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SAND REPORT 

SAND2002-2019 

Unlimited Release 

Printed July 2002 

Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviations 

Debbie Johnson, Compiler 

Prepared by 

Sandia National Laboratories 

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185 and Livermore, California 94550 

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2

SAND2002-2019 

Unlimited Release 

July 2002 

Supersedes SAND89-0217 

Printed April 1995 

Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviations 

Debbie Johnson, Compiler 

Creative Arts Department 

Sandia National Laboratories 

PO Box 5800 

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-0619 

Abstract 

This document contains an updated list of common acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations used at 

Sandia. It will be published in an electronic format only. It can be retrieved from 

HTTPS://wfsprod01.sandia.gov/groups/srn-uscitizens/documents/document/wfs048643.pdf 

Click on the “find” button in the Adobe Acrobat toolbar to search for a word or acronym. An 

alphabetical index is available in the Bookmarks screen to expedite searches. 

If readers of this document want to add an unclassified acronym or correct an existing one, please 

send an email to CreativeArts@sandia.gov. All changes will be reviewed by Classification prior to 

publication of a new version. 

A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

F 

G 

H 

I 

J 

L 

K 

M 

N 

O 

P 

Q 

3 

R 

S 

T 

U 

V 

W 

X 

Y 

Z

An acronym is a combination of letters that can be pronounced as a word. An initialism is an 

unpronounceable combination of letters. 

General Avoid overwhelming your reader with acronyms and initialisms. 

An acronym is an abbreviation that is formed by combining the first letter or 

letters of several words. Acronyms are pronounced as words. Examples 

include: 

modem = modulator and demodulator 

EPCOT = Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow 

NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

An initialism is an abbreviation that is formed by combining the initial letter 

of each word in a multiword term. Initialisms are pronounced as separate 

letters. Examples include: 

CRT = cathode ray tube 

GUI = graphical user interface 

WFO = work for others 

When using an acronym or initialism for the first time in text, enter the full 

phrase in its expanded version followed by the abbreviated form in 

parentheses. Example: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). In a short 

report, one expanded version is sufficient. However, in a lengthy report, you 

may want to repeat the expanded version in a later section to refresh the 

reader’s memory, followed by parentheses. 

Plurals Form the plural of an acronym or initialism by adding s, as in PMFs. Use 

the apostrophe only when it may be confusing, as in Kd’s. 

Using a or an Acronyms: The indefinite article to be used with an acronym is determined 

by the initial sound of the “word.” Examples: a FORTRAN program, or an 

Ada programmer. 

Initialisms: The indefinite article to be used is determined by the initial 

sound of the initialism’s first letter. If the first letter has a vowel sound use 

“an,” as in “an SNL employee.” If it has a consonant sound, use “a,” as in 

“a WFO proposal.” 

Capitalization Capitalize acronyms; do not use periods. The only exceptions are those 

acronyms that have become accepted as common nouns, which are written in 

lower case. Examples: NASA, HUD, laser, scuba. 

Initialisms may be either upper or lower case. In general, do not use periods 

when they are in uppercase. 

4

List of Acronyms, Initialisms, and Abbreviations 

A 

a⎯1. atto or atto- (prefix indicates 10- 18 ) 2. a 

unit of area equal to 100 m 2 (used mainly in 

agriculture) 

A—ampere (also written as amp) 

A or Å—angstrom, a unit of length (10- 10 ) used 

primarily to express wavelengths of optical 

spectra; also known as tenthmeter 

aA—absolute ampere; also, abampere 

AA—1. atomic absorption 2. affirmative 

action 3. alcoholics anonymous (a Sandia 

support group) 4. assistant administrator 

AAAP—accelerated access authorization 

program 

AAAS—American Association for the 

Advancement of Science 

AABC—Associated Air Balance Council 

AABL—advanced atmospheric burst locator 

AAC—affirmative action compliance 

AACG—American Association for Crystal 

Growth 

AADCP—Army Air Defense Command Post 

AACS—airborne activity confinement system 

AAFB—Andrews AFB 

AAFCE—Allied Air Forces, Central Europe 

(NATO) 

AAI—abbreviation, acronyms, and initialisms 

AAM—air-to-air missile 

5 

AANC—Aging Aircraft Nondestructive Center 

(sometimes written as Aging Aircraft NDI 

Validation Center) 

AAO—Amarillo Area Office (DOE) 

AAP—1. affirmative action plan (or program) 

2. adoption assistance program 3. antenna 

aperture package 

AASM—advanced air-to-surface missile 

AASP—administrative assistant scholarship 

program 

AAU—accelerated aging unit 

AAW—anti-aircraft warfare 

AB—1. airburst 2. as-builts 

abamp—absolute ampere 

ABAQ—Albuquerque/Bernalillo County air 

quality 

ABC—1. advanced biomedical capsule 

2. Atomic biological, and chemical (warfare) 3. 

Advanced Battery Consortium 

A-BC/AQCB—Albuquerque-Bernalillo 

County/Air Quality Control Board 

ABF—advanced bomb family 

ABITE—antenna built-in test equipment 

ABL—1. atmospheric burst locator 

2. armored box launcher 3. airborne laser 

ABLE—Affiliated Black Laboratory 

Employees 

ABLS—armored box launcher system 

ABM—antiballistic missile 

ABOSF—automatic burnout safety factor

ABRS—advanced ballistic reentry system 

ABRV—advanced ballistic reentry vehicle 

abs—absolute 

ABS—automatic block signaling 

AB/SB—airburst/surface burst 

ABW—Air Base Wing 

ac or AC—alternating current (variable 

polarity) 

aC—abcoulomb (electromagnetic unit) 

AC—access control 

ACA—adult children of alcoholics (a Sandia 

support group) 

ACAD—advanced computer-aided design 

ACARS—access control and release system 

ACBM—asbestos-containing building material 

ACC—1. Alarm Control Center 2. Air 

Component Command 3. Air Combat 

Command (The ACC has combined the former 

TAC and SAC into one command.) 

4. abnormal condition control 

ACCD—aircraft compatibility control drawing 

ACCEL—automated circuit card-etching 

layout 

ACCORD—new generation of software tools 

for mechanical design and manufacturing 

automation 

ACCS—1. Auxiliary Central Control Station 

2. Army Command and Control System 

ACD—1. armed convoy defenders 

2. automatic call distribution 

AC&D—alarm communication and display 

6 

ACDA—Arms Control and Disarmament 

Agency 

ACE—1. access control element 2. access 

control electronics 3. automatic checkout 

equipment 4. alternate common equipment 

5. Atmospheric Compensation Experiment 

6. Allied Command Europe 

7. almanac, connectivity, and ephemeris 

Ac-Em—actinium-emanation 

ACERS—American Ceramic Society 

ACES—atmospheric combustion exhaust 

simulator 

ACF—access control facility 

acfm—active cubic feet per minute 

ACH—1. automated clearing house 2. air 

changes per hour 

ACHP—Advisory Council on Historic 

Preservation 

ACIA—1. asynchronous communications 

interface adapter 2. asynchronous 

communications interface alarm 

ACIS—Alan, Charles, Ian System (Part of the 

CAD System) 

ACL—1. access control list 2. alternative 

concentration limit 

ACM—1. Association for Computing 

Machinery 2. advanced conventional 

munitions 3. advanced cruise missile 

4. asbestos-containing material 

ACMV—advanced cruise missile—variant 

ACNFS—Advisory Committee on Nuclear 

Facility Safety 

AC/NUC—Assistant Controller, Nuclear (in 

Atomic Weapons Establishment, England)

ACO—advance change order 

ACO(UK)—Atomic Coordinating Office, 

United Kingdom 

ACP—1. asbestos-containing product 

2. (Albuquerque) Associates’ Concerns 

Program 

ACRE—automatic checkout and readiness 

equipment 

ACRR—annular core research reactor 

(upgraded acronym for ACPR) 

ACRS—Advisory Committee on Reactor 

Safeguards 

ACS—1. advanced computer system 

2. altitude control system 3. automated 

cartridge system 4. advanced coded switch 

5. access control system 6. approved 

calibration system 

A&CS—access and clearance system 

ACSM—alternate computer security manager 

ACSO—assistant computer Security Officer 

ACT—advanced circuit technology 

ACTI—advanced computational technology 

initiative 

AcU—actinouranium (nuclear physics) 

ACU—automatic calling uni 

ACV—armored combat vehicle 

ACWEG—advanced conventional weapons 

engineering group 

ad—adjoint 

AD—1. arming device 2. advanced 

development 3. aerodynamic diameter 

7 

A.D. —anno Domini (in the year of the Lord) 

A/D—1. analog to digital (see ADC) 

2. arm/disarm 

Ada—a high order computer language being 

developed by the Department of Defense 

ADA—1. arming device assembly 

2. Americans with Disability Act 

ADAC—alarm display and assessment console 

ADAM—advanced database and modeling 

ADAPT—Advanced Design and Production 

Technologies 

ADAS—1. automatic data analysis system 

2. alarm display and assessment system 

ADC—1. analog to digital converter 

2. Air Defense Command 3. atomic demolition 

charge 4. authorized derivative classifier 

ADCOM—Aerospace Defense Command 

ADCON—Address Constant (computers) 

ADD—arm/disarm device 

AD&D—accidental death and dismemberment 

ADDS—1. automated drawing data system 

2. automated design definition system 

ADEA—1. Army Development and 

Employment Agency 2. Age Discrimination 

Employment Act 

ADEP—advanced development earth 

penetrator 

ADF—1. adaptive digital filtering 

2. automatic direction finder 

ADI—1. asynchronous data interface 

2. acceptable daily intake 

ADIZ—air defense identification zone

ADL—1. alarm data length 2. Advanced 

Devices Laboratory, Inc. 

ADM—1. atomic demolition munition 

2. action description memorandum 3. atomic 

description memorandum 

ADN—ammonium ditramide 

ADNET—administrative network 

ADP—1. automated (or automatic) data 

processing 2. advanced development program 

3. adaptive digital predictor 4. anticipated 

disability program 

ADPA—American Defense Preparedness 

Association 

ADPD—automated dry powder dispenser 

ADPE—automated data processing equipment 

ADR—alternative dispute resolution 

ADRC—ARC digitized raster graphic 

ADROIT—code for analyzing dispersal risk 

occurring in transportation 

ADROV—advanced development and 

remotely operated vehicle 

ADS—1. automatic data system 2. access 

delay system 3. ALCOA Defense System 

(obsolete; now McDonnell Douglas 

Technologies, Inc.) 4. activity data sheet 

5. automatic depressurization system 

ADSID—air-delivered seismic intrusion 

detector 

ADSN—AFTAC distributed subsurface 

network 

ADSS—activated denial security system 

ADTC—Armament Development and Test 

Center 

8 

ADT&E—advanced development test and 

evaluation 

ADVICE—advanced image communication 

and enhancement 

AE—allowable emissions 

A-E or A/E—architect and engineer 

AEA—Atomic Energy Act 

AEA-UK—Atomic Energy Authority, United 

Kingdom 

AEC—Atomic Energy Commission (obsolete; 

now the Department of Energy) 

AECS—advanced entry control system 

AED—advance electronic design 

AEDA—atomic energy defense activities 

AEDC—Arnold Engineering Development 

Center (USAF) 

AEM—analytical electron microscope 

AEMS—acoustic emission monitoring service 

AEOD—analysis and evaluation of operational 

data (NRS) 

AEP—antenna electronics package 

AEPDS—automated EAM processing and 

dissemination system 

AEPT—advanced extraction process 

technology 

AER—advance engineering release 

AES—1. acceptable equipment system 

2. Auger electron spectroscopy 

3. advanced exterior sensor 4. advanced 

encryption standard

AET—accelerated environmental test 

AEU—accelerated environmental unit 

af—audio frequency 

aF—attofarad (replaces abfarad) 

AF—augmentation force 

A&F—1. arming and firing 2.arming and 

fuzing 

AFA—arming and fuzing assembly 

AFAP—artillery fired atomic projectile 

AFAS—advanced field artillery system 

AFATDS—advanced field artillery tactical 

data system 

AFATL—Air Force Armament Test 

Laboratory 

AFB—Air Force Base 

AFBC—atmospheric fluidized-bed combustion 

AFC—1. automatic frequency control 

2. automatic flight control 

AFCEA—Armed Forces Communications and 

Electronics Association 

AFCENT—Allied Forces, Central Europe 

(NATO) 

AFD—arming and fuzing device 

AFE—antiferroelectric 

AFEWC—Air Force Electronic Warfare 

Center 

AF&F—arming, fuzing, and firing 

AFFF—aqueous foam-forming fluid 

AFGL—Air Force Geophysics Laboratory 

9 

AFIT—Air Force Institute of Technology 

AFLC/NSO—Air Force Logistics 

Command/Nuclear Support Office 

AFLCR—Air Force Logistics Command 

Regulation 

AFMC—Air Force Materiel Command 

AFNORTH—Allied Forces Northern Europe 

AFOC—Air Force Operations Center 

AFOSP—Air Force Office of Security Police 

AFP—1. approved funding program 

2. authority for payment 

AFPL—Air Force Phillips Laboratory 

AFR—1. Air Force Regulation 2. away from 

reactor (unit modifier) 

AFRPL—Air Force Rocket Propulsion 

Laboratory 

AFS—arming and fuzing system 

AFSATCOM—Air Force Satellite 

Communications 

AFSC—Air Force Systems Command 

AFSCR—Air Force Systems Command 

Regulation 

AFSD—Air Force Space Division 

AFSMC—Air Force Space and Missile 

Systems Center 

AFSOUTH—Allied Forces Southern Europe 

(NATO) 

AFSPACECOM—Air Force Space Command 

AFSRB—Army Fuze Safety Review Board

AFSSD—Air Force Space Systems Division 

AFSTC—Air Force Space Technology Center 

AFT—a file transfer 

AFTAC—Air Force Technical Applications 

Center 

AFTEC—Air Force Test and Evaluation 

Center 

AFTF—alert fire team facilities 

AFV—army family of vehicles 

AFWL—Air Force Weapons Laboratory (now 

Air Force Phillips Laboratory) 

AGARD—advisory group for aerospace 

research and development 

AGB—automated glovebox bagout 

AGC—automatic gain control 

AGE—aerospace ground equipment 

AGEX—above ground experiment 

AGL—above ground level 

AGM—air-to-ground missile 

AGNS—Allied General Nuclear Services 

AGOV—acid gases/organic vapors 

AGP—accelerated graphics port 

AGR—advanced gas-cooled reactor 

AGS—advanced guidance set 

AGSP—authorized ground station personnel 

AGT—aboveground test 

AGV—automated guided vehicle 

10 

AGVT—advanced ground vehicle technology 

AGZ—actual ground zero 

aH—abhenry 

Ah—ampere hour 

AHAMS—automatic hardness assurance 

monitoring system 

AHERA—Asbestos Hazards Emergency 

Response Act 

AHJ—authority having jurisdiction 

AHM—anti-helicopter mine 

AHP—analytic hierarchy process 

AH-PCRC—Army High Performance 

Computing Research Center 

AHS—American Helicopter Society 

AHU—air handling unit 

AI—1. Atomics International 2. artificial 

intelligence 

A/I—accident investigation 

AIA—1. Army Intelligence Agency 

2. automatic incident action 3. Automated 

Imaging Association 

AIAA—American Institute of Aeronautics and 

Astronautics 

AIAAM—advance-interrupt (or intercept) airto-air 

missile 

AIB—anti-intrusion bar 

AIC—acceptable intake for chronic (exposure) 

AICBM—anti-intercontinental ballistic missile 

AIChE—American Institute of Chemical 

Engineers

AICPA—American Institute Certified Public 

Accountants 

AICUZ—air installation compatible use zone 

AIDS—1. adaptive intrusion data system 

2. automated information distribution system 

AIE—acceptance inspection equipment 

AIEE—American Institute of Electrical 

Engineers 

AIFI—automatic in-flight insertion 

AIFV—armored infantry fighting vehicle 

AIHA—American Industrial Hygiene 

Association 

AIID—Association for Information and Image 

Management 

AIM—Accident Investigation Manual 

AIME—American Institute of Metallurgical 

(and Petroleum) Engineers 

AIMS—1. assessment information 

management system 2. authenticated item 

monitoring system 

AIP—American Institute of Physics 

AIRAPT—International Association for the 

Advancement of High Pressure Science and 

Technology (American Translation) 

AIRS—advanced inertial reference sphere 

(missile guidance) 

AIS—1. automatic intercept system 

2. administrative information systems 

3. adventures in super computing (program) 

4. acceptable intake for subchronic (exposure) 

AISES—American Indian Science and 

Engineering Society 

11 

AIT—advance information technology 

AIU—armament interface unit 

AK—adaption kit 

A-K—anode/cathode 

aka—also known as 

AKM—model designation for the Soviet 

assault rifle 

Al—aluminum (chemical symbol) 

AL—1. Albuquerque Operations Office(DOE 

Field Office; use DOE/AL) 2. action level 

ALAP—as low as practicable 

ALARA—as low as reasonably achievable 

ALAS—automated logistical analysis system 

ALBM—1. air-launched ballistic missile 

2. air, land, and battle management 

ALBURT—Albuquerque budget reform task 

ALC—advanced landfill cover 

ALCC—Airborne Launch Control Center 

ALCD—advanced landfill cover 

demonstration 

ALCM—air-launched cruise missile 

ALDR—Abstracts of Limited Distribution 

Reports (a TIC publication) 

ALDS—automatic lighting detection system 

ALE—Arbitary Lagrangian Eulerian 

ALEGRA—code being tested on the Paragon 

system (Physics) 

AlGaAs—aluminum gallium arsenide

ALGOL—algorithmic language (computers) 

ALI—annual limit on intake 

AL-KAO—Albuquerque (Operations 

Office)/Kirtland Area Office 

ALN—adaptive learning network 

ALO—air liaison officer 

ALOE—analysis of local oriented edges 

(software developed by SNL for breast-cancer 

detection) 

ALPF—adaptive low-pass (electrical) filter 

ALS—advanced light source 

alt or ALT—1. altitude 2. alternator 

3. alteration 4. altimeter 

ALTL—appraisal logistics team leader 

ALU—arithmetic-logic (or logical) unit 

ALV—autonomous land vehicle 

a.m.—ante meridiem (before noon) 

A/m—amperes per meter 

Am—1. americium (chemical symbol) 

2. ammonium (chemical symbol) 

AM—1. amplitude modulation (electrical) 

2. asbestos management 

A/m—amperes per meter 

AMA—1. automatic message accounting 

(computers) 2. administrative management 

activity 3. American Medical Association 

AMAC—aircraft monitor and control 

AMACS—alarm multiplexer communications 

system (computers) 

AMAD—activity mass aerodynamic diameter 

12 

AMC—1. advanced maintenance concept 

2. Army Materiel Command 3. Army Missile 

Command 

AMCO—Administrative Management 

Committee (or Council) (SNL) 

AMCS—alarm multiplexer communications 

system 

AMD—advanced micro devices 

AMEC—advanced materials processes for 

economics development 

AMEF—Agile Manufacturing Enterprise 

Forum 

AMENDS—Army MICOM electronic 

notarized document system 

AMEX—American Express 

AMH—automated message handler 

AMI—advanced manufacturing initiative 

AMIP—Army model improvement program 

AMM—automated maintenance management 

AMMPEC—advanced materials and 

manufacturing processes for an economic 

competitiveness 

AMMS—automated maintenance and 

management system 

AMO—1. Albuquerque Microelectronics 

Operations (formerly Bendix Albuquerque 

Operations) 2. aerial measurement operation 

amp—ampere (also written as A) 

AMPL—Advanced Manufacturing Processes 

Laboratory (formerly the Process 

Development Laboratory)

AM-PM—amplitude modulation/phase 

modulation 

AMPS—airborne multisensor pod system 

AMR—Atlantic Missile Range 

AMRAAM—advanced, medium-range, air-toair 

missile 

AMS—1. assets management system 

2. aerial measuring system 3. American 

Society for Metals 

AMSAA—Army Materiel System Analysis 

Activity 

AMSL—above mean sea level 

AMT—1. advanced munitions technology 

2. asbestos management team 3. advanced 

manufacturing technology 

amu—atomic mass unit (American Institute of 

Physics) 

An—actinon (chemical symbol) 

ANC—Aerojet Nuclear Corporation 

AND—advanced nuclear demolition 

ANDES—antinuclear demonstrators 

ANFO—ammonium nitrate and fuel oil 

ANI—automatic number identification 

ANL—1. Argonne National Laboratory 

2. Aberdeen National Laboratory 

ANL-E—Argonne National Laboratory East 

(Chicago) 

ANL-W—Argonne National Laboratory West 

(at INEL) 

ANMC—American National Metric Council 

ANN—artificial neural network 

13 

ANS—1. American Nuclear Society 

2. aerospace nuclear safety 

ANSC—automated nuclear survivability 

criteria 

ANS-ENS—American Nuclear Society/ 

European Nuclear Society 

ANSI—American National Standards Institute 

ANSP—advanced nuclear systems and 

projects 

ANT—advanced nosetip test 

Anti-C—anti-contamination 

ANWD—alphanumeric wall display 

ANWSS—Army nuclear weapons storage site 

AO—1. auxiliary office 2. action officer 

AOA—1. angle of attack 2. as-ordered 

agreement 3. airborne optical adjunct 

AOC—1. area of concern 2. area of 

contamination 3. administrative order on 

consent 

AOI—and-or invert (computers) 

AOR—acknowledgment of receipt 

AOSS—automated office support system 

AOT—allowed outage time 

AP—1. asbestos phenolic 2. Associated Press 

3. action plan 4. administrative procedure 

APACHE—advanced parallel chemistry 

APAR—automated plutonium recording 

APAS—automated plutonium assay system 

APBA—actuator and pulse battery assembly

APC—1. armored personnel carrier 

2. automated PAL controller 

APCHS—automated PAL code handling 

system 

APCVD—atmospheric pressure chemical 

vapor deposition 

APD—1. advanced planning document 

2. Albuquerque Police Department 

APF—assigned protection factor 

APG—Aberdeen Proving Ground (Maryland) 

APH—(Fort) Apache Hill, Virginia 

APHA—American Public Health Association 

API—1. American Petroleum Institute 

2. atmospheric pressure ionization 

3. associated particle imaging 

4. application programming interface 5. axial 

power indicator 

APL—1. Advanced Physics Laboratory 

2. Applied Physics Laboratory 

APM—1. appraisal project manager 

2. axial power monitor 

approx—approximate (used only in 

tabulations and figures) 

APR—1. airborne profile recorder (see TPR) 

2. action plan requirement 

A-Primed—agility primed: agile product 

realization for innovative electromechanical 

devices 

APRW—acquisition planning requirements 

worksheet 

APS—1. American Physical Society 

2. active protection system 3. accelerated 

procurement system 

14 

APSAHD—adaptive processor, seismic 

acoustic helicopter detector 

APSL—Albuquerque Primary Standards 

Laboratory (DOE) 

APSPID—adaptive processor, seismic 

personnel intrusion detector 

APT—1. Accelerated Production of Tritium 

2. Alliance for Photonic Technology 

3. Automatic Programming Tool (computers) 

AQAP—acceptance and quality assurance 

provisions 

AQCA—Air Quality Control Act 

AQCR—air quality control regulation 

(Bernalillo County) 

AQES—air energy study 

AQL—acceptable quality level 

AR—1. annual report 2. as required 

3. administrative requirement 

A&R—appraisal and review 

ARA—1. applicable or relevant and 

appropriate (requirement) 2. airborne 

radioactivity area 

ARAC—atmospheric release advisory 

capability 

ARBN—Army battalion 

ARC—1. Acquisition Review Committee 

2. accident resistant container 3. Architectural 

Research Consultants 

ARCCC—Accident Response Capability 

Coordinating Committee 

ARCUS—Arctic Research Consortium of the 

US 

ARD—Army readiness date

ARDEC—Army Research and Development 

Engineering Center (Picatinny Arsenal, NJ) 

ARDU—advanced radiation (detection 

capability) data unit 

ARE—aerothermal reentry experiment 

ARES—1. advanced reentry system 

2. advanced railroad electronics system 

ARF—augmentation reserve force 

arg—argument 

ARG—accident response group 

ARH—antiradiation homing 

ARI—1. Army Research Institute 

2. alternate rod insertion 

ARIEL—Advanced Radar Image Exploitation 

Laboratory 

ARL—1. Army Research Laboratory 

2. acceptable reliability level 

3. Aerospace Research Laboratories 

ARM—atmospheric radiation measurement 

ARMMS—Accident Response Mobile 

Manipulator System 

ARMS—1. aerial radiological measuring 

system (Army) 2. Armor School (Army) 

ARO—after receipt of order 

AROD—airborne remotely operated vehicle 

ARP—alarm response procedure 

ARPA—1. Archaeological Resources 

Protection Act (1979) 

ARRIS—active rate reducer and inflation 

system 

15 

ARS—advanced reactor safety 

ART—1. armed response team 2. alarm 

response team 3. airborne response team 

4. arsenal release and transport program 

ARTAC—Applied Research and Technical 

Activity Committee 

AR&TD—advanced research and technology 

development 

ARTI—advanced rotorcraft technology 

integration 

ARTY FDC—Artillery Fire Direction Center 

(Army) 

aS—absiemen (formerly abmho) 

As—atmosphere (standard) 

AS—1. airspeed 2. antenna sites 3. Allied 

Signal (BKC) 4. aviation safety 5. Active 

stockpile 

ASA—1. American Standards Association 

(obsolete; now USA Standards Institute) 

2. administrative staff associate 

ASAP—1. as soon as possible 2. advanced 

seismic array program 

ASARC—Army System Acquisition Review 

Council 

ASAS—all source analysis system 

ASAT—antisatellite 

asb—apostilb (also known as blandel) 

ASB—Army Science Board 

ASBDU—Advanced System B Data Unit 

ASC—ABRES shape charge 

ASCE—American Society of Civil Engineers

ASCI—accelerated strategic computing 

initiative 

ASCID—AUTODIN satellite interface 

compensation device 

ASCII—American standard code for 

information interchange (computer program) 

ASCOT—atmospheric studies in complex 

terrain 

ASD—1. adversary sequence diagram 

2. Aeronautical Systems Division (Air Force) 

3. Assistant Secretary of Defense 

ASDP—Assistant Secretary for Defense 

Programs 

ASE—1. antenna shield enclosure 

2. applicant system enhancement 

AS&E—American Science and Engineering 

ASEC—Applied Solar Energy Corporation 

ASEM—Assistant Secretary for 

Environmental (Restoration and Waste) 

Management 

ASHRAE—American Society of Heating, 

Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers 

ASIC—application-specific integrated circuit 

ASIG—Albuquerque special interest group 

AS/KCD or AS/KCP—Allied Signal/ Kansas 

City Division (or Kansas City Plant) (see also 

BKC and KCD) 

ASM—1. air-to-surface missile 

2. adversary sequence modeling 

3. American Society for Metals 

ASMD—anti-ship missile defense 

ASME—American Society of Mechanical 

Engineers 

16 

ASMS—advanced strategic missile systems 

ASNT—American Society of Nondestructive 

Testing 

ASO—Administrative Support Office 

ASOC—Air Support Operations Center 

ASP—1. automated signal processor 

2. accident sequence precursor 

ASQC—American Society for Quality Control 

ASR—anelastic strain recovery 

ASRAAM—advanced, short-range, air-to-air 

missile 

ASROC—anti-submarine rocket 

ASSE—American Society of Safety Engineers 

ASSESS—analytic system and software for 

evaluating safeguards and security 

ASSIST—automated system security incident 

support team (DoD) 

ASSP—advanced small-site program 

assy—assembly 

AST—1. airborne surveillance testbed 

2. above-ground storage tanks 

ASTM—1. American Society for Testing 

Materials 2. American standard for test 

methods 

ASTX—(battery-powered sensor/ transmitter) 

ASV—adaptive suspension vehicle 

ASW—1. anti-submarine warfare 2. air-tosurface 

weapon (see ASM) 

ASWAT—air solid waste assessment test 

asym—asymmetric

at—atomic 

at.%—atomic percent 

At—1. ampere-turn 2. astatine (chemical 

symbol) 

AT—1. advanced technology 2. applied 

technology 3. armored tractor 

ATA—automatic target acquisition 

ATACMS—Army Tactical Missile System 

ATAF—Allied Tactical Air Force (NATO) 

ATBM—advanced tactical ballistic missile 

ATBMP—Army technology base master plan 

ATC—assembly test chip 

ATD—advanced technology demonstration 

ATE—1. automatic test equipment 2. allterrain 

equipment 

ATES—autonomous targeting and 

engagement system 

ATFD—absolute time-firing device 

ATFES—Army tactical frequency engineering 

system 

ATIS—air transportable instrumentation 

shelter 

ATL—automatic tape library 

atm—atmosphere (a unit of pressure equal to 

1.013250 x 10 6 dynes/cm 2 ) 

At/m—ampere-turn per meter 

ATM—1. asynchronous transfer mode 

2. anti-tactical missile 

17 

ATMS—automatic transmission measuring 

system 

ATMX—atomic munition explosive rail 

transport car 

ATP—1. alignment and testing procedures 

2. aiming, tracking, and pointing 

3. advanced technology program 

ATR—automatic target recognition 

ATS—1. administrative terminal system 

(computers) 2. aerothermal structure 

3. automatic transfer switch 4. action tracking 

system 

ATSD/AE—Assistant to the Secretary of 

Defense for Atomic Energy 

ATSDR—agency for toxic substances and 

disease registry 

AT&T—American Telephone and Telegraph 

ATTV—advanced teleoperator test vehicle 

ATV—1. Army test vehicle 2. all-terrain 

vehicle 

ATW—accelerator transmutation of nuclear 

waste 

at. wt—atomic weight 

a.u.—atomic unit 

Au—gold (chemical unit) 

AU—1. astronomical unit 2. authentication 

unit 3. acousto-ultrasonics 

AUR—all-up-round 

Auth Code—authorization code (or number) 

AUTOCONET—automatic communications 

network

AUTODIN—automated digital information 

network 

AUTOSEVOCOM—automatic secure voice 

communications 

AUTOVON—automatic voice network 

AUVS—Association of Unmanned Vehicle 

Systems 

aux—auxiliary 

aV—abvolt 

AVC—automatic volume control 

AVDS—Aviation Depot Squadron 

avg/ave/av—average (avg is the most common; 

ave is used mostly in subscripts; av is seldom 

used) 

AVI—audio video interleaved 

AVIS—American visit (refers to a visit to the 

US by a member of the UK) 

AVRADA—Avionics Research and 

Development Activity (Fort Monmouth, NJ) 

AVS—1. access validation system 

2. Avionics Depot Squadron 3. American 

Vacuum Society 

AVSCOM—Aviation Systems Command 

(Army) 

AW—1. atomic weapon 2. atomic warhead 

AWACS—airborne warning and control 

system 

AWD—atomic weapon data (obsolete; now 

nuclear weapon data) 

AWDS—automated weather distribution 

system 

18 

AWE—Atomic Weapons Establishment 

(England) 

AWE(A)—Atomic Weapons Establishment, 

Aldermaston in Reading, Birkshire, England 

AWE(B)—Atomic Weapons Establishment, 

Burghfield in Reading, Birkshire, England 

AWG—American wire gage 

AWLPG—Albuquerque (Operations) 

Workload Planning Guide (DOE) 

AWMA—Air and Waste Management 

Association 

AWOC—Alternate Wing Operations Center 

AWRE—Atomic Weapons Research 

Establishment (England) 

AWRS—average weighted residual squared 

AWS—American Welding Society 

AWSB—Atomic Weapons Safety Board 

AWSC—analyst work space component 

AWTG—atomic weapons training group 

AWU—Association of Western Universities 

AWVS—Albuquerque winter visibility study 

AWWA—American Water Works Association 

B 

b—1. barn (unit of area: 10 24 cm 2 ) 2. bit 

(binary digit) bit is seldom abbreviated unless 

it is used with a prefix, as in 8 kb

B—1. bel (logarithmic ratio) 2. brewster 

(optics) 3. bomb (when used with a number, as 

in B-52 4. bridge 

BA—1. basic assembly 2. budget authority 

BAA—business area analysis 

BAC—1. Boeing-Aerospace Company 

2. Budget Advisory Committee (SNL) 

3. bond additive corrections 

BACT—best available control technology 

BADT—best available developed technology 

BA&E—Boeing-Aerospace and Electronics 

BAF—backup alert force 

BAFO—best and final offer 

BAM—ballistic advance missile 

BANCS—Bell Administration Network 

Communications System 

BAO—Bendix Albuquerque Operations 

(obsolete; see KCD or AS/KCD) 

BARS—1. Bell audit related system 

2. behavioral anchored rating system 

BART—1. best available retrofit technology 2. 

