SPY-1 — The SPY radar is the heart of the Aegis air defense system and the Ticonderoga- class cruisers. Based on four huge nonrotating radar antennas, a sophisticated computer electronically steers the beams. It can detect aircraft and surface targets. The radar has a range of about 200 miles.
Squad — Led by a sergeant, a squad has two or three fire teams, totaling 10 to 14 men. Several squads make up a platoon.
Staff abbreviations — Battalion and brigade commanders (and larger organizations) have staffs to assist them. U.S. Army staffs are organized on uniform lines. The S-1 is in charge of personnel, S-2 is intelligence, S-3 is operations, S-4 is supply, and S-5 is civil affairs.
Standard missile series — The U.S. Navy’s long-range antiaircraft missile, it is used by itself as a medium-range weapon (SMIMR) or with a booster for extended range (SMIER). A newer version of the missile, introduced in the early 1980s, is the Standard 2, which is also used in two versions, called SM2MR and SM2ER.
Stealth — A relatively new technology, stealth involves designing aircraft so that they are harder to detect by radar, infrared, or even acoustic sensors. A plane may be completely stealthy (which can be very expensive) or it may just have its “signature” reduced. Stealth not only reduces the chance of detection but also make it harder for enemy weapons to lock onto the plane.
T-55 — A 1950s-vintage tank, this Russian-designed vehicle mounts a 100mm gun. Badly outclassed by almost any Western design, its only virtue is a low silhouette.
T-72 — A 1970s-era tank, the T-72 mounts a 125mm gun fitted with a laser range finder and an automatic loader. It is outclassed by the M1 Abrams, the German Leopard 2, and the French LeClerc. Like the T-55, it has been widely exported.
T-80 — The present-day Russian main battle tank, the T-80 mounts a 125mm gun coupled to an advanced fire control system. It is fitted with both layered and reactive armor. In addition to a shell, the gun can also fire a laser-guided antitank missile with a range of several kilometers. In general ability, the T-80 is at worst half a notch below the M1A2.
Thermal imager — A heat-sensitive TV camera, it displays a black-and-white image where objects can be viewed clearly in day or night. In addition to darkness, thermal imagers can “see” through dust and some types of smoke. They are blocked by fog, rain, and special types of smoke. Thermal imagers are widely used for battlefield surveillance and as weapons sights.
TOC — tactical operations center. A battalion command post, usually consisting of several specialized command vehicles.
Tomahawk — A ship- and sub-launched long-range cruise missile, different variants can be launched against ships and land targets. There is also a nuclear version, presently removed from service. The Tomahawk carries a large high-explosive warhead or submunitions. It is very accurate, with new versions adding improved guidance features and stealth.
TOW — tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided missile. A long-range “heavyweight” antitank missile, the TOW has undergone several improvements and is still an effective missile. It is fired from a ground-mounted tripod or from vehicles.
UH-60 Blackhawk — The standard U.S. Army troop-carrying helicopter, the Blackhawk can carry 11 troops and has many features designed to improve its survivability on the battlefield.
V-22 Osprey — A proposed replacement for the U.S. Navy CH-46 Sea Knight, the V-22 uses “tilt-rotor” technology. Starting out as helicopter rotors, the plane’s huge propellers are rotated forward after takeoff for normal forward flight.
Vampires — radio shorthand for antiship cruise missiles.
Wessie — a German term, derogatory slang for West Germans. Some ex-East Germans regard Westerners as arrogant and exploitative, trying to take advantage of their present economic distress.
ZSU-23-4 Shilka — A track-mounted antiaircraft vehicle, it carries a turret with four radar-guided 23mm autocannon. Although it appeared in the 1960s, it is still an effective weapon.