Glossary of Military Terms
- ACU (Army Combat Uniform): the standard camouflage uniform worn by the U.S. Army.
- BDU (Battle Dress Uniform): a camouflage uniform used by the U.S. military until it was replaced by the ACU.
- Beret: a soft, round, flat-crowned hat traditionally worn by military personnel as a part of their uniform.
- Boonie hat: a soft, wide-brimmed hat designed to provide sun protection and camouflage.
- Camouflage: a pattern or combination of colors used to make objects or people blend in with their surroundings.
- Combat boots: sturdy boots worn by military personnel for protection and support during combat.
- Condor: a brand that specializes in military-style clothing and equipment.
- Desert camo: a pattern used for uniforms and equipment in desert environments.
- Digital camo: a camouflage pattern made up of small square pixels, used in the U.S. military.
- Dog tag: a pair of identification tags worn by military personnel, which contain important information about the wearer.
- Dress blues: a formal dress uniform worn by the U.S. Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard.
- EDC (Everyday Carry): the items a person carries with them every day, which may include a tactical knife, flashlight, and other military-style gear.
- Fatigues: a term used to describe a military uniform worn for work or everyday duties.
- Fleece: a type of fabric used in military-style clothing, which is warm and lightweight.
- Ghillie suit: a type of camouflage clothing designed to blend in with natural surroundings, often used by snipers.
- Gortex: a waterproof and breathable fabric often used in military-style clothing.
- Hiking boots: boots worn for hiking and outdoor activities, often made with durable materials similar to combat boots.
- IR (Infrared) patches: patches designed to reflect infrared light, used for identification purposes by military personnel.
- Jump boots: high-laced, leather boots worn by paratroopers.
- Kevlar: a material used to make body armor, helmets, and other protective gear.
- Load-bearing equipment: a system used to distribute weight and carry equipment, used by military personnel.
- MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment): a system used to attach equipment to load-bearing gear.
- Multicam: a camouflage pattern used by the U.S. military, designed to work in a variety of environments.
- Nomex: a flame-resistant fabric used in military-style clothing.
- Oakley: a brand of military-style eyewear.
- Olive drab: a greenish-brown color commonly used in military-style clothing.
- Ops-Core: a brand that specializes in helmets and other protective gear for military and law enforcement personnel.
- Paracord: a lightweight, durable cord used for a variety of purposes, often included in survival kits.
- Plate carrier: a vest used to carry body armor plates, worn by military and law enforcement personnel.
- PT (Physical Training) gear: the clothing worn during physical training exercises.
- Rigger belt: a heavy-duty belt used to secure equipment and gear, often worn by military personnel.
- Rothco: a brand that specializes in military-style clothing and gear.
- Scorpion camo: a camouflage pattern used by the U.S. Army.
- Shemagh: a scarf-like head covering used by military personnel for protection from the sun and wind.
- Tactical backpack: a backpack designed for military-style use, often featuring multiple compartments and MOLLE attachment points.
- Tactical gloves: gloves designed for military-style use, often featuring reinforced palms and fingers for durability and protection.
- Tactical pants: pants designed for military-style use, often featuring multiple pockets, reinforced knees, and ripstop fabric.
- Tanto knife: a type of knife with a sharp point and thick blade, often used by military and law enforcement personnel.
- Uniform: a standardized outfit worn by military personnel to identify their branch and rank.
- Utility belt: a belt worn by military personnel to carry various equipment and gear.
- Velcro: a fastening system used in military-style clothing and gear, which allows for quick and easy attachment and detachment.
- Watch cap: a knit cap worn by military personnel for warmth and protection.
- Woodland camo: a pattern used for uniforms and equipment in woodland environments.
- ABU (Airman Battle Uniform): the standard camouflage uniform worn by the U.S. Air Force.
- AOR1 (Area of Responsibility 1): a camouflage pattern used by U.S. Navy SEALs and other special operations forces.
- AOR2 (Area of Responsibility 2): a camouflage pattern used by U.S. Navy SEALs and other special operations forces.
- ASU (Army Service Uniform): the formal dress uniform worn by the U.S. Army.
- Canteen: a container used to carry water or other liquids, often used by military personnel.
- Chest rig: a type of load-bearing equipment worn over the chest, used to carry equipment and gear.