Bay Area Rapid Transit (Sandia, CA) 

BAS—1. Bell audit system 2. Boeing advanced 

systems 

BASIC—beginner's all-purpose symbolic 

instruction code (a computer language) 

BASTEC—Bay Area Science and Technology 

Education Collaboration 

BAT—best available technology 

BBB—bisbenzimidazobenzophenanthroline (a 

polymer) 

19 

BBC—1. balanced biological community 

2. British Broadcasting Corporation 

bbl—barrel 

BCA—battery control area 

bcc—body-centered cubic 

BCC—Battery Control Center 

BCD—binary coded decimal 

BCH—Bose-Chadhuri-Hacqueghem 

BCL—Battelle Columbus Laboratories 

BCO—Bendix Connector Operations 

BCR—bar code reader 

BCTK—boron calcium chromate titanium 

potassium perchlorate 

Bd—baud (a variable unit of data transmission 

speed-that is equal to one bit per second) 

BDA—battle damage assessment 

BDADS—beacon data acquisition and display 

system 

BDAI—best demonstrated available 

technology 

BDAT—best demonstrated available 

technology 

Bde—brigade 

BDM—Braddock, Dunn, and McDonald 

BDP—battlefield development plan 

BDS—1. British Defence (British spelling) 

Staff 2. basic door structure 

BDT—burst delay timer

BDU—1. bomb dummy unit 2. battle dress 

uniform 

°Bé—degrees Baume (used in the Baumé 

temperature scale) 

BE—binding energy 

BECTU—Boeing Electrical Compatibility Unit 

Benelux—Belgium, the Netherlands, and 

Luxembourg 

BeO—beryllium oxide 

BEP—Bureau of Engraving and Printing 

BERC—Bartlesville Energy Research Center 

BERL—Burner Engineering Research 

Laboratory (SNL) 

BES—basic energy sciences 

BET—Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (equation) 

BETA—battlefield exploitation and target 

acquisition 

BeV—billion electron volts (now obsolete; use 

GeV) 

BFA—blank fire adapter 

BFO—beat-frequency oscillator 

BFOQ—bona fide occupational qualification 

BFPC—Buildings and Facilities Planning 

Committee 

BG—blanket gas 

BGM—ballistic guided missile 

BGS—below ground surface 

Bi—biot (use aA, abampere, instead) 

BIA—Bureau of Indian Affairs 

20 

BIC—Braduskill Intercept Concept 

BIF—boiler/industrial furnace 

BIM—1. ballistic intercept missile 

2. barrier integrity monitor 

BIOS—basic input/output subsystem 

BIRD—bilinear rotation decoupling 

BIS—1. business information systems 

2. bomb interface simulator 

BISDN—broad-band integrated services 

digital network 

BISMAPS—business information system 

modeling and planning system 

BISP—business information systems program 

BISS—base and installation security system 

BISSPO—BISS Program Office 

bit—binary digit (See b) 

BIT—1. built-in test 2. boron injection tank 

BITE—built-in test equipment 

BIUA—bus interface unit, audio 

BIUD—bus interface unit, digital 

BIUD/M—bus interface unit, digital/modem 

BIUM—bus interface unit, modem 

BIX—byte information exchange 

BKC—Bendix, Kansas City (obsolete; now the 

Kansas City Division of the Allied Signal 

Aerospace Corp. See KCD or AS/KCD) 

bkgd—background 

BKW-EOS—Becker-Kistiakowsky-Wilson 

equation of state

BL—baseline 

BLID—buried line intrusion detector 

BLM—Bureau of Land Management 

BLS—1. Bureau of Labor Statistics 

2. basic life support 

BM—Bureau of Mines 

BMC—Ballistic Missile Center 

BMD—ballistic missile defense 

BMDATC—Ballistic Missile Defense 

Advanced Technology Center 

BMDO—Ballistic Missile Defense Office 

BMDSCM—Ballistic Missile Defense System 


BMEWS—ballistic missile early warning 

system 

BMHA—building modifications hazards 

assessment 

BMO—Ballistic Missile Office 

BMP—1. battle management plan 2. best 

management practice 

BMS—1. balanced magnetic switch (or sensor) 

2. battlefield management system 3. business 


BN—battalion 

BNA—Bureau of National Affairs 

BNC—(connector developed by) Bayonet, 

Neill, and Concelman 

BNFP—Barnwell Nuclear Fuel Plant (South 

Carolina) 

BNI—Bechtel National, Incorporated 

21 

BNL—Brookhaven National Laboratory 

BNWL—Battelle Northwest Laboratory 

BO—budget outlay (or obligation) 

B/O—blackout 

BOA—basic ordering agreement 

BOD—biochemical oxygen demand 

BOLT—basic occupational literacy test 

BOP—blowout prevention 

BOR—burnout risk 

BOSF—burnout safety factor 

BOSFn—nominal burnout safety factor 

bp—boiling point 

BP—1. Bandpass 2. below performance 

bpF—boiling point (degrees Fahrenheit) 

BPG—boron pyrolitic graphite 

bpi—bits per inch 

BPR—business process reengineering 

bps—bits per second 

BPS—1. boundary penetration sensor 

2. Boeing Petroleum Services 

BPT—best practical technology 

BPV—back pressure valve 

Bq—becquerel (associated with ionizing 

radiation; now obsolete) 

Br—bromine (chemical symbol) 

B&R—budget and reporting

BRA—bomb relay assembly 

BRADC—Belvoir Research and Development 

Center 

BRC—below regulatory concern 

BRDEC—Belvoir Research, Development, and 

Engineering Center 

BRDF—bi-directional reflectance distribution 

function 

BRES—buoy repeater system 

BRI—basic rate interface 

BRL—Ballistic Research Laboratory 

(Aberdeen, Maryland) 

BRL-CAD—Ballistics Research Laboratory— 

computer-aided design 

BRMD—Budget Resources Management 

Division (DOE) 

BRP—Big Rock Point 

BRT—bioassay review team 

b/s—bits per second; bps is preferred 

BSD—business system design 

BSI—British Standards Institute 

BSO—Ballistic Systems Office (Air Force) 

BSR—bulk shielding reactor 

BSS—borehole seismic system 

BSTS—1. burst surveillance and tracking 

system 2. boost surveillance and tracking 

system 

BS&W—basic sediments and water 

BTC—barbed tape concertina 

22 

BTDR—building time delay relay 

BTE—battery timing equipment 

BTEX—benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and 

xylene 

BTI—Battery Technology Institute 

Btu—British thermal unit 

BTX—benzene-toluene-xylene 

BW—1. bandwidth 2. biological warfare 

3. bridge wire 

BWG—Birmingham wire gage 

BWM—balance with motion 

BWO—backward-wave oscillator 

BWR—boiling-water reactor 

BWST—borated water storage tank 

BY—budget year 

BZ—buckled zone 

C 

c—centi- (a prefix indicating 10 -2 ; use mm 

instead) 

C—1. capacity 2. capacitance 

3. circumference 4. coulomb (quantity of 

electricity in electrons) 5. Confidential 

ºC—degrees Celsius 

C 2 —command and control

C 3 —command, control, and communications 

(also CCC) 

C 4 —command, control, communications, and 

computers 

ca—circa (use with dates only) 

Ca—calcium 

CA—1. custodial agent 2. corrective action 

3. clean air 4. contamination area 

5. cooperative agreement 6. certification 

authority 

C/A Code—coarse acquisition code 

CAA—1. Clean Air Act 2. critical assembly 

area 

CAAMS—criterion affirmative action 


CAAPS—criterion affirmative action planning 

system 

CAB—Civil Aeronautics Board 

CABAL—calcium-modified boroaluminate 

CABRA—Copper and Brass Research 

Association 

CACC—Credibility Assessment Coordinating 

Center 

CACDA—Combined Arms Center (or 

Combat) Development Activity (Fort 

Leavenworth, KS) 

CACECO—calculation (of sodium spills) in 

cells for containment (a computer program) 

CAD—1. computer-aided design 

2. corrective action design 

CAD/CAM—computer-aided design/ 

computer-aided manufacturing 

CADD—computer-aided design and drafting 

23 

CAE—computer-aided engineering 

CAE/RS—computer-aided engineering/ rocket 

system 

CAES—compressed-air energy storage 

CAESAR—catalytic enhanced solar 

absorption receiver 

CAF—command authority function 

CAFMS—computer aided air force 

management 

CAG—customer advisory group 

CAGEC—commercial and government entity 

code 

CAGINS—center advisory group for 

information systems 

CAI—1. computer-aided instruction 

2. certified asbestos inspector 

CAIN—controlled access by individual 

number 

CAIRS—computerized accident/incident 

reporting system 

CAIS—1. coded aperture imaging system 

2. Chief Architect of Information Systems 

cal—calorie (joule is preferred) 

CAL—1. Conversational Algebraic Language 

(computers) 2. completely assembled for 

launch 

calc—calculated 

CALS—computer-aided acquisition and 

logistics support 

CALSON—computer-aided acquisition and 

logistic(s) support operational network

CAM—1. completely assembled missile 

2. continuous air monitor 3. computer-aided 

manufacturing 4. computer-assisted makeup 

5. content-addressed memory 

CAMA—centralized automatic message 

accounting 

CAMAS—central alarm monitoring and 

assessment system 

CAMD—computer-aided molecular design 

CAMI—Civil Aeromedical Institute 

CAMP—1. crypto algorithm message 

processor 2. capital assets management 

program 3. corporate asbestos management 

program 

CAMPS—computer assisted mission planning 

system 

CAMS—cybernetic anthropomorphous 

machine system 

CAMU—corrective action management unit 

CAN—clean air network 

CANDU—Canadian deuterium uranium (a 

reactor) 

CAO—Carlsbad Area Office (DOE) 

CAORA—Combined Arms Operation 

Research Activity (Army) 

CAP—1. code-activated processor 

2. computer-aided plotting 3. corrective action 

plan 4. consolidated action plan 

CAPE—capability and proficiency evaluation 

CAPRS—compensation and performance 

review system 

CAPS—computer automated publishing 

system 

24 

CAR—corrective action report 

CARC—containment air recirculating and 

cooling 

CARD—1. computer-aided remote driving 

2. Citizens for Alternatives to Radioactive 

Dumping 

CART—cloud and radiation testbed 

CAS—1. calibrated airspeed 

2. compressed-air storage 3. close air support 

4. central alarm station 5. chemical abstract 

services 6. condition assessment survey 

7. cost accounting standards 8. completely 

assembled for strike 

CASE—computer-aided software engineering 

(or environment) 

CASM—Community Academy for Science and 

Mathematics 

CASP—comparative analysis of standards 

program (computers) 

CASR—Center for Aviation System Reliability 

cat—category 

CAT—1. clear-air turbulence 2. computeraided 

tomography 3. Conductor Analysis 

Technologies, Inc. 4. computerized axial 

tomography 

CATCOMS—credibility assessment team 

communications system 

CATNIP—computer analysis tool for normal 

impact penetration (computers) 

CATS—1. computer-assisted tracking system 

2. computerized appraisal tracking system 

CATV—1. community antenna television 

2. cable television 

CAW—channel address word

CBA—compressed breathing air 

CBC—cipher-block chaining 

CBD—Commerce Business Daily 

CBI—1. computer-based instruction 

2. confidential business information 

3.Compton backscatter imaging (or inspection) 

CBM—cooperative business management 

CBP—1. Chicago bulletproof (doors) 

2. convolution back projection 

CBR—chemical, biological, radiological 

CBT—computer-based training 

cc—1. cubic centimeter (use cm3 instead) 

2. carboncarbon (composite) 

c.c.—complex conjugate 

CC—1. core competencies 2. counter-countermeasure 

(see CCM) 3. Coronado Club 

4. contamination control 5. Computer 

Committee 6. carbon copy 

C-C—could-to-cloud 

CCA—circuit card assembly 

CCAD—command-coded arming device 

CCB—1. Configuration Control Board 

2. Change Control Board 

CCC—1. command, control, and 

communications (also written as C 3 ) 

2. Crisis Coordination Center 

CCD—1. charge-coupled device 

2. camouflage, concealment, and deception 

(sometimes written as CC&D) 

3. cockpit command disablement 

CCDF—complementary cumulative 

distribution function 

25 

CCE—Center for Computational Engineering 

2. certification of claim for exemption 

CC&E—contractor’s choice and expense 

CCF—1. common cause failure 2. central 

computing facility 

CCHD—central computing help desk 

CCHP—Corporate Chemical Hygiene Plan 

CCIO—contractor counter-intelligence officer 

CCIP—core competency in-reach project 

CCIR—Consultative Committee on 

International Radio (European Standard) 

CCITT—Consultative Committee on 

International Telephone and Telegraph 

CCIU—command and control interface unit 

CCL—commodities control list 

CCM—1. central control module 

2. counter-countermeasure (see CC) 

CCN—central computing network 

CCO—1. chargeable cost objective 

2. corporate contractual obligation 

CCP—controlled component protection 

C/CPIP—Code of Conduct Personal Integrity 

Program 

CCPDS—Command Center processing and 

display system 

CCR—1. cyclic catalytic reforming 

2. corporate customer requirement 

CCS—Central Control Station 

CCS 2 —command and control subordinate 

system

CCST—center for compound semiconductor 

technology 

CCT—current contrast imaging 

CCTC—Coyote Canyon Test Complex 

CC test—component compliance test 

CCTV—closed-circuit television 

CCVT—coupling capacitor voltage 

transformer 

ccw—counterclockwise 

CCW—1. channel command word 

2. component cooling water 

cd—candela (a measurement of luminous 

intensity) 

CD—1. computer diode 2. command disable 

(or disablement) 3. command destruct 

4. control drawing 5. compatibility drawing 

(or document) 6. control document (as in 

CD453826) 7. consent decree 

C/D—charge/discharge 

CDA—Core Disruptive Accident (see HCDA) 

CDB—classified database 

CDAM—crypto device adapter modules 

CDAS—classified document accountability 

system 

CDC—1. cumulative defects criteria 

2. Control Data Corporation 3. Center for 

Disease Control 

CDD—conventional (munition) 

demilitarization and disposal (technology) 

CDEC—Combat Developments 

Experimentation Command (Army) 

26 

CDF—1. central distribution facility 

2. combustion dynamics facility 3. core 

damage frequency 

cd/ft 2 —candela per square foot 

CDI—common data input 

CDIRS—common data input and retrieval 

system 

CDIU—control display interface unit 

CDL—commercial driver’s license 

CDM—1. Concurrent Design and 

Manufacturing 2. continuous dispensing 

masker 2. code-division multiplex 

cd/m 2 —candela per square meter 

CDMS—1. computerized document 

management system 2. central data 


CDOCS—classified document control system 

CDOS—Cromemco disk operating system 

CDPS—CMS data production system 

CDR—1. critical design report 2. complete 

design release 3. conceptual design review 

C&DR—characterization and development 

report 

CDRL—contractor data requirements list 

CD/ROM—compact disk/read only memory 

CDS—1. command disablement system 

2. control and display system 

CDT—corporate diversity team 

CDU—capacitor discharge unit 

Ce—cerium (chemical symbol)

CE—1. Corps of Engineers 2. capital 

equipment 3. consistently exceeds 

4. communications electronics 

5. combustion engineering 

CEA—American translation from French: 

French Atomic Energy Commission 

CEARP—Comprehensive Environmental 

Assessment and Response Program (DOE) 

CEB—corporate ethics board 

CEC—1. Capital Equipment Committee 

2. Computing Education Center 3. cation 

exchange capacity 4. Commission of European 

Communities 

CECOM—Communications Electronics 

Command (Army) 

CEDE—committed effective dose equivalent 

CEE—courier elevated eyes 

CEEEC—committee on energy, environment, 

and economic competitiveness 

CEG—corporate ergonomics group 

CEES—1. camouflage effectiveness evaluation 

system 2. committee on earth and 

environmental sciences 

CEG—corporate ergonomics group 

CEL—1. Civil Engineering Laboratory (Navy) 

2. commercial equipment list 3. channel 

effluent limit 

CELS—coded explosive logic system 

CEM—1. channel electron multiplier 2. crew 

escape module 3. continuous emission monitor 

CENEF—Joint US/Russian Center for Energy 

Efficiency 

CENSEI—Center for System Engineering and 

Integration 

27 

CENTAG—Central Army Group (NATO) 

CENTCOM—Central Command 

CENTO—Central Treaty Organization 

CEO—chief executive officer 

CEOI—communications/electronics operating 

instructions 

CEP—1. circular error probability (ICBM 

impact accuracy) 2. Concept Evaluation 

Program 3. Career Exploration Program (Alb. 

Public Schools) 4. catalytic extraction 

processing 5. controls for environmental 

pollution 

CEPP—chemical emergency preparedness 

program 

CEQ—Council on Environmental Quality 

CER—complete engineering release 

CERCLA—Comprehensive Environmental 

Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 

CERL—1. commercial equipment 

requirements list 2. Construction Engineering 

Research Laboratory 

CERN—1. Conseil Européen Pour Recherches 

Nucléaires (Translation: European Council for 

Nuclear Research/Switzerland) 2. Controller 

Establishment for Nuclear Research (UK 

equivalent of DOE) 

CERT—computer emergency response team 

(DoD) 

CES—code enabling switch (or system) 

CESH—Corporate Environmental Safety 

Health (Lockheed Martin) 

CEWG—containment and effects working 

group

cf—compare 

Cf—californium (chemical symbol) 

CF—1. customer funded 2. containment 

failure 

CF4—commodities control list 

CFA—1. covering force area 2. central facility 

area 3. cross-field amplifier 4. cognizant 

federal agency 

CFC—1. Combined Forces Command (Korea) 

2. chlorofluorocarbon (or chlorinated 

fluorocarbon) 3. Conax Florida Corporation 

CFD—computational fluid dynamics 

CFE—conventional forces in Europe 

cfm—cubic feet per minute (ft 3 /min preferred) 

CFM—contamination-free manufacturing 

CFMRC—Contamination Free Manufacturing 

Research Center 

CFO—Chief Financial Officer 

CFPO—customer funded program office 

CFR—1. commercial fast breeder reactor 

2. Code of Federal Regulations 

CFRD—confidential, formerly restricted data 

cfs—cubic feet per second (ft 3 /s preferred) 

CFS—conventional firing set 

CFTM—captive and flight test missile 

CFU—central function unit 

CFS—core flood system 

CFY—current fiscal year 

cg—centigram 

28 

CG—1. center of gravity 2. Commanding 

General 3. Classification guide 

C-G—cloud-to-ground 

CGA—1. carrier group alarm 2. color-graphic 

adapter 

CGC—color-graphics controller 

CGI—1. computer graphics interface 

2. combustible gas indicator 

CGM—computer graphics metafile 

cgs—centimeter-gram-second (use of all units 

particular to this system is discouraged by SI) 

CGS—CONUS Ground Station 

CGTIS—cradle-to-grave tracking information 

system 

CHAERSE—Center for Hungarian-American 

Environmental Research Studies and 

Exchange 

CHAMMP—computer hardware, advanced 

mathematics and model physics 

chan—channel 

CHARMS—computerized hazard and recordmanagement 

system 

CHC—chlorohydrocarbons (or chlorinated 

hydrocarbons) 

CHE—conventional high explosive (see IHE) 

Chelyabinsk-70—All Russian Scientific Research 

Institute for Technical Physics: see 

VNIITF 

ChemIServe—Chemical Information Service 

(see CIS) 

CHEMKIN—chemical kinetics (computers)

CHEMS—chemical hazards emergency 


CHR—confinement heat removal 

CHTM—Center for High Technology 

Materials 

CH-TRU—contact-handled transuranic 

(waste) 

Ci—curie (unit of radioactivity) 

CI—1. confident informants 2. counterintelligence 

C3I—command, control, communications, and 

intelligence 

CIA—1. Central Intelligence Agency 

2. control indicator assembly 

CIAC—computer incident advisory capability 

(DOE) 

CIB—Centralized Intercept Bureau 

CIC—1. COMSEC intelligence controller 

2. Combat Information Center 

3. compensated ion chamber 

CICS—customer information control system 

CID—charge injection device 

CIE—1. Commission Internationale de 

l'Eclairage 2. cost impact estimate 

CIHS—classified information handling system 

(European TV standards) 

CIL—1. critical items list 2. computer 

inoperative limits 

CIIMA—contractors image and information 

management association 

CIK—crypto ignition key 

CILRT—containment integrated leak rate test 

29 

CIM—1. computer integrated manufacturing 

2. corporate information management 

CIMET—Center for Intelligent 

Manufacturing and Environmentally 

Conscious Technology 

CIMS—CRADA Information Management 

System 

CIN—cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 

CINC—1. Commander-in-Chief 

2. Commander-in-Charge 

CINCADCOM—Commander-in-Chief, 

Aerospace Defense Command 

CINCAFCENT—Commander-in-Chief, Allied 

Forces Central (Europe) 

CINCEASTLAND—Commander-in-Chief, 

East Atlantic 

CINCELM—Commander-in-Chief, Eastern 

Atlantic and Mediterranean (Navy) 

CINCEUR—Commander-in-Chief, Europe 

CINCFE—Commander-in-Chief, Far East 

CINCLANT—Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic 

(US) 

CINCMEAFSA—Commander-in-Chief, 

Middle East, Africa (South of Sahara), and 

Southern Asia 

CINCNORAD—Commander-in-Chief, North 

American Air Defense 

CINCPAC—Commander-in-Chief, Pacific 

Command (US) 

CINCRED—Commander-in-Chief, Readiness 


CINCSPACE—Commander-in-Chief for 

Space

CINCSPECOMME—Commander-in-Chief, 

Specified Command, Middle East 

CINCUNC—Commander-in-Chief, UN 


CINCUSAEUR—Commander-in-Chief, 

United States Army, Europe 

CINCUSNAVEUR—Commander-in-Chief, 

United States Navy, Europe 

CINDY—computerized internal dosimetry 

(software package) 

CIO—Chief Information Officer 

CIP—consumer-identified product 

cir—circuit (also ckt) 

cir mil—circular mil (also written as cmil) 

CIS—1. Commonwealth of Independent States 

2. classified information system 

3. Chemical Information Service (also called 

ChemIServe) 

CIT—1. compact ignition tokamak 

2. critical incident technique 

CIVA—charge-induced voltage alteration 

CIWS—close-in weapon support 

CJCS—Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff 

ckt—circuit (also cir) 

Cl—chlorine (chemical symbol) 

CL—centerline 

CLAZAS—clad axial (Z-direction) motion in 

subassemblies (computers) 

CLC—1. central (or command) logic and 

control 2. current-limiting conductor 

30 

CLCS—closed-loop control system 

CLEO—classified energy on-line 

CLERVER—clients and servers (SNL 

software) 

CL&F—common look and feel 

CLIF—Chemistry Lirrac Irradiation Facility 

CLNS—connectionless network services 

CLP—contract laboratory program 

CLS—central locator system 

CLS DET—closure detect 

cm—centimeter 

c.m.—center of mass 

cm 2 —centimeter squared 

cm 3 —cubic centimeter 

c/m 2 —incorrect; see cd/m 2 

Cm—Curium (chemical symbol) 

CM—1. container module 2. Countermeasure 

3. core melt 4. configuration management 

CMA—Chemical Manufacturers Association 

CMAH—Commander-in-Chief Mobile 

Alternate Headquarters 

CMAS—classified material accountability 

system 

CMC—1. central monitor control 

2. Cheyenne Mountain Complex 

3. Cooperative Monitoring Center 

CMCS—continuous monitor and control 

system

CMD—1. command 2. Configuration 

Management Document (a US-UK program) 

CME—construction management engineer 

cmf—circular mils/foot (electrical 

conductivity) 

CMF—common-mode failure 

CMFD—compressed magnetic field device 

CMG—control moment gyros 

CMGS—cruise missile guidance set 

CMI—cruise missile interface 

cmil—circular mil (also written as cir mil) 

CMIS—crisis management intercom system 

CMM—capability maturity model 

CMOS—1. complementary metal-oxide semiconductor 

(Fast Adder) 2. complementary 

metal-oxide on silicon 

CMP—1. Center for Materials Production 

2. container module packaging 

CMPLIS—continuous monitoring pH log-in 

system 

cm/s—centimeters per second 

CMS—1. control, monitor, and support 

2. common mapping system 3. code (or case) 

management system 4. corrective measures 

study 5. canister monitoring system 

CMSD—code-multiplier sensor data 

CMSU—Central Missouri State University 

CMT—1. Center for Microelectronics 

Technologies 2. Crisis Management Team 

CMTF—Collector Module Test Facility 

31 

CMU—control monitor unit 

CMV—1. commercial motor vehicle 

2. counter-measures verification 

CN—1. cemetery network 2. counter narcotics 

CNC—computer numerically controlled 

CNCE—communications nodal control 

element 

CNDE—Center for Nondestructive Evaluation 

CNES—Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales 

CNF—1. cost: no fee 2. central network 

facility 

CNHR—containment atmosphere heat 

removal 

CNO—Chief of Naval Operations 

CNRR—containment radioactivity removal 

CNS—centralized nuclear surety 

CNSAC—Center for National Security and 

Arms Control 

CNWDI—critical nuclear weapon design 

information 

Co—cobalt (chemical element) 

CO—1. construction observer 

2. contracting officer 

CO2—carbon dioxide 

COA—1. charts of accounts 2. customer order 

administration 

COAT—career opportunity for advancement 

training 

coax—coaxial (cable)

COB—1. coordination of benefits 2. close of 

business 3. computer-on-a-board 

COBOL—Common Business-Oriented 

Language (computers) 

COBRA—1. Consolidated Omnibus Budget 

Reconciliation Act 2. Calculation of Flow in 

Rod Bundle Reaction Assemblies (computers) 

COBRA DANE—Intelligence Phased Array 

Radar at Shemya, Alaska 

COC—1. code of conduct 2. chain of custody 

3. contaminants of concern 

COCA—1. consent order and compliance 

agreement 

COD—1. crack-opening displacement 

2. chemical oxygen demand 

COE—1. Corp of Engineers 2. certificate of 

equivalency 

COEA—cost and operational effectiveness 

analysis 

COED—computer-operated electronic display 

COEES—Central Office equipment 

engineering system 

COE/EUO—European Corps of Engineers 

coef—coefficient 

COGO—coordinated geometry (computers) 

COGS—continuous orbital guidance system 

COI—certificate of inspection 

COIN—counterinsurgency 

Coker—Cokernel 

COLA—cost of living adjustment 

colog—cologarithm 

32 

COM—computer-output microfilm 

COMET—computer-operated management 

evaluation technique 

COMINT—Communications Intelligence 

(computers) 

COMM—communications 

COMMZ—communications zone 

COMRADEX—effects of containment and 

meteorology on the environmental radiation 

exposure resulting from a power reactor 

accident (computers) 

COMSAT—1. communications satellite 

2. Communications Satellite 

COMSEC—communications security 

COMTEN—Communications 10 

COMUSK—Commander, US (Forces) in 

Korea 

COMUSMACV—Commander, US Military 

Assistance Command, Vietnam 

COMUX—combinatorial multiplex 

CON—California open network 

CONAD—Continental Air Defense 

(Command) 

CONARC—Continental Army Command 

conc—concentrate 

const—constant 

cont—1. continuous 2. continued 

CONTRN—a computer language 

CONUS—contiguous United States

conv—converter 

COO—conduct of operations 

COPE—critically ordered path evaluator 

(computers) 

COQ—cost of quality 

CORBA—common object request broker 

architecture 

CORCON—core/concrete (interaction code) 

CORDIVEM—Corps/Division Evaluation 

Model 

CORRTEX—continuous reflective radius time 

experiment 

cos—cosine 

COS—1. Cray operating system 2. Chief of 

Staff 

COSAL—coordinated shipboard/activity 

(allowance) list 

cosh—hyperbolic cosine 

COSL—cooled optically stimulated 

luminescence (see OSL) 

COSMIC—common systems main interconnecting 

COSMOS—computer system for mainframe 

operations 

cot—cotangent (sometimes abbreviated as ctg) 

COT—consolidated operability test 

cotar—correlated orientation tracking and 

range 

cotat—correlated tracking and triangulation 

coth—hyperbolic cotangent 

33 

COTS—commercial off-the-shelf 

COV—counter-obstacle vehicle 

COVAWT—cooperative vertical-axis wind 

turbine 

COZI—communication zone indicator 

cp—1. chemically pure 2. candlepower 

cP—centipoise 

CP—1. carbon phenolic 2. control point 

3. command post 

CPA—carboxypeptidase (a digestive enzyme) 

CPAF—cost plus award fee 

CPAP – Contractor Performance Assessment 

Program 

CPC—compound parabolic concentrator 

CPCA—Committee for Persons with 

Challenged Abilities (DOE) 

CPCM—certified professional contract 

managers 

cpd—contact potential difference 

CPD—1. central pulse distributor 

2. continuing professional development 

CPE—command post equipment 

CPFF—cost plus fixed fee 

CPG—Cummings Power Generation, Inc. 

CPI—1. characters per inch 2. cost 

performance index 

CPIA—Chemical Propulsion Information 

Agency 

CPIF—cost plus incentive fee

CPIIC—Corporate and Personal Integrity 

Investigative Committee 

C-PIP—Corporate and Personal Integrity 

Program 

CPJ—chlorinated polyethylene jacket 

Cpk—statistical process control 

CPL—confinement protection limit 

cpm—1. cycles per minute 2. counts per 

minute 

CPM—1. critical path method (computers) 

2. Center for Project Management 

CPMS—1. cable pressure monitoring system 

2. criteria pollutant monitoring station 

CPPM—computer protection program 

manager 

CPPSR—contractor personal property systems 

review 

CPR—1. cardiopulmonary resuscitation 

2. Corporate Process Requirements 

CPS—1. cycles per second; use Hz instead 

2. certified professional secretary 

3. Corporate Policy Statements 

CPSA—Consumer Product Safety Act (1972) 

CPSR—contractor purchasing system review 

CPSRC—Corporate and Personal Standards 

Review Committee 

CPT—current procedural terminology 

CPU—central processing unit 

CPV—command post vehicle 

CPX—command post exercise 

34 

CQE—1. certified quality engineer 

2. Corporate Quality Excellence (Program) 

CQI—continuous quality improvement 

CQM—certification, qualification, and 

monitoring 

Cr—chromium (chemical symbol) 

CR—1. catalytic reforming 2. contractor (also 

CTR) 3. contact resistance 4. change 

requisition 5. corporate requirements 

6. community relations 

CRA—Civil Rights Act 

CRADA—Co-operative Research and 

Development Agreement 

CRBRP—Clinch River Breeder Reactor Plant 

CRC—1. Control and Reporting Center 

2. cyclic redundancy check (or code) 

(computers) 

CRCM—Comprehensive Regional Center for 

Minorities 

CRD—1. civilian research and development 

2. confidential restricted data 

CRDEC—Chemical Research, Development, 

and Engineering Center 

CREG—controlled reluctance eddy-current 

generator 

CRF—1. Combustion Research Facility 

2. central response force 

CRFP—Cooperative Research Fellowship 

Program 

CRL—Cook Research Laboratories 

CRLB—Cramer-Rao Lower Bound 

CRM—1. chemical remanent magnetization 

2. Center for Radiation-Hardened

Microelectronics 3. Corporate Requirements 

Management 4. corrective repair maintenance 

5. count rate meter 

CRO—cathode-ray oscilloscope 

CRP—Community Relations Plan 

CRRES—combined release and radiation 

effects satellite 

CRS—Conference Room Scheduling (for the 

Internal Web) 

CRT—1. corporate requirements tracking 

2. cathode ray tube 3. coolant return tank 

CRTF—central receiver test facility 

CRWM—civilian radioactive waste 

management 

Crypto—communications security keying 

material 

CRZ—contamination reduction zone 

cs or cS—centistoke 

c/s—cycle(s) per second (use Hz instead) 

Cs—cesium (chemical symbol) 

CS—1. can select 2. compound-semiconductor 

3. communications satellite 4. core support 

C-S—customer-supplier 

C/S—containment and surveillance 

C 3 S—command, control, and communications 

system 

C 4 S—Center for Command, Control and 

Communications Systems 

CSA—1. Canadian Standards Association 

2. canned subassembly 3. compliance schedule 

agreement (or approval) 4. Command 

Support Area 

35 

CSAC—1. Computer Security Advisory 

Committee 2. Customer Satisfaction 

Assessment Committee 

CSAMT—controlled-source audio-frequency 

magnetotelluric 

CSAP—customer satisfaction assessment 

project 

Csat—customer satisfaction 

csc—cosecant 

CSC—1. Central Security Control 

2. computer software component 

3. computer systems coordinator 

csch—hyperbolic cosecant 

CSCI—computer software configuration (or 

component) item 

CSCS—cost and schedule control systems 

C/S CSC—cost and schedule control systems 

criteria 

CSD—control and status display 

CSDP—Continental Scientific Drilling 

Program 

CSEL—combat survivor/evader locator 

CSF—College of Santa Fe 

CSFA—College of Santa Fe/Albuquerque 

CSG—combinatorial solid geometry 

CSI—critical success indicator 

CSIL—critical and sensitive information list 

CSIS—Center for Strategic and International 

Studies 

CSIU—coded switch interface unit

CSL—contractor standards laboratory 

CSM—1. computer security manager 

2. core support module 3. customer service 

manager 

CSMA/CD—carrier sense with multiple access 

with collision detection 

CSNI—Committee on Safeguards of Nuclear 

Installations 

CSOC—Consolidated Space Operations 

Center 

CSP—1. chopped silica phenolic 2. control 

switching point 3. certified safety professional 

CSPD—career services for persons with 

disabilities 

CSR—1. current situation room 

2. computer security representative 

3. customer service request 4. customer service 

representative 

CSRL—1. common strategic rotary launcher 

2. Compound Semiconductor Research 

Laboratory 

CSRS—coherent Stokes-Raman spectroscopy 

CSS—1. coded switch set (or system) 

2. component support structure 3. US 

designator for Chinese surface-to-surface 

missile 

CSSA—Crop Science Society of America 

CSSC—coded switch set controller 

CSSM—computer security site manager 

CSSO—computer systems security officer 

CST—crystalline silicotitanate 

CSU—1. customer service unit 2. computer 

support unit 

36 

CSW—channel status word 

CSWS—Command Support Weapon System 

CT—1. cryoresistive transmission 

2. current transformer 3. counter terrorism 4. 

computed tomography (microscopy) 

CTA—Central Training Academy 

CTAC—Community Training and Assistance 

Center (Boston) 

CTAQ—Center for Transportation and Air 

Quality 

CTB—comprehensive test ban 

CTBN—carboxy terminated polybutadine 

acrylonitrile 

CTBT—Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty 

CTC—centralized traffic control 

CTCA—communicated threat capability 

assessment 

CTD—1. corporate training and development 

2. charge transfer device 3. cumulative trauma 

disorder 

CTE—1. component test equipment 

2. coefficient of thermal expansion 

CTF—1. Central Technical File 2. Coyote Test 

Field 

CTFC—Coyote Test Field Complex 

ctg—cotangent (see cot) 

CTG—control technique guidelines 

CTH—a three-dimensional shockwave physics 

code developed at SNL 

CTL—combat training launch

CTM—collimation test module 

CTMS—carrier transmission maintenance 

system 

CTOC—Command Tactical Operations 

Center 

CTP—Comprehensive Test Plan 

CTR—1. controlled thermonuclear reactor 

2. contractor 3 center 4. critical temperature 

ratio 

CTS—1. cable termination shelter 

2. carpal tunnel syndrome 

CTSS—CRAY time-sharing system 

CTTF—Countermine Test Track Facility 

CTU—1. compatibility test unit 

2. calibrator test unit 

CTW—clean tactical weapon 

CTZ—Corps Tactical Zone 

cu—cubic 

CUBE—computer use by engineers 

CUBIT—solid model file representation of a 

component or product that automatically 

generates a mesh for subsequent finite element 

analysis 

CUCV—commercial utility cargo vehicle 

CUSP—Center for Ultraclean Semiconductor 

Processing 

CUSR—custodial unit status report 

CUSUM—cumulative summation 

CV—1. CryptoVariable 2. contingency value 

CVC—1. conserved vector current 

2. chemical vapor composites 

37 

CVCS—chemical volume and control system 

CVD—1. chemical vapor deposition 

2. copper vapor deposition 

CVP—countermeasures verification program 

CVR—1. Center for Verification Research 

2. current viewing resistor 

CVS—composition variability study 

CVT—1. current-viewing transformer 

2. continuously variable transmission 

cw or CW—1. continuous wave 

2. clockwise 

CW—1. chemical warfare 2. chemical weapon 

3. conventional weapon 4. confined workspace 

5. clean water 

CWA—1. Communication Workers of 

America 2. Clean Water Act 

CWDR—chemical waste disposal request 

CWE—conventional weapons effects 

CWGM—cooling water gamma monitor 

CWL—chemical waste landfill 

CWMP—Chemical Waste Management Plan 

CWR—continuous welded rail 

CWS—contaminated water storage 

cwt—hundredweight 

CWW—compressed workweek 

CX—categorical exclusion 

CY—calendar year 

CYBL—cylindrical boiling

CYLTRAN—an electron/photon transport 

code 

CZMA—Coastal Zone Management Act 

D 

d- —deci- (a prefix indicating 10 -1 ) 

d—1. density 2. day 3. deuteron or deuton 

D—1. debye (unit of electric dipole moment 

that equals 10-18 Franklin cm) 

2. deuterium 3. dee (in a cyclotron) 

4. diopter (optics) 5. darcy (unit of 

permeability; see mD) 6. drawing (standards) 

7. destructive (tests) 

da—dry air 

DA—1. Department of the Army 2. double 

amplitude 3. Design Agency 

D/A—digital to analog 

DAASY—data acquisition and analysis system 

DAB—data acquisition box 

DAC—1. data acquisition and control (SCCS) 

2. digital-to-analog converter 

3. derived air concentration 4. Defense 

(Nuclear Agency) auxiliary closure 

5. Disabilities Awareness Committee 

DACCC—Dispersed Aircraft Cell Control 

Center 

DADP—Deputy Administrator for Defense 

Programs 

DADS—data acquisition and display system 

DAF—Device Assembly Facility 

DAGS—data-gathering system 

38 

DAKOTA—Design Analysis Kit for 

Optimization software 

DAM—1. device adapter module 2. data 

acquisition module 

DAMA—demand activated manufacturing 

architecture 

DAO—Dayton Area Office (DOE) 

DAP—diallylphthalate 

DA/PA—Design Agency/Production Agency 

DARCOM—1. Development and Readiness 

Command (Army) 2. Development and 

Research Command 

DARHT—Dual-Axis Radiographic 

Hydrodynamic Test Facility 

DARPA—Defense Advanced Research 

Projects Agency 

DAS—data acquisition system 

DASA—Defense Atomic Support Agency 

(obsolete; now Defense Nuclear Agency) 

DASC—Direct Air Support Center 

DASD—direct-access storage device 

(computers) 

DASMA—Deputy Assistant Secretary for 

Military Application (DOE) 

DASO—demonstration and shakedown 

operations 

DAT—1. diversity (awareness) action team 

2. digital audio tape 

DAU—data authentication unit 

DAVID—digital automatic video intrusion 

detection 

dB—decibel

DB—depth bomb 

dBA—A-weighted decibel 

DBA—1. database administrator 2. doing 

business as (usual) 3. design basis accident 

DBF—design basis fire 

dbi—decibels for an isotropic source 

dBm—decibel to 1 mW 

DBMS—database management system 

DBR—distributed Bragg reflectors 

DBS—debris barrier system 

dBSPL—decibel sound pressure level 

dc—direct current 

DC—1. data concentrator (computers) 

2. direct charges 3. direct chill 

D&C—drilling and completion 

DCA—1. Defense Cooperation Agreement 

2. dual-capable aircraft 3. Defense 

Communications Agency 

dc/ac—direct current/alternating current 

DCC—dialog corporate connection (a library 

retrieval system) 

DCER—design criteria engineering release 

DCF—dose conversion factor 

DCG—Derived Concentration Guide 

DCH—direct containment heating 

DCI—Director of Central Intelligence 

DCN—document change notice 

39 

DCO—detonator circuit ohmmeter 

DCP—device control program 

DCPC—dielectric compound parabolic 

concentrator 

DCPG—defense communications planning 

group 

DCR—1. data communication request 

2. design change request 

DCS—1. Document Control Station 

2. drawing (or document) control system 

3. defense communications system 

4. Deputy Chief of Staff 

DCSA—dependent care spending account 

DCSC—Desktop Computer Support Center 

DCSRDA—Deputy Chief of Staff, Research 

Development and Acquisition (Army) 

DCT—discrete cosine transform 

DCTL—direct-coupled transistor logic 

DCU—data control unit 

DCVW—direct current voltage withstanding 

DCWV—direct-current working volts 

DD—double density 

D/D—disablement/denial 

D&D—decontamination and demolition 

DDA—digital differential analyzer 

DDR—decontamination, decommissioning, 

demolition, and restoration 

DDE—dynamic data exchange 

DDESB—DoD Explosives Safety Board

DDI—Decisions and Designs, Inc. 

