Page 162 - NS-2 Textbook

Glossary

ABM TREATY -Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty negotiated CALIBER -in naval guns up to three inches in diameter,
between the United States and the USSR in 1972. the diameter of the bore in inches or millhneters; itl
ALLIANCE-a formal pact among nations in a common guns larger than tlu'ee inches, the length of the glm in
cause. inches divided by the bore diameter.
AMMUNITION DUMP-storage facility for military CAMPAIGN-a series of military operations under-
ammunition and other munitions. taken to achieve a specific objective within a given
AMPHIBIOUS INVASION-an attack lalillched from geographic area.
the sea by naval forces embarked in ships or craft. CEASE-FIRE AGREEMENT -an agreement to suspend
ANCHORAGE-an area assigned for anchoring ships. active hostilities; a truce.
ANTISUBMARINE WARFARE (ASW)-older term for COALITION -an alliance, especially a temporary one,
all methods used against enemy submarines. Now of factions, parties, or nations.
called IIlldersea walfare (USW). COLLIER-a ship designed to replenish coal-burning
ANZAC-the military forces of New Zealand and Aus- ships.
tralia. COMBINED OPERATIONS-military operations in-
ARMISTICE-a temporary cessation or suspension of volving the use of several branches of one military
hostilities by mutual consent. service acting together, such as gI·ound, air) and
ARTILLERY BARRAGE-a series of projectiles fired at a seaborne.
target area, usually on land, from large-caliber land COMMANDO-a small fighting force especially trained
guns such as howitzers and cannons. for making quick, destructive raids against enemy-
ATTRITION-a gradual diminution in number or held areas.
strength due to the application of constant stress. COMMISSION-to put a ship into active service; a mili-
BANZAI CHARGE-a desperate, suicidal attack used tary rank granted by action of the national government.
by Japanese troops in World War II. COMMUNISM-a social-governmental system charac-
BARRAGE-heavy curtain of artillery fire placed in terized by an absence of classes and by conunon own-
front of friendly troops to screen and protect them. ership of the means of production.
BEACHHEAD-the initial objective of an amphibious CONVOY -a group of merchant ships or naval auxil-
assault. A section of enemy coast, -which, after cap- iaries, or both, usually escorted by ,varships and air-
tilTe, will be used for the continuous landing of troops craft.
and equipment in an amphibious operation. COUNTERATTACK-a return attack against an enemy.
BELLIGERENT -an opponent or nation engaged in COUNTERBATTERY -shore battery fire directed at an
warfare against another. attacking warship.
BLITZKRIEG-a swift, sudden military offensive, usu- COUP D'ETAT-a violent takeover of a government by
ally by combined air and land forces. force.
BLOCKADE-a naval operation wherein ships are pre- CRISIS-an incident or sititation involving a threat to
vented from entering or leaving certain ports or areas. the United States, its territories, and its possessions
BRIDGEHEAD-a military position established by ad- that rapidly develops and creates a condition of such
vanced components of an ell€filY force on one side of diplomatic, political, or militmy importance to the
a bridge, river, or pass. U.S. government that the conunitrnent of U.s. mili-
BROADSIDE-simultaneous firing of all main battery tary forces and resources is contemplated to achieve
guns on one side of a \varship. national objectives.

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