About the DOD Dictionary of Military Terms

The Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms is one of the most comprehensive reference works about military terms. Published in April 2001 by the Joint Doctrine Division, the current version is now as amended through 17 October 2007. This publication supplements standard English-language dictionaries with standard terminology for military and associated use. The Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms sets forth standard US military and associated terminology to encompass the joint activity of the Armed Forces of the United States in both US joint and allied joint operations, as well as to encompass the Department of Defense (DOD) as a whole. These military and associated terms, together with their definitions, constitute approved DOD terminology for general use by all components of the Department of Defense. Note: an asterisk in parentheses after the term denotes DOD-NATO standardization of terminology.