The glossary lists acronyms and terms with Army or joint definitions. Where Army and joint definitions differ, (Army) precedes the definition. Terms for which TC 3-21.5 is the proponent are marked with an asterisk (*). The proponent publication for other terms is listed in parentheses after the definition.
Section 1 – Acronyms and Abbreviations
A
AR
Army regulation
ARNG
Army National Guard
ATP
Army techniques publication
C
CAC
Casualty Assistance Center
CAO
casualty assistance officer
CD
compact disc
COT
commanding officer of troops
CSM
command sergeant major
D
DA
Department of the Army
DOD
Department of Defense
F
FM
field manual
M
MCTP
Marine Corps tactical publication
N
NCO
noncommissioned officer
NCOIC
noncommissioned officer in charge
NOK
next of kin
O
OIC
officer in charge
P
PADD
person authorized to direct disposition of human remains
PICAA
preparatory command, intermediate step, command of execution, additional step, and action step
POC
point of contact
R
RC
Reserve Component
RSC
regional support command
S
SOP
standard operating procedure
STARC
state area command
T
TC
training circular
U
U.S.
United States
USAR
United States Army Reserve
Section 2 – Terms
A
*alignment
The arrangement of several elements on the same line.
C
*cadence
The uniform rhythm in which a movement is executed, or the number of steps or counts per minute at which a movement is executed. Drill movements are normally executed at the cadence or quick time or double-time. Quick time is the cadence or 120 counts or steps per minute; double-time is the cadence of 180 counts or steps per minute.
*ceremonies
Formations and movements in which a number of troops execute movements in unison and with precision just as in drill; however, their primary value is to render honors, preserve traditions, and stimulate esprit de corps.
*cordon
A line of Soldiers to honor a dignitary upon entering or exiting from a given place or vehicle.
D
*directive
An oral order given by a commander to direct or cause a subordinate leader or lead element to take action.
*distance
The space between elements when the elements are one behind the other. Between units, it varies with the size of the formation; between individuals, it is an arm’s length to the front plus 6 inches, or about 36 inches, measured from the chest of one Soldier to the back of the Soldier immediately to their front.
*drill
Certain movements by which a unit (or individuals) is moved in a uniform manner from one formation to another or from one place to another. Movements are executed in unison and with precision.
F
*file
A column that has a front of one element.
*formation
The arrangement of elements of a unit in a prescribed manner.
*front
The space from side to side of a formation, including the right and left elements.
I
*interval
–double
The lateral space between Soldiers, measured from right to left by raising both arms shoulder high with the fingers extended and joined (palms down) so that fingertips are touching the fingertips of the Soldiers to the right and to the left.
–normal
The lateral space between Soldiers, measured from right to left by the Soldier on the right holding their left arm shoulder high, fingers and thumb extended and joined with the tip of their middle finger touching the right shoulder of the Soldier to their left.
P
*PICAA
Five-step process used in all marching movement: P-preparatory command, I intermediate step, C-command of execution, A-action step, and A-additional step.
R
*rank
A line that is one element in-depth.
*re-form
A command to restore the previous element or formation (used only during drill instructions).
Next Page : References