DDN—defense data network 

DDO—Deputy Director of Operations 

DDS—1. detailed design specification 

2. direct digital synthesizer 

DDSA—dual-dual stronglink assembly 

DDT—1. design demonstration testing 

2. deflagration-to-detonation transition 

3. Dichloro-diphenyl/trichloroethane 

DDTA—derivative differential thermal 

analysis 

DE—disablement equipment 

DEA—Drug Enforcement Agency 

DEAR—DOE Acquisition Regulation 

DEB—depolarizer electrolyte binder 

DEC—Digital Equipment Corporation 

deca—a prefix denoting 10 (a variant of deca is 

deka) 

DECANAL—decision analyses (computers) 

DECnet—Digital Equipment Corporation 

Network (computers) 

decon—decontamination 

DECtalk—a speech synthesizer 

DECUS—Digital Equipment Corporation User 

Society 

DEF—data exchange format 

DEFCON—defense readiness condition 

DEFORM—fuel deformation calculation 

(computers) 

40 

deg—degrees (use the symbol with numbers: 

32 º C) 

DEGS—diethyl glycol succinate (explosive) 

DELPHI—discriminating electrons with laser 

photon ionization 

DELSOL—"of the sun (span)" (computers) 

DEMO—demonstration plant analysis 

(computers) 

DEMP—dispersed electromagnetic pulse 

DEP—1. Dental Expense Plan 

2. diversified equity portfolio 

der or deriv—derivative 

DER—1. development engineering release 

2. designated engineering representative 

DES—data encryption standard 

det—1. detonator 2. determinant 

dev—deviation 

DEW—direct energy weapons 

df—degree of freedom (also DOF) 

DF—1. deuterium fluoride 2. direction finder 

DFD—1. demolition firing device 2. data flow 

diagram 

2-DFFT—two-dimensional fast Fourier 

transform 

DFM—design for manufacturing (obsolete; 

now DPR: design for product realization) 

DFP—defensive fighting position 

DFT—discrete Fourier transform 

DFTP—detailed flight test plan

DFWM—degenerate four-wave mixing 

dg—decigram 

DG—design guide 

DG/DAC—data general/data acquisition and 

control (a subsystem of AIDS) 

DGE—1. DADS graphic environment 

2. Division of Geothermal Energy (DOE) 

DGP—data-gathering panel 

DGSWS—Director General of Strategic 

Weapon System 

DGZ—designated (or desired) ground zero 

DHE or DHX—dump heat exchanger 

DHFR—dihydrofolate reductase 

DHLW—defense high-level waste 

DHM—dexterous hand master 

dHvA—de Haas van Alphen (effect) 

D&I—disassembly and inspection 

dia or diam—diameter 

DIA—Defense Intelligence Agency 

DIAL—differential absorption LIDAR 

DICE—defensive information to counter 

espionage 

DID—1. direct inward dialing 2. dynamic 

identification 3. defense in depth 4. data item 

description 5. display interface device 

DIFA—digital impedance for Faradaic 

analysis 

DII—defense industry initiative 

DIIC—dielectric insulated integrated circuit 

41 

dim—dimension 

DIP—dual in-line package 

DIS—1. Defense Investigative Service 

2. design information summary 3. disable 

DISA—Defense Information Systems Agency 

DISC—direct-injected stratified charge 

DISIDS—display and information distribution 

system 

dis/s—disintegrations per second 

DIU—data interface unit 

div—1. divergence 2. division 

DJTA—development joint test assembly 

dl—dead load 

dL—deciliter 

DL—door lock 

DLC—1. Diversity Leadership Committee 

2. data link control 

DLCF—data link control field 

DLPI—discrete line PAL interface 

DLR—American translation: German 

research establishment for Aeronautics and 

Astronautics 

DLWG—damage limitation working group 

(obsolete; see CEWG) 

dm—decimeter 

DM—department manager 

DMA—1. Division of Military Application 

(now Assistant Secretary for Defense 

Programs: ASDP) 2. Defense Mapping Agency

3. direct memory access 

4. Director of Military Affiliations 

5. diagnosis of multiple alarm (system) 

DMC—digital microcircuit 

DMF—Data Management Facility 

DMM—1. design methodology manager: a 

tool for defining and using process flows 

through a graphical user interface 

2. digital multimeter 

DMP—discrepancy microprocessor 

DMR—database management routine 

DMS—data (or document) management 

system 

DMSP—1. Defense Meteorological Satellite 

Program 2. Defense Meteorological Support 

Program 

DMTS—distinguished member of technical 

staff 

DMZ—demilitarized zone 

DNA—Defense Nuclear Agency 

DNA/FC—Defense Nuclear Agency/Field 


DNB—departure from nucleate boiling 

DNFSB—Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety 

Board 

DNI—dinitroimidazole 

DNSI—defense nuclear surety inspection 

DNO—do not operate 

DNT—dinitrotoluene (explosive) 

DNTS—distributed network terminal server 

42 

DOB—1. depth of burst 2. dispersed operating 

base 

DOBIS—Dortmunder Bibliothers Systems 

(Library program to retrieve references) 

obsolete: replaced by Horizon 

DOC—Department of Commerce 

DOCUSAR—document storage and retrieval 

DoD—Department of Defense 

DOD—depth of discharge 

DoDD—Department of Defense Directive 

DOE—Department of Energy 

DOE/AAO—Department of Energy/ Amarillo 

Area Office 

DOE/AL—Department of Energy/ 

Albuquerque Operations Office 

DOE/AN—Department of Energy/Arms 

(Control and) Nonproliferation 

DOECN—Department of Energy/ 

Communications Network 

DOE/ER—Department of Energy/ Energy 

Research 

DOE/ESC—Department of Energy/ Electrical 

Safety Committee 

DOE/FE—Department of Energy/Fossil 

Energy 

DOE/ID—Department of Energy/Idaho (Field 

Office) 

DOE/KAO—Department of Energy/ Kirtland 

Area Office 

DOELAP—Department of Energy/ 

Laboratory Accreditation Program

DOE/MA—Department of Energy/ Military 

Applications 

DOENTS—Department of Energy, National 

Telecommunications Systems 

DOE/NV—Department of Energy/Nevada 

Operations Office 

DOE/OSS—Department of Energy/Office of 

Safeguards and Security 

DOE/RFAO—Department of Energy/ Rocky 

Flats Area Office 

DOE/SRO—Department of Energy/ Savannah 

River Operations Office 

DOE/WPD—Department of Energy/ Weapons 

Program Division 

DOF—degree of freedom (also df) 

DOI—1. direct optical initiation 

2. Department of the Interior 

DOIT—develop on-site innovative technologies 

DOJ—Department of Justice 

DOL—1. Department of Labor 2. disperse 

operating location 

DON—Russian acronym for dopplier 

microwave area sensors 

DOP—1. detailed operating procedure 

2. dioctyl/phthlate 

DOS—1. Department of State 2. disk 

operating system 

DOT—Department of Transportation 

DOVAP—Doppler velocity and position 

DOW—Dow Chemical Company, (Golden 

Colorado) 

dP—differential pressure 

43 

D&P—development and production 

DP—1. dew point 2. Defense Programs 

3. data processing 4. disposal procedure 

DPA—diversion path analysis 

DPAC—Disability Placement and Accessibility 

Committee 

DPC—Direct Program Committee 

DPCM—differential pulse-code modulation 

DPCTP—Defense Programs Critical 

Technology Plan 

dpdt—double-pole, double-throw (electrical 

switches) 

DPM—1. dual-purpose missile 2. data 

processing machine 3. documents per minute 

DPQ—data quality objective 

DPR—design for product realization 

DPS—1. data processing set 2. Direct 

procurement services 

DPSK—diferential-phase-shift keying 

dpst—double-pole, single-throw (electrical 

switches) 

DPTRA—defense programs transportation 

risk assessment 

DQC—directorate quality coordinator 

DQO—data quality objective 

DR—1. disability retirement 

2. development report 3. design reconstitution 

DRA—detailed risk analysis 

DRAAG—design review and acceptance group

DRAM—1. dynamic response of articulated 

machinery 2. dynamic random access memory 

DRC—1. data-retention chassis 

2. Disciplinary Review Committee 

DRCF—dose-rate conversion factor 

DRD—deep-rock disposal 

DRE—destruction and removal efficiency 

DRM—depositional remanent magnetization 

DRP—deliverable reimbursable product 

DRTF—Distributed Receiver Test Facility 

DRU—dynamic reference unit 

DS—1. development specification 2. direct 

support 3. development schedule 4. door 

switch 5. data system 6. doublesided 

7. department supervisor 

DSA—1. dual stronglink assembly 2. direct 

support activity 

DSAC—deterministic severe accident criteria 

DSARC—Defense System Acquisition Review 

Council (obsolete; use Joint Requirements and 

Management Board) 

DSAT—anti-satellite defense 

DSB—1. Defense Science Board 2. double 

sideband (modulation) 

DSC—1. differential scanning calorimetry 

2. direct satellite communication 

DSCA—differential strain curve analysis 

DSCS—defense satellite communications 

system 

DSD—data security device 

DSDP—deep-sea drilling project 

44 

DSE—distributed system environment 

DSG—downhole steam generator 

DSGS—direct support/general support 

DSI—Decision Sciences Institute 

DSID—disposable seismic intrusion detector 

DSK—disk 

DSL—direct-strike lightning 

DSLA—dual stronglink assembly 

DSM—data stream multiplexer 

DSN—defense switched network 

DSP—1. doctoral study program 2. defense 

support program 3. digital signal process (or 

processor) 

DSRD—data systems research and 

development 

DSS—1. decision support systems 

2. double shell slurry 3. designated seismic 

station 

DSSF—double-shell slurry feed 

DSSL—detonator safing stronglink 

DST—double-shell tank 

DSTO—Defense Science and Technology 

Organization (Australia) 

DSV—defense suppression vehicle 

DSVS—deployable seismic verification system 

DSW—1. Director of Special Weapons 

2. Directed Stockpile Work 

DSX—digital signal crossconnect

DT—1. diffraction tomography 

2. dedicated target 

D-T—deuterium-tritium 

DTA—1. differential thermal analysis 

2. dynamic testing agency 3. designated travel 

agency 

DTC—desktop casting 

DT 2 C 3 —Director of Theater and Tactical 

Command, Control, and Communications 

(Office of the Secretary of Defense) 

DTD—1. document type definition 2. data 

transfer (or transport) device 

DTDB—digital terrain database 

DTE—data terminal equipment 

DTED—digital terrain elevation data 

DTEM—digital terrain elevation map(s) 

DTER—drawing transfer engineering release 

DTIC—Defense Technical Information Center 

DTL—1. diode transistor logic 

2. decontamination team leader 

DTMF—dual-tone modulated frequency 

DT/OT—development test/operation test 

DTP—1. desktop publishing 2. diversified 

telephone portfolio 

DTR—delivery to reclamation 

DTR90—taut wire sensor (one wire) 

DTR2000—taut wire sensor (two parallel 

wires) 

DTRA—Defense Threat Reduction Agency 

DTRG—dry tuned motor gyroscope 

45 

DTU—data transfer (or transformation) unit 

DTUC—data transfer unit cartridge 

DTV—device transport vehicle 

DTVB—digital television backup 

DTVE—digital television element 

DTWI—DOE transuranic waste integration 

DU—1. distribution unit 2. depleted uranium 

3. Dobson unit (used in measuring ozone) 

DUU—deliberate unauthorized use 

DUVAS—derivative ultraviolet absorption 

spectroscopy 

DV—data are valid 

D&V—demonstration and validation 

DVA—direct viscosification agent 

DVM—digital voltmeter 

DVP—deferred vested pension 

DVPS—digital voice processing system 

DW—1. dry well 2. development warhead 

DWCS—digital wireless control system 

dwg—drawing 

DWI—driving while intoxicated (or impaired) 

DWMP—Defense Waste Management Plan 

DWPF—Defense Waste Processing Facility 

DWS—digital weapon simulator 

DWTM—(Office of) Defense Waste and 

Transportation Management (DOE)

DWV—dielectric withstanding voltage 

DWVA—differential waveform analysis 

DXT—depth times thickness 

Dy—dysprosium (chemical symbol) 

DYMAC—dynamic material control 

dyn—dyne (a unit of force in the centimetergram-second 

system; use newtons instead) 

E 

E- —exa- (a prefix) 

E—1. environmental (test) 2. electrical 

(hazard) 

EA—1. environmental assessment 

2. emergency action 3. employee awards 

4. endangerment assessment 

EAC—Energy Advisory Committee 

EACI—Environmental Air Control, Inc. 

EACLOC—electron-alkali (Atom) close 

coupling (computers) 

EACT—emergency action and coordination 

team 

EADAS—engineering and administrative data 

acquisition system 

EAG—extended absence greeting 

EAM—1. emergency action message 

2. embedded atom method 

EAP—1. Employee Assistance Program 

2. Educational Assistance Program 3. 

emergency-action procedures 

46 

EAPRO—Employee Assistance Program 

Referral Option 

EAR—1. environmental assessment report 

2. Export Administration Regulation 

EAROM—electrically alterable read-only 

memory 

EAS—employee accounting system 

EASI—estimate of adversary sequence 

interruption 

EB—1. exploding bridge 2. Electrolyte binder 

EBAM—electron-beam addressable memory 

EBC—Employee Benefits Committee 

EBCDIC—extended binary-coded decimalinterchange 

code (computers) 

EBCE—electron-beams control electronics 

EBFA—electron-beam fusion accelerator 

EBIC—electron-beam-induced current 

EBIS—electron-beam ion source 

EBM—electron-beam machining 

EBR—1. electron-beam recording 

2. experimental breeder reactor 

EBRC—Equipment Budget Review Committee 

EBW—exploding bridgewire 

EBWR—experimental boiling-water reactor 

EC—1. environmental chamber 

2. European Community 3. exceptional 

contributor 

ECA—electronic (or electrical) component 

assembly 

ECAD—electronic computer-aided design

ECAP—European Conflict Analysis Project 

ECB—electronic code book 

ECC—1. emergency cardiac care 

2. emergency core coolant(or cooling) 

ECCD—electrical compatibility control 

drawing 

ECCI—1. electronic commerce of component 

information 2. emergency core coolant (or 

cooling) injection 

ECCM—electronic counter-countermeasures 

ECCN—export commodity control number 

ECCS—emergency core-cooling system 

ECD—electron capture detector (explosives) 

ECF—1. Entry Control Facility 

2. extracellular fluid 3. Explosives 

Components Facility 

E&CF—events and causal factors 

ECL—1. emitter-coupled logic 

2. Execution Control Language 

3. environmental checklist 

ECL/ADM—environmental checklist/action 

description memorandum 

ECLO—emitter-coupled logic operator 

ECM—1. electronic countermeasure 

2. electrochemical machining 

3. environmentally conscious manufacturing 

ECMC—enhanced crisis management 

capability 

eco—electron-coupled oscillator 

ECO—export controlled operations 

ECOTRAC—ecology tracking 

47 

ECP—1. engineering change proposal 

2. Employee Contribution Plan 3. entry 

control point 

ECR—1. engineering change request 

2. electron cyclotron resonance 

3. emergency conference room 

ECS—1. environmental control system 

2. emergency cooling system 

3. emergency control station 

ECSW—extended channel status word 

ECT—evaporator condensate tank 

ECTL—emitter-coupled transistor logic 

ECTU—electrical compatibility test unit 

ECU—environmental control (or conditioning) 

unit 

ECUT—energy conversion and utilization 

technologies 

ECW—effluent cooling water 

ED—1. engineering and development 

2. explosive destruction 3. emergency 

destruction 4. external device (computers) 

E&D—environmental and degrading (or 

destructive) 

EDAC—Earth Data Analysis Center (UNM) 

EDAX—energy defensive analysis with x-rays 

EDB—1. energy (science and technology) 

database 2. ethylene dibromide 

EDC—Employee Development Center 

EDD—enforcement decision document 

EDE—effective dose equivalent 

EDF—Environmental Defense Fund

EDG—emergency diesel generator 

EDLN—edge and line (weights) 

EDM—1. electron discharge machine (or machining) 

2. electrical discharge machining (or 

machine) 

EDMA—electronic design and manufacturing 

automation 

EDNA—externally driven nuclear assembly 

EDOC—error detection or correction 

EDP—electronic data processing 

EDPE—electronic data-processing equipment 

EDPM—electronic data-processing machine 

EDPS—electronic data-processing system 

EDR—electric dispersion reactor 

EDRE—emergency deployment readiness 

evaluation 

EDRS—environmental data reporting system 

EDS—1. energy dispersive spectroscopy 

2. emergency disablement system 

3. electronic disk storage 4. explosives 

detection system 5. earth data system 

6. event dataset 7. Explosive Destruction 

System 

EDU—error detection unit 

EDW—environmental development warhead 

EDX—exoatmospheric discrimination 

experiment 

EE—1. engineering evaluation 2. electrical 

engineer 3. external evaluation 

E&E—energy and environment 

48 

EEC—European economic community 

EE/CA—engineering evaluation and cost 

analysis 

EED—1. end event data 2. electro-explosive 

device 

EEFI—essential elements of friendly 

information 

EEG—electroencephalograph 

EEM—essential equipment monitor 

EEO—Equal Employment Opportunity 

EEO/AA—Equal Employment 

Opportunity/Affirmative Action 

EEOC—Equal Employment Opportunity 

Commission 

EEPROM—electrically erasable 

programmable read-only memory (see 

EPROM) 

EER—1. engineering evaluation reactor 

2. engineering evaluation release 

EERC—Energy and Environment Research 

Center 

EEROM—electrically erasable read-only 

memory 

EERU—environmental emergency response 

unit 

EES—electric energy systems 

EEV—employee expense voucher 

ef—E-field (fence) 

EFC—electronic filmless camera 

EFCOG—energy facilities contractors 

operating group

eff—efficiency 

EFF—electric field fence 

EFI—exploding foil initiator 

EFMS—electronic forms management system 

EFP—explosively formed projectiles 

EFT—1. electronic fund transfer 

2. electronic file transfer 

EFTS—electronic funds transfer system 

e.g.—exempli gratia (for example) 

EG—emergency generator 

EGA—enhanced graphic adapter 

EG&G—Edgerton, Germeshausen and Grier, 

Inc. (DOE Contractor) 

EGR—energy gamma rays 

EGS—engineering graphics system 

EH—environment and health 

EHD—electrohydrodynamics 

EHEMP—enhanced, high-altitude electromagnetic 

pulse 

EHF—extremely high frequency (UHF is 

preferred) 

EHS—extremely hazardous substance 

EHV—extremely high voltage (UHV is 

preferred) 

EHVL—enhanced hypervelocity launcher 

EIA—1. Electronic Industries Association 

2. economic impact assessment 3. Energy 

Information Administration (DOE) 

EIC—environmental Information Center 

49 

EIF—Enterprise Integration Facility 

EIG—electronic installation group 

EIIS—energy intelligence information system 

EIN—employer identification number 

EIS—1. environmental impact statement 

2. engineering information system 

3. export in-formation system 

EIVR—exchange of information by visits and 

reports (in US/UK defense agreements) 

EIVS—experimental inventory verification 

system 

EKG—electrocardiograph (or 

electrocardiogram 

EL—1. erector launcher 2. environment 

laboratory 

ELC—erector-launcher car 

ELF or elf—extremely low frequency 

ELI—early litigation qualification 

ELINT—1. electromagnetic intelligence 

2. electronic intelligence 

ELKE—elevated kinetic-energy (weapon) 

ELS—1. enhanced line security 

2. explosive light source 

ELTECH—Electrotechnical University of St. 

Petersburgh 

EM—1. electromagnetic 2. Energy Measurements, 

Inc. (subsidiary of EG&G) 3. environmental 

monitoring (or management) 

EMAT—electromagnetic acoustic transducer 

EMC—electromagnetic compatibility

EMCC—1. Electromagnetic Code Consortium 

2. Emergency Management Coordination 

Committee 

EMEA—electronic mail enabled application 

EMES—electromagnetic environment 

simulator 

EMF or emf—1. electromagnetic force (or 

field) 2. electromotive force 

EMFG—explosive magnetic flux generator 

EMG—explosive Marx generator 

EMI—electromagnetic interference 

EMINS—emergency management information 

system 

EMIS—emergency management information 

system (sometimes abbreviated as EMINS) 

EML—1. electromagnetic launcher 

2. equipment maintenance log 

EMMS—electromagnetic measurements 

system 

EM&NR—energy, minerals, and natural 

resources 

EMP—1. electromagnetic pulse 

2. enrichment monitor processor 

3. electron microprobe 4. environmental 

monitoring program 

EMR—electromagnetic radiation 

EMS—1. emergency management system 

2. emergency medical service 

EMSL—Environmental Monitoring Systems 

Laboratory 

EMT—1. emergency medical technician 

2. executive management team 

50 

emu or EMU—electromagnetic unit 

EMX—electromagnetic X 

ENDF—evaluated nuclear data file 

ENDS—1. enduring NUDET detection system 

2. enhanced nuclear detonation safety 

ENET—Ethernet 

ENG—electronic newsgathering 

ENNE—enterprise network excellence 

ENNK—endoatmospheric nonnuclear kill 

ENR—energy neutrons 

ENS—emergency notification system 

ENSCE—enemy situation correlation element 

ENV—environmental 

EnviroTRADE—environmental technologies 

for remedial actions data exchange 

e/o—enrichment percent 

EO—1. equal opportunity 2. environmental 

operations 3. executive order 

EOA—end of address 

EOC—1. Emergency Operations Center 

2. Environmental Operations Center 

EOD—1. explosive ordnance disposal 

2. erasable optical disk 

EOF—end of file 

EOL—end of life 

EOM—1. end of message 2. end of month 

EON—external open network 

EOP—experimental operating procedure

EOR—enhanced oil recovery 

EOS—1. equation of state 2. earth observation 

system 3. equal opportunity specialist 

EOSAT—earth observation satellite 

EOSC—electro-optics subcouncil 

EOS/ESD—electrical overstress/ electrostatic 

discharge 

EOSP—electrooptic signal processor 

EP—1. earth penetrator 2. engineering 

procedure 3. environment protection 

4. Electronic parts 5. exceptional performance 

EPA—1. Environmental Protection Agency 

2. electrical penetration assembly 

3. Equal Pay Act 

EPAC—1. Educational Programs Activity 

Committee 2. East Pacific 

EPC—early Pentagon capability 

EPCA—Energy Policy and Conservation Act 

EPD—engineering production document 

EPI—1. electronic position indicator 

2. engineering process improvement 

EPIC—El Paso International Center (Fort 

Bliss, Texas) 

EPICURE—experimental physics interactive 

controls user resource enhancement 

EPLD—erasable programmable logic devices 

EPMS—enhanced property management 

system 

EPOCH—electron propagation on channels 

EP&P—electronic publishing and printing 

51 

EPR—1. ethylene-propylene rubber 

2. electron paramagnetic resonance 

3. experimental power reactor 4. employee 

placement report 5. employee personnel 

record 

EPRI—Electric Power Research Institute 

EPRO or epro—end product 

EPROM—erasable (or electrically) 

programmable read-only memory (see 

EEPROM) 

EPSF—encapsulated postscript format 

EPW—earth-penetrating weapon 

EPZ—emergency planning zone 

Eq—equation (used only before a number); 

plural is Eqs 

EQ—equipment qualification 

EQFD—enhanced quality function deployment 

EQIP—equipment qualification inspection 

program 

EQRC—Electronics Quality Reliability Center 

equiv—1. equivalent 2. also equivalency 

ER—1. engineering release 2. environmental 

restoration 3. energy research 4. enhanced 

radiation 5. energy ratio 

ERA—1. electron ring accelerator 

2. Economic Regulatory Administration (DOE) 

3. ERDA research abstract 

4. expedited response action 

ERAB—Energy Research Advisory Board 

ERAD—explosive release atmospheric 

dispersion 

ERADCOM—Electronics Research and 

Development Command (Army)

ERB—1. Energy Resources Board 

2. exclusion region barrier 

ERC—Engineering Research Center 

ERCS—emergency response cleanup services 

ERD—emergency response director 

ER&D—exploratory research and 

development 

ERDA—Energy Research and Development 

Administration (previously AEC and now 

DOE) 

ER&E—Exxon Research and Engineering 

erf—error function 

erfc—error function (complement of) 

ERG—Executive Review Group 

ergs—erg-second (obsolete; use joules) 

ERIM—Environmental Research Institute of 

Michigan 

ERIS—exoatmospheric reentry intercept 

system 

ERISA—Employee Retirement Income 

Security Act 

ERL—emergency reference level 

ERNS—emergency response notification 

system 

EROM—erasable read-only memory 

ERP—1. equipment requirement program 

2. effective radiated power 3. emergency 

response procedure 

ERPG—emergency response planning 

guideline 

52 

ERPO—Environmental Restoration Project 

Office (DOE) 

ERS—equipment requirements schedule 

ERST—environmental restoration site 

tracking 

ERT—1. emergency response team 

2. environmental response team 

ERU—equipment replaceable unit 

ERV—emergency relief valve 

ER&WM or ER/WM—environmental 

restoration and waste management 

ES—expert system 

E&S—error and sensitivity 

ESA—1. engineering science assistant 

2. electronic safety and arming 

3. Endangered Species Act 

ESAAB—Energy Systems Acquisitions 

Advisory Board 

ESAD—1. electronic safing, arming, and 

detonation 2. electronic safing and arming 

device 

ESAF—electronic safe arm fire 

ESAISA—explosive safety internal selfassessment 

ESAISA—European Safeguards and Research 

Development Association 

ESARDA—European Safeguards and 

Research Development Association 

ESAT—environmental services assistant team 

ESC—1. Enhanced Surveillance Campaign 

2. Electrical Safety Committee 3. electrostatic 

chuck

ESCA—electron spectroscopy for chemical 

analyses 

ESCS—emergency satellite communications 

system 

e.s.d.—estimated standard deviation 

ESD—1. environmental sensing device 

2. electrostatic discharge 3. electron-simulated 

desorption 4. emergency shutdown device 

ESF—1. Exploratory Studies Facility 

2. exploratory shaft facilities 

3. engineered safety features 

ESFAS—engineered safety features actuation 

system 

ES&H—environment, safety, and health 

ESHAC—Environmental Safety and Health 

Advisory Committee 

ESI—1. extremely sensitive information 

2. equivalent series inductance 

3. expanded site investigation 4. effluent 

species identification 

ESIE—extended SATKA integrated 

experiment 

ESIU—ejector-store interface unit 

ESM—environmental sensor (or status) 

monitor 

ESNA—European Society of Nuclear Methods 

in Agriculture 

ESOP—Employee Stock Ownership Plan 

ESP—electrostatic precipitator 

ESQD—explosive safety quantity distance 

ESR—1. electron spin resonance 2. early 

storage reserve 3. electroslag remelting 

4. equivalent series resistance 

53 

ESS—1. engineering safeguards system 

2. electronic switching system 

3. engagement simulation system 

4. essential 5. environmental stress screening 

ESSA—electronically switched spherical array 

ESSG—environmental-sensing signal 

generator 

E&ST—employment and suitability test 

ESTSC—Energy Science and Technology 

Software Center (Oak Ridge, TN) 

ESTS—electronic systems test set 

esu—electrostatic unit 

ESU—energy storage unit 

ESW—emergency service water 

ET—1. European (Warning) Terminal 

2. event tree 

ETA—estimated time of arrival 

et al.—et alii (and others) 

ETAS—elevated target acquisition system 

etc.—et cetera (and so forth) 

ETC—electrothermal/chemical 

E/TE—experiment/test engineers 

ETF—1. Experimental Test Facility 

2. Engine Test Facility 

ETHZ—translation: Swiss Federal Technical 

University in Zurich 

ETI—early transient incapacitation 

ETIS—elapsed-time indicator system 

ETL/ISG—engineer topographic laboratories/intelligent 

system group

ETR—electrothermal response 

ETS—1. energy transfer system 

2. electronic translator system 

ETU—1. early training unit 

2. environmental test unit 

ETV—educational television 

eu—entropy unit 

e.u.—electron unit 

EUCOM—European Command (US) 

EUDED—Army Corps of Engineers, European 

Division 

EUNIE—European nuclear interface unit 

EUQS—environmental unique signal 

EURATOM—European Atomic Energy 

Community 

EUVL—extreme ultraviolet lithography 

eV—electron volt 

EV—1. electric vehicle 2. electronic viewing 

EVE—1. exemplary volunteer effort 

2. Enterprise-information viewing 

environment 3. electronic viewing 

environment 

EVM—electronic voltmeter (formerly called 

VTVM: vacuum tube voltmeter; used now to 

refer to equipment) 

EVP—executive vice president 

EW—1. European Warning 2. electronic 

warfare 

EWO—1. electronics warfare officer 

2. Emergency War Order 

54 

EWP—Emergency War Plan 

EWS—early warning system 

EWT—emitter wrapthrough 

EX—exemption request 

EXCOMS—executive communications system 

exp—1. exponent 2. exponential 

expt—experiment 

EXR—energy x-rays 

EZU—extended zone unit 

F 

f—femto (a prefix indicating 10 -15 ) 

f/16—aperture ratio 16 

ºF—degrees Fahrenheit 

F—1. farad (electric capacitance) 2. fermi 

(length equal to 10 -15 meter) 3. fluorine 

(chemical symbol) 4. fuze 

fa—femtoampere 

FA—1. field artillery 2. forward area 

3. failure analysis 4. funds advance 

FAA—1. Federal Aviation Administration 

2. functional area appraisal 

FAASV—field artillery ammunition supply 

vehicle 

FAATC—Federal Aviation Administration 

Technical Center (Atlantic City, NJ)

FAC—1. fast-acting closure 2. facility 

FACE—findable accurate, comprehensive, and 

effective 

FACET—a computer program for model 

smoothing 

FACOM—Field Artillery Command 

FACP—fire alarm control panel 

FACR—facts, analysis, conclusions, and 

recommendations 

FACS—future armored combat system 

FACT—1. fully automatic compiler-translator 

2. Facility for Calibration and Test (Coyote 

Canyon) 3. Federation of Automated Coding 

Technologies 

FAD—fuzing and arming device 

FADE—focus, analyze, develop, and execute 

FADS—force administration data system 

FAE—fuel air explosive 

FA&F—fuzing, arming, and firing 

FAID—1. fuel assembly identification 

2. fuel assembly integrity devices 

FAIS—Foreign Affairs Information System 

FAIT—facilities asbestos implementation team 

(see FAMT) 

FALCON—fission-activated laser concept 

FAM—facility assessment methodology 

FAMT—facilities asbestos management team 

(see FAIT) 

