If you’ve ever listened to your service member talk and thought they were speaking a completely different language, you’re not alone. The military is packed with acronyms and abbreviations. Some are practical, others downright puzzling. While your partner might rattle them off with ease, you might be quietly Googling terms just to keep up.
Whether you’re new to military life or just need a quick refresher, here’s a breakdown of some commonly used terms to help you decode the conversation.
The Basics: What You’ll Hear Early On
- AAFES – Army and Air Force Exchange Service: Think of it as the military’s department store, operating base exchanges across Army and Air Force installations.
- AIT / A School – Advanced Individual Training: Specialized, hands-on training that service members complete after basic training. The name varies by branch, but the purpose is the same and that is to learn the job they’ve signed up to do.
- ASVAB – Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery: The test that determines a recruit’s eligibility and aptitude for different military career fields.
- DOD – Department of Defense: The government body overseeing all military branches and operations.
- MEPS – Military Entrance Processing Station: Where it all begins—medical checks, paperwork, job assignments, and the official oath.
- MOS – Military Occupational Specialty: Essentially, the military version of a job title.
- OPSEC – Operational Security: The practice of keeping sensitive info safe—especially anything involving missions or movements.
- PT – Physical Training: Staying in shape is part of the job. PT is how service members keep up with fitness standards.
- PX – Post Exchange: The on-base shopping center where military members and their families can shop tax-free.
Chain of Command Terms
- CO – Commanding Officer: The leader in charge of a unit, ship, squadron, or other formation.
- XO – Executive Officer: Second-in-command and right hand to the CO.
- NCO – Noncommissioned Officer: Experienced enlisted leaders like sergeants and petty officers.
- JCS – Joint Chiefs of Staff: Senior military leaders who advise the president and top government officials on defense matters.
Paperwork & Benefits
- BRS – Blended Retirement System: A retirement plan that combines traditional pension benefits with contributions to a retirement savings plan.
- DEERS – Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System: The system used to verify eligibility for military benefits.
- LES – Leave and Earning Statement: A paycheck breakdown showing earnings, leave balance, deductions, and more.
- POC – Point of Contact: The go-to person for info or assistance on a specific matter.
- TRICARE – The military’s healthcare system, covering service members, retirees, and their families.
- TSP – Thrift Savings Plan: A retirement savings option similar to a civilian 401(k), often used in conjunction with the BRS.
Housing & Cost of Living
- BAH – Basic Allowance for Housing: Housing allowance provided when base housing isn’t available.
- OHA – Overseas Housing Allowance: The overseas equivalent of BAH.
- CONUS COLA / OCOLA – Cost of Living Allowance: Financial support to offset high-cost areas—whether you’re stateside (CONUS) or overseas (OCONUS).
- POC (Vehicle) – Privately Owned Conveyance: Just a fancy way of saying your personal car.
Location, Moves & Travel
- CONUS / OCONUS – Continental U.S. / Outside Continental U.S.: Used to distinguish where service members are stationed.
- PCS – Permanent Change of Station: A long-term relocation to a new duty assignment.
- TDY – Temporary Duty Assignment: A short-term assignment in a different location.
- PPM / DITY – Personally Procured Move: When a service member handles their move themselves, potentially saving money and earning reimbursement.
- FOB – Forward Operating Base: A temporary base of operations, often used in combat zones.
Performance Reports
- EER / EPR – Enlisted Evaluation Reports / Enlisted Performance Reports: Used by the Army and Air Force to track performance of enlisted personnel.
- FITREP – Fitness Report: The Navy and Marine Corps version of performance evaluations.
- OER / OPR – Officer Evaluation / Performance Reports: Used by the Army and Air Force for officer evaluations.
Final Word
Adjusting to military life is a journey, and understanding the lingo is one small (but mighty) step in feeling more confident and connected.
Save this article or share it with fellow military spouses, because knowing the difference between a PCS and a TDY might just save you a whole lot of confusion at your next dinner table conversation.
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