Understanding Common Military Acronyms

When it comes to military life, it can sometimes feel like you’re hearing a completely different language. Acronyms are everywhere. If you’re a parent, family member or adult supporting military children and families, understanding these terms can help you navigate conversations, resources and the unique experiences of military-connected youth. 

Here are some of the most common military acronyms.

General Military Acronyms

• DoD: Department of Defense
  The federal agency responsible for coordinating and supervising all military activities.
• PCS: Permanent Change of Station
  When a service member and their family are relocated to a new duty station.
• TDY/TAD: Temporary Duty or Temporary Additional Duty
  A short-term assignment for a service member away from their permanent station, often lasting days or weeks.
• CONUS/OCONUS: Continental United States/Outside Continental United States
  Refers to whether a service member’s duty station or assignment is within the U.S. or overseas.
• LES: Leave and Earnings Statement
  A monthly document that details a service member’s pay and deductions.
• MWR: Morale, Welfare, and Recreation
  Programs and services designed to support the well-being and morale of military members and their families, including recreational activities, child care and fitness facilities.
• CAC: Common Access Card

The identification card issued to active-duty members, required for accessing secure systems and bases.

Family-Related Military Acronyms

• FRG: Family Readiness Group
  A support group for spouses, parents and families of service members within a unit. It provides resources, information and emotional support during deployments and beyond.
• EFMP: Exceptional Family Member Program
  A program that assists military families with members who have special medical or educational needs.
• DEERS: Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System
  A system that keeps track of military family members’ eligibility for health care and other benefits.
• TRICARE:
  The healthcare system used by military families, offering various medical and dental coverage plans.
• CYS: Child and Youth Services
  Programs offered on military installations to provide child care, youth sports and activities.

Deployment and Support Acronyms

• OPSEC: Operational Security
  Guidelines to keep military operations and movements private for safety. Families are often reminded not to share deployment details or dates on social media.
• R&R: Rest and Recuperation
  A period during deployment when service members get time off to visit home or relax.
• POA: Power of Attorney
  A legal document that allows someone to act on behalf of a service member, often used during deployments for financial or family matters.
• FOB: Forward Operating Base
  A secured military base located in a combat zone.
• JAG: Judge Advocate General. 

Legal support and services provided within the military across all branches.

• TAPS: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

Provides support to families grieving the loss of a military loved one.

• SITREP: Situation Report.

A brief summary that provides updated information about an operation, mission, or overall status. It's used to keep leaders and relevant personnel informed.

For Kids and Teens: Acronyms They May Hear

• BRAT: Refers to military children. 
• PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  A condition that may affect service members after experiencing trauma. It’s important to have open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma.
• COM or CO: Commanding Officer. A senior officer in charge of a military unit.
• XO: Executive Officer, who is the second-in-command to the Commanding Officer (CO).
• JROTC/ROTC: Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps/Reserve Officer Training Corps
  Programs in high schools and colleges that teach leadership, discipline and military skills.

Whether you’re a teacher, coach, family member or community supporter, familiarizing yourself with these common military terms is a small step that can make a big difference. Speaking their language can build stronger relationships and create a more supportive environment for military-connected children and families.