FAN-E—Flaming Arrow Network, Europe 

FAO—Federal Agency Order 

55 

FAR—1. false-alarm rate 2. fly-away round 

3. federal acquisition regulation 4. federal 

aviation regulation 

FARR—failsafe and risk-reduction (study) 

FAS—Federation of American Scientists 

FAST—1. Fourier amplitude sensitivity test 

2. future artillery systems technology 

3. facilities accelerated system teams 

FASTCAST—delivers investment cast 

hardware 

FAT—factory acceptance test 

FATE—fuzing, arming, testing, and evaluation 

fax or FAX—facsimile message 

FBA—force-balance accelerometer 

FBC—fluidized bed combustion 

FBI—Federal Bureau of Investigation 

FBIA—force-balance integrating 

accelerometer 

FBIS—Foreign Broadcast Information System 

FBM—fleet ballistic missile 

FBR—fast breeder reactor 

fc—1. flow chart 2. footcandle 

FC—1. full contributor 2. fluorocarbon 

FCA—functional configuration audit 

fcc—face-centered cubic 

FCC—1. Federal Communications 

Commission 2. Facilities Command Center 

(SNL)

FCCSET—Federal Coordinating Council for 

Science, Engineering, and Technology 

FCDC—flexible confined detonating card 

FC/DNA—Field Command/Defense Nuclear 

Agency 

FCI—1. Fluid Controls Institute 2. fuelcoolant 

interaction 

FCL—fault current limiter 

FCO—final change order 

FCP—1. fuel cycle program (or plant) 

2. Field Command Post 3. forward control 

point 4. fluid coupled plate 5. flight computer 

program 

FCR—facilities customer representative 

FCS—fire control system 

FCSM—field command stockpile management 

fcst—forecast 

FCTI—fuel coolant thermal interaction 

FDA—1. Food and Drug Administration 

2. fuel distribution analyzer 

FDB—field distribution box 

FDD—facility design document 

FDDI—fiber distributed data interface 

fdm—frequency-division multiplexing (or 

multiplexer 

FDM—fixed detection mode 

FDR—final development report 

FDS—fence disturbance sensor 

Fe—iron (chemical symbol) 

56 

FE—1. ferroelectric 2. fossil energy 

3. facility engineer 4. Facilities Express 

5. finite element 

FEA—finite element analysis 

FEB—functional electronic block 

FEBA—forward edge of battle area 

FECOM—Far East Command 

fed—1. federal 2. federated 3. federation 

FEDS—forced entry deterrent system 

FEMA—Federal Emergency Management 

Agency 

FEMP—Fernald Environmental Management 

Project 

FEMTRAN—radionuclide transport model 

FENCER—NATO code for Soviet bomber 

FEP—front-end processor (computers) 

FEPCA—Federal Environmental Pollution 

Control Act (1972) 

FERC—Federal Energy Regulatory 

Commission (DOE) 

FERF—Fusion Engineering Reactor Facility 

FES—flight environment sensor 

FESEM—forcible entry safeguards 

effectiveness model 

FESOP—Facilities Engineering Standard 

Operating Procedures 

FESS—front-end security system 

FET—1. ferroelectric transistor 2. field-effect 

transistor (switch) 

FEWS—follow-on early warning system

FFA—1. federal facilities agreement 

2. freefall airburst 

FFBD—functional flow back diagram 

FFCA—federal facilities compliance 

agreement 

FFE—failed fuel element 

FFG—free fall groundburst 

FFM—failed fuel mockup 

FFP—firm fixed price 

FFRDC—Federally Funded Research and 

Development Center 

FFS—fast-flag sensor 

FFT—fast Fourier transform 

FFTF—Fast Flux Test Facility 

FGD—flue gas desulfurization 

FGIS—facilities geographic information 

system 

FHAR—fire hazard analysis report 

FHSA—Federal Hazardous Substances Act 

(1966) 

FHWA—Federal Highway Administration 

FI—Ferrovie Italiane 

FIBITE—fault isolation built-in test 

FIC—1. Financial Information Center 

2. frequency interference control 

FICI—failed instrument component inspection 

FID—flame ionization detector 

FIDO—financial download (tool) 

57 

FIDS—facility intrusion detection system 

FIDU or fidu—fiducial 

FIESTA—field safety technical assistance 

FIFA—fissions per initial fissile atom 

FIFO—first-in, first-out (for inventory; also 

used in the computer field as a method of 

retrieving items) 

FIFRA—Federal Insecticides, Fungicide, and 

Rodenticide Act 

Fig.—figure (avoid abbreviation; best to spell 

out) 

FIG—fast ion gauge 

FIJ—facts, inference, and judgment 

FIMA—fissions per initial metal atom 

FIMS—facilities information management 

system 

FIPS—federal information processing 

standards 

FIR—1. far-infrared (laser) 2. finite impulse 

response 

FIRL—Franklin Institute Research 

Laboratory 

FIS—1. financial information system 

2. fluoroimmuno sensor 

FISUG—FIS user group 

FIT—field investigation team 

FITS—1. fully instrumented test site 

2. focus information technology showcase 

FKE—fracturable keying elements 

fl—fluid

fL—foot lambert (sometimes written ftL) 

FLAWLES—flight analysis by a weighted 

least-squares (technique) 

FLC—1. Federal Laboratory Consortium 

2. Federal Laboratory Commission 

FLEA—flux logic element array 

FLECHT—full-length emergency core heat 

transfer 

FLIR—forward-looking infrared 

FLMPR—forward-looking, materialpenetrating 

radar 

FLOSIM—flow simulation (computers) 

FLOT—forward line of own troops 

FLSA—Fair Labor Standards Act 

FLSC—flexible linear-shaped charge 

FLTSATCOM—Fleet Satellite 

Communications 

fm—femtometer (also used as fermi) 

FM—1. frequency modulation 

2. Ferromagnetic 3. fully meets 

4. function manager 5. field manual 

6. factory mutual 

F-map—feature mapping 

FMCS—Federal Mediation and Conciliation 

Service 

FMD—fuel motion detection 

FMDF—fixed-mirror distributed focus 

FMEA—Failure Mode and Effects Analysis 

FMEF—fuels and materials examination 

facility 

58 

FMHR—field material-handling robot 

FMLA—Family Medical Leave Act 

FMS—1. forms management system 

2. financial management service 

3. flexible manufacturing system 

4. foreign military sales 

FMSC—fixed-mirror solar concentrator 

fnp—fusion point (nuclear technology) 

FNSI—finding of no significant impact 

(sometimes written as FONSI) 

FO—fiber optics 

FOB—free on board 

FOC—full (or final) operational capability 

FOCI—foreign ownership, control, or 

influence 

FODOCS—feasibility of disposal of 

contaminated soil 

FOG—future options group (SNL) 

FOGM or FOG-M—fiber-optic guided missile 

FOIA—Freedom of Information Act 

FOLLS—fiber-optic liquid level sensor 

FONSI—finding of no significant impact (more 

commonly written as FNSI) 

FOR—field of regard 

FORSCOM—Forces Command (Army) 

FORTRAN—formula translator (or 

translation) (computers) 

FOS—fiber optic sensor

FOSDIC—film optical scanning device for 

input to computers 

FOT—follow-on operational test 

FOTL—follow-on to Lance 

FOV—field of view 

fp—freezing point 

FP—1. facility personnel 2. fission product 

FPA—1. floating point accelerator 

2. Federal Preparedness Agency 

FPD—flame photometric detector 

FPDR—first production drawing release 

FPFF—full power, full frequency 

FPGA—field programmable gate array 

FPMR—Federal Property Management 

Regulation 

FPP—1. financial preprocessor 2. floating 

point processor 

fps—1. frame per second 2. feet per second; 

also ft/s 

FPS—fence protection system 

FPU—first production unit 

FQR—field quality representative 

FR—1. France 2. Federal Register 

FRA—Federal Railroad Administration 

FRAM—ferroelectric random-access memory 

FRAS—fission gas release and swelling 

(computers) 

FRB—fast rise-time breakdown 

59 

FR/CP—functional representatives and 

counterparts 

FRD—formerly restricted data 

FREADM—fast reactor excursion and 

accident dynamics nodel (computers) 

FREC—fuel-ringed external cavity 

FRED—faceted region editor 

freq—frequency 

FRERP—Federal Radiological Emergency 

Response Plan 

FRG—Federal Republic of Germany 

FRMAC—Federal Radiological Monitoring 

and Assessment Center 

FROG—free rocket over ground 

FROKA—First Republic of Korea Army 

FRP—fire-resistant pit 

fs—femtosecond 

FS—1. firing set 2. fuming sulphuric (smoke 

agent) 3. feasibility study 

F&S—Fenix & Scission, Inc. 

FSA—1. fuel sphere assembly 2. firing system 

assembly 3. forward staging area 4. forward 

support assembly 

FSAC—Facilities Safety Appraisal Committee 

FSAR—Final Safety Analysis Report 

FSC—Federal Supply Classification 

FSCC—File Support Coordination Center 

FSD—full-scale development 

FSE—fire-support element

FSG—Federal Supply Group 

FSK—frequency-shift keying (see PSK) 

FSL—1. Flight-Simulator Laboratory 

2. formal semantics language (computers) 

3. field storage location 

FSM—1. fail-safe memory 2. financial systems 

migration 

FSMB—financial system management board 

FSN—1. federal stock number 2. Foreign 

Service National 

FSO—facility security officer 

FSP—foreign service post 

FSPS—free-standing plasma-sprayed 

FSR—functional security requirement 

FSRB—fuze safety review board 

FSS—federal supply schedule 

FSSG—Force Service Support Group 

FSU—Former Soviet Union 

ft—foot or feet 

FT—1. frame transfer 2. Fourier transform 

FTE—full-time equivalent (or employee) 

FTF—Falcon Test Facility 

FTIR—Fourier transform infrared 

(spectroscopy) 

FTIS—financial transaction interface system 

ftL—see fL 

ft-lbf—pound force per foot 

60 

FTM—flight test missile 

ft/min—feet per minute 

ft3/min—cubic feet per minute (preferred over 

liters per second: L/s) 

FTOS—flight-termination ordnance system 

FTP—file transfer protocol 

ft-pdl—foot poundal 

FTPA—Field Task Proposal Agreement; see 

WPAS 

FTPS—financial transaction processing system 

FTQ—flight test qualification 

FTR—fast test reactor in FFTF 

FTS—Federal Telecommunications System 

ft/s—feet per second; also fps 

ft3/s—cubic feet per second 

FTSC—fault tolerance spaceborne computer 

FTU—flight test unit 

FU—Finsen unit (electromagnetics) 

FUFO—full fuzing option 

FUSRAP—Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial 

Action Program 

fV—femtovolt 

FVC—filtered vented containment 

FW—1. feed water 2. filter wheel 

FWA—flow weighted average 

FW/BCR—feed withdrawal/building control 

room

FWCA—Fish and Wildlife Coordination 

(1958) 

FWCC—fine-weave carbon-carbon 

fwd—forward 

FWDC—Foster Wheeler Development 

Corporation 

FWDR—Final Weapon Development Report 

FWHM—full width, half maximum 

FWP—field work proposal 

FWPCA—Federal Water Pollution Control 

Act (obsolete; now Clean Water Act) 

FWPF—fine-weave pierced fabric 

FY—fiscal year 

FYDP—Five-Year Defense Program 

FYI—for your information 

FYPP—Five-Year Program Plan 

FZ—flow zone 

G 

g—gram (sometimes gm, but g is preferred) 

g or G—acceleration due to gravity 

G-—1. gain 2. giga- (a prefix indicating 10 9 ) 

ga or GA—gauge 

GA—1. gun assembled 2. genetic algorithms 

G&A—general and administrative 

GaA—gallium arsenide 

61 

GaAlAs—gallium-aluminum arsenide 

GACC—ground attack control capability 

GADRAS—gamma detector response and 

analysis software 

GAF—German Air Force (Luftwaffe) 

G/AIT—ground/airborne integrated terminal 

gal—gallon 

gal/min—gallons per minute 

GAMA—generation and maintenance area 

GAO—General Accounting Office 

GAPP—global atmospheric research program 

GAS—global antenna system 

GAT—Goodyear Atomic Corporation 

GATERS—ground-to-air telerobotic system 

GAWR—graphic arts work request (obsolete; 

now referred to as service order request: SOR) 

GBARC—Great Britain Aeronautical 

Research Council 

GBEE—Governor’s Business Executives for 

Education 

GBI—1. ground-based interceptor 

2. graduate business internship 

GBR-X—ground-based radar experiment 

Gbyte—gigabyte 

GC—gas chromatograph 

G&C—guidance and control 

GCD—greater confinement disposal 

GCEP—gas centrifuge enrichment plant

GCFBR—gas-cooled fast breeder reactor 

GC/FPD—gas chromatograph/flame 

photometric detector 

GCM—global circulation model 

GC/MS—gas chromatographic mass 

spectrometer 

GCN—ground communications network 

GCRP—global change research program 

Gc/s—gigacycles per second (obsolete; use 

GHz) 

GCS—general communications system 

GD/C—General Dynamics/Convair (obsolete; 

now Lockheed) 

GDC—general design criteria 

GDE—geologic disposal evaluation 

GDH—gobal data handler 

GDO—geothermal drilling organization 

GDP—GNT data processor 

GDS—general declassification schedule 

GDT—ground data terminal 

GE—General Electric (Company) 

GE-BRD—General Electric, Breeder Reactor 

Division 

GEM—1. generator, electronic marker 

2. graduate in engineering for minorities 

(summer program) 

GENDD—General Electric Neutron Device 

Department (now the Pinellas Plant) 

GENSER—general service 

62 

GEONDS—Ground EMP Optical NUDET 

(nuclear detonation) System 

GEOTEMP—geological temperature 

(computers) 

GEP—1. ground entry point 2. graduate 

education program 

GESMO—generic environmental statement on 

mixed oxide 

GESS—generator exhaust signature 

suppressor 

GETS—group emergency telephone system 

GeV—gigaelectron volt 

GFCI—ground fault circuit interrupter 

GFE—government-furnished equipment 

GFI—ground fault interrupter 

Gflops/s—floating point operations per second 

GFP—Government-Furnished Property 

(property assigned to commercial and 

educational institution subcontractors) 

GFS—government-furnished software 

Gg—gigagram 

GG—GNT gateway 

G&G—geophysical and geodedic 

GHA—ground hazard area 

GHP—geothermal heat pump 

GHQ—General Headquarters 

Ghz—gigahertz 

Gi—gilbert

GIDEP—government-industry data exchange 

program 

GIE—ground interface electronics 

GIF—1. Gamma Irradiation Facility 

2. guaranteed interest fund 

GIGO—garbage in, garbage out (computers) 

GIP—geotechnical instrumentation package 

GIS—1. gas-insulated substation 

2. geographic (or global) information system 

GISC—generic intelligent system controller 

GISP—geotechnically instrumented seafloor 

probe 

GISSP—geotechnical in situ strength probe 

GJPO—Grand Junction Projects Office (DOE) 

GL—general linear 

GLCM—ground-launched cruise missile 

GLONASS—Global Navigation Satellite 

System (Soviet Union) 

GLT—glycine-L-tyrosine (a typical drug 

molecule) 

gm—gram (it is preferable to use g) 

g/m3—grams per meter cubed 

GM—1. General Motors 2. geometry 

modeling 

G-M—Geiger-Mueller counter 

GMB—glass microballoon 

GMC—guided missile cruiser (nuclear) 

GMCP—ground maintenance computer 

program 

63 

GMT—Greenwich mean time 

gmv—gram-molecular volume 

GNR—general nuclear release (or response) 

GNS—global navigation system 

GNT—ground NUDET terminal 

GO—government obligations 

GOCO—government-owned, contractoroperated 

(DOE) 

GOES—geostationary operational 

environmental satellite 

GOP—general output 

GOSIP—Government Open Systems Interconnect 

Profile 

GOSSAT—Group on Soviet Science and 

Technology 

GOX—gaseous oxygen 

GP—general purpose 

GPa—gigapascal 

GPA—grade point average 

GPBTO—general-purpose, barbed-tape 

obstacle (concertina) 

GPC—1. gas permeation chromatography 

2. giant piston core 

GPE—general plant equipment (see GPP) 

GPIB—general purpose instrumentation bus 

gpm—gallons per minute 

GPMPP—groundwater protection 

management protection plan 

GPO—Government Printing Office

GPP—1. General Plant Project 2. generalpurpose 

plant (equipment) (see GPE) 

GPR—ground-penetrating radar 

GPS—1. global positioning system 

2. global positioning satellite 3. gas 

purification system 4. groundwater protection 

strategy 

gr—1. grain 2. gross 

GRADIN—gradient inverse 

GRASER—gamma-ray laser 

GRASS—gas release and swelling subroutine 

(computers) 

GRI—Gas Research Institute 

GRINSH—graded index separate-confinement 

heterostructure 

GRIS—gamma-ray imaging system (or 

spectrometer) 

GRO—gamma-ray observatory 

grp—ground reference point 

GRS—1. global receiver system 2. general 

records schedule 3. Geoscience and Remote 

Sensing (Journal) 

GRU—translation: Soviet Intelligence 

Directorate of the General Staff 

GS—geological survey 

GSA—General Services Administration 

(Agency of the Federal Government) 

GSAC—gas-sealing auxiliary closure 

GSE—1. ground support equipment 

2. group of scientific experts 

GSF—Geoelectric Simulation Facility 

64 

GSFC—Goddard Space Flight Center 

GSL—general scattered light (version of 

SPIRITS) 

GS/MS—gas chromotography/mass 

spectrometry 

GSSE—ground system support engineer 

G/T—(ratio of) gain (noise) to temperature 

GTA—gas tungsten arc 

GTCC—greater than Class C 

gtd.—guaranteed 

GTDA—general (license) technical data and 

annotation 

GTE—General Telegraph and Electric 

(Company) 

GTM—1. ground test missile 2. gang 

temperature monitor 

GTPP—gas transfer pilot project 

GTR—Government Travel Requisition 

GTS—1. guidance test set 2. ground test 

missile 3. gas transfer system 

GTSN—global telemetered seismographic (or 

seismic) network 

GTU—ground test unit 

GTUF—G-tunnel Underground Facility 

GUI—graphics (or graphical) user interface 

GUIDAR—guided intrusion detection and 

ranging 

GUILD—government, university, industry, 

and laboratory development

GV—ganged valve 

GVI—graphic users interface 

G/VLLD—ground/vehicular laser locator 

designator 

GVLS—global verification locating system 

GVR—gas volume ratio 

GVWR—gross vehicle weight rating 

gw—ground water; also groundwater 

GW—gigawatt 

GWEN—ground wave emergency network 

GWOA—guerilla warfare operational area 

GWS—general war system 

Gy—gray (unit of radiation dosage) 

GZ—ground zero (nuclear detonation) 

H 

h- —hecto- (a prefix indicating 10 2 ) 

h—hour (also hr) 

H—1. henry (electric inductance) 

2. horizontal 3. hazardous (materials, 

substances, and wastes) 

ha—hectare 

HAA—heterogeneous aerosol agglomeration 

(computers) 

HABE—high altitude balloon experiment 

HAC—heliostat array control 

65 

HACV—heavy armored combat vehicle 

HAD—hazard assessment document 

HAF—high-altitude fuze 

HAGAR—Highly Agile Ground Assessment 

Robot 

HAI—hazard assessment information (HAI 

form is obsolete) 

HAMOC—hammer analysis method of characteristics 

(computers) 

HAP—hazard analysis process 

HARC—helicopter accident-resistant 

container 

HARP—1. hazards assessment of rocket 

propellants (terminated in 1989) 2. high 

altitude research project 

HAS—hardened aircraft shelter (see PAS) 

HASP—health and safety plan 

HATS—hazard abatement tracking system 

hav—haversine 

HAW—hypersonic aerodynamic weapons 

HAWT—horizontal-axis wind turbine 

HAZ—heat-affected zone 

HAZCOM—hazard communication rule 

HAZMAT (or HazMat)—hazardous material 

HAZOP—hazard and operability 

HAZWOPER—hazardous waste operations 

and emergency response 

HAZWRAP—hazardous waste remedial action 

program

HBCU—Historically Black 

Colleges/Universities 

HBV—Hepatitis B virus 

HC—1. hexachloroethane (screening smoke) 

2. honeycomb 3. hazard class 4. hydrocarbon 

HCA—high contamination area 

HCC—1. Headquarters Communications 

Center 2. Headquarters Command Center 

(SNL) 

HCDA—hypothetical core disruptive accident 

HCE—health consultation evaluation 

HCF—Hot Cell Facility 

HCFC—hydrogenated chlorofluorocarbon 

HCl—hydrochloric acid 

HCM—high-current mode 

hcp—hexagonal close packed 

HCP—hearing conservation program 

HCSA—health care spending account 

HD—high density 

HDC—Headquarters Data Center 

HDL—Harry Diamond Laboratories (Adelphi, 

MD) 

HDP—high delta pressure 

HDR—hot dry run 

HDS—hydrodesulfurization 

HDTV—high-definition television 

HDW—Hanford defense waste 

HDX—half-duplex (circuits) 

66 

HE—1. high explosive 2. human error 

HEAF—High Explosive Application Facility 

HEART—hardened electronics and radiation 

technology 

HECTR—hydrogen event containment 

transient response 

HED—high energy density 

HEDI—high endoatmospheric defense 

interceptor 

HEDL—Hanford Engineering Development 

Laboratory (Washington) 

HEED—high energy electron diffraction 

HEEF—a boundary element solution 

HEGF—high energy gas fracturing 

HEL—Human Engineering Laboratory 

HELIA—high energy line induction 

accelerator 

HELIOS—computer analytic code in heliostat 

technology 

HELP—high energy laser program 

HEM—homogeneous equilibrium model 

(computers) 

HEMP—high altitude electromagnetic pulse 

HEP—human error probability 

HEPA—high efficiency particulate air (or 

aerosol) (filter) 

HERC—heavy equipment remote control 

HERL—Health Effects Research Laboratory

HERMES—high energy radiation megavolt 

electron source 

HERO—hazards of electromagnetic radiation 

to ordnance 

HETT—high explosive transit time 

HEU—highly enriched uranium 

HEW—health, education, and welfare 

hex—1. hexagonal 2. Hexadecimal 

HF—1. high frequency 2. hydrogen fluoride 

HFA—human factors analysis 

HFC—fluorinated hydrocarbon 

hfdf—high frequency direction finder 

HFIR—high flux isotope reactor 

hfs—hyperfine structure 

HFS—Human Factors Society 

HFSE—high frequency seismic element 

Hg—mercury (chemical element) 

H-gear—handling gear 

HGU—hand geometry unit 

HGV—hypersonic glide vehicle 

HHC—high heat capacity 

HHFCDP—high heat flux component 

development program 

HIACA—high intensity, adjustable cobalt 

array 

HIDS—highly integrated detonation system 

HIP—1. hazard identification process 

2. howitzer improvement program 

67 

HIPO—high (incident) potential 

HIPORS—high power radiation source 

hi-pot—high potential 

HIPPI—high performance parallel interface 

HIRA—hazard identification and risk 

assessment 

HIRAC—hazards identification, recording, 

and correction (system) (Sandia/CA) 

HIRCIS—high resolution capacitive imaging 

sensor 

HIS—Honeywell information system 

HISAC—high speed airdrop container 

(system) 

HITAF—high temperature advanced furnace 

(DOE) 

HIT-SAR—Highway Transportation—Safety 

Analysis Report 

HITEC—Hispanic (and American Indian) 

Technical Education Center 

HIV—human immunodeficiency virus 

HJ—Honest John (missile) 

HK—Hefner candle (optics) 

HLFM—high level flux monitor 

HLG—High Level Group (NATO Nuclear 

Issues Group) 

HLGPT—high level general-process trash 

HLLW—high level liquid waste 

HLOC—Hispanic Leadership and Outreach 

Committee

HLOS—horizontal line of sight 

HLW—high level waste 

HM—1. hazardous material 2. health 

monitoring 

HMC—1. hybrid microcircuit 2. HazMat (On- 

Scene) Commander 

HMEA—hazard mode and effect analysis 

HML—hard mobile launcher 

HMMWV—high mobility multipurpose 

wheeled vehicle 

HMO—Health Maintenance Organization 

HMPE—high modulus polyethylene 

HMS—hazardous materials storage 

HMT—1. hazardous materials transportation 

2. hazardous materials table 

HMTA—Hazardous Materials Transportation 

Act 

HMX—high melting explosive 

H&N—Holmes and Narver, Inc. 

HNAB—hexanitroazobenzene (explosive) 

HNL—Holified National Laboratory 

HNS—hexanitrostilbene (explosive) 

Ho—holmium (chemical symbol) 

HOB—height of burst 

HOC—halogenated organic compound 

HOE—homing overlay experiment 

HOFS—hybrid optical firing set 

HOIS—hostile intelligence service 

68 

HOM—homology 

HOMOT—hands on/minds on technology (see 

MANOS) 

HOP—high oxygen pressure 

HOPE—hypothetical overpower excursion 

(computers) 

Horizon—automated client-server library 

system that replaces DOBIS. Horizon serves as 

the library’s on-line catalog. 

HOTPIM—hydrodynamics or two-phase 

internal mixture (computers) 

hp—horsepower 

HP—1. health physics (or physicist) 

2. Hewlett-Packard 3. high pressure 

4. high performance 

HPAR—health physics anomaly reporting 

HPCC—high performance computing and 

communication 

HPD—1. Health Protection Division (DOE) 

2. hearing protection device 

HPFL—High Performance Fuel Laboratory 

HPI—hazard potential index 

HPLC—high performance liquid 

chromatography 

HPM—high power microwave 

HPOF—high pressure oil-filled 

HPPP—high pressure pump pad 

HPRF—high power radio frequency 

HPRS—high pressure recirculation system 

HPSS—high performance storage system

HPT—high potential tester 

H, P, T, & E—hand, power, thermal, and 

explosives (attack tools) 

HQ—headquarters 

HQDA—Headquarters, Department of the 

Army 

HQSAC—Headquarters Strategic Air 


hr or h—hour 

HR—1. human resources 2. heavy replica 

HRA—1. health risk appraisal 2. high 

radiation area 

HR/AR—high reflectance/antireflectance 

HPOF—high pressure oil-filled 

HRCQ—highway route controlled quantity 

HRD—1. human resources development 

2. heavy replica decay 

HRIS—human resources information system 

HRM—1. health risk management 

2. Hoisting and Rigging Manual (DOE) 

HRS—1. heat rejection system 2. hazard 

ranking system 

HRTEM—high resolution transmission 

electron microscopy 

HS—hydrogen sulfide 

HSB—Human Studies Board (SNL) 

(frequently called Institutional Review Board) 

HSE—Health, Safety, and Environment 


HSL—hue, saturation, lightness 

69 

H&SM—Health and Safety Manual (DOE) 

HSMCDR—high speed multichannel data 

recorder 

HSP—Health and Safety Plan 

HSR—helical screw rheometer 

HSS—hazard separation system 

HSST—house science, space, and technology 

HSTF—Heated Screen Test Facility 

HSWA—Hazardous and Solid Waste 

Amendment 

ht—height 

HT—1. high temperature 2. tritium 

HTA—high temperature alarm 

HTC—heat transfer coefficient 

HTGC—high temperature gas cleanup 

HTGR—high temperature, gas-cooled reactor 

HTIR—high temperature insulation resistance 

HTK—hard to kill 

HTLD—High Technology Light Division (Ft. 

Lewis) 

HTML—A set of language codes that enable 

documents to use hypertext, images, sound, 

and video. 

HTO—1. tritium water 2. tritium oxides 

HTRB—high temperature reverse bias 

HTS—1. high temperature superconductor 

2. hyperchannel terminal server 

HTTT—high temperature turbine technology

HUD—Department of Housing and Urban 

Development (US) 

HUMINT—human intelligence 

hv or HV—high voltage 

HVA—high velocity accelerator 

HVAC—heating, venting, and cooling 

HVB—high voltage breakdown 

HVL—hypervelocity launcher 

HVP—hypervelocity projectile 

HVPS—high voltage power supply 

HVR—high voltage ratio 

HVTS—head and video transmission 

subsystem 

H/W—hazardous waste 

HWC—hardware component 

HWCI—hardware configuration team 

HWG—hydrodynamic group 

HWMF—Hazardous Waste Management 

Facility 

HWR—heavy water reactor 

HWS—Hartmann wavefront sensing 

HWT—hypersonic wind tunnel 

HX—heat exchanger 

HYDAC—1. hybrid dynamic (material) 

control 2. hybrid digital-to-analog converter 

Hz—hertz (unit of frequency; also known as 

cycles per second) 

70 

Hz/s—hertz (or cycles) per second 

I 

IA—1. implosion assembled 2. interface 

adapter 3. independent assessment 

4. incident action 5. instrument air 

IABTI—International Association of Bomb 

Technicians and Investigators 

IAC—image analysis chip 

IACMAG—International Association for 

Computer Methods and Advances in 

Geomechanics 

IACRO—interagency cost reimbursement 

order 

IACS—International Annealed Copper 

Standard 

IACSE—Interagency Advisory Committee on 

Security Equipment 

IADS—igloo access denial system (This system 

has evolved into the weapon access delay 

system: WADS.) 

IAEA—International Atomic Energy Agency 

(Vienna, Austria) 

IAEP—International Assessment of 

Educational Progress 

IAG—interagency agreement 

IAI—1. Israel Aircraft Industries 2. International 

Association for Identification 

IAM—International Association of Machinists 

(SNL/CA) 

IANUS—integrated analysis of nuclear 

systems (computers)

IAS—1. Institute of Aerospace Sciences 

2. item accounting system 

IASTED—International Association of Science 

and Technology for Development 

IATA—International Air Traffic Association 

IAW—in accordance with 

IBEST—ion beam surface treatment 

ibid.—ibidem (in the same place) 

IBM—1. intermediate-range ballistic missile 

(see IRBM) 2. International Business 

Machines, Inc. 

IC—1. integrated circuit (or chip) 

2. inductance capacitance 3. intracloud 

4. integrated con-tractor 5. internal 

combustion 6. Incident Commander 

7. isolation condenser 

I/C—injector/combustor 

I&C—instrumentation and control 

ICA—item-controlled area 

ICAO—International Civil Aviation 

Organization 

ICADS—integrated correlation and display 

system 

ICB—1. interconnecting box 2. interface 

control board 

ICBM—intercontinental ballistic missile 

ICCB—interconnecting cable and control box 

ICCD—intensified charge-coupled device 

ICCTT—International Consultative 

Committee for Telephone and Telegraph 

ICD—interface control document (or drawing) 

71 

ICE—1. internal combustion engine 

2. intelligence computing environment 

3. interactive concurrent engineering 

4. interactive collaborative environment 

5. In-circuit emulator 

ICECO—Implicit Continuous Eulerian 

Containment Code (computers) 

ICECO-H—ICECO hydrodynamic 

ICECO-HT—ICECO heat transfer 

ICEPEL—ICECO piping and elbow (analysis) 

ICF—1. insurance continuance fund 

2. inertial confinement fusion 

ICFAX—integrated circuit failure analysis 

expert (system) 

ICFM—in-core fuel management 

ICM—interim corrective measure 

ICMG—intelligence community modeling 

group 

ICN—interim change notice 

ICO/FAO—integrated contractor order and 

federal agency order 

ICP-MS—inductively coupled plasma mass 

spectrometry 

ICPN—integrated combat procedures 

(nuclear) 

ICPP—Idaho Chemical Processing Plant 

ICRU—international commission on 

radiological units (and measurements) 

ICRP—International Council on Radiation 

Protection 

ICS—1. intermittent control system 

2. Intelligence Center School (Army)

3. integrated contractor system 

4. inventory control system 5. incident 

command system 

ICT—1. International Critical Tables 

2. inter-case transfer 3. interface control team 

ICU—1. interconnecting unit 2. interface 

control unit 3. integrated control unit 

ICV—1. inner containment vessel 

2. intimate container vault 

icw—interrupted continuous wave (e.g., Morse 

code) 

ID—1. inside diameter 2. identification 

3. image dissector 4. integrate demonstration 

(site) 5. Idaho Operations Office (DOE) 

IDA—1. intrusion detection alarm 

2. Institute for Defense Analysis 

IDAS—integrated data acquisition system 

IDB—integrated database 

IDD—integrated data denial (decryption) 

IDE—1. intrusion detection equipment 

2. interactive development environment 

IDEA—integrated development environment 

and assistance (or assistant) 

IDL—1. interactive data language 2. interdisciplinary 

laboratory 

IDLH—imminent danger to life or health 

IDMM—integrating digital multimeter 

(computerized measurement) 

IDO—internal distribution only 

IDP—1. integrated data processing 

2. intrusion detection process 

IDR—1. intermediate distribution room 

2. Internet Domain Routing 

72 

IDS—1. integrated diagram system 

2. information display system 3. intrusion 

detection system 

IDSN—integrated digital services network 

IDST—intrusion detection system technology 

IDU—interface demonstration unit 

i.e.—id est (that is) 

IE—1. inspection and enforcement 

2. industrial engineering 

I&E—inspection and evaluation (protects 

DOE assets) 

IEA—International Energy Agency 

IEC—International Electrochemical 

Commission 

IECE—intersociety energy conversion 

engineering 

IED—1. individual effectiveness development 

2. improvised explosive device 

IED/PEP—individual effectiveness 

development and performance enrichment 

program 

IEDS—improvised explosive device sterilizer 

IEEE—Institute of Electrical and Electronics 

Engineers, Inc. 

