuzed
* TR – Triple Rail
* TRACER – Tactical Reconnaissance Armoured Combat Equipment Requirement (UK)
* TRACKSTAR – Tracked Search and Target Acquisition Radar System (US)
* TRADOC – United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, Training and Doctrine Command (US)
* TSFCS – Tank Simplified Fire-Control System
* TSQ – time and super-quick
* TSR – Tavor Sporting Rifle
* TT – transport de troupes (troop transporter)
* TTB – Tank TestBed (US)
* TTD – Transformation Technology Demonstrator
* TTG – Time To Go
* TTS – Tank Thermal Sight
* TU – Terminal Unit
* TU – Traversing Unit
* TUA – TOW Under Armor (US)
* TUR – Tiefflieger-Ьberwachungs-Radar (low-level surveillance radar)
* TV – Television
* TWD – Thermal Warning Device
* TWMP – Track Width Mine Plough
* TWS – Thermal weapon sight, Thermal Weapon Sight
* TYDP – Ten Year Defence Programme (Australia)

U

* UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
* UBLE – Armoured vehicle-launched bridge, Universal Bridge Launching Equipment
* UCVP – Universal Combat Vehicle Platform
* UDR – Ulster Defence Regiment
* UET – Universal Engineer Tractor (US)
* UGV – Unmanned Ground Vehicle
* ULC – Unit Load Container
* UMA – Universal Mounting Adapter
* Heckler & Koch UMP, UMP – Universal Machine Pistol
* USA – United States of America/United States Army
* USAADS – U.S. Army Air Defense School
* USAARMS – United States Army Armor School, U.S. Army Armor School
* USAAVNS – U.S. Army Aviation School
* USAAF – United States Army Air Forces
* USAF – United States Air Force
* USCG – United States Coast Guard
* USMC – United States Marine Corps
* USN – United States Navy
* Heckler & Koch USP, USP – Universal Self-loading Pistol
* UTL – Universal Tactical Light
* UTM – Universal Transverse Mercator
* UTS – Universal Turret System
* UV – Ultraviolet
* UW – Urban warfare

