The military has a language of its own…we’re breaking it down so you’re not totally blindsided at your next military event.
We know we’re missing some branch-specific abbreviations – leave them in the comments so we can add ’em!
Bookmark this page and reference it any time you need it. (We’re not judging…)
AAFES – Army and Air Force Exchange Service
ABU – Air Battle Uniform
AD – Active Duty
AWOL – Absent WithOut Leave
BAH – Basic Allowance for Housing
BAS – Basic Allowance for Subsistence
BCGs – Birth Control Glasses
BDU – Battle Dress Uniform
BOLC – Basic Officer Leader Course
BT – Basic Training
BZ – Bravo Zulu, congrats!
Chit– Request or Voucher
CINC – Commander in Chief
CDC – Child Development Center
CO – Commanding Officer
COLA – Cost of Living Allowance
CONUS – Continental United States
DEERS – Defense Enrollment Eligibility enRollment System
DFAC – Dining Facility – “Mess Hall” is the common slang for that.
DITY – Do-It-Yourself Move
DoD – Department of Defense
EM – Enlisted Member
ETA – Expected Time of Arrival
FCP – Family Care Program
FRG – Family Readiness Group
HHG – Household Goods
IED – Improvised Explosive Device
JAG – Judge Advocate General’s Corps
KIA – Killed In Action
KISS – Keep it Simple Stupid
LES – Leave and Earning Statement
LT – Lieutenant
MEPS – Military Entrance Processing Center
MIA – Missing In Action
Milso – Military Significant Other – YOU!
MP – Military Police
MOS – Military Occupational Speciality
NCO – Non-Commissioned Officer
OCONUS – Outside of Continental United States
OIC -Officer In Charge
OPR – Officer Performance Report
OPSEC – Operational Security
OTS/OCS – Officer Training School/Officer Candidate School
PCS – Permanent Change of Station
PERSEC – Personal Security
PFT – Physical Fitness Test
POA – Power of Attorney
POV – Personally Owned Vehicle
POW – Prisoner of War
PPM – Personal Procured Move
PT – Physical Training
ROTC – Reserve Officer Training Corps
SGLI– Service member’s Group Life Insurance.
SNAFU – Situation Normal All ****ed Up
SO – Significant Other
TDY – Temporary Duty
TLF – Temporary Living Facility
TSP – Thrift Savings Plan
UOTD – Uniform of the Day
USAF – United States Air Force
USCG – United States Coast Guard
USMC – United States Marine Corps
USN – United States Navy
VA – Department of Veteran Affairs
WILCO – Will Comply
WO – Warrant Officer
XO – Executive Officer