IEG—independent evaluation group 

IEIT—integrated engineering information 

technology 

IEMATS—improved emergency message 

automatic transmission system 

IEMP—internal electromagnetic pulse 

IER—1. information engineering release

2. internal engineering release 

IES—1. Illuminating Engineering Society 

2. Integrated Enabling Services 

IESCS—internal (or integrated)/external 

security and C 2 systems 

if or IF—intermediate frequency 

IFA—ionization front accelerator 

IFC—in-flight control 

IFD—in-flight-disconnect (connector) 

IFE—in-flight extraction 

IFF—identification, friend or foe 

IFI—1. in-flight insertion 2. inspector followup 

item 

IFM—1. interface memorandum 

2. interfacial force microscope 

IFR—ion-focused regime 

IFRF—International Flame Research 

Foundation 

IFRL—International Flame Research 

Foundation 

IFRS—intelligent facial recognition system 

IFS—integrated file system 

IFSAR—interferometric synthetic aperture 

radar 

IFV—infantry fighting vehicle 

IG—1. inertia guard (sensor) 

2. interconnecting group 3. Inspector General 

IGB—inner-German border 

IGES—1. initial graphic exchange standard 

2. initial graphics exchange specification 

73 

3. interactive graphics exchange system 

IGFM—internal gamma flux monitor 

IGR—impulse graphite reactor 

IGS—1. interior guard station 2. IONDS 

global segment 

IGUA—International Guards Union of 

America (obsolete; now Independent Security 

Police Association) 

IGZ—indicated ground zero 

IH—1. industrial hygiene 2. inert head 

3. inner housing 

IHD—in-house dissertation 

IHE—insensitive high explosive (see CHE) 

IHEM—In-house Energy Management 

(WIPP) 

IHG—in-house general (software) 

IHP—in-house preparation 

IHS—1. isotopic heat source 2. in-house 

special (software) 

IHTS—intermediate heat transport system 

IHX—intermediate heat exchanger 

IIE—Institute of International Education 

IIF—interest income fund 

IIR—1. interim IEMATS replacement 

2. Infinite (length) impulse responses 

IIS—interagency information study 

ILAB—inter-laboratory advisory board 

ILC—Individualized Learning Center 

ILF—infra-low frequency

ILH—imploding linear hohlraum 

ILLW—intermediate-level liquid waste 

ILRT—integrated leak rate test 

ILS—integrated logistics support 

ILSP—integrated logistics support plan 

ILT—inter-line transfer 

ILW—intermediate-level liquid waste 

Im—imaginary 

IMDI—integrated manufacturing design 

initiative 

IMETS—integrated meteorological system 

IMF—1. Improved Message Facility 

2. Integrated Maintenance Facility 

3. Intermediate Maintenance Facility 

IMFWG—interagency metal forming working 

group 

IMO—International Maritime Organization 

IMOG—1. interagency manufacturing 

operations group 2. interagency mechanical 

operations group 

IMP—1. intelligent mobile platform 

2. integrated mission processing 

IM-PMT—information management/ process 

management team 

IMPRESSARIO—integrated multiple 

platform for remote-sensing simulation and 

real-time interactive operation 

IMR—integrated management requirement 

IMRL—Integrated Materials Research 

Laboratory 

74 

IMS—1. intrusion monitoring system 

2. ion mobility spectrometer (or spectrometry) 

3. image management system 4. information 


IMTL—Integrated Manufacturing 

Technologies Laboratory 

IMU—inertial measurement unit 

in.—inch or inches 

In—indium (chemical symbol) 

IN—intelligence 

I/N—inspection and maintenance 

INAIGAP—indium aluminum gallium 

phosphide 

INC—insertable nuclear component 

IND—improvised nuclear device 

INE—inertial navigation element (or 

equipment) 

INEEL—Idaho National Engineering and 

Environmental Laboratory 

INEPT—insensitive nucleus enhancement by 

polarization 

INEWS—integrated electronic warfare system 

inf—inferior 

INF—intermediate-range nuclear force 

INMM—Institute of Nuclear Materials 

Management 

INOF—Integrated Nuclear Operations Facility 

INPO—Institute of Nuclear Power Operations 

InRad or INRAD—intrinsic radiation

in./s—inches per second (use ips for wire and 

tape speeds) 

INS—1. inertial navigation system 

2. Immigration and Naturalization Service 

INSAR—integrated nuclear safety analysis 

report 

INSI—initial nuclear safety (or surety) 

inspection 

INSPEC—Information Services for Physics, 

Electronics, and Computing 

INTELSAT—international consortium for 

communications satellites 

INU—inertial navigation unit 

IO—intelligence officer 

I/O—input/output 

IOC—initial operational capability 

IOCD—initial operational capability date 

IOCS—input/output control system 

IOIS—input/output interface system 

IOM—inert operational missile 

IONDS—integrated operational NUDET 


IORV—inadvertently opened relief valve 

IOS—1. Institute of Oceanographic Sciences 

2. input/output subsystem 

IOSAFS—integrated optical safety, arming, 

and firing system 

IOU—International Octel Users 

IP—1. integrated perimeter 2. initial 

production 3. integration project (or program) 

4. interface processor 

75 

IPA—individual performance award 

IPARS—integrated procurement/accounts 

(payable and) receiving system 

IPB—illustrated parts breakdown 

IPC—interprocess communication 

IPD—implementation phase document 

IPDP—individual personnel development plan 

IPE—individual plant examination 

IPF—image processing function 

IPG—interproject group 

IPL—Information Processing Language 

(computers) 

IPlan—Implementation Plan 

IPM—integrated pest management 

IPP—industrial partnership (or partnering) 

program 

IPPPS—integrated perimeter physical 

protection system 

IPR—1. in process of review 2. impulse 

response 

ips—inches per second (used for wire and tape 

speeds) (see in./s) 

IPS—1. information procurement system 

2. integrated procurement system 

IPS/E—integrated procurement system/ 

extended 

IPS/R—integrated procurement system/ 

replacement 

IPST—initial production systems test

IQA—Independent Quality Assessment 

Ir—iridium (chemical symbol) 

IR—1. infrared radiation 2. insulation 

resistance 

IRI—industrial risk insurer 

IRA—1. impact ratio analysis 

2. International Research Association 

IRBM—intermediate-range ballistic missile 

(often called IBM) 

IRBS—intermediate-range booster system 

IRC—inspection record card 

IR&D—1. industry research and development 

2.internal research and development 

IRE—Institute of Radio Engineers 

IREP—Integrated Reliability Evaluation 

Program 

IRIG—inter-range instrumentation group 

IRIS—1. infrared intrusion sensor 

2. intelligent robotics inspection system 

3. imaging radicals intersecting with surfaces 

4. Incorporated Research Institutions for 

Seismology 5. integrated risk information 

system 

IRM—1. isothermal remanent magnetization 

2. information resources management 

3. interim remedial measure 

IRMA—IR modeling and analysis 

IRMS—integrated resource management 

system (obsolete, now integrated services 

management system) 

IRN—internal restricted network (obsolete 

now SRN) 

76 

IROE—intelligent robot operating 

environment 

IRQ—interrupt request 

IRRV—intermediate-range reentry vehicle 

IRS—interim recovery system 

IRSSY—infrared signature system 

IRT—inactive record transfer 

IRU—item reporting units 

IRV—interim reentry vehicle (parachutes) 

IR/V/UV—infrared/visible/ultraviolet 

IS—1. information system 2. information 

service 3. inactive stockpile 

I/S—inflation/spin-up 

ISA—1. International Security Affairs 

2. Inter-national Standard Atmosphere 

3. inertial sensor assembly 4. industry 

standard architecture 5. interservice support 

agreement 6. Instrument Society of America 

ISAAC—in-hours stand-alone computer 

course 

ISAS—integrated small artillery synthesis 

ISAT—information systems advance team 

ISB—independent sideband (modulation) 

ISC—1. Instrument Sector Committee (subdivision 

of ANMC) 2. integrated systems 

checkout 

ISD—1. interface sequence document 

2. instructional systems design 

ISDN—integrated services digital network 

ISE—1. ideas in science and electronics 

2. ion selective electrode

ISEC—insider (or internal) security 

ISEM—insider safeguards effectiveness model 

ISFSI—independent spent-fuel storage 

installation 

ISHM—International Society for Hybrid 

Microcircuits 

ISHTE—in-situ heat-transfer experiment 

ISI—1. Internal Systems, Inc. 2. Integral 

Systems, Inc. 3. Institute for Scientific 

Information 4. in-service inspection 

ISIMU—ISHTE simulation 

ISIS—1. integrated storm information system 

2. integrated security information system 

ISIT—intensified silicon intensified target 

ISLR—integrated sidelobe ratio 

ISLS—intent stronglink switch 

ISN—internal secure network (SNL) 

ISMS—Integrated Safety Management 

System 

ISO—1. International Standards Organization 

2. International Security Operations 

ISO OSI—ISO open systems interconnect 

ISOSHLD—isotope shielding calculations 

(computers) 

ISP—1. integrated simulator program 

2. Inter-national Security Policy 

ISPA—Independent Security Police 

Association (formerly International Guards 

Union of America) 

ISPO—International Safeguards Project 

Office 

77 

ISR—1. interrupt service routine 2. International 

Survey Research (Corporation) 

IS&RC—Intelligent Systems and Robotics 

Center 

ISS—integrated security system 

ISSM—Integrated Safeguards and Security 

Management 

ISSN—international standard serial number 

ISSW—International Symposium on 

Shockwaves 

IST—1. integrated simulated testing 

2. infrared search and track 3. in-situ 

treatment 4. in-service testing 

ISTEA—Intermodal Surface Transportation 

Efficiency Act 

ISTM—International Society for Testing 

Materials 

ISTV—intra-site support transport vehicle 

ISV—1. in-situ vane 2. in-situ vitrification 

ISVP—individual small value purchase 

IT—Italy 

I&T—integration and testing 

ITA—independent technical assessment 

ITAG—intertial terrain-aided guidance 

ITAR—international traffic in arms 

regulations 

ITC—1. International Training Course 

2. Integrated Textile Complex 

ITER—International Thermonuclear 

Experimental Reactor

ITI—1. ion track instrument 2. incoming test 

and inspection 

ITIS—integrated technical information system 

ITL—intent to launch 

ITMS—ion trap mass spectrometer 

ITOSS—intent trajectory operated signal 

source 

ITP—international technology program 

ITR—information technology resources 

ITRI—Inhalation Toxicology Research 

Institute (SNL) 

ITS—Integrated Tiger Series 

ITU—International Telecommunications 

Union 

ITV—1. improved tow vehicle 

2. instructional television 

ITW&A—integrated tactical warning and 

assessment 

ITW/AA—integrated tactical warning/attack 

assessment 

IUO—insulated uranium oxide 

IUQS—intent unique signal 

IV—independent verification 

IVAF—independent vulnerability assessment 

facility 

IVAN—independent vulnerability analysis 

IVHS—intelligent vehicle highway system 

IVR—interactive voice response 

IVSN—initial voice switched network (NATO) 

78 

IV&V—independent validation and 

verification 

IWDR—interim weapon development report 

IWG—interface working group 

IWRP—industrial waste reduction program 

IX—ion exchange 

J 

J—joule (work, energy, quantity of heat) 

JA—job assignment 

JAAF—Joint Action Armed Forces 

JAAN—Joint Action of the Army and Navy 

JAC—Joint Apprenticeship Committee (or 

Council) 

JAD—Joint Application Design 

JAEIC—Joint Atomic Energy Intelligence 

Committee 

JAERI—Japanese Atomic Energy Research 

Institute 

JAIEG—Joint Atomic Information Exchange 

Group (US/UK) 

JANNAF—Joint Army, Navy, NASA, Air 

Force 

JANUS—name of the Nd glass laser system 

JAST—Joint Advanced Strike Technology 

JAWS—just another weld simulator 

JAWTIG—Joint Atomic Weapon Technical 

Information Group

JB—junction box 

JBFSAW—Joint Board on Future Storage of 

Atomic Weapons 

JCFM—Joint Chiefs of Staff Memorandum 

JCL—control language commands for 

controlling job flow 

JCMPO—Joint Cruise Missile Project Office 

JCO—justification for continued operation 

JCS—Joint Chiefs of Staff (DoD) 

JCSAN—JCS alerting network 

jct—junction 

J/deg—joule per degree 

JDL—Joint Directors of Laboratories (DOE) 

JDSSC—Joint Data Services Support Center 

JEAC—Joint Electric Armaments Committee 

JEDEC—Joint Electron Device Engineering 

Council 

JEEP—Joint Emergency Evaluation Plan 

JERI—Japan (Atomic) Energy Research 

Institute 

JET—Joint European Tours 

JEWC—Joint Electronic Warfare Center 

JFET—junction field-effect transistor 

JFSC—Joint Firearms Safety Committee 

JFTP—Joint Flight Test Plan 

JI—Johnston Island 

JIIC—junction-isolated integrated circuit 

79 

JINMM—Journal of the Institute of Nuclear 

Materials Management 

JINTACCS—Joint Interoperability for 

Tactical Command and Control Systems 

JIT—1. joint interface test 2. Just-in-Time 

(purchasing system) 

JITF—Joint Interface Task Force 

J/K—joule per kelvin 

JMH—Joint Mission Hardware 

JNACC—Joint Nuclear Accident Coordinating 

Center 

JNWPS—Joint Nuclear Weapons Publication 

System 

JOCG—Joint Ordnance Commanders Group 

JOM—Journal of Minerals 

JON—judgment of needs 

JOPES—Joint Operation Planning and 

Execution System 

JOR—Joint Operational Requirement 

JOSS—Johnniac open shop system 

(computers) 

JOTS—Joint operational telephone system 

JOVIAL—Jules (Schwartz) Version of the 

Inter-national Algorithmic Language 

(computers) 

JOWOG—Joint Working Group (US/UK 

bilateral defense agreement) 

JPL—Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

JPMO—Joint Program Management Office 

JPO—Joint Program Office

JPT—Journal of Petroleum Technology 

JRADS—Joint response assessment data 

system 

JRC—1. Joint Reconnaissance Center 

2. Joint Research Center (Ispra, Italy) 

JRERE—Journal of Radiation Effects, 

Research and Engineering 

JRMB—Joint Requirements and Management 

Board (formerly DSARC) 

JRSC—jam-resistant secure communications 

JRSWG—Joint Reentry Systems Working 

Group Agreement (US/UK) 

JSA—job safety analysis 

J-SIDDS—Joint Services interior intrusion 


JSP—jacketed soft point 

JSR—jump to subroutine 

JSSIN—Joint staff system information 

network 

JSSIS—Joint staff support information system 

JSSP—Joint stockpile sampling program 

JSTPS—Joint strategic target planning staff 

JTA—Joint test assembly 

JTACMS—Joint tactical missile system 

JTAG—Joint test action group 

JTC3A—Joint Tactical Command, Control, 

and Communications Agency 

JTF—Joint task force 

JTFC—Joint Tactical Fusion Center 

80 

JTG—joint task group 

JTIDS—Joint tactical information distribution 

system 

JTPR—Joint technology panel for robotics 

JTS—Joint test subassembly 

JTSMG—Joint theatre surety management 

group 

JTU—Joint test unit 

JTWG—Joint test working group 

JVE—Joint verification experiment 

JWG—Joint working group 

K 

k—kilo (prefix indicating 103) 

K—1. kelvin (thermodynamic temperature; 

since 1967 the degree symbol has been 

discontinued with K) 

2. kayser (unit of reciprocal length, known as 

rydberg) 3. thousands: e.g., $10K = $10,000 

4. kilobyte (sometimes written kbyte or KB) 

kA—kiloampere 

KAFB—Kirtland Air Force Base (NM) 

KAO—Kirtland Area Office (DOE) 

KAVE—K-nearest neighbor average 

kb—kilobar (also kbar); kilobit 

KB—kilobyte (see kbyte) 

Kbar—kilo bar

kb/s or kbps—kilobits per second 

kbyte—kilobyte (see K or kbyte) 

kc—kilocycle (obsolete; use kHz instead) 

KC or KCP—Kansas City Plant (see BKC or 

AS/KCD) 

KC 3 —Kirtland Community Coordinating 

Council 

kcal—kilocalorie (also known as kilogramcalorie, 

kg-cal) 

KCAO—Kansas City Area Office (DOE) 

KCAS—knots calibrated airspeed 

KCD—Kansas City Division of the Allied 

Signal Aerospace Corporation (also see 

AS/KCD and BKC) 

kCi—kilocurie 

kc/mol—kilocalories per mole 

kc/s—kilocycle per second (use Hz instead) 

KE—kinetic energy 

ker—kernel 

keV—kilo electron volt 

KEW—kinetic energy weapon 

KF—key finding 

kft—kilofeet (SI units preferred) 

kg—kilogram 

kG—kilogauss 

KGB—Soviet Ministry of State Security 

(translation) 

kg cal—kilogram-calorie (see also kcal) 

81 

kgf—kilogram force 

kgm—kilogram-meter 

Kg-m 2 —kilogram-meter squared 

KH—reconnaissance satellite series designator 

kHz—kilohertz 

KI—stress intensity factor for Mode I crack 

opening (see KIc) 

KIAS—knots indicated airspeed 

KIc—critical stress intensity factor for Mode I 

crack opening (see KI) 

kin—kinetic 

kip—kilopound 

kJ—kilojoule 

KKR—Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker 

kL—kiloliter 

kLD—thousands of level detectors 

km—kilometer 

km/h—kilometer per hour 

KMR—Kwajalein Missile Range 

KMS—KMS Fusion Inc. 

km/s—kilometers per second 

kn—knot (speed) 

KN or kN—kilonewton 

kNM—kilo nautical miles 

kohm—kilo ohm 

KOP—knowledge of process

KOR—knowledge of results 

KP—known precedent 

K&P—Koogle and Pouls (Engineering) 

KPL—Key Personnel Locator 

KPP—Knowledge Preservation Project 

krad—kilorad 

KREMS—Kierman reentry measurement 

system 

Krf—krypton-fluoride 

KSC—1. Raman Sciences Corporation 

2. Kennedy Space Center 

kt—kiloton 

KTACS—Korean tactical air control system 

KTAS—knots true airspeed 

KTF—Kauai test facility (Hawaii) 

KUMD—know, understand, manage, and 

document 

KUMSC—Kirtland Underground Munitions 

Storage Center (or Complex) 

kV—kilovolt 

kVA—kilovolt ampere 

kvar—kilovar 

KVM—Kerr voltage monitor 

kVp—kilovolt potential 

kW—kilowatt 

kWe—kilowatt of electrical energy 

kWh—kilowatt hour 

82 

KWI—key word index 

kWt—kilowatt of thermal energy 

L 

L—1. US symbol for liter. 2. lambert (unit of 

luminance) 3. loop 4. link (as in L1) 

LA—limited area 

LAAO—Los Alamos Area Office (DOE) 

LAARC—lightweight, air-transportable, 

accident-resistant container 

LABCOM—Laboratory Command (Army: 

Adelphi, MD) 

LAC—lightning arrester connector 

LACE—low (power) atmospheric 

compensation experiment 

LADAR—1. laser detection and ranging 

2. laser radar 

LADD—low angle drogue delivery 

LAFO—Los Alamos Field Office (DOE) 

LAMP—Lagrangian measurement platform 

LAMPF—Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility 

LAN—local area network 

LANCE—dual capable, short range missile 

(Army) 

LANL—Los Alamos National Laboratory 

LANTCOM—Atlantic Command 

LANTIRN—low altitude navigation targeting 

infrared night

LAP—Livermore assessment program 

LAPRADS—low altitude parachute 

retrorocket air-drop system 

LARS—laser articulated robotic system 

laser—light amplification by stimulated 

emission of radiation (originally an acronym, 

but now accepted as a word) 

LASS—1. laser spark spectroscopy 

2. large area smoke system 

lat—latitude 

LAT—1. lock and tumbler 2. local area 

terminal (or transport) 3. lot acceptance test 

LATA—Los Alamos Technical Associates 

LAV—light armored vehicle 

LAW—light anti-tank weapon 

LAZAP—laser application 

lb—pound 

lbf—pound force 

lbf/ft—pound force per foot 

lb/ft—pounds per foot 

lb/ft 2 —pounds per square foot (see psf) 

lb/ft 3 —pounds per cubic foot (sometimes 

written as pcf, but lb/ft 3 is preferred) 

lb/in.—pounds per inch 

lb/in 2 —pounds per square inch (also psi) 

lbm—pound mass 

LBNL—Lawrence Berkeley National 

Laboratory 

83 

LBR—large breeder reactor 

LBRV—large ballistic recovery vehicle 

LBTS—land-based test site 

LC—1. liquid chromatography 2. liquid 

crystal 3. load car 4. laser communication 

5. labor costs 6. lethal concentration 

7. locked closed 

LCAC—landing craft air cushion 

LCB—Laboratory Coordinating Board 

LCC—1. lifecycle cost 2. Launch Control 

Center 3. launch control console 

LCCA—leadless chip carrier assembly 

LCD—1. local control and display 

2. liquid crystal device (or display) 

LCE—1. laboratory component evaluation 

2. launch control error 

LCF—latent cancer fatalities 

LCG—launch control group 

LCM—least common multiple 

LCO—limiting condition of operations 

LCP—Lifecycle Plan 

LC-SC—1. launch control to security control 

2. launch control security car 

LCSS—lightweight camouflage screening 

system 

LCT—laboratory component test 

LCTF—lost circulation test facility 

LCTP—laboratory component test program 

LD—1. laser diode 2. lethal dose 

3. laydown 4. logistics demonstration

L/D—1. link/diameter 2. Lift/drag 3. Level 

detector (unit) 

LDA—lasar diode array 

LDAS—laboratory document accountability 

system 

LDI—1. (Bell) Laboratories design 

information 2. laser diode ignition 

Ldn—equivalent day/night (sound level) 

LDR—land disposal restriction 

LDRD—Laboratory Directed Research and 

Development 

LDS—laser dazzle sight 

LDV—laser Doppler velocity 

LDW—loss damage waiver 

LE—1. low explosive 2. low exposure 

LEAP—1. Livermore Employees Assistance 

Plan (or Program) 2. lightweight 

exoatmospheric projectile 

LEBA—line source electron beam annealing 

LECIVA—low-energy, charge-inducted 

voltage alteration 

LECS—liquid effluent control system 

LED—light-emitting diode 

LEE—logistical evaluation exercise 

LEED—low-energy electron diffraction 

LEF—laser-excited fluorescence 

LEG—logistical evaluation group 

LEGM—low energy gamma monitor 

84 

LEHR—Laboratory for Energy-related Health 

Research 

LEL—lower explosive limit 

LEMUF—limit of error on material 

unaccounted for 

LEP—low-emissions partnership 

LEPC—local emergency planning committee 

LER—licensee event report 

LERC—1. Lewis Research Center 

2. Laramie Energy Research Center 

LES—1. launch enable switch 2. loaded 

equipment section 

LET—linear energy transfer 

LETC—Laramie Energy Technology Center 

LEU—low-enriched uranium 

LEV—local exhaust ventilation 

lf or LF—1. low frequency 2. live fire 

LFBSR—linear feedback shift register 

LFE—1. L-band front end 2. liquid field 

emission 

LFL—lower flammable limit 

LFR—live fire range 

LGB—laser-guided bomb 

LGVSS—light grid vault surveillance system 

LH—labor hour 

LHe—liquid helium 

LHP—1. Lovelace Health Plan (NM) 

2. leadless hermetic package

LHS—Latin hypercube sampling 

LHX—light-helicopter experiment 

LIC—low-intensity conflict 

LICA—low-intensity cobalt array 

LiD—lithium deuteride 

LIDAR—light detection and ranging 

LIF—laser-induced fluorescence 

LIFE—analysis of in-pile fuel elements 

(computers) 

LIFO—last-in, first-out 

LIGA—a German acronym for lithography, 

electroplating, and molding 

LiH—lithium hydride 

LIHE—light-initiated high explosive 

lim—limit 

lim inf—limit inferior 

lim sup—limit superior 

lin—1. lineal 2. linear 

linac—linear accelerator 

LINC—Laboratory information network 

committee 

LINK—Laboratory information network 

LINPACK—a massively parallel benchmark 

problem 

LIOCS—logical input/output control system 

(computers) 

LIPS—laboratory integration and 

prioritization system (part of ISMS) 

85 

LIRB—lithium ion rechargeable battery 

LIS—Laboratory information system 

LISA—linear infrared scanning array 

LISN—line impedance stabilization network 

LISP—list processing (computers) 

Li/Tc—lithium thionyl chloride 

LIVA—light-induced voltage alteration 

LIWG—line implementation working group 

LJT—Long-Junior Trilock 

LKKR—layered Kohn, Korringa, and 

Rostoker 

ll—live load 

LLA—1. launch loader adapter 2. lowest 

logical airfare 

LLC—limited-life component 

LLCE—limited-life component exchange 

LLD—1. low level delivery 2. lower limit of 

detection 

LLE—launch location error 

LLGPT—low level general-process trash 

LLL—1. low light level (optics) 2. low level 

logic (computers) 

LLMW—low level mixed waste 

LLNL—Lawrence Livermore National 

Laboratory 

LLRW—low level radioactive waste 

LLRWPA—Low Level Radioactive Waste 

Policy Act

LLT—Laboratory Leadership Team 

LLTB—long life thermal battery 

LLV-1—Lockheed Launch Vehicle 

LLW—1. low level waste (nuclear waste 

technology) 2. leaky Lamb wave 

lm—lumen (luminous flux) 

LM—low melting 

LMC—Lockheed-Martin Corporation 

LMCS—loop multiplexer communication 

system 

LMEAT—Line Managers’ ES&H Action 

Team 

LMF—1. Laboratory Microfusion Facility 

2. Large-Scale Melt Facility 3. local 

monitoring facility 

LMFBR—liquid metal fast breeder reactor 

lm/ft 2 —lumens per square foot 

lm/m 2 —lumens per square meter 

LMMS—land mobile missile system 

LMOS—loop maintenance operations system 

LMR—1. limited message retriever 

2. liquid metal reactor 

lm-s—lumen second 

LMSC—Lockheed Missile and Space 

Company (Sunnyvale, CA) 

lm/W—lumens per watt 

ln—logarithm (natural) (see log) 

LNA—low noise amplifier 

LNG—liquified natural gas 

86 

LNP—loss of normal power 

LO—1. local oscillator 2. low observable 

3. locked open 4. limitation of obligations 

LOA—leave of absence 

LOB—1. line of business 2. launch operations 

building 

LOC—1. limited operational capability 

2. loss of communication 3. level of concern 

LOCA—loss-of-coolant accident 

LOCAAS—low-cost, anti-armor submunition 

LOCAP—low capacitance (cable) 

loc.cit.—loco citato (in the place cited) 

LOCUSP—low-cost uncooled sensor prototype 

LOCV—loss of condenser vacuum 

LOD—letter of determination 

LOE—level of effort 

LOF—loss-of-flow (accident) 

LOFAR—low frequency acquisition and 

ranging 

LOFT—loss-of-fluid test 

log—logarithm (common); see ln 

LOGCAP—logistics and command assessment 

of projects 

long—1. longitudinal 2. longitude 

LOOP—loss of offsite power 

LORAN—long-range navigation 

LOS—line-of-sight

LOTA—loss of target accident 

LOTO—lockout/tagout 

LOTS—lightweight optical tracking system 

LOV—letter of violation 

LOW—launch on warning 

LOX—liquid-oxygen explosive 

LP—1. liquid propellant 2. linear 

programming 

LPCVD—low-pressure chemical vapor 

deposition 

LPE—liquid-phase epitaxy 

LPF—low pass filter 

LPG—1. liquified petroleum gas 2. liquid 

propellant gun 

LPI—1. low probability of intercept 2. low 

pressure injection 

LPLIF—laser-photoanalysis, laser-induced 

fluorescence 

lpm—line pairs per millimeter 

LPPP—low pressure pump pad 

LPRS—low pressure recirculation system 

LPRSX—low pressure recirculation system 

(heat) exchanger 

LPR—laboratory process reengineering 

LPS—laser plasma source 

LPSO—Lead Principal Secretarial Office 

(DOE) 

LPSS—line protection switching system 

LPSW—low pressure service water 

87 

LPT—line printer 

LQ—limited quantity 

Lr—Lawrencium (chemical symbol) 

LR—1. letter requirement 2. light replica 

LRA—long-range aviation 

LRAM—long-range attack missile 

LRD—light replica decoy 

LRF—laser resonant fluorescence 

LRINF—long-range intermediate nuclear 

force 

LRIP—low rate initial product 

LRMDS—lightweight radar mine detector 

system 

LRP—1. long-range plan 2. lightweight 

retractable pole 

LRSP—long-range security plan (or program) 

LRU—line replaceable unit (module) 

LS—1. launch system 2. loaded salary 

3. loop seal 

L/s—liters per second (use ft 3 /min instead) 

LSA—1. logistic support analysis 2. low 

specific activity 

LSB—least-significant bit (computers) 

LSC—1. linear-shaped charge 2. Life Safety 

Code (NFPA 101) 

LSD—least-significant digit (computers) 

LSE—liaison element 

LSG—laboratory support group

LSI—large-scale integrated (circuit) 

LSO—1. laser safety officer 2. Lovelace senior 

options 

LSP—Lovelace Senior Plan 

LSTC—Livermore Software Technology 

Corporation 

LSTS—1. launch system test set 2. launch 

system test sequence 

LSWD—large screen wall display 

LT—laser tracker 

LTA—less than adequate 

LTC—limited try count 

LTD—long-term disability 

LTE—local thermodynamic equilibrium 

LTG—Laboratory Task Group 

LTGen.—Lieutenant General 

LTH—lethality and target hardening 

LTI—launch test inert 

LTIV—launch test inert vehicle 

LTPD—lot tolerance percent defective 

LTPE—laboratory test program evaluation 

LTRA—long term response action 

LTSFF—limited-term staff 

LTSPME—long-term savings plan for 

management employees 

LTSSP—long-term savings and security plan 

LTU—laboratory test unit 

88 

LTV—Ling-Temco-Vought 

LUA—launch under attack 

lub—least upper bound 

LUG—local user's group 

LUST—leaking underground storage tank 

lux—the SI unit of illumination, equal to 1 

lumen per square meter 

LVC—load verification code 

LVDT—linear variable displacement (or 

differential) transformer 

LVPS—low voltage power supply 

LVT—1. linear velocity transducer 

2. landing vehicle tracked 

LVTB—low voltage thermal battery 

LWC—1. liquid water content (climatology) 2. 

lost workday case 

LWG—logistic working group 

LWIR—long wavelength infrared 

LWIS—lightweight instrumentation system 

LWR—light water reactor 

LWRP—Livermore Water Reclamation Plant 

lx—illuminance (use lux) 

LY—low yield 

M

µ-—micro- (AIP still uses micron, which they 

list as µ. Many Sandia scientists also use 

micron in certain instances.) 

µA—microampere 

µAh—microampere hour 

µC—microcoulomb 

µF—microfarad 

µg/m 3 —do not use µg/mcu 

µJ—microjoule 

µm—micrometer (formerly called micron; see 

µ- above) 

µs—microsecond (do not use µsec) 

m—meter 

m- —milli (a prefix indicating 10 -3 ) 

M—1. millions (Use with dollar sign: $14 M) 

2. mole 3. molarity (chemistry) 

4. mega (a prefix indicating 10°) 5. moment 

(magnitude) 6. molarity (chemistry) 

M- --mega (prefix indicating 10 6 ) 

mW—milliohm 

MW—megohm 

mA—milliampere 

MA—1. mega ampere 2. management 

associate (or aide) 3. military application 

4. maintenance 

M&A—maintenance and assembly (Army) 

M.A.—Master of Arts 

MAA—1. mission area analysis 

2. material access area 

89 

M.AACS—MELCOR Accident Consequence 

Code System 

MAAG—Military Assistance Advisory Group 

MAB—Marine amphibious brigade 

MABE—mega ampere beam experiment 

(accelerator) 

MAC—1. material accountability computer 

2. Military Airlift Command 3. modified 

auxiliary closure 

MACCS—MELCOR accident consequence 

code system 

MACS—1. multiple-application coded switch 

2. multiple-application computer system 

MACY—Military Assistance Command, 

Vietnam (US) 

MAD—1. maintenance, assembly, and 

disassembly (atomic weapons) 2. magnetic 

anomaly detection 

MADDS—machine-aided design definition 


MADM—medium atomic demolition munition 

MADT—microalloy diffused transistor 

MAF—1. Marine Amphibious Force 

2. moisture ash free 

mag—magnetic 

MAGIC—manual-aided gaming of integrated 

combat (an electromagnetic particle-in-cell 

code) 

MAGID—magnetic intrusion detector 

MAGLEV—magnetic levitation (sometimes 

written as mag-lev) 

MAGLOC—magnetic logic computer

MAGTF—Marine Air Ground Task Force 

mAh—milliampere hour 

MAID—1. monitor adapter isolation device 

2. magnetic anti-intrusion detector 

MAIT—matrix analysis of the inside threat 

MAJCOM—Major Command 

MAN—Management Assurance Notebook 

MANAR—modular adaptable network for 

alarm reporting 

MANOP—Manganese Nodule Program 

MANOS—Spanish word for hands (Program 

is designed to help Spanish speakers in science 

and engineering.) See HOMOT-a similar 

program for African Americans. Dream 

Catcher is the American Indian program. 

MANTECH—Manufacturing Technology 

MAP—1. macroassembly program 

(computers) 2. mass analysis of particulates 3. 

Mitigation Action Plan 

MAPS—1. modular azimuth positioning 

system 2. multiple automated printing system 

MAR—1. major article release 2. major 

assembly release 

MARGE/SLUMP—fuel slumping (computers) 

MARRS—mobile autonomous robotics 

research system 

MARS—module autonomous robotics system 

MARV—1. Miniature Autonomous Robotic 

Vehicle 2. maneuverable reentry vehicle 

MAS—1. material accountability system 

2. multi-application surety 3. mine safety 

appliances 

90 

MASC—1. manned automated security console 

2. marine automated security console 

MASER—microwave amplification by 

stimulated emission of radiation 

MASP—mobile automatic scanning 

photometer 

MASS—modular advance search system 

MaST—maneuvering systems technology (or 

test) (sometimes written as MST) 

MAST—1. multiple application (sometimes 

seen as multi-application) surety technology 

2. multi-axis seam tracking 

MatResLib—material response library 

MATV—master antenna television (system) 

MAUS—mobile automated ultrasonic scanner 

MAVIS—modeling and analysis of valve 

interactions (computers) 

MAW—medium assault weapon 

MAWP—maximum allowable working 

pressure 

max—maximum 

MAXH—maximum homogeneity 

mb—millibar (sometimes written mbar) 

Mb—megabit 

MB—machine basin 

MB or Mbyte—megabyte 

MBA—1. material balance accounting (or 

area) 2. management, budget, and accounting 

3. main battle area 4. Masters of Business 

Administration 

MBB—modular building block

MBC—meteor burst communication 

MBE—molecular beam epitaxy 

MB/EE—Brazilian designator for a ballistic 

missile series 

MBFR—mutual and balanced force reduction 

MBN—Marine battalion 

MBNQA—Malcolm Baldrige National Quality 

Award 

MBO—management by objective 

MBPS—megabits per second (use Mb/s) 

Mb/s—megabits per second 

MBS—modified bremsstrahlung 

MBWA—managing by walking around 

Mbyte—megabyte (see MB) 

mC—microcoulomb 

Mc—megacycle (obsolete; use MHz) 

MC—1. major component 2. manual chapter 

3. military characteristics 4. management 

controls 

MCA—1. multichannel analyzer 

2. maximum credible accident 3. material 

condition and aging 

MC&A—material control and accountability 

(or accounting) 

MCAAP—McAlester Army Ammunition Plant 

MCC—1. missile combat crew 2. Microelectronics 

and Computer Corporation 

MCCS—1. multiple-code coded switch 

2. mobile command and control system 

91 

MCCSS—multiple-code coded security switch 

MCD—1. Mail Channel Directory 

2. monitor control and display 

M/CD—mental (health) chemical dependency 

MCF—magnetic confinement fusion 

mCi—millicurie 

MCi—megacurie 

MCL—1. maximum containment level 

2. maximum contaminant level 3. maximum 

concentration limit 

MCLG—maximum contaminant level goal 

MCM—1. mine countermeasures 2. main 

control module 3. mission control module 

4. manual control module 5. multichip module 

MCP—1. microchannel plate 2. medical care 

plan 3. monolithic colliding pulse 

4. mission check (word) processor 

5. missile consent panel 

MCR—medical clearance for respiratory 

(protection) 

MCS—1. maintenance control system 

2. maneuver control system 3. master control 

system 

MCTL—militarily critical technologies list 

MCU—multiplexer control units (computers) 

md—median 

mD—millidarcy (geology) 

Md—mendelevium (chemical symbol; 

sometimes written as Mv) 

M&D—maintenance and development 

MDA—1. methylene dyaniline 

2. minimum detectable activity (or amount)

MDAC/OEC—McDonnell Douglas 

Astronautics Company/Opto Electronics 

Center 

MDD—Mission Data Directory 

MDE—manufacturing development 

engineering (program) 

MDF—1. mild detonating fuze 2. main 

distribution frame 

MDI—methylene disphenyl isocyanate 

MDL—1. minimum detectable level 

2. Microelectronics Development Laboratory 

MDM—microminiature D-shape metal 

MDMSC—McDonnell Douglas Missile 

Systems Company 

MDR—mandatory dry run 

MDTD—minimum detectable temperature 

difference 

MDTI—McDonnell Douglas Technologies, Inc. 