V

* V – Volt(s)
* VAB – Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé (front armoured car)
* VAB – Vickers Armoured Bridgelayer
* VADS – VADS (disambiguation), Vulcan Air Defense System (US)
* VAE – Vehiculo Armado Exploracion
* VAK – Vehicle Adaptor Kit
* VAPE – Vehiculo Apoyo y Exploracion
* VARRV – Vickers Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle
* VARV – Vickers Armoured Recovery Vehicle
* VBC – Véhicule Blindé de Combat (armoured combat vehicle)
* VBCI – Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie
* VBIED – Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device
* VBL – Véhicule Blindé Léger (light armoured vehicle)
* VBM – Véhicules Blindés Modulaires
* VBSS – Visit, board, search, and seizure, Visit Board Search Seizure
* VC – Vehicle Commander
* VCA – Véhicule Chenillé d'Accompagnement (tracked support vehicle)
* VCC – Veicolo Corazzato de Combattimento
* VCG – Véhicule de Combat du Genie (armoured engineer vehicle)
* VCI – Véhicule de Combat d'Infanterie; Vehiculo combate infanteria (infantry combat vehicle)
* VCP – Vehicle Check Point
* VCR – variable compression ratio
* VCR – Véhicule de Combat à Roues (wheeled combat vehicle)
* VCR/AT – Véhicule de Combat à Roues/Atelier Technique (salvage)
* VCR/IS – Véhicule de Combat à Roues/Intervention Sanitaire (stretchers)
* VCR/PC – Véhicule de Combat à Roues/Poste de Commandement (HQ)
* VCR/TH – Véhicule de Combat à Roues/Tourelle HOT (turret with four Euromissile HOT, HOT ATGW)
* VCR/TT – Véhicule de Combat à Roues/Transport de Troupes (troop carrier)
* VCTIS – Vehicle Command and Tactical Information System
* VCTM – Vehiculo de Combate Transporte de Mortero (armoured mortar carrier)
* VCTP – Vehiculo de Combate Transporte de Personal (armoured personnel carrier)
* VDA – Véhicule de Défense Anti-aérienne (anti-aircraft defence vehicle)
* VDAA – Véhicule d'Auto-Défense Anti-aérienne
* VDC – Voltage Direct Current
* VDM – viscous damped mount
* VDSL – Vickers Defence Systems Ltd
* VDU – visual display unit
* VEC – Vehiculo de Exploraciòn de Caballerie
* VEDES – Vehicle Exhaust Dust Ejection System (US)
* VERDI – Vehicle Electronics Research Defence Initiative (UK)
* VHIS – visual hit indicator system
* VIB – Véhicule d'Intervention du Base
* VIDS – Vehicle Integrated Defence System
* VINACS – Vehicle Integrated Navigation and Command System
* VIRSS – Visual and InfraRed Smoke Screening System
* VITS – Video Image Tracking Systems
* VLAP – Velocity-enhanced Long-range Artillery Projectile
* VLC – Véhicule Léger de Combat (light armoured car)
* VLI – Visible Light Illuminator
* VLSMS – Volcano mine system, Vehicle-Launched Scatterable Mine System
* VMA – Marine Light Attack Squadron
* VMA(AW) – Marine All-Weather Attack Squadron
* VMBT – Vickers Main Battle Tank
* VMF – Marine Fighter Squadron
* VMFA – Marine Fighter Attack Squadron
* VMFA(AW) – Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron
* VMGR – Marine Aerial Refueler/Transport Squadron
* VMFP – Marine Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron
* VMM – Marine Tilt-rotor (MV-22B) Squadron
* VMU – Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron
* VMR – Marine Transport Squadron
* VMAQ – Marine Electronic Warfare Attack Squadron
* VMS – Vehicle Motion Sensor
* VNAS – Vehicle Navigation Air System
* VRL – Véhicule Reconnaissance Léger (light reconnaissance vehicle)
* VSEL – Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd
* VT – variable time (fuse)
* VTOL – Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft
* VTP – véhicule transport de personnel (personnel carrier)
* VTT – véhicule transport de troupe (troop transporter)
* VVSS – vertical volute spring suspension
* VXB – Véhicule Blindé à Vocations Multiples (multipurpose armoured car)

W

* WAAC – Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (disambiguation), Women's Auxiliary Army Corps and individual members of; obsolete
* WAC – Women's Army Corps and individual members of; obsolete
* WAF – Women (in the) Air Force and individual members of; obsolete
* WAM – Wide Area Mines (US)
* WAMI – Wide-area motion imagery, Wide Area Motion Imagery (US)
* WAPC – Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier (Canada)
* WASAD – Wide Angle Surveillance and Automatic Detection Device
* WAV – Wide Angle Viewing
* WAVES – Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (USN); obsolete
* WES – Wing Engineer Squadron (USMC)
* WFOV – Wide Field Of View
* WFSV – Wheeled Fire Support Vehicle (Canada)
* WHA – Wounded Hostile Action (US Vietnam War)
* WHA – Weapons Head Assembly
* WHSA – Weapons Head Support Assembly
* WLR – Weapon Locating Radar
* WM – Woman/Women Marine(s)
* WMD – Weapon of mass destruction, Weapon(s) of Mass Destruction
* WMRV – Wheeled Maintenance and Recovery Vehicle (Canada)
* WNHA – Wounded Non-Hostile Action (US Vietnam War)
* WP – White phosphorus incendiary, white phosphorus
* WP-T – white phosphorus – tracer
* WSM – Winchester Short Magnum
* WTS – Wing Transportation Squadron (USMC)

X

* XO – Executive officer, Executive Officer

Y

* YMRS – Yugoslav multiple rocket system

Z

* ZULU – Zulu time (timezone equivalent to UTC)

See also

* List of established military terms
* List of military tactics
* Glossary of firearms terminology
* Military Abbreviations www.marx-mil.com by Stefan Marx

References

Armor and Artillery Glossary


* FM 17-97 Cavalry Troop (October 1995)
* FM 5-19 (formerly FM 100–14) Composite Risk Management (21 Aug 2006)

Military abbreviations and Dictionaries

Military acronyms and military abbreviations

{{reflist

Military lists
Glossaries of the military,
Lists of government and military acronyms, Glossary