Army Acronyms

There are hundreds of United States Army-specific acronyms that help the Army function more efficiently. When everyone has a set, condensed lingo to use in action, the response time is quicker and military action is more efficient.  

Although many acronyms have only one meaning, certain troops use special versions of these acronyms. Some actually have several different meanings depending on the context. Soldiers and other Army personnel will understand which phrase the acronym is indicating depending on the situation, time, and place in which the acronym is used.

Learning the Army Acronyms or Abbreviations

Below is only a partial list of acronyms used by the Army. Many of these acronyms are introduced to soldiers and other United States Army personnel during training. There are handbooks, guidebooks, and other resources to help soldiers learn this information so that they can apply it in the field. 

• AAF – Army Airfield
• AAFES – Army and Air Force Exchange Service
• AAM – Army Achievement Medal
• ABN – Airborne
• AMF – Army Modular Force
• ASI – Additional Skill Identifier
• AVF – All-Volunteer Force
• BAH – Basic Allowance for Housing
• CAPE – Corrective Action Through Physical Exercise
• CASVAC – Casualty Evacuation
• CIF – Central Issue Facility
• COA – Course of Action
• CPX – Command Post Exercise
• CTC – Combat Training Center
• CWT – Combat Weather Team
• DRU – Direct Reporting Unit
• EFP – Explosively-Formed Projectile
• EIB – Expert Infantryman’s Badge
• EOD – Explosive Ordinance Disposal
• EXSUM – Executive Summary
• FOA – Field Operating Agency
• FOB – Forward Operating Base
• FTX – Field Training Exercise
• GCM – Good Conduct Medal
• GMC – General Military Course
• HQ – Headquarters
• IED – Improvised Explosive Device
• KIA – Killed In Action
• LZ – Landing Zone
• METL -  Mission Essential Task List
• MOAB – Officially
• MOS – Military Occupational Specialty
• OCR – Officer of Co-Responsibility
• OER – Officer Evaluation Report
• OPORD – Operations Order
• OPSEC – Operational Security
• PIR – Parachute Infantry Regiment
• PLDC – Primary Leadership Development Course
• PLF – Parachute Landing Fall
• PMCS – Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services
• POC – Point of Contact
• POM – Program Objective Memorandum
• POV – Privately Owned Vehicle
• PT – Physical Training
• PW – Prisoner of War
• QRF -  Quick Reaction Force
• RADC – Regional Air Defense Commander
• RIO – Radar Intercept Officer
• SBCT – Stryker Brigade Combat Team
• SOP – Standing Operating Procedure
• SRS – Strategic Readiness System
• STX – Situational Training Exercise
• TC – Tank Commander
• WILCO – Will Comply
• WO – Warning Order
• WP – White Phosphorus
• WSO – Weapons System Officer
• XO – Executive Officer
• ZI – Zone Of Interior

More Information About Army Acronyms

If you are looking for more information about acronyms used within the United States Army contact your local military base and see what information they can legally provide.