MDU—munitions dummy unit 

Me—mass of electrons 

MEAFSA—Middle East, Southern Asia and 

Africa (South of the Sahara) 

meas—measure; measurement; measurable 

MEASIM—measurement simulation 

(computers) 

MEBES—manufacturing electron beam 

exposure system 

MEC—Microsystems Engineering 

Corporation 

92 

MEIDS—1. militarized electronic information 

delivery system 2. miniaturized electronic 

information delivery system 

MEK—methylethylketone 

MEL—1. material on external loan 

2. monitoring exposure level (or logic) 

3. master equipment list 

MELCOR—computer code for the US NRC 

MELIOS—mini-eye-safe laser infrared 

observation set 

MELT—multiple-channel analysis of top 

accidents (computers) 

MEMS—MicroElectroMechanical Systems 

MEP—mobile electric power 

MEPS—multimedia environmental pollutant 

(assessment) system 

MER—material evaluation reactor 

MERADCOM—Mobility Equipment Research 

and Development Command (Fort Belvoir, 

VA) 

MERIT—mutual efforts to reduce industrial 

toxins (EPA) 

MES—management evaluation sheet 

MESA—1. Microsystems and Engineering 

Sciences Applications 2. Eulerian hydrocode 

development at LANL (see CTH) 3. math, 

engineering, and science achievement 

MESFET—metal electrode semiconductor 

field-effect transistor 

MESH-HAZ—medical, environment, safety, 

and health hazards 

MESH-HP—medical, environment, safety, and 

health/health physics

MET—MCCS encryption translator 

METADEX—metals (abstracts and alloys) 

index 

METC—Morgantown Energy Technology 

Center 

meV—millielectron volt 

MeV—megaelectron volt 

MEW—microwave early warning 

mf or MF—medium frequency 

mF—microfarad 

MF—main fuel 

MFC—multifuel combustor 

MFD—1. multi-functional display 

2. military first destinations 

MFE—magnetic fusion energy 

MFI—magnetic flashover inhibition 

MFIS—mosaic filter image sensor 

MFL—maximum foreseeable loss 

MFLOPS—million floating point operations 

per second (computers) 

MFM—magnetic force microscopy 

mfp—mean free path 

MFRFS—manufacturing facilities request for 

support 

MFS—microwave fence sensor 

MFW—main feedwater 

MFWCS—main feedwater and condensate 

system 

93 

mg—milligram 

MG—motor generator 

MGA—monochrome graphic adapter 

mgallon—million gallons 

MGD—million gallons per day 

MGH—mass, gravity, height 

MGM—mobile-guided missile 

MGS—1. missile guidance set 2. mobile 

ground system 

mH—millihenry 

MHB—medium-height burst 

MH/CD—mental health/chemical dependency 

mhd—magnetohydrodynamic 

MHF—massive hydraulic fracturing 

MHTGR—modular high-temperature gas 

reactor 

mHz—millihertz 

MHz—megahertz (use instead of megacycle) 

mi—mile (statute) 

MI—1. military intelligence 2. moments of 

inertia 

M&I—Maintenance and Inspection (Air Force 

Facility) 

MIAC—maintenance information and control 

MIB—master interconnect board 

MICD—mechanical interface control drawing 

MICOM—Missile Command (Army)

MICSS—mobile integrated C 3 and security 

system 

MID—material identification document 

MIDAS—1. management information and 

data access system 2. mobile intrusion 

detection and assessment system 3. mobile 

instrumentation and data acquisition system 

MIDEP—mine detection energetic photons 

MIDS—miniaturized intrusion detection 

system 

MIFASS—Marine-integrated fire and air 

support system 

mi/h or mph—miles per hour 

MIIP—management integration and 

implementation program (project or plan) 

MIIT—materials interface interactions test 

MIL—1. military 2. military (standard) 

(DoD) 

MILCON—military construction 

MILES—1. magnetic intrusion line sensor 

2. multiple-integrated laser engagement system 

millirem—see mrem 

MILNET—military network 

MILSPEC—military specification 

MILSTAR—military strategic/tactical and 

relay 

MILVAN—a standard military freight 

container 

MIMD—multiple instruction, multiple data 

MIMS—modular integrated monitoring 

system 

94 

min—1. minute 2. minimum 

MINIMAGID—miniature magnetic intrusion 

detector 

MINISID—miniaturized seismic intrusion 

detector 

MinNet—minimization network (waste) 

MINT—miniature instrumental nosetip test 

MIP—material in process (formerly MUF: 

material unaccounted for) 

MIPR—military interdepartmental 

procurement request 

MIPS—MIVS image processing system 

MIR—managing interpersonal relationships 

MIRA—microwave infrared alarm 

MIRED—microreciprocal degree 

MIRSS—mobile individual resource security 

system 

MIRV—multiple, independently (targetable) 

reentry vehicle 

MIRVAL—mirror evaluation (computer 

program for heliostats) 

MIS—1. metal-insulator semiconductor 

2. management information services (or 

system) 

misc—miscellaneous 

MISER—minisensor relay (system) 

MISR—1. modular industrial solar retrofit 

2. multi-angle imaging spectroradiometer 

MISS—modular intelligent sensor system 

MIT—Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MITE—magnetically insulated transmission 

experiment 

MITL—1. man-in-the-loop 2. magnetically 

insulated transmission line 

MITMS—military/industry technical manual 

specification 

MIU—missile interface unit 

MIVS—modular integrated video system 

mJ—millijoule 

Mk or MK—Mark, a bomb designation; it is 

followed by a number: Mk 5 (Army uses: 

MK5) 

Mkg—megakilogram (use Gg instead) 

MKS or mks—meter-kilogram-second 

mL—1. milliliter (also ml, but mL is preferred) 

2. Millilambert 

ML—maximum likelihood 

MLC—1. Military Liaison Committee 

2. monitor logic circuitry 

MLRS—multiple-launch rocket system (Army) 

MLS—1. member of the laboratory staff 

2. multi-level secure 

MLS/MIS—member of the laboratory staff 

who has experience or educational background 

in management information systems 

MLST—member of laboratory staff trainee 

MLT—1. munitions lift (or load) trailer 

2. median lethal time 

mm—millimeter 

mM—millimole 

95 

MM—1. Minuteman (missile) 2. memory 

module 3. meets most 

MMA—1. materials measurement and 

accounting 

MMAD—mass median aerodynamic diameter 

MMDC—master message display console 

mmf—magnetomotive force 

mmHg—millimeter of mercury, (also milliHg) 

MMI—man-machine interface 

MMIC—monolithic microwave integrated 

circuit 

mmol—millimole 

MMP—maintenance management program 

MMRBM—mobile medium-range ballistic 

missile 

MMS—1. maintenance management system 

2. mission management system 3. munitions 

maintenance squadron 

mmu—milli-mass unit 

mmW—millimeter wave 

Mn—manganese (chemical symbol) 

MNCR—material non-conformance report 

MNOS—metal-nitride-oxide semiconductor 

MNR—mononitroresorcinate 

mo—month 

Mo—molybdenum (chemical symbol) 

MO—move order 

M&O—management and operations (or 

managing and operating)

MOA—memorandum of agreement 

MOAC—Management Oversite Advisory 

Committee 

MOAS—missile ordnance arm switch 

MOB—main operating base 

MoC/MOC/M of C—maintenance of capability 

MOC—1. material operation computer 

2. margin of control 

MOCVD—metal-organic chemical vapor 

deposition 

mod—1. modification 2. model 

MOD—Ministry of Defense 

Mod/Alt—modification/alteration (sometimes 

written mod/alt) 

ModComp—trade name for Modular 

Computer Systems, Inc. 

MODEM—modulator demodulator 

(computers) 

MODFET—modulation-doped field-effect 

transistor 

MODIL—Manufacturing Operations Development 

and Integration Laboratory 

MOFFF—mixed-oxide fuel fabrication facility 

Mohm—megaohm 

MOI—1. moment of inertia 2. magneto-optic 

(eddy current) imager 

mol—mole (often spelled out, but can be M) 

mol %—mole percent 

mol wt—molecular weight 

96 

MOLINK—Moscow to Washington (DC) 

direct line communication link 

MOM—method of moments 

MONAL—Mobile Nondestructive Assay 

Laboratory 

MOPS—million operations per second 

MORT—management oversight and risk tree 

(accident investigations) 

MOS—1. metal-oxide semiconductor 

2. metal-oxide silicon 3. military occupational 

specialty 4. maintenance, out of service 

Mosaic—high-quality user interface to the web 

MOSFET—metal-oxide-semiconductor, fieldeffect 

transistor 

MOTION—analysis of head motion due to 

HCDA loads (computers) 

MOU—memorandum of understanding 

Mound—Monsanto Research Corporation, 

Mound Facility 

MOV—1. metal oxide varistor 2. motor 

operated vehicle 

MOVPE—metal organic vapor-phase epitaxy 

MOX—mixed-oxide 

mp—1. melting point 2. mean (effective) 

pressure 3. Multipulse 

MP—1. Military Police 2. maintenance 

procedure 3. massively parallel 

4. message processor 

MPa—megapascal 

MPAC—Microelectronics and Photonics 

Applications Center 

MPC—maximum permissible concentration

MPCC—multifunction peripheral controller 

chip 

MPD—maximum permissible dose 

MPE—maximum permissible exposure 

(radiation) 

MPG—1. midplate, midgyre 2. managing 

professional growth 

mph or mi/h—miles per hour 

MPI—multiphoton ionization 

MPL—maximum possible loss 

MPLS—multiphenomena line sensor 

MPP—1. massively parallel processor 

2. memory phrase pairs 

MPR—material-penetrating radar 

MPRSA—Marine Protection, Research, and 

Sanctuaries Act (1972) 

MPU—1. microprocessor unit 2. Marx pulser 

unit 

MQ—management qualifications 

MQRC—Microelectronics Quality/ Reliability 

Center 

MQW—multiple quantum well 

mr or mrad—milliradian 

mR—milliroentgen 

MR—1. missile range 2. material requisition 

3. military regions 4. mortality range 

MRA—1. monetary recognition award 

2. missile relay assembly 3. military research 

associate 

mrad or mr—milliradian 

97 

Mrad—megarad 

MRBM—medium-range ballistic missile 

MRC—maintenance requirement card 

MRD—Management Review Division (DOE) 

mrem—millirem or milli-rem 

MRG—multiple-range gates 

MRI—magnetic resonance imaging 

MRL—multi-purpose rotary launchers 

MRO—1. memory read out 

2. maintenance, repair, and operating 

3. medical review officer 

MRR—minimum residual radioactivity 

MRS—1. material requisition schedule 

2. material requirement schedule 

3. microwave ranging system 4. Materials 

Research Society 5. monitored retrievable 

storage 

MRST—management restructure study team 

MRT—minimum resolvable temperature 

MRTD—minimum resolvable temperature 

difference 

MRV—maneuvering reentry vehicle 

MRVT—multirate voice terminal 

ms—millisecond (do not use msec) 

m/s—meters per second 

mS—millisiemens 

MS—1. mass spectrometer (or spectrometry) 

2. monitor and support 3. motion sensor 

4. military service 5. medical services

MSA—1. mine safety appliances 2. major 

system acquisition 

MSAD—1. mechanical safe and arm detonator 

2. mechanical safe arming device 

MSB—most significant bit (computers) 

MSBR—molten-salt breeder reactor 

MSC—Major Subordinate Command (NATO) 

MSCA—multi-site cooperative agreement 

MSCF—1. Master Surveillance and Control 

Facility 2. thousand standard cubic feet 

MSCU—missile secure cryptographic unit 

MSD—most significant digit (computers) 

MSDS—material safety data sheet 

MSE—1. multiple subscriber equipment 

2. Mean-square error 

MSEE—molten-salt electric experiment 

MSG—Marine Security Guard 

MSHA—Mine Safety and Health 


MSI—1. medium-scale integrated (circuit) 

2. multiple sensor interface 3. multi-sensor 

imaging 

msl or MSL—mean sea level 

MSLB—main steam-line break 

MSMJ—mechanically stacked, multijunction 

MSP—marine sediment penetrometer 

MSR—1. molten-salt reactor 

2. maintenance service request 

3. modular surveillance radar 

98 

MSRC—multicrystalline silicon research 

consortium 

MSRV—medium single (targeted) reentry 

vehicle 

MSS—1. mass storage system 2. multi-spectral 

scanner 3. mission support system 

MSSA—master safeguards and security 

agreement 

MSSTF—midtemperature solar systems test 

facility 

MST—1. medium-scale technology 

2. maneuvering systems test (or technology) 

(see MaST) 

MSTA—materials sample test apparatus 

MSTC—Maquila Sandia Technology 

Consortium 

MSTRS—miniature spacecraft threat 


MSX—midcourse sensors experiment 

mt—metric ton 

Mt—megaton (see kt) 

MT—1. manufacturing technology 

2. measured time 

MTA—multi-threat analyzer 

MTAC—Machine Tool Access Center 

MTBCF—mean time between critical failure 

MTBF—mean time between failures 

MTBOMF—mean time between operational 

mission failures 

MTC—Metal Trades Council (material 

handling and moving)

MTCC—Modular Tactical Communications 

Center 

MTCR—Missile Technology Control Regime 

MTE—measuring and test equipment 

MTF—modulation transfer function 

MTFPP—modular tactical force protection 

package 

mtg—meeting 

MTHM—metric tons heavy metal 

MTI—1. Mechanical Technology, Inc. 

2. multispectral thermal imager 

3. moving target indicator 4. maintenance 

team inspection 

MTL—master tester list 

MTO—material transfer order 

mTorr—millitorr 

MTPM—mean time to perform (preventive) 

maintenance 

MTR—mean time to restore 

MTS—member of the technical staff 

MTSAA—multidiscipline technical safety 

assurance appraisal 

MTTF—mean time to failure 

MTTFF—mean time to first failure 

MTTR—mean time to repair 

mtU—metric tons uranium 

MU—1. monitoring unit 2. multiple unit 

MUF—material unaccounted for (obsolete; 

now material in process: MIP) 

99 

MULE—modular universal laser equipment 

MUMS—munitions maintenance squadron 

MUNSS—munitions support squadron 

MUSE—multidimensional user-oriented 

synthetic environment 

MUX—1. multiplexing equipment 

2. multiplexer 

mV—millivolt 

Mv—mendelevium (chemical symbol) (Md is 

preferred) 

MV—megavolt 

MVPD—median volume pore diameter 

MVS—multiple virtual storage 

mW—milliwatt 

MW—1. megawatt (electrical) 

2. microwave 3. mixed waster 4. missile 

warning 5. mine warfare 

MWd—megawatt-day 

MWDS—missile warning display system 

MWe—megawatt (electrical); use MW 

MWLID—mixed-waste landfill integrated 

demonstration 

MWMF—mixed waste management facility 

MWO—modification (or maintenance) work 

order 

MWR—morale, welfare, and recreation 

MWRTS—millimeter wave radio telephone 

system 

MWSA—Manzano weapons storage area

MWth—megawatt, thermal 

MWX—Multiwell Experiment (DOEsponsored 

Field Laboratory) 

Mx—maxwell (a unit of magnetic flux) 

MXB—a commercial name for modified 

phenolic, glass-fabric filled ammonia 

MX—1. Peacekeeper ICBM 2. missile 

MY—man-year 

mya—myriare (10,000 acres) 

myL—myrialiter 

mym—myriameter 

M/Z—mass-to-charge ratio 

MZI—Mach-Zehnder interferometry 

N 

n-—nano- (a prefix indicating 10 -9 ) 

n—neutron 

N—1. newton (unit of force) 2. normal 

(chemistry) 3. nose 

nA—nanoampere 

NA—1. not available 2. not applicable 

3. numerical aperture 4. network adapter 

NAAMM—National Association of 

Architectural Metal Manufacturing 

NAAQS—national ambient air quality 


NAARP—national aging aircraft research 

program 

100 

NAB—National Association of Broadcasters 

NACE—National Association of Corrosion 

Engineers 

NACFE—National Association of Certified 

Fraud Examiners 

NACOA—National Advisory Committee on 

Ocean and Atmosphere 

NAD—nuclear accident dosimeter 

NADC—Naval Air Development Center 

NAEP—National Assessment of Educational 

Progress 

NAFEMS—National Agency for Finite 

Element Methods and Standards 

NAHAMMER—Sodium (Na) Fluid- 

HAMMER Analysis (computers) 

NAL—National Aerospace Laboratory 

(Japanese) 

NALAP—Sodium (Na) Version of ReLAP 

(computers) 

NAND—not-AND (computer logic) 

NAM—National Atomic Museum 

NANS—Nuclear Agency, Nuclear Security 

NAP—1. N AS aperture package 

2. nuclear artillery projectile 

NAPAP—National Acid Precipitation 

Assessment Program 

NAPSAC—Naval Atomic Planning, Support, 

and Capabilities 

NAR—nuisance alarm rate 

NARA—National Archives and Records 

Administration

NARL—Naval Arctic Research Laboratory 

NARM—naturally (occurring or) acceleratorproduced 

radioactive materials 

NARS—National Archives Records Service 

NAS—1. NDS antenna system 2. Netview 

Access Services 3. nuclear assembly system 

4. Naval Air Station 5. National Academy of 

Sciences 

NASA—National Aeronautics and Space 


NASP—nuclear ammunition supply point 

NATO—North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

NATRAN—Sodium (Na) Transient Analysis 

(computers) 

NAV—1. navigation 2. net asset value 

NAVAIR—Naval Air Systems Command 

NAVELEX—Navy Electronics Systems 


NAVEODTECHCEN—Naval Explosive 

Ordnance Disposal Technology Center 

NAVFORV—Naval Forces, Vietnam 

NAVMAT—Naval Material 

NAVSEA INST—Naval Sea Institute 

NAVSWC—Naval Surface Weapons Center 

NAWC—Naval Air Weapons (or Warfare) 

Center 

nB—nanobarn 

NBC—1. nuclear, biological, chemical 

2. non-base compensation 

101 

NBBPVI—National Board of Boiler and 

Pressure Vessel Inspectors 

NBDS—nuclear-burst detection system 

NBL—New Brunswick Laboratory 

NC—1. normally closed 2. numerically 

controlled 3. nitrocellulose 4. noise criterion 

5. no contract 

NC 2 —nuclear command and control 

NCA—1. National Contingency Act 

2. National Command Authority 

NCAICM—National Center for Advanced 

Information Components Manufacturing 

NCAM—National Center for Advanced 

Materials 

NCAR—nonconformance action report (see 

NCR) 

NCAW—neutralized current and waste 

NCB—Nuclear Contingency Branch 

NCC—Network Control Center 

NCCLS—National Committee for Clinical 

Laboratory Standards 

NCEM—National Center for Electron 

Microscopy 

NCF—no containment failure 

nCi—nanocurie (10 -9 curies) 

NCM—nonconforming material 

NCMA—National Contract Management 

Association 

NCMS—National Center for Manufacturing 

Sciences 

NCO—noncommissioned officer

NCOSE—National Council on Systems 

Engineering 

NCP—1. National Contingency Plan 

2. National (Oil and Hazardous Substances) 

Contingency Plan 

NcPTD—near-field physical theory of 

diffraction (code) 

NCR—1. nonconformance report (see NCAR) 

2. no clearance required 

NCRP—National Council on Radiation 

Protection (and Measurement) 

NCRW—neutralized cladding removal waste 

NCS—1. neutron control 2. network 

computing system 3. national communications 

system 

NC2SG—Nuclear Command and Control 

Steering Group 

NCSS—Naval Coastal Systems Station 

NCTTA—National Competitiveness 

Technology Transfer Act 

NCURE—National Center for Ultra- 

Reliability Engineering 

ND—1. not determined 2. no date 

3. neutral density 

NDB—nuclear depth bomb 

NDE—nondestructive evaluation 

NDEW—nuclear-driven (or directed) energy 

weapon 

NDI—1. nondevelopment item 

2. nondestructive inspection 

NDA—non-disclosure agreement 

NDP—nuclear detonation pathway 

102 

NDPC—National Disclosure Policy Committee 

NDR—1. NUDET detection report 

2. Nuclear Defense Research (Corporation) 

NDRO—nondestructive readout (computers) 

NDS—NUDET detection system (or nuclear 

detection system) 

ND/SB—nuclear depth/strike bomb 

NDT—nondestructive test (or testing) 

NDTWG—Nevada Test Site Development and 

Transport Working Group 

NE—nuclear energy 

NEA—1. Nuclear Energy Agency 

2. nuclear explosive area (or assembly) 

NEACP—National Emergency Airborne 

Command Post 

NEC—National Electrical Code 

NECOSHA—National Electrical Code OSHA 

NEDS—nonviolent explosive destruct system 

NEE—noise equivalent emissivity 

neg—negative 

NEG—net energy gain 

NEI—Nuclear Energy Institute 

NELA—nuclear explosive-like assembly 

NELIAC—Navy Electronics Laboratory 

International ALGOL Compilers (computers) 

NELM—Naval Forces Eastern Atlantic and 

Mediterranean 

NEMA—National Electrical Manufacturers 

Association

NEODTC—Naval Explosive Ordnance 

Disposal Technology Center 

NEP—1. NAS electronics package 2. noise 

equivalent power 3. nuclear explosive package 

NEPA—National Environment Policy Act 

NEPB—NEST Executive Planning Board 

NER—network equipment rack 

NERP—National Environmental Research 

Park 

NERVA—nuclear engine for rocket vehicles 

application 

NES—1. nuclear explosive safety 

2. National Energy Strategy 

NESC—1. National Electric Safety Code 

2. National Energy Software Center 

NESD—Nuclear Explosive Safety Division 

(DOE) 

NESEC—Naval Electronics Systems 

Engineering Center 

NESHAP—national emission standards for 

hazardous air pollutants 

NESS—nuclear explosive safety study 

NESSG—nuclear explosives safety study group 

NEST—nuclear emergency search team 

NET—1. new equipment training 2. noise 

equivalent temperature 

NETD—noise equivalent temperature 

difference 

NETOG—nuclear explosive tester oversight 

group 

103 

NETS—National Emergency 

Telecommunications System 

nf—noise factor 

nF—nanofarad 

NF—no foreign (distribution) 

NFA—no further action 

NFARS—NORAD forward automated 


NFE—non-Federal entities 

NFH—nonflammable hydraulic (fluid) 

NFPA—1. National Fire Protection Act 

2. National Fluid Power Association 

NFPQT—nuclear facilities personal 

qualification and training 

NFS—1. nuclear fuel services 2. network file 


NG—1. neutron generator 2. nitroglycerine 

NGB—National Guard Bureau 

n/gs—neutron per gram-second 

NGS—NUDET ground station 

nH—nanohenry 

NH—Nike Hercules 

NHL—next higher level 

NHPA—National Historic Preservation Act 

Ni—nickel (chemical symbol) 

NIAM—Natural (Language) Information 

Analysis Methodology 

NIBA—National Indian Business Association

Ni-Cad or nicad—nickel-cadmium 

Ni-Cr-P—nickel-chromium-phosphorous 

NIDM—NMCC information for decision 

makers 

NIDS—1. NMCS information display system 

2. NATO intrusion detection system 

NIF—National Ignition Facility 

NIFFTE—noncooperative, identify friend or 

foe technology evaluation 

NIH—National Institute of Health 

NIHL—noise-induced hearing loss 

NII—National Information Infrastructure 

NIIS—National Information Infrastructure 

Superhighway 

NIIT—National Information Infrastructure 

Testbed 

NIJ—National Institute of Justice 

NIM—nuclear incident monitor 

NIOSH—National Institute of Occupational 

Safety and Health 

NIPDE—National Initiative for Product Data 

Exchange 

NIS—New Independent States (former Soviet 

Republics) 

NISC—Naval Intelligence Support Center 

NISDN—NATO integrated services digital 

network 

NISP—National Industrial Security Program 

NIST—National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (or Testing) 

104 

NITF—national imagery transmission format 

NKEW—nuclear kinetic energy weapon 

NLO—Naval Liaison Organization 

NLRA—National Labor Relations Act 

NLRB—National Labor Relations Board 

NLT—not later than 

NLU—normal latch up 

NLW—nonlethal weapon 

NM—does not meet required performance 

nm—nanometer 

N/m 2 —newton per square meter 

NûM—newton meter 

NMAB—National Materials Advisory Board 

NMAS—nuclear material accountability 

system 

NMC—National Microelectronics Center 

(SNL) 

NMCC—National Military Command Center 

NMCI—National Military Intelligence Center 

NMCS—National Military Command System 

NMED—1. New Mexico Environmental 

Department 2. New Mexico Educational 

Development 

NMEI—New Mexico Environmental Institute 

NMERI—1. New Mexico Energy Research 

Institute 2. New Mexico Engineering Research 

Institute 

NMFAC—New Mexico (site-wide) facilities 

(and maintenance)

NMFT—new materiel flight test 

NMHRC—New Mexico Human Rights 

Commission 

nmi—nautical mile 

NMI—Nuclear Materials, Inc. 

NMIS—1. nuclear material inspection and 

storage 2. nuclear material identification 

system 

NMLT—new materiel laboratory test 

NM MESA—New Mexico Mathematics 

Engineering Science Achievement 

NMMS—nuclear material management system 

NMMSS—nuclear materials management and 

safeguards system 

NMOS—nitrous metal-oxide semiconductor 

NMP—nuclear materials production 

NMR—nuclear magnetic resonance 

NMRDI—New Mexico Research and Development 

Institute 

NMRO—Nuclear Monitoring Research Office 

NMSAS—New Mexico (site-wide) security and 

safeguards 

NMSEP—new material and stockpile 

evaluation plan 

NMSPE—New Mexico Society of Professional 

Engineers 

NMSS—Nuclear Material Safeguards and 

Security 

NMST—new material system testing 

NMSU—New Mexico State University 

105 

NMTP—National Mechanic Tool Partnership 

NMUSTR—New Mexico Underground Storage 

Tank Regulations 

NMVO—New Mexico Volunteers for the 

Outdoors 

NMWQCCR—New Mexico Water Quality 

Control Commission Regulations 

NNAPS—night navigation and pilot system 

NNC—1. National Nuclear Center (Agency 

responsible for the nuclear facilities of the 

Republic of Kazakhstan) 2. Non-Nuclear 

Configuration (Complex) 

NNF—National Nanofabrication Facility 

NNK—nonnuclear kill 

NNSA—National Nuclear Security 


NNT—nonnuclear testing 

NNTRP—National Nuclear Test Readiness 

Program 

NNWSI—Nevada Nuclear Waste Storage 

Investigation 

No—nobelium (chemical symbol) 

NO—1. normally open 2. nitric oxide 

NOA—notice of availability 

NOAA—National Oceanographic and 

Atmospheric Administration 

NOAEL—non-observed adverse effect level 

NOAM—nuclear ordnance Air Force materiel 

NOCM—nuclear ordnance commodity 

management (or manager)

NOCSIM—nitrate-to-oxide conversion 

simulation (computer code) 

NOD—notice of deficiency 

NOF—NORAD Offutt 

NOHSCP—National Oil and Hazardous 

Substances Contingency Plan 

NOI—notice of intent 

NOIWON—National operations and 

intelligence watch officer's network 

nom—nominal 

NON—notice of noncompliance 

NONEL—nonelectric 

NO OP—no operation (computers) 

NOCM—nuclear ordnance commodity 

management (or manager) 

NOP—1. nuclear operations policy 

2. Nuclear Ordnance Platoon 3. normal 

operating procedure 

NOR—not-OR (computer logic) 

NORAD—North American Air Defense 

(Command) 

NORC—nuclear ordnance record card 

NORDA—Naval Ocean Research and 

Development Activity 

NORESS—Norweigan Regional Seismic 

Station 

NORM—naturally occurring radioactive 

material 

NORSOC—Nevada Occurrence Reporting 

System Operations Office 

NORTHAG—Northern Army Group (NATO) 

106 

NOS—1. network operating system 

2. NATO Office of Security 3. Naval Ocean 

Systems 4. not otherwise specified 

NOSC—Naval Ocean Systems Center 

NOSO—nuclear ordnance supply officer 

NOSS—nuclear ordnance shipping schedule 

NOV—notice of violation 

NOWR—nuclear ordnance war reserve 

Np—1. neptunium (chemical symbol) 

2. neper (logarithmic ratio) 

NP—nonproliferation 

NPAR—Nuclear Plant Aging Research 

(Program) 

NPB—neutral particle beam 

NPBW—neutral-particle-beam weapon 

NPDES—national pollution (or pollutant) 

discharge elimination system 

NPDWA—National Primary Drinking Water 

Act 

NPES—nuclear planning and execution system 

NPF—nuclear permission to fire 

NPG—nuclear planning group 

NPL—National Priorities List 

NPN—negative-positive-negative 

NPP—1. nuclear plot production 

2. nuclear pilot production 3. nuclear power 

plants 

NPR—1. new production reactor 2. Nuclear 

Posture Review

NPRDS—nuclear plan reliability data system 

NPRM—Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 

NPS—1. nuclear power system 2. nuclear 

power supplies 

NPSS—Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society 

NPT—Nonproliferation Treaty; also, Treaty 

on Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons: 

TNNW 

NPTF—nuclear permission to fire 

NQAA—Nuclear Quality Assurance Agency 

NQM—National Quality Month 

NRC—1. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

2. Newport Research Corporation 

3. National Research Council 4. National 

Response Center 5. non-reusable container 

NRDA—natural resource damage assessment 

NRDC—Natural Resources Defense Council 

NREL—National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory 

NRF—Naval Reactors Facility 

NRHC—National Register of Historic Places 

NRL—Naval Research Laboratory 

NRR—1. Nuclear Reactor Regulation 

2. noise of reduction rating 

NRRSI—nonregular recurrent security 

inspector 

NRS—NDS receiver subsystem 

NRSA—Norwegian regional seismic array 

NRT—national response team 

NRV—nosetip recovery vehicle (parachutes) 

107 

NRZ—non-return to zero 

ns—nanosecond (do not use nsec) 

NS—1. nuclear safety (or security) 

2. nonsurvivable 3. nuclear systems 

NSA—1. National Security Agency 

2. Nuclear Security Agency 

NSAC—1. National Security Activities 

Committee 2. National Security Advisory 

Committee 3. Nuclear Safety Analysis Center 

NSAFE—nuclear safety (evaluation) 

NSC—1. National Security Council 

2. National Space Council 3. National Safety 

Council 

NSDD—National Security Decision Directive 

NSF—1. net square feet 2. National Science 

Foundation 3. National Strike Force 

NSI—1. national security information 

2. nuclear surety inspection 

NSIC—Nuclear Safety Information Center 

NSL—1. National Storage Laboratory 

2. nuclear surety link 

NSLS—National Synchrotron Light Source 

NSM—nuclear strike message 

NSNF—nonstrategic nuclear force 

NSO—network security officer 

NSPE—National Society of Professional 

Engineers 

NSPI—National Society for Performance and 

Instruction 

NSPS—new source performance standards

NSRDC—Naval Ship Research and 


NSS—1. national stockpile site 

2. National Seismic Station 3. nuclear 

safeguards and security 

NSSS—nuclear steam supply system 

NSTEP—National Small-business Technology 

Exchange Program 

NSTTF—National Solar Thermal Test Facility 

NSU—negotiations support unit 

NSWC—Naval Systems Weapons Center 

NSWG—nuclear safety working group 

NSWSES—Naval Ships Weapons Systems 

Engineering Station 

NSZ—national sacrifice zone (Rocky Flats) 

nt—nit (luminance) 

NTA—nitiloriacetic acid 

ntc—negative temperature coefficient 

NTC—National Training Center (Fort Irwin, 

CA) 

NTDS—Naval tactical data system 

NTE—naval test and evaluation 

NTI—national technology initiative 

NTIK—nontechnical instrumentation kit 

NTIS—national technical information service 

(or system) 

NTM—national technical means 

NTNCWS—non-transient, non- community 

water system 

108 

ntp—normal temperature and pressure 

NTP—national transuranic (waste) program 

NTPI—Navy Technical Proficiency Inspection 

NTRB—Nuclear Technology Reference Book 

NTS—Nevada Test Site 

NTSB—National Transportation Safety Board 

NTSC—1. National Television Standards (or 

System) Committee 2. National 

Transportation Systems Center 

NTSO—Nevada Test Site Office 

NTU—1. nephelometric turbidity units 

2. National Technological University 

NTUA—Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (Fort 

Defiance, Arizona) 

NUC—nuclear 

NUCSLU—nuclear station logic unit 

NUCWA—nuclear weapons accounting 

(system) 

NUDET—nuclear detonation (and detection) 

NUFAC—Nuclear Facilities (Resource Center) 

NUMARC—Nuclear Management Resources 

Council 

NuPac—Nuclear Packaging, Inc. 