- Combat shirt: a shirt designed for military-style use, often featuring ripstop fabric and reinforced elbows.
- Coyote brown: a color commonly used in military-style clothing and gear.
- Dog tag chain: a chain used to attach dog tags to military personnel.
- Drop leg holster: a holster worn on the leg, often used by military and law enforcement personnel.
- Fleece jacket: a jacket made of fleece fabric, often used as a mid-layer in cold weather.
- Flight suit: a one-piece suit worn by pilots and aircrew members.
- Gaiters: protective coverings worn over the lower legs and ankles, often used in outdoor activities and military-style training.
- Gas mask: a mask used to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful gases or particulates.
- Gore-tex boots: boots made with Gore-tex fabric, which is waterproof and breathable.
- Gortex jacket: a jacket made with Gore-tex fabric, often used as a waterproof and breathable outer layer.
- Grunt: a slang term used to refer to a foot soldier in the military.
- HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle): a military vehicle commonly referred to as a Humvee.
- Kevlar helmet: a helmet made with Kevlar, used to protect the head from ballistic impacts.
- MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat): a type of field ration used by the military.
- Natick: the U.S. Army research and development center for soldier support and sustainment.
- OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern): a camouflage pattern used by the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Space Force.
- OD green: a color commonly used in military-style clothing and gear, also known as olive drab.
- Paratrooper pants: pants worn by paratroopers, often featuring reinforced knees and cargo pockets.
- Patches: embroidered or woven pieces of fabric used to identify military units or individuals.
- Plate carrier vest: a vest worn by military and law enforcement personnel to carry body armor plates.
- Poncho: a large, waterproof covering worn to protect the body and clothing from rain and other elements.
- PT gear: athletic clothing worn for physical training by military personnel.
- Ranger panties: short shorts worn by military personnel for physical training.
- Rank insignia: badges worn on military uniforms to indicate rank and position.
- Riggers belt: a sturdy belt worn by military personnel for rappelling and other tasks.
- Ripstop fabric: a durable fabric commonly used in military-style clothing and gear, designed to prevent tearing or ripping.
- Sapper tab: a special skill badge worn by U.S. Army soldiers who have completed the Sapper Leader Course.
- Shemagh: a type of headscarf worn in Middle Eastern countries and adopted by military personnel for its versatility and protection from sun and sand.
- Smoke grenades: grenades that release smoke, often used for signaling or screening in military operations.
- Soft shell jacket: a jacket made with flexible, lightweight fabric designed for mobility and breathability.
- Special Forces tab: a special skill badge worn by U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers who have completed the Special Forces Qualification Course.
- SpecOps: a term used to describe special operations forces, such as Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Green Berets.
- Steel-toed boots: boots with a reinforced toe designed to protect the feet from heavy objects.
- Tactical vest: a vest worn by military and law enforcement personnel to carry equipment and gear.
- Tank top: a sleeveless shirt worn for physical training by military personnel.
- Tiger stripe camo: a camouflage pattern used by U.S. Special Forces in the Vietnam War.
- Tourniquet: a device used to stop bleeding, commonly carried by military and law enforcement personnel.
- UDT shorts: short shorts worn by U.S. Navy Underwater Demolition Teams in the 1940s and 1950s.
- Uniform code of military justice (UCMJ): a federal law that governs the conduct of military personnel.
- Vietnam War: a conflict that occurred in Vietnam from 1955 to 1975, in which the U.S. military was heavily involved.
- Warfighter: a term used to describe military personnel engaged in combat operations.
- Watch: a timepiece worn by military personnel for timekeeping and coordination.
- Wet weather gear: clothing and equipment designed for use in wet weather conditions.
- Wool blanket: a thick blanket made of wool, often used by military personnel for warmth and insulation.
- Work gloves: gloves worn by military and law enforcement personnel for protection and durability.
- World War I: a global conflict that occurred from 1914 to 1918, in which the U.S. military was involved.
- World War II: a global conflict that occurred from 1939 to 1945, in which the U.S. military played a significant role.
- YKK zippers: high-quality zippers commonly used in military-style clothing and gear.
- Zulu time: a term used in the military to refer to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
- 5.11 Tactical: a popular brand of tactical clothing and gear.
- 550 cord: a type of paracord commonly used in military-style gear for its strength and versatility.