NUREG—A number issued for an NRC 

document 

NUSC—Naval Underwater Systems Center 

NV—Nevada Operations Office (DOE) 

NVA—North Vietnamese Army

NVD—1. nonviolent disablement 2. nightvision 

device 

NVEOL—Night-Vision and ElectroOptical 

Laboratory 

NVI—new ventures initiative 

nW—nanowatt 

NW—nuclear weapon 

NWAI—nuclear weapons acceptance 

inspection 

NWC—1. Naval Weapons Center 

2. Nuclear Weapons Complex 3. Nuclear 

Weapons Council 

NWCSSC—Nuclear Weapons Council 

Standing and Safety Committee 

NWCT—nuclear weapons critical technologies 

NWC/WSC—Nuclear Weapons 

Council/Weapons Safety Committee 

NWD—1. nuclear weapon data 2. nuclear 

weapon design 

NWDG—nuclear weapon development 

guidance 

NWEF—Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility 

(Kirtland Air Force Base) 

NWER—nuclear weapon effects research 

NWET—nuclear weapon effects test 

NWIU—nuclear weapon interface unit 

NWLE—nuclear weapons liaison element 

NWM—nuclear weapon (or warhead) 

management 

NWMP—nuclear waste management program 

NWP—nuclear weapon production 

109 

NWPA—Nuclear Waste Policy Act 

NWRG—Nuclear Weapons Requirements 

Working Group 

NWRP—nuclear weapons release procedures 

NWRS—1. nuclear weapon response system 2. 

nuclear weapon requirement study 

NWRT—nuclear waste repository technology 

NWSB—Nuclear Warfare Status Branch 

NWSM—Nuclear Weapons Stockpile 

Memorandum 

NWSS—1. nuclear weapon subsystem 

2. nuclear weapon system safety 

NWSSG—nuclear weapon systems safety 

group 

NWSSTG—nuclear weapon subsystem test 

group 

NWSSTP—nuclear weapon subsystem test 

plan 

NWTI—nuclear weapons technical inspection 

NWTS—nuclear waste terminal storage 

NWTSHEG—nuclear weapon transportation 

safety hazard evaluation group 

O 

Ω—ohm 

O—oxygen (chemical symbol) 

OA—office automation 

OAA—office administrative assistant

OAC—Office of Arms Control 

OACNP—Office of Arms Control and Non- 

Proliferation (Systems) 

OAD—1. ordnance available date 

2. operational availability date 

OADR—originating agency’s determination 

(is) required 

OALD—off-axis laser detection 

OAP—Optical Aging Products (an optical 

measuring system) 

OAR—operation assessment and readiness 

OAS—1. Office Automation Subcommittee 

2. offensive avionics system 

OASDC3I—Office of the Assistant Secretary 

of Defense Communications, Command, 

Control, and Intelligence 

OASPL—overall sound pressure level 

OAU—Origin of African Unity 

OAWG—office automation working group 

(obsolete; now laboratory information 

network: LINK) 

OBA—operating basis accident 

OBD—on-base disposal 

OBES—Office of Basic Energy Sciences 

OB/OD—open burning/open detonation 

obs—observed 

OC—1. open circle 2. outside circumference 

3. outer chuck 4. originator controlled 

OCAW—oil, chemical, and atomic workers 

OCB—oil circuit breaker 

110 

OCC—Office of Chief Counsel (DOE) 

OCE—operations control element (or 

equipment) 

OCI—organizational conflicts of interest 

OCM—operational change memo 

OCN—organization change notice 

OCONUS—outside contiguous United States 

OCR—1. operational change report 

2. optical character recognition 

OCRWM—Office of Civilian Radioactive 

Waste Management 

OCS—1. outer continental shelf 

2. on-scene commander 

OCSA—order compliance self-assessment 

OCSAP—order compliance self-assessment 

program 

OCT—quality coordinator team 

OCV—1. overcharged voltage 2. outer 

containment vessel 

OD—1. optical density 2. outside diameter 

3. Office of Declassification 

ODC—ozone-depleting chemical (or 

compound) 

ODE—ordinary differential equation 

ODES—operational deployment experiment 

simulator 

ODF—ODES development flight 

ODS—ozone-depleting substances 

ODTX—one-dimensional time to explosion

Oe—oersted (do not use this unit of magnetic 

field flux) 

OE—1. optical engineering 2. order expert 

3. optoelectronics 

OEA—Office of External Affairs (DOE) 

OEC—Optoelectronics Center 

OECD—Office for Economic Cooperation and 

Development (nuclear-related scientific and 

technical software) 

OEM—original equipment manufacturer 

OEMT—operational emergency management 

team 

OEPO—Office of Emergency Plans and 

Operations 

OER—operating experience report 

OESH—Office of Environment, Safety, and 

Health (DOE/AL) 

OEST—Office of Energy, Science, and 

Technology (DOE) 

OET—operational employment test 

OFA—other federal agencies 

OFB—output feedback 

OFC—Organizational Facility Coordinator 

OFCCP—Office of Federal Contract 

Compliance Program 

OFFE—Office of Federal Facilities 

Enforcement 

OFP—operational flight program 

OFR—office furniture request 

OFS—operational flight software 

111 

OGS—Overseas Ground Station 

OH—outer housing 

OHE—occupational health examiner 

OHEG—organization and human effectiveness 

group 

OHL—over high limit 

OHMTADS—oil and hazardous material 

technical assistance data system 

OI—operating (or office) instruction 

O&I—operation and inspection 

OIDA—Optoelectronics Industry Development 

Association 

OIDT—operator-interactive display terminal 

OIE—Office of Inspection and Enforcement 

OIG—1. operations interface group 

2. Office of the Inspector General 

OIS—ordnance initiation set 

OISA—Office of International Security Affairs 

OIT—Office of Industrial Technologies 

OJCS—Organization of the Joint Chiefs of 

Staff 

OJT—on-the-job training 

OL—operating location (or limit) 

OLE—object linking and embedding 

OM—occurrence management 

O&M—operation and maintenance 

OMA—1. Office of Military Application 

(DOE) 2. Office of Management and 

Administration (DOE)

OMB—Office of Management and Budget 

OMG—Operational Maneuver Group (Soviet) 

OMI—Office of Medical Investigator 

ONDP—Office of National Defense Programs 

(DOE) 

ONOP—off-normal operating procedure 

ONPG—operations nuclear planning group 

ONR—Office of Naval Research 

ONT—Office of Naval Technology 

ONWI—Office of Nuclear Waste Isolation 

(Battelle Memorial Institute) 

OOH—out of hours 

OOL—out of limit 

OOPS—object-oriented programs symbols 

(computers) 

OOS—Office of Operational Safety (DOE HQ) 

OOSS—overseas operational storage site 

OP—operating procedure 

OPA—Office of Planning and Analysis 

OPAC—Operations (Office for) Arms Control 

OpAmp—operational amplifier 

OPCC—Offutt Processing and Correlation 

Center 

op. cit.—opere citato, in the work cited 

OPCW—American Translation: International 

Chemical Weapon Inspectorate 

OPD—operational plan document 

112 

OPDAR—optical direction and ranging 

OPEC—1. Organization of Petroleum 

Exporting Countries 2. On-Premises 

Educational Committee 

OPEIU—Office and Professional Employees 

International Union 

OPD—operational plan document 

OP-FTIR—open path Fourier transform 

infrared spectrometer 

OPM—1. Operations Performance Monitor 

OPMODEL—operational model 

OPNAV—Office of the Chief of Naval 

Operations 

OPORD—operational order 

Ops—operations 

OPQC—Office Professional’s Quality Council. 

OPSEC—operations security 

OPSEL—option select 

OPTASM—optical target signature model 

OPTEVFOR—Operational Test and 

Evaluation Force (Navy) 

OPX—off-premise extension 

OQP—organizational quality plan 

OR—1. Oak Ridge 2. occurrence report 

3. operations requirements 3. operational 

readiness 

Oralloy—original meaning: Oak Ridge alloy 

ORISE—Oak Ridge Institute for Science and 

Education 

ORLA—optimum repair-level analysis

ORM—other required material 

ORNL—Oak Ridge National Laboratory 

OR—Oak Ridge Operations (DOE) 

ORPS—occurrence reporting and processing 

system 

ORR—operation readiness review 

ORRIBLE—Oak Ridge reactor inlet blockage 

code (computers) 

ORS—organization reconstruction system 

ORTA—Office of Research and Technology 

Applications 

ORV—off-road vehicle 

Os—osmium (chemical symbol) 

OS—1. operating system 2. office of space 

OSA—Optical Society of America 

OSAG—office systems advisory group 

OSAP—operational survivability assessment 

program 

OSC—1. on-scene commander 

2. oscilloscope 3. Office of Scientific 

Computing (DOE) 

OSD—Office of the Secretary of Defense 

OSE—Office of Security Evaluations 

OSHA—1. Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration 2. Occupational Safety and 

Health Act 

OSHWPP—occupational safety and health 

worker protection plan (or process) 

OSI—open systems interconnect 

113 

OSIA—on-site inspection agency 

OSL—optically stimulated luminescence (see 

COSL) 

OSM—on-site monitor 

OSNP—Office of Space Nuclear Projects 

(DOE) 

OSO—offensive systems officer 

OSP—1. operational safety procedure 

2. Office of Special Projects (DOE) 

OSR—1. operational safety requirements 

2. operational safety report 

OSS—1. Office of Safeguards and Security 

(DOE) 2. operational storage site 3. operating 

system software 

OSSP—outstanding student summer program 

OST—operational suitability test 

OSTD—off-site technical director 

OSTI—Office of Scientific and Technical 

Information (DOE) 

OSTP—Office of Science and Technology 

Policy 

OSWER—Office of Solid Waste and 

Emergency Response 

OT—operational test 

OTA—Office of Technology Assistant 

OTD—Office of Technology Development 

OTDR—optical time-domain reflectometry 

OT&E—operational test and evaluation 

OTEA—operational test and evaluation 

agency

OTEC—ocean thermal energy conversion 

OTF—optical transfer function 

OTH—over the horizon 

OU—operable unit 

OUO—official use only 

OV—1. Office Vision 2. organic vapor 

OVA—organic vapor analyzer 

OWBPA—Older Worker Benefits Protection 

Act 

OWI—Office of Waste Isolation (now Office of 

Nuclear Waste Isolation) 

Oy—orralloy (35U) 

OYOC—one-year-on-campus 

oz—ounce 

P 

p-—pico- (a prefix indicating 10 -12 ) 

p—1. proton 2. page (plural is pp) 

P—1. peta- (a prefix indicating 1015) (Not to 

be used for poise in dynamic viscosity) 

2. precision 3. phosphorous (chemical symbol) 

4. Pershing Missile (as in Pershing II or PII) 5. 

property 6. pressure 

Pa—1. protactinium (chemical symbol) 

2. pascal (unit of pressure or stress) 

pA—picoampere 

PA—1. power amplifier 2. prearmed 

3. public address 4. pressure adviser 

5. protected area 6. production agency 

114 

7. position analyzer 8. progress assessment 

9. preliminary assessment 

PAA—1. primary aircraft authorization 

2. procurement action approval 

PAAA—Price Anderson Amendments Act 

PAAC—program analysis adaptable control 

PAB—1. Project Advisory Board 

2. Packaging Advisory Board 

PABX—private automatic branch exchange 

PAC—1. Pershing airborne computer 

2. Physical Acoustics Corporation 

PACA—Professional Aerospace Contractor’s 

Association 

PACAF—Pacific Air Force 

PACCS—post-attack command control system 

PACE—plant and capital equipment 

PACES—pressurized-air-combustor exhaust 

simulator 

PACOM—Pacific Command 

PACPADS—Portsmouth alarm 

communication processing and display system 

PACX—Private Automatic Computer 

Exchange 

PAD—1. procurement action documentation 

2. Pajarito dynamics (computers) 

PADAR—passive detection and ranging 

PADS—procurement assistance data system 

PAG—protective action guide 

PAGOSA—a data-parallel version of the 

shock-wave physics code: MESA

PAHR—postaccident heat removal 

PAIR—powered air purifying respirator 

PAL—1. permissive action link 2. phase 

alternate line 3. programmable array logic 

4. protective action levels 5. program area 

leader 

PAM—1. pulse-amplitude modulation 

2. prearm monitor 3. pulse-accumulation 

module 

PAMTRAK or Pam Trak—personnel and 

material tracking (system) 

PAN—1. peroxyacetylnitrate 2. percussion 

actuated nonelectric (disrupter) 

PAO—1. Pinellas Area Office (DOE) 

2. public affairs officer 

PAP—1. performance action plan 

2. personnel assurance program (or plan) 

PAPS—permissive arming and protection 

system 

par—1. paragraph 2. parallel 

3. parenthesis 

PARCC—precision, accuracy, representativeness, 

completeness, and comparability 

PARCS—perimeter acquisition radar (attack) 

characterization system 

Par-Q—physical activity readiness 

questionnaire 

PAS—1. primary alerting system 

2. protective aircraft shelter (see HAS) 

PASC—probability of adversary sequence 

completion 

PASEM—passive environmental monitor 

PA/SI—preliminary assessment/site 

investigation 

115 

PASS—1. personnel access security system 

2. personnel administrative support system 

PASTA—program for application to stress and 

thermal analysis (computer code) 

PASTF—Photovoltaic Advanced Systems Test 

Facility 

PAT—1. progress assessment team 

2. plutonium air-transportable (container) 

PATB—triaminotrinitrobenzene 

PATRAM—package and transport of 

radioactive material 

PATRICIA—practical algorithm to retrieve 

information coded in alphanumeric (computer 

program) 

PATS—prototype automatic target screener 

PAVE PAWS—precision acquisition vehicle 

entry phased array warning system 

PAVING—a mesh-generation software 

algorithm 

PAWS—portable acoustic wave system 

Pb—lead (chemical symbol) 

PB—pulse battery 

PBE—prompt burst energetics 

PBFA—particle-beam fusion accelerator 

(PBFA II is the world’s most powerful ion 

source) 

PBFTU—prebuilt flight test unit 

PBGC—Pension Benefits Guaranty 

Corporation 

PBPT—pixel-by-pixel transfer] 

PBV—post-boost vehicle

PBW—parts by weight 

PBX—1. plastic bonded explosive 

2. private branch exchange (teletype) 

3. public branch exchange 

PC—1. printed circuit 2. polymer concrete 

3. photoconductive 4. port contenders 

5. personal computer 6. PAL controller 

7. physician’s certificate 8. protective clothing 

P-C—plano-convex 

PCA—physical configuration audit 

PCAP—process capability assurance program 

PCB—1. printed circuit board 

2. polychlorinated biphenyl 3. personal 

computer board 

PCC—1. Platoon Control Center 

2. percent correct classification 3. Policy 

Coordinating Committee 4. Pressure 

Certification Committee 5. primary 

component cooling 

PC-CAPRS—personal computer compensation 

and performance review system 

PCCS—ported coaxial cable sensor 

PCD—1. program control document 

2. physician’s certificate of disability 

PCE—1. PAL control equipment 2. perchloroethylene 

P&CE—plant and capital equipment 

pcf—pounds per cubic foot; preferred: lb/ft 3 

PCI—1. permanent complete incapacitation 

2. pellet-clad interaction 3. peripheral 

component interconnect 

PCL—positive control launch 

116 

PCM—1. pulse code modulation 2. pulse 

count modulation 3. pulse colliding mode 

(locked) 

PCMDI—program for climate modeling, 

diagnosis, and intercomparison 

PCN—polyurethane-coated nylon 

P-Code—precision code 

PCP—product change proposal 

PCR—program change request 

PCS—1. project (or property) control system 

2. power conversion system 3. project control 

specialist 

PCSD—programmable communications 

security device 

PC/SPR—portable computer/seal pattern 

reader 

pct—percent (with a number, the symbol % is 

preferred: 15%) 

PCT—1. peak clad temperature 2. process 

certification team 

PCTAP—positive control turnaround point 

PCTH—a parallel shockwave physics code 

Pd—palladium (chemical symbol) 

PD—1. pulse duration 2. pulse doppler 

3. potential difference 4. performance 

decrement 5. program direction 

PD—probability of detection; sometimes 

written as Pd 

P&D—provide and describe 

PDA—principal development activity 

PDAC—Photovoltaic Design Assistance Center

PDB—1. power distribution box 2. plant 

damage bin 

PDC—1. power drive controller 

2. polycrystalline diamond compact 

PDD—project data document 

PDE—partial differential equation 

PDF—probability density function 

PDI—1. powerdown interrupt 2. project data 

interface 

pdl—poundal 

PDL—1. Program Design Language 

2. Process Development Laboratory (obsolete; 

now the Advanced Manufacturing Processes 

Laboratory) 

PDM—1. pulse duration modulation 

2. portable data module 3. power density 

monitor 4. product data management 

PDME—portable data module emulator 

PDO—process development order 

PDP—1. programmed data processor 

2. preferred dentist program 

PDR—1. preliminary design review 

2. prototype design review 

PDS—1. protected distribution system 

2. personnel data sheet 3. processing and 


PDSP—plutonium-dispersed studies program 

PDU—process demonstration (or 

development) unit 

PDW—phosphate development works 

PDWG—program development working group 

pe—probable error 

117 

PE—1. pyroelectric 2. polyethylene 

3. professional engineering 

P&E—personnel and education 

PEARL—personnel expertise and resource 

listing 

PECS—probabilistic evaluation of cladding 

stress (computers) 

PECVP—plasma-enhanced chemical vapor 

deposition 

PED—1. photoelectric detector 

2. professional experience date (MLS) 

PEEK—polyetheretherketone 

PEGA—parameter estimation with genetic 

algorithms 

PEIS—Programmatic Environment Impact 

Statement 

PEL—1. property on external loan 

2. permissible exposure limit (or level) 

PEL/MEL—property on external 

loan/material on external loan 

PEM—1. passive environmental monitors 

2. production evaluation missile 

PENAIDS—penetration aids 

PEO—program executive officer 

PEP—performance enrichment program 

PEPCI—providing emergency presidential 

communications interface 

PEPER—propellants, explosives, and 

pyrotechnics evaluation and reapplication 

PEPS—photovoltaic electric power system

PERD—professional experience in research 

and development (MTS) 

PERMITS—plant engineering management 

information and tracking system 

PERSEP—Pershing survivability evaluation 

program 

PERT—program evaluation review technique 

(computers) 

PES—plant electrical system 

PET—positron emission tomography 

PETC—Pittsburgh Energy Technology Center 

PETL—Processing and Environmental 

Technology Laboratory 

PETN—pentaerythritol tetranitrate (explosive) 

PEV—pyroelectric voltage (array) 

PEVN—polyethylene co-vinyl nitrate 

pF—picofarad 

PF—1. protection factor 2. power factor 

PFA—power FORTRAN accelerator 

PFBC—pressurized fluidized-bed combustion 

PFC—plasma facing component 

PFG—Precision Fabrics Group, Inc. 

PDW—phosphate development works 

PFM—pulse-frequency modulation 

PFMAINT—permanent file maintenance 

(computers) 

pfm/cw—pulse frequency modulated/ 

continuous wave 

118 

PFN—1. pulse-forming network 2. prompt 

fission neutron 

PFRP—process to further reduce pathogen 

PFS—protected firing station 

PG—process gas 

PGA—1. pin grid array 2. phase gradient 

autofocus 

PGM—precision-guided munition 

PGP—professional graphics producer 

PGS—perimeter guard station 

ph—1. phase 2. phot (illuminance; use lux 

instead) 

pH—potential of hydrogen 

PHA—preliminary hazard assessment 

PHC—1. preferred health care 

2. preliminary hazard classification 

Ph.D.—Doctor of Philosophy 

PHERMEX—pulsed high-energy radiographic 

machine-emitting x-rays 

PHTS—primary heat transport system 

PHYST—pit hydriding safety test 

PI—1. principal investigator 2. probability of 

intercept (see PK) 3. purchasing instruction 4. 

performance indicator 5. probability of 

interruption 6. product improvement 

7. pressure installer 

PIa—Pershing 1a (missile system) 

PIA—1. peripheral interface adapter 

(computers) 2. parallel interface adapter 

PIAT—public information assistance team

PIBAL—pilot balloon 

PIC—1. polymer-impregnated concrete 

2. polyethylene-insulated conductor 

3. Personnel Information Center 

4. plastic-insulated cable 5. PINS information 

component 

PICS—property inventory control system 

PID—1. personnel identification device 

2. pulse-integrating detector 

P&ID—piping and instrument drawing 

PIDAS—perimeter intrusion detection and 

assessment system 

PIE—1. post-irradiation examination 

2. partners in education 

PIF—productivity investment fund 

PIFITE—pipe flooding transient (computers) 

PIM—pulse interval modulation 

PIMS—1. passive infrared motion sensor 

2. purchasing information management system 

PIN—1. personal identification number 

2. P-type, intrinsic N-type 

PINEX—pin experiment 

PING—pulsed interrogation neutron and 

gamma (methodology) 

PINPAL—physical inventory pallet 

PINS—proliferation information network 

system 

PINCA—parallel integrated computer analysis 

PIO—1. programmed input/output 

2. peripheral input/output 

PIOCS—physical input/output control system 

(see LIOCS) 

119 

PIP—1. peripheral interchange program 

2. pre-arm in progress 3. programmable 

image processor 4. pulsed integrating 

pendulum 5. public involvement program 

PIPER—pulse-intense plasma for exploratory 

research 

PIR—passive infrared 

PIV—positive identification verifier 

PIVS—Portable Integrated Video System 

PIWG—public involvement working group 

pixel—picture element 

PJA—proper job analysis 

PJI—proper job instruction 

Pk or PK—probability of kill (see PI) 

PKE—process knowledge evaluation 

pkg—package 

Pl—poiseuille (viscosity) 

PL—path length 

PLBR—prototype large breeder reactor 

PLD—programmable logic device 

PLMS—pylon launcher missile simulator 

PLMSCP—pylon launcher missile simulator 

computer program 

PLRS—position locating and reporting system 

PLS—prelaunch survivability 

PLUTO—prediction of molten-fuel behavior 

under transient overpower conditions 

(computers)

PLYWD—precision low yield weapon design 

(Air Force) 

PLZT—lead lanthanum zirconate titanate 

p.m.—post meridiem (after noon) 

Pm—promethium (chemical symbol) 

PM—1. phase modulation 2. pulse modulation 

3. photomultiplier 4. preventive maintenance 

5. project manager 6. particulate matter 

PMA—primary management area 

PMATS—property management assets 

tracking system 

PMCT—PAL management control team (or 

test) 

PMDI—polymeric diisocyanate 

PMF—1. performance management form 

2. probable maximum flood 

PMI—1. Project Management Institute 

2. probable measurement inaccuracy 

PMM—pulse mode multiplex 

PMMA—polymethyl methacrylate 

PMP—1. parts, materials, and processes 

2. project (or performance) management plan 

PMR—proton magnetic resonance 

PMRF—Pacific Missile Range Facility (Navy) 

PMS—1. property management system 

2. program management system 

3. planned maintenance system 

PMT—1. Polymicro Technologies 

2. process (or performance) management team 

3. photo-multiplier tube 

PMTF—Plasma Materials Test Facility 

120 

PMV—PAL material verifier 

P/N—part number (sometimes written as PN) 

PNA—pulse neutron activation 

PNAF—prime nuclear airlift force 

PNC—Power (Reactor and) Nuclear (Fuel 

Development) Corporation 

PNE—peaceful nuclear explosion 

PNET—Peaceful Nuclear Explosions Treaty 

PNGV—Partnership for a New Generation of 

Vehicles 

PNL—Pacific Northwest Laboratory 

PNP—positive-negative-positive (electronics 

circuits) 

PNS—Parabolized Navier-Stokes (computer 

code) 

Po—polonium (chemical symbol) 

PO—purchase order 

POC—1. point of contact 2. proof of concept 

POCC—Plant Operations Control Center 

POC/ET—proof of concept/experimental 

testbed 

POG—project officers group 

POINTER—particle orientation 

interferometer 

POLICE—protecting our lives, institutions, 

communities, and enterprises 

POM—program objective memorandum 

PONC—price of nonconformance

POP—1. period of performance 2. plan of 

operations and practices 

POPS—probabilistic evaluation of transient 

overpower cladding stress (computers) 

PORPLUG—porous plug heat-generating 

blockage (computers) 

pos—positive 

POS—point of sale 

Post-IOC—post-initial operational capability 

POTAS—program for technical assistance (to 

IAEA) safeguards 

POTU—Pershing operational test unit 

POTW—publicly owned treatment work 

pp—1. pages 2. past participle 

PP—1. peak to peak 2. pilot production 

3. Pinellas Plant 

PPA—property protection area 

ppb—parts per billion 

PPBS—planning, programming and budget 

system 

PPC—production process characterization 

PPCM—portal perimeter continuous 

monitoring 

P&PD—production and planning directive 

PPE—1. personnel protection equipment 

2. PAVE PAWS East 

PPI—process prove-in 

PPL—preferred parts list 

P-Plan—programming plan 

121 

ppm—parts per million 

PPM—pulse position (or pulse phase) 

modulation 

PPMO—Pershing Project Management Office 

P&PO—planning and programming order 

PPPD—pilot-production program definition 

PPPL—Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory 

PPRC—Pulsed-Power Research Center 

pps—pulse per second 

PPS—1. plant protection system 2. plutonium 

protection system 3. physical protection 

system 4. preliminary planning schedule 

PPSC—Pulsed Power Safety Committee 

PPSE—PAVE PAWS Southeast 

PPSW—PAVE PAWS Southwest 

ppt—parts per thousand 

PPT—performance prototype trough 

PP/TMS—pilot production/tool-made sample 

PPW—PAVE PAWS West 

PQ—product qualification 

PQA—1. President’s Quality Award 

2. preliminary quality assessment 

PQMI—process quality management and 

improvement 

PQT—process qualification team (obsolete; 

now qualification evaluation team) 

Pr—praseodymium (chemical symbol)

PR—1. purchase requisition 2. public 

relations 3. personnel representative 

4. proprietary (information) 

PRA—1. probabilistic risk assessment (or 

analysis) 2. programmatic risk assessment 

3. PAL recode adapter 

PRAI—PAL recode adapter interface 

PRAM—parameter RAM 

PRC—1. programmatic risk classification 

2. People’s Republic of China 

PRCF—Plutonium Recycle Critical Facility 

PRCR—purchase requisition/change 

requisition 

PRD—1. primary responsible department 

2. program requirements document 

PRDA—program research and development 

announcement 

PREP—production risk evaluation program 

PRESS-CM—pit reuse for enhanced safety 

and security cruise missile 

PRF—pulse repetition frequency 

PRI—Physical Research Instrumentation, Inc. 

pri—primary 

PRISM—physically reasonable infrared 

signature model 

PRLS—portable, reconfigurable line sensor 

PRO—primary responsible organization 

PROM—programmable read-only memory 

PROMPT—allows fast computation of a 

robotic system manipulator’s movement to 

avoid collision 

122 

PRONTO—SNL mechanic code (dynamic) 

(See SANTOS) 

PROTEC—programmable ordnance 

technology 

PROVCORPSV—Provisional Corps, Vietnam 

PRP—1. pulse repetition period 

2. personnel reliability program 

PRR—1. pulse repetition rate 2. protective 

response recommendation 

PRRS—penetration resistance rating system 

PRS—1. personnel reporting system 

2. plasma radiation source 

PRSC—post removal site control 

PRT—platinum resistive thermometer 

PRVM—peak-reading voltmeter 

ps—picosecond 

PS—1. product (or primary) specification 

(drawing number) 2. primary specification 

P&S—1. production and systems 

2. production and surveillance 

PSA—1. Presidential Special Aircraft 

(Andrews AFB, MD) 2. power switching 

assembly 3. PAL switch adapter 

4. preliminary safety analysis 5. project 

support agreement 

PSAC—Pressure Safety Advisory Committee 

PSAR—preliminary safety analysis report 

PSC—1. protective sample container 

2. Principal Subordinate Command (NATO) 

3. pressure safety committee 

PSD—prevention of significant deterioration 

psf—pounds per square foot; also lb/ft 2

psi—pounds per square inch; also lb/in 2 

PSI—1. personnel security interview 

2. Pollutant Standards Index 

psia—psi absolute 

psig—psi gauge 

PSK—phase-shift keying (see FSK) 

PSM—program support manager 

PSN—1. prototype secure network 

(computers) 2. proper shipping name 

3. power systems modernization 

PSO—program senior officials 

PSP—Pension Security Plan 

PSPM—Pressure Safety Practices Manual 

PSR—1. program status review 

2. perfectly stirred reactor 

PSS—1. pressure-sensitive seals 

2. perimeter surveillance system 

3. probabilistic safety study 

PSU—1. program storage unit 2. portable 

surveillance unit 

PSZT—lead tin zirconium titanate 

PT—1. production type 2. Pigmy Trilock 

(connectors) 3. point 4. product tester (as in 

PT3003) 5. property transfer 

P&T—packaging and transporting 

PTC—Pentagon Telecommunications Center 

PTD—product test data 

PTF—phase transfer function 

PTFE—polytetrafluorethylene 

123 

PTM—1. pulse time modulation (or multiplex) 

2. pan/tilt mount 

PTP—peak to peak (ratio) 

PTR—pressure test record 

P&TSC—packaging and transporting safety 

committee 

PTT—Postal Telephone and Telegraph 

PTTSA—pre-tiger team self-assessment 

PTV—parachute test vehicle 

Pu—plutonium (chemical symbol) 

Pub—publication 

PUC—PAL unit card 

PUP—parent unit parts 

PUPS—pick-up points 

PUREX—plutonium-uranium reduction 

extraction 

PV—photovoltaic(s) 

PVA—photovoltaic array 

PVDF—polyvinylidene fluoride 

PVE—preset/verify/execute 

PV&KD—pressure volume and constant X 

displacement 

PVT—pressure-volume-temperature 

PVTB—productivity validation testbed 

pW —picowatt 

PW—1. pulse width 2. process water 

PWA—1. process waste assessment 

2. printed wiring assembly

PWB—printed wiring board 

PWC—password control 

PWDR—preliminary weapon development 

report 

PWG—prioritization working group 

PWGM—process water gamma monitor 

PWM—pulse-width modulation 

PWR—pressurized-water reactor 

PWT—parachute wind tunnel 

PX—Pantex Plant 

PXD—manganin wire pressure transducer 

Pz—pi ze (pressure) 

PZT—Pb (lead) zirconate titanate 

Q 

QA—1. quality assurance 2. quality 

assessment 

QAA—Quality Assurance Agency (DOE) 

QAER—qualification acceptance equipment 

release 

QAIA—Quality Assurance Inspection Agency 

(DOE) 

QAIP—quality assurance inspection 

procedures 

QAM—Quality Assurance Manual 

QAP—quality assurance procedure (or 

program) 

124 

QAPMT—Quality Awareness Process 

Management Team 

QAPP—Quality Assurance Project Plan 

QAPPC—Quality Assurance Program 

Planning Committee 

QAR—quality action request 

QASL—Quality Assurance, Sandia (National) 

Laboratories 

QAST—quality assurance service test 

QAT—quality action team 

QATI—quality assurance test instructions 

QAVI—quality assurance verification 

instructions 

QBE—query by example 

QBF—query by form 

QC—1. quality control 2. quality circle 

3. quality criteria 4. quality coordinator 

QCD—quantum electrodynamics 

QCR—quality control/reliability 

QCT—quality coordinator team 

Q/D—quantity/distance 

QDA—1. quartz-based digital accelerometer 

2. qualified designated alternate 

QED—quantum electrodynamics 

QEP—quality engineering project 

QER—qualification (or quality) evaluation 

release 

QERD—qualification evaluation research for 

dismantlement

QEST—quality evaluation systems tester 

QET—qualification evaluation team (formerly 

process qualification team) 

QFD—quality function deployment 

QIC—quality inspection control 

QIP—quality improvement project 

QIPM—quality improvement process 

management 

QIT—quality improvement team 

QLFT—qualitative fit test 

QLORD—quantum-limited optical resonance 

detector 

Qm—quartermaster 

QMC—quantum Monte Carlo (numerical 

simulation method) 

QML—qualified manufacturers’ list 

QMS—quality management system 

QNFT—quantitative fit test 

QNOW—quality news on weapons 

QP—1. quartz phenolic 2. quality plan 

3. quick pay 

QPL—qualified parts list 

QRA—1. quick reaction alert 

2. qualitative risk analysis 

QS—1. qualification sample 2. quality system 

QSC—quality steering council 

QSG—quality support group 

QSI—Quantum Systems, Inc. (Albuquerque) 

125 

QSP—questionnaire for sensitive positions 

qt—quart 

QTE—qualification testing evaluation 

qtr—quarter 

qty—quantity 

quad—quadrant 

qual—qualitative 

QUEST—quality-enhancement strategies 

QV—quality verification 

QUIC—quasi-instantaneous control 

QWL—quality of work life 

R 

r—radius 

R—1. roentgen (unit of absorbed radiation 

dose exposure; see rad) 2. resistance 

3. radiant (energy hazard) 

(R—degrees Rankine (e.g., 99(R), used in the 

Rankine temperature scale 

R1, R2—Range 1, Range 2 

R2—rewards and recognition 

RA—Rockwell, “A” scale hardness 

RB—Rockwell, “B” scale hardness 

RA—1. relay assembly 2. radiation area 

3. risk assessment 

RAAS—remedial action assessment system

RAC—1. Research Advisory Committee 

2. radioactive cargo 3. response action 

contractor 

RACS—remote access system 

RACT—reasonable available control 

technology 

rad—1. radian (plane angle 2. unit of 

absorbed radiation dose liberating 100 ergs of 

energy per gram or 10 -2 J/kg (supersedes the 

roentgen) 

RAD—1. radiation absorbed dose 

2. random-access device 3. radioactive 

radar—radio detection and ranging (originally 

an acronym but now accepted as a word) 

RADCON—1. radiation contamination 

2. radiation control 

RADEC—radiation detection capability 

RADEX—radiation exposure 

RADIAC—1. radiation detection, indication, 

and computation 

RADINT—radar intelligence 

RADM—Rear Admiral 

Radon transform—named for J. Radon who 

invented the inversion in a function-line 

integral 

RadPro—radiation protection 

rad/s—radians per second (preferred over 

rad/sec) 

RADWASTE—radioactive (and mixed) waste 

RAE—Royal Aircraft Establishment 

RAeS—Royal Aeronautical Society 

126 

RAF—1. Royal Air Force 2. resistance after 

fire 

RAISE—Rural American Indian Science 

Education 

RAL—recommended allowance list 

RAM—1. random-access memory 2. readand-modify 

memory (digital controllers) 

3. radioactive material 4. RADEC analysis 

and monitor 5. rocket-assisted mode 6. radarabsorbing 

(or absorption) material 

7. radiation area monitor 8. reliability, 

availability, and maintainability 

RAMS—1. remote atmospheric monitoring 

system 2. radiation area monitor system 

RAN—restricted access network 

RAP—1. restricted access program 

2. remedial action program 

RAPADS—rapid (deployment) access delay 

system 

RAPID—1. radiation pattern identification 

2. retrofit-assisted parachute in-flight delivery 

RAPRENOX—rapid reduction of nitrogen 

oxides 

RAS—1. roof antenna system 2. reactor 

analysis and safety 3. routine analytical 

services 

RASER—radio-frequency amplification by 


RASLE—radiating and absorbing shock layer 

equilibrium 

RASSPVDN—random sphere (model of) 

simultaneous particle and vapor deposition 

RATLER—robotic all-terrain lunar 

exploration rover 

RATT—radioteletype

RB—1. reentry body 2. rule based 

RBA—1. reentry body assembly 

2. radiological buffer area 

RCB—retrieval containment building 

RBE—relative biological effectiveness (of 

radiation) 

RBFTU—rebuild flight test unit 

RC—1. radiochemical 2. reinforcing 

capability 

R-C—resistance capacitance 

RCA—1. root cause analysis 2. Radio 

Corporation of America 

RCAF—Royal Canadian Air Force 

RCD—release circuits disconnect 

R&CG—Resource and Coordination Group 

RCI—receipt for classified information 

RCIC—reactor core isolation cooling 

RCM—reliability centered maintenance 

RCMS—removal cost management system 

RCP—reactor cooling pump 

RCRA—Resource Conservation and Recovery 

Act (1976) 

RCS—1. reactor control system 2. radar cross 

section 3. reactor coolant system 

RCSC—radiological and criticality safety 

committee 

RCSI—reactor coolant system integrity 

RCSM—radar cross-section measurement 

127 

RCU—reference control unit 

RCW—recirculated cooling water 

rd—rutherford (a unit of the decay rate of 

radio-active material) 

RD—1. restricted data 2. remedial design 

R&D—research and development 

RDA—Research and Development Associates 

(DNA subcontractor) 

RD&A—research, development, and 

application 

R to D to A—research to development to 

application 

RDD—radiation dispersal device 

RD&D—research, development, and 

demonstration 

RDDT&E—research, development, demon- 

stration, testing, and evaluation 

RDE—radiation-detection equipment 

RD&E—research, development, and 

engineering 

RDF—radio direction finder 

RDJTF—Rapid Development Joint Task Force 

RD/RA—remedial design and remedial action 

RDRM—rambus direct random access 

memory 

RDRF—receive data register full (computers) 

RDS—records depository system 

RDT—reactor development and technology 

RD&T—research, development, and testing

RDT&E—research, development, testing, and 

evaluation 

RDU—1. remote data unit 2. RADEC data 

unit 

RDX—abbreviation for the explosive cyclomite 

RE—1. rare-earth 2. real 

R&E—research and engineering 

REA—retard airburst 

REAC/TS—Radiation Emergency Assistance 

Center/Training Site (Oak Ridge, TN) 

READ—renewable energy for African 

development 

REAPS—reportable excess automated 

property system 

REASURE—reporting evaluation auditing 

system for unsatisfactory reports 

REB—relativistic electron beam 

REBA—relativistic electron-beam accelerator 

RECAP—review and command assessment of 

projects 

RECCE—reconnaissance 

REDAC—remote detection and control 

REDAR—radiation and environmental data 

acquisition and recording 

REDCOM—readiness command 

redox—reduction oxidation 

REDS—reactor electronic distribution system 

REECo—Reynolds Electrical and Engineering 

Co. (subsidiary of EG&G, Inc.) 

ref—reference 

128 

ref sym—reference symbol (also RS) 

REG—1. range extender with gain 

2. retard groundburst 

REGAL—report generator algorithm 

reporting 

REHR—reactor heat removal 

REI—Raymond Engineering, Inc. 

rem—roentgen equivalent man (or mammal) 

(use sv for sievert instead) 

REM—1. recovery exercise module 

2. recognition memory (computers) 

3. radiation exposure model 4. remedial 

(planning) 

REMBASS—remote battlefield sensor system 

rep—roentgen equivalent physical (a unit of 

ionizing radiation) 

RER—relative encryption range 

RES—remote equipment shelter 

RESC—reactor subcriticality 

RESL—Radiological and Environmental 

Science Laboratory 

REST—retrofit evaluation system test 

RET-ER—retirement engineering release 

RETRVIR—remote telerobotic vehicle for 

intelligent remediation 

rev—revolution 

rev/s—revolutions per second; rps is preferred 

RF—1. radio frequency 2. response force 

3. Rocky Flats 4. research foundation

RFA—1. request for analysis 2. RCRA facility 

assessment 

RFAO—Rocky Flats Area Office (DOE) 

RFCS—request for change of scope 

RFD—1. rotating flexible decelerator 

2. reduced forward deployment 

3. radio frequency detection 

RFF—response force facility 

RFFS—request for facilities support 

RFI—1. radio-frequency interference 

2. request for information 3. RCRA facility 

investigation 4. RCRA field investigation 

RF/MW—radio-frequency and microwave 

(frequency) 

RFP—1. request for proposal 2. Rocky Flats 

Plant (EG&G) 

RFQ—request for quotation 

RFS—radar fire signal 

RFT—1. response force time 2. respirator fit 

test (datasheet) 

RFTU—radar flight test unit 

RG—Regulatory Guide 

RGB—red, green, blue 

RGC—Rio Grande Chapter (Local Chapter of 

the Project Management Institute) 

RGH—rare-gas halogen 

RGX—reverse geometry x-ray 

RGZ—recommended ground zero 

Rh—rhodium (chemical symbol) 

RH—1. relative humidity 2. remote handled 

129 

RHALE—robust hydrodynamics arbitrary 

Lagrangian Eulerian 

RHCP—right hand circularly polarized 

RHEPP—repetitive high-energy pulse power 

(RHEPP II is the world’s highest average 

power electron-beam source) 

RHF—report holdings file 

RHIC—radiation-hardened integrated circuit 

RHM—roentgen per hour at one meter 

rho—product of fuel density 

RHO—Rockwell-Hanford Operations 

RH-TRU—remote handled transuranic waste 

RI—1. radio interference 2. Rockwell 

International 3. responsible individual (see 

RP) 4. remedial investigation 

RIA—1. Robotics Industries Association 

2. range insensitive axis 3. regulatory impact 

analysis 

RIB—reference information base 

RIC—1. resistance inductance capacitance 

2. Rare-Earth Information Center 

RID—requirements identification document 

RI/FS—remedial investigation/feasibility study 

RIG—Risk-based Inspection Guide 

RIM—relative importance measure 

RIMS—roll-stabilized inertial measurement 

system 

RIMU—reentry inertial measurement unit 

RIOM Manual—RACON Installation, 

Operation, and Maintenance Manual

RIP—1. Retirement Income Plan 2. rapid 

interface phototyping 3. research in progress 

RIPE—robot independent programming 

environment 

RIPL—robot independent programming 

language 

RISC—reduced instruction set computer 

RISE—Regional Initiatives for Science 

Education (The program is to enhance science 

education from grade levels Kindergarten to 

12th grade) 

RIT—record (or receipt) of internal transfer 

RIU—radar interface unit 

RL—radioluminescent 

RLCU—remote launch control unit 

RLGA—ring laser gyro assembly 

RLPG—regenerative liquid propellant gun 

RMA—return material authorization 

RMAP—Risk Management Action Plan 

RMF—remote monitoring facility 

RMIEP—risk methodology integration and 

evaluation program 

RML—1. remote maintenance line 

2. reactive multi-layers 

RMMA—radioactive material management 

area 

RMP—Risk Management Program 

rms or RMS—root-mean-square 

RMS—rotating mass storage 

130 

RMSEL—Robotic Manufacturing, Science, 

and Engineering Laboratory 

RMT—remote maintenance terminal 

RMWS—rail mobile weapon system 

RMWTS—radioactive and mixed waste 

tracking system 

Rn—radon (chemical symbol) 

RN—regency net 

RND—rules need date 

RNLN—Royal Netherlands Navy 

rWc—reciprocal ohm centimeter (electrical 

conductivity) 

rWm—reciprocal ohm meter 

RO—1. retrofit order 2. reactor operator 

3. remains open 

ROA—record of assembly 

ROADS—range optimal advanceddevelopment 

system 

ROBAT—robotics obstacle breaching assault 

tank 

ROBCOM—robot communication 

ROC—1. required operation characteristics 

2. required operation capability 

ROCAPS—remote operation of cask 

penetration system 

ROCOMP—radio- or computer-operated 

mobile platform 

ROD—1. record of decision 2. record of disassembly 

3. report of discrepancy 

RODAN—robotic optical disk access node

ROE—remote operating equipment 

ROI—1. return on investment 2. record of 

origination 

ROK—Republic of Korea 

ROM—1. read-only memory (computers) 

2. rough order of magnitude 

ROMC—read-only memory control 

ROO—record of origination 

RORSAT—radar ocean-reconnaissance 

satellite 

ROSES—remote oscilloscope sealed 

environment system 

ROTL—remote office test line 

ROV—1. remotely operated vehicle 

2. report of violation 

ROVER—remotely operated vehicle for 

emplacement and reconnaissance 

RP—1. radiation protection 2. rendezvous 

point 3. Reynold part (followed by the part 

number) 4. respiratory protection 

5. responsible party 

RPC—remote procedure cells 

RPDL—Rapid Prototype Development 

Laboratory 

RPG—rocket-propelled grenade 

Rph—roentgens per hour 

RPI—Rensselear Polytechnic Institute 

RPL—reactor-pumper laser 

rpm—revolutions (or rate) per minute (see 

rps) 

RPM—radial power monitor 

131 

R&PM—Regulations and Procedures Manual 

(DOE) 

RPP—respiratory protection program 

RPPA—respiratory protection program 

administrator 

RPQ—respiratory protection questionnaire 

rps or rev/s—revolutions per second (rps is 

preferred) 

RPS—reactor protection system 

RPU—receiver/processor unit 

RPV—1. remotely piloted vehicle 

2. reactor pressure vessel 

RQ—reportable quantities 

R&QA—reliability and quality assurance 

RQP—responsibilities, qualifications, and 

performance (ES&H) 

R/R—recapture/recovery 

RRA—Radiation Research Associates, Inc. 

RRC—Regional Response Center 

RRDA—Resource Recovery and Disposition 

Account 

RRI—RCRA remedial investigation 

RRMT—reactor and reactor material 

technology 

RRPC—radiological respiratory protection 

coordinator 

RRPS—robotic reconnaissance point sensor 

RRR—reduced residual radiation 

RRRV—rate of rise of recovery voltage

RRSAS—robotic radiation survey and analysis 

system 

RRT—regional response team 

RRV—robotics reconnaissance vehicle 

RS—1. reentry system 2. reference symbol 

(also abbreviated: ref. sym.) 

3. reprocess specification 

r/s—revolutions per second (rps is preferred) 

RSA—1. reimbursable (or reimbursement) 

spending account 2. Radiation Safety 

Associates, Inc. 3. Rivest, Shamir, Adelman 

RSAD—requirements and self-assessment 

data-base 

RSAS—regional seismic array system 

RSCFG—revolutionary security concepts 

focus group 

RSCRC—regional superfund community 

relations coordinator 

RSE—1. receiver shield enclosure 

2. removal site evaluation 

RSI—1. reactor safety information 

2. repetitive stress injury 

RSL—Remote Sensing Laboratory (Las Vegas, 

NV) 

RSLP—reentry systems launch program 

RSNF—Royal Saudi Naval Forces 

RSO—reported significant observation 

RSP—1. render-safe procedure 2. rapid 

solidification processing 

RSPA—Research and Special Programs 


132 

RSS—1. reactor safety study 2. remote 

security station 3. relay station status 

4. remote sub-system 5. ready safe switch 

RSSMAP—Reactor Safety Study Methodology 

Application Program 

RSSPS—remote sensor system for physical 

security 

RSTA—reconnaissance, surveillance, and 

target acquisition 

RSTAKA—reconnaissance, surveillance, 

target acquisition, kill, and assessment 

RSTN—regional seismic test network 

RSV—robotic security vehicle 

RSVP—1. Remote Sensing and Verification 

Program 2. Retired Senior Volunteer Program 

rt or RT—1. room temperature 2. rise time 

RT—1. room temperature 2. rise time 

3. real time 

RTAF—read-time aperture flux 

RTB—1. reentry thermal battery 

2. robotic testbed 

RTBF—Readiness in Technical Base and 

Facilities 

RTDM—remote transponder data modules 

RTDP—Robotics Technology Development 

Program (DOE) 

RTECS—registry of toxic effects of chemical 

substances 

RTG—radioisotope thermoelectric generator 

RTL—resistor-transistor logic (computers) 

RTO—rail transportation office

RTP—1. restructured test program 

2. rapid thermal process 

RTR—routine technical report 

RTS—1. return from subroutine 

2. removal tracking system 3. run time storage 

RTV—room temperature vulcanizing (or 

vulcanized) 

RUG by ball—70 carbon atom fullerene 

RUPL—radar-updated path length 

RV—1. reimbursement voucher 2. reentry 

vehicle 3. reactor vessel 

RVA—radar (or range), velocity, and 

attenuation 

RVB—retractable vehicle barriers 

RVC—reactor volume control 

RVR—Robotic Vehicle Range 

RW—river water 

RWA—reaction wheel assembly 

R wave—Rayleigh wave (seismology) 

RWE—reactor works engineer 

RWIS—raw water intake structure 

RWL—reactor water level 

RWMC—Radioactive Waste Management 

Complex 

RwoH—reliability without hermeticity 

RWP—radiation work permit 

RWQCB—regional water quality control 

board 

RX—reactors 

133 

Ry—rydberg (see kayser) 

RZ—radiation zone 

S 

s—second 

S—1. survivable 2. sulfur (chemical symbol) 

3. siemens 4. secret 

S 2 —1. safeguards and security 

2. survivability and security 

S 3 —safety, security, and survivability 

SA—1. Sandia (National Laboratories) 

apparatus 2. storage activities 3. staging area 

4. safety assessment 5. standard assembly 

6. self-assessment 7. SNL apparatus 

S&A—sampling and analysis 

SAALC—San Antonio Air Logistics Center 

SAAT—Sandia accessibility advocacy team 

SABRE—Sandia accelerator and beam 

research experiment 

SAC—1. Sandia auxiliary closure 

2. Strategic Air Command (The Air Combat 

Command has now combined SAC and TAC 

into one command.) 3. Support Agency 

Coordinator 

SACA—Support Agency Cooperative 

Agreement 

SACCS—SAC Command Control System 

SACEUR—Supreme Allied Commander, 

Europe (NATO)

SACLANT—Supreme Allied Commander, 

Atlantic (NATO) 

SACNET—secure automatic communication 

network (DOE) 

SACR—SAC regulation 

SACROC—Strategic Air Command required 

operational characteristics 

SACS—safeguards alarm and communications 

system 

SADARM—search-and-destroy armament 

SADCAT—structural analysis of 3-D core 

assembly transient (computers) 

SADM—small (or special) atomic demolition 

munition 

SAE—Society of Automotive Engineers 

saf—safed 

SAF—1. security automated fabrication 

2. safe, arm, and fuze 

SAFE—1. safeguards automated facility 

evaluation 2. Sandia award for excellence 

SAFER—security and force-protection 

enhancement resources 

SAFETEC—safety technology 

SAFF—safe, arm, fuze, and fire 

SAFM—safe monitor 

SAGE—semi-automated ground environment 

SAHP—solar-augmented heat pump 

SAI—Science Applications, Inc. (La Jolla, CA) 

SAIC—Science Applications International 

Corporation 

134 

SAIR—safe and in-range 

SAK—a one-dimensional kinetics computer 

code 

SAL—Safeguards Analytical Laboratory 

(Seibersdorf, Austria) 

SALAD—1. slide-actuated, laser-armed 

detonator 2. seismic acoustic low-altitude 

aircraft detector 

SALC—systematic assessment of licensee 

performance 

SALE—safeguards analytical laboratory 

evaluation 

SALOGS—Sandia logic simulation 

SALSA—SNL application code designed to 

simulate complex fluid flows on large-scale 

parallel computers 

SALSIM—SALOGS simulation 

SALT—Strategic Arms Limitation Talks 

SAM—1. sensor access manager 

2. surface-to-air missile 3. scanning Auger 

microscope 

SAMA—Scientific Apparatus Makers 

Association 

SAMP—Sickness Absence Management Plan 

SAMPE—Society for the Advancement of 

Material and Process Engineering 

SAMS—Sandia/Air (Force) materials study 

SAMSO—Space and Missile Systems 

Organization 

SAMSON—semiautonomous mobile system 

for ordnance neutralization 

SAMT—State-of-the-art medium terminal

SAN—San Francisco Operations Office (DOE) 

SANDAC—1. Sandia data acquisition 

computer 2. Sandia airborne computer 

3. Sandia aerospace computer 

SAND DEVIL—Sandia digitally encoded video 

junk 

SANDUS—Sandia digital underground system 

SANTOS—SNL mechanic code (static) (see 

PRONTO) 

SAP—1. simulation administration program 

2. special access program 

SAR—1. safety analysis report 

2. synthetic aperture radar 3. supplied air 

respirator 4. search and rescue 

SARA—Superfund Amendment and 

Reauthorization Act 

SARF—special airburst radar fuze 

SARGE—surveillance and reconnaissance 

ground equipment 

SARL—Sandia Aerosol Research Laboratory 

SAROS—synthetic aperture radar for open 

skies 

SAROS Document Manager—window based 

system that stores documents in the Mezzanine 

Library. The Mezzanine manages information 

using networks. 

SARP—1. safety analysis report for packaging 

2. severe accident risk program 

SAS—1. safety analysis system (computers) 

2. statistical analysis system 3. sealed (or 

secure) authentication system 4. secondary 

alarm station 5. Senate Armed Services 

(Committee) 6. synthetic aperture sonar 

7. semi-annual soils 8. special analytical 

service 9. safety assurance system 

135 

SASA—severe accident sequence analysis 

SASG—Safety Analysis Software Group 

(DOE) 

SASL—a stress computer code 

SASP—special ammunition supply point 

SASS—1. special aircraft stores shop 

2. sequential access storage system 

SAT—1. security alert team 2. supervised 

autonomous testbed 3. staff assistant technical 

4. satellite 5. Scholastic Aptitude Test 

SATC—seismic/acoustic target classifier 

SATCAP—satellite capability 

SATCOM—satellite communications 

SATIN—SAC AUTODIN teletype interface 

SATTLIF—Sandia Transportable Triggered 

Lightning Instrumentation Facility 

SATURN— The world’s most powerful 

plasma radiation source 

SAV—semi-annual vegetation 

SAVI—systematic analysis of vulnerability to 

intrusion 

SAW—1. surface acoustic wave 2. squad 

automatic weapon 3. self-assessment work 

SAWE—Sandia water-entry 

SAXS—small-angle x-ray scattering 

Sb—1. stibium (antimony) (chemical symbol) 

2. stilb (optics) 

SB—1. small business 2. surface burst 

SBA—Small Business Administration 

SBC—single-board computer

SBEL—Structural Behavior Engineering 

Laboratory (Phoenix, AZ) 

SBIR—small business innovative resource 

SBIRCCD—Schottky barrier infrared chargecoupled 

device (computers) 

SBLOCA—small break LOCA 

SBO—station blackout 

SBX—single-board extension 

SBU—Strategic Business Unit 

S 2 C—safety, security, and control 

Sc—scandium (chemical symbol) 

SC—1. shape component 2. separable 

component 

SCA—Service Contract Act 

SCALEBOARD—NATO designation for 

Soviet SS-12 missile 

SCAP—Superfund Consolidated 

Accomplishments Plan 

SCAQ—significant conditions adverse to 

quality 

SCARB—Sandia Corrective Action Review 

Board 

SCARS—1. status, control, alerting, and 

reporting system (NATO) 2. system control 

and receiving station 

SCB—1. semiconductor bridge 2. Sandia 

Classification Bulletin 3. sliding crash beam 

SCBA—self-contained breathing apparatus 

SCC—1. stress corrosion cracking 

2. SECOM Control Center 3. Security Control 

(or Communications) Center 

136 

4. Switching Control Center 5. Security 

Command Center (SNL) 6. Sandia 

Compensation Council 7. Sandia Computer 

Committee 

SCCF—sprayed chopped-carbon fiber 

SCIF—sensitive compartmented information 

facilities 

SCIP—security-type lockbox 

SCCM—standard cubic centimeters per 

minute 

SCCS—1. safeguards central control system 2. 

safeguards control and communications system 

3. source code control system 

4. single-code coded switch 

SCCT—survivable command center 

technology 

SCD—source control drawing 

SCDC—signal certification device coder 

SCDR—Sandia Corporation Development 

Report (one of the designations for early SAND 

reports; now obsolete) 

scf—standard cubic feet 

scfh—standard cubic feet per hour 

SCI—sensitive compartmented information 

SCIAD—science advisor (SNL) 

SCILS—sensitive countries information 

logging system 

SCIS—1. security configuration information 

system 2. Service Center Integrated (or 

Information) System 3. survivable 

communications integration system 

4. Sensitive Country Information Logging 

System (DOE) 

SCISEARCH—Science Citation Index Search

SCM—1. sensor capabilities modeling 

2. small-core memory 3. statistical crack 

mechanics 

SC-M—Sandia Corporation Miscellaneous (a 

designation for SAND reports; now obsolete) 

SCN—1. Sandia Classified Network 

SCNMTAA—South Central New Mexico 

Technicians Affiliate Association 

SCORE—Service Corp of Retired Executives 

SCORES—scenario-oriented recurring 

evaluation system 

SCP—1. Squadron Command Post 

2. shelter control panel 3. secure conferencing 

project 4. Sandia Clara plastics 

SCPR—Sandia Corporation progress report 

(obsolete: early SAND reports designation) 

SCPV—safeguards coordination and 

performance verification 

SCR—1. silicon-controlled rectifier 

2. Sandia contracting representative (buyer) 3. 

Semiconductor Research Corporation 

SCRR—Sandia Corporation research report 

(one of the designations for early SAND 

reports; now obsolete) 

SCS—1. secure container system 

2. supplementary cooling system 

3. Sandia Contracting Specialist 

SCSC—Small Computer Support Center 

SCSD—secure codes storage device 

SCSI—small computer system interface 

SCSP—single-crystal silicon photovoltaics 

SCSR—Sandia Corporation Systems Report 

(obsolete: early SAND reports designation) 

137 

SCT—1. stockpile confidence test 

2. Super-conducting Core Technologies 

(Company) 

SCTI—sodium components test installation 

SCTIS—single-channel transponder injection 

system 

SCTM—Sandia Corporation Technical 

Memorandum (obsolete; now SNL Internal 

Memorandum) 

SCUBA—self-contained underwater breathing 

apparatus 

SCW—service clarified water 

SCWD—Sandia Corporation Weapon 

Development (one of the designations for early 

SNL SAND reports; now obsolete) 

SCWMT—SNL chemical waste management 

team 

SCWO—supercritical water oxidation 

SD—1. self-destruct 2. standard deviation 

3. source data 4. safe drinking (water) 

SDA—1. source data acquisition (computers) 

2. system design alternatives 

SDACS—stored data acquisition system 

SDB—small disadvantaged business 

SDC—1. Strategic Defense Command 

2. shut-down cooling 

SDCSIC—semi-domesticated critter scat 

identification chart (for hantavirus work) 

SDD—1. safety determination documentation 

2. system design description (or document) 

SDDB—stockpile dismantlement database

SDDM—Secretary of Defense Decision 

Memorandum 

SDF—Strategic Defense Facility 

SDHX—shutdown heat exchange 

SDI—1. strategic defense initiative 

2. selective dissemination of information 

3. steel door (or deck) institute 

SDL—Spectra Diode Laboratories 

SDM—scanning detection mode 

SDMS—shared document management system 

SDP—subseabed disposal program 

SDR—1. systems design review 2. Sandia 

delegated representative 3. spin dependent 

recombination 4. significant defect report 

(obsolete; now SFIR) 

SDRAM—synchronous dynamic random 

access memory 

SDS—shutdown sequence 

SDT—1. shock-detonation transition 

2. signal data translator 

SDU—slave display unit 

SDW—special development warhead 

SDWA—Safe Drinking Water Act 

SE—standard error 

SEA—1. Statement of Employee Account 

2. Science Engineering Associates, Inc. 

SEAB—Secretary of Energy Advisory Board 

SEAD—safeguards engineering and analysis 

database 

SEAL—sea-air-land (observation) 

138 

SEAM—spin ejector adapter module 

SEAMIST—Science and Engineering 

Associates membrane instrumentation and 

sampling technique 

SEARA—stockpile evaluation and reliability 

SeaRAM—sea radioactive materials 

SEASAT—SEAL (observation) satellite 

SEAV—security enhancement to Area V 

(Sandia/NM) 

SEB—Source Evaluation Board 

SEBAS—scattering of electrons by atomic 

systems (computers) 

sec—1. secure 2. secant 

SEC—1. Securities and Exchange Commission 

2. Sandia ES&H Council (obsolete; now 

SQLC) 3. secondary electron conduction 

SECAS—security assurance 

SECDEC—single error correcting, double 

error correcting 

SECDEF or SecDef—Secretary of Defense 

SECOM—security communications 

SECSY—spin-echo correlated spectroscopy 

SED—1. stockpile entry date (or data) 

2. skin erythema dose (radiation) 

3. statistical experimental design 

SEDEC—Semiconductor Equipment 


SEDO—specified external distribution only 

(obsolete; use a current unclassified release 

statement) 

SEEK-TALK—jam-resistant radio (USAF)

SEES—security exercise evaluation simulation 

(or system) 

SEFOR—southeast fast oxide reactor 

SEI—space exploration initiative 

SEIS—Supplemental Environmental Impact 

Statement 

SEL—1. special equipment list 2. sound 

exposure level 

SEM—1. scanning electron microscopy 

2. sensor and environment monitor 

3. Society of Experimental Mechanics 

4. science, engineering, and mathematics 

SEMATECH—semiconductor manufacturing 

technology 

SEMS—seafloor earthquake measurement 

system 

SEMY—summer employment (for) minority 

youth 

SEN—Secretary of Energy Notice 

SENA—student (or summer) employment for 

Native Americans 

SENLEX—sensor layout expert (system) 

SENS—suspect equipment notification system 

SEP—1. spherical error of probability 

2. selective employment package 

3. systematic evaluation program 

4. surface electrical potential 5. strike enable 

plug 

SEPE—sources of ES&H personnel expense 

SEPG—software engineering process group 

SEPUP—Science Education for Public Understanding 

Program 

SEPW—strategic earth-penetrator weapon 

139 

seq—sequence 

SEQR—stockpile evaluation qualification 

release 

SER—1. safety evaluation report 

2. stockpile emergency report 

SERA—superfund emergency response action 

SERAPHIM—a high speed train that is a spin 

off from the coil-gun technology that was 

created at SNL 

SERC—State Emergency Response 

Commission 

SERF—Sandia Engineering Reactor Facility 

SERI—Solar Energy Research Institute 

SERIP—SIGINT/EW Readiness Improvement 

Program 

SERP—Sandia Employees Recreation 

Program 

SERS—surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy 

SES—1. Standards Engineers Society 

2. system external specifications 

3. stationary energy storage 

SESC—Sandia Explosives Safety Committee 

SETAF—Southern European Task Force 

(Army) 

SETEC—Semiconductor Equipment 

Technology Center 

SETS—set equation transformation system 

(computers) 

SEU—single-event upset 

SEV—stockpile emergency verification

SE/VMS—security-enhanced virtual memory 

system 

SF—1. security force 2. special forces 

3. superfund 4. significant finding 

SFA—1. security fault analysis 

2. systemic factors analysis 

SFD—system field demonstration 

SFE—1. Sandia-furnished equipment 

2. slim loop ferroelectric 

SFEE—small forces engagement exercises 

SFFT—superconducting flux-flow transistor 

SFI—significant finding investigation 

SFIR—significant finding investigative report 

SFIS—striped-filter image sensor 

SFK—special-function keyboard 

SFMT—San Francisco-Moscow teleport (an 

electronic bulletin board) 

SFPE—Society of Fire Protection Engineers 

SFRD—secret, formerly restricted data 

SFT—stockpile flight test 

SG—1. superconducting generation 

2. silicon gate 

SGA—Sandia Golf Association 

SGC—Space General Corporation 

SGEMP—system-generated electromagnetic 

pulse 

SGM—spark-gap modulation 

SGML—standard generalized markup 

language (international standard for text 

markup) 

140 

SGT—1. secure ground transport 

2. safeguards transport 

SGTS—standby gas treatment system 

SH—1. shear horizontal 2. sleeve housing 

SHAC—solar heating and cooling 

SHAD—Sandia helicopter acoustic detector 

SHAPE—Supreme Headquarters Allied 

Powers, Europe 

SHEAC—Safety, Health, and Environment 

Appraisal Committee 

SHED—solar heat-exchange drive 

SHEE—safe high-energy explosive 

SHF or shf—super-high frequency 

SH&F—Safety, Health, and Facilities 

SHORAN—short-range (radio) 

SHPO—State Historic Preservation Office 

SHRP—Strategic Human Resources Plan 

SHT—seal head tank 

Si—silicon (chemical symbol) 

SI—1. Systéme International d'Unites 

(International System of Units) 

2. security inspector 3. Special Intelligence 

4. storage inspection 5. site inspection 

6. Salt Institute 

SIA—Semiconductor Industry Association 

(San Jose, CA) 

SIAM—self-initiated attack missile (also 

known as “Little David”) 

SIC—standard industrial classification

SICADS—site-independent configurable alarm 


SICBM—small intercontinental ballistic 

missile 

SICBM/HML—SICBM/hard mobile launcher 

SICS—safety injection control system 

SID—site interface device 

SIDAS—sodium iodide detector (response) 

analysis software 

SIDSS—Sandia irradiator for dried sewage 

solids 

SIED—sophisticated improvised explosive 

device 

SIER—special instruction engineering release 

SIEX—steady-state in-pile behavior of mixedoxide 

fuels (computers) 

SIG—1. special-interest group 2. selenideisotope 

generator 

SIGDISC—special-interest group (for optical) 

disks 

SIGINT/EW—Signals Intelligence/Early 

Warning 

Sigma—a weapon data access designator 

SIK—system independent kernel 

SIL—speech interference level 

SIM—strategic issues management 

SIMD—single instruction, multiple data 

SIMOX—separation by implementation of 

oxygen 

SIMPLE—subassembly interchange mixing 

program for flow effects (computers) 

141 

SIMS—1. Sandia intruder motion simulator 2. 

standards information management system 3. 

Sandia issues management system 

sin—sine 

sinh—hyperbolic sine 

SIN—site information network 

SINCGARS—single-channel ground and 

aircraft radio system 

SIOP—single integrated operational plan 

SIP—1. stockpile improvement program (or 

plan) 2. shock-induced polarization 

3. state implementation plan 4. Student 

Internship Program 

SIPE—soldier integrated protective ensemble 

SIPI—Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute 

SIR—1. Sandia (National Laboratories) 

interior robot 2. semi-annual inventory report 

SIRAS—Sandia independent review and 

appraisal system 

SIREN—search intercept retrieve expulsion 

nuclear 

SIS—1. safeguards information system 

2. superconductivity information system 

3. system internal specifications 4. shaft 

instrumentation system 

SIT—1. sonar impingement test 2. silicon 

intensified target 3. system interface test 

SITAN—Sandia inertial terrain-aided 

navigation 

SITB—system integration testbed 

SITE—superfund innovative technology 

evaluation

SITV—Stanford Instructional Television 

SIVC—systematize, internationalize, vitalize, 

and commercialize 

SJP—standard job procedure 

SJSSA—Sandia jump start self-assessment 

SKEDS—Sandia/Kirtland emergency database 

system 

SL—1. strong-link (adjective); strong link 

(noun) 2. special linear 

SLA—1. sequential launch adapter 2. sea, 

land, and air 

SLAC—Stanford Linear Accelerator Center 

SLAP—saboted light-armor penetrator (or 

penetration) 

SLAR—side-looking airborne radar 

SLATEC—Sandia/LANL AFWL Technical 

Exchange Committee 

SLATS—solar linear array thermal system 

SLAVE—Sandia Laboratories Augmented 

VAX Editor 

SLB—shallow land burial 

SLBM—submarine-launched ballistic missile 

SLC—subscriber looper carrier 

SLCM—sea-launched cruise missile 

SLCS—standby liquid control system 

SLEDS—Sandia Laboratories engineering 

drawing standards 

SLEP —Stockpile Life Extension Program 

SLFCU—Sandia Laboratories Federal Credit 

Union 

142 

SLFE—slim loop ferroelectric 

SLFS—stronglink firing switch 

SLIC—Sandia Laboratories Information 

Center 

SLIFER—shorted location indication from 

electrical resonance 

SLIM—Sandia/LANL interface mockup 

SLIME—sublethal interdicting materials 

experiment 

SLIS—Sandia Livermore information system 

SLL—Sandia Laboratories, Livermore 

(obsolete; now SNL/California) 

SLM—1. standard liters per meter 

2. subscriber loop multiplex 3. sound level 

meter 

SLP—Sandia (National) Laboratories Policy 

(obsolete now CPR) 

SLS—1. strained-layer superlattice 

2. Strained-layer semiconductor 

3. strong-link switch 4. selective laser 

sintering 

SLSC—small linear-shaped charge 

SLT—stockpile laboratory test 

SLUMPY—fuel slumping (computers) 

SLWPG—Senior-Level Weapon Protection 

Group 

SLYP—solving last year’s problems 

Sm—samarium (chemical symbol) 

SM—1. status messages 2. standard missile 

(Navy) 

S&M—surveillance and maintenance

SMAC—shipment mobility accountability 

collection 

SMART—1. sequential modular architecture 

for robotics and telecommunication 2. safety, 

maintenance, and repair team 

SMARTS—Sandia modular advanced 

reconfigurable telemetry system 

SMARTWELD—computerized system for 

rapid-response manufacturing 

SMAS—switched maintenance access system 

SMC—1. system monitor and control 

SMCL—secondary maximum contaminant 

level 

SMCM—sea mine countermeasures 

SMCRA—Surface Mine Control and 

Reclamation Act (1977) 

SMCS—surveillance monitoring and control 

subsystem 

SMCTF—Solar Materials and Components 

Test Facility 

SMD—surface mount device 

SMDC—supervisors’ management 

development course 

SME—1. Society of Manufacturing Engineers 

2. subject matter expert 

SMERF—Smoke Emission Reduction Facility 

SMES—superconducting magnetic energy 

storage 

SMFAS—simplified modular frame 

assignment system 

SMG—submachine guns 

143 

SMI—1. salary merit increase 2. static 

memory interface (microprocessors) 

SMLM—Soviet Military Liaison Mission 

SMMP—Special Microelectronics Master's 

Program 

SMO—Sample Management Office 

SMOA—Superfund Memorandum of 

Agreement 

SMOL—strained-metal overlayers 

SMOOPI—shadow moiré out-of-plane 

interferometric (damage detector) 

SMP—1. software management program 

2. site management plan 3. special master's 

program 

SMPC—1. specialty metals processing 

consortium 2. switch-mode power converters 

SMRSF—special moment resisting space 

frame 

SMS—site management system 

SMTP or smtp—simple mail transfer protocol 

SMTS—senior member of technical staff 

SMU—1. Strategic Management Unit 

2. source measure unit 

SMUG—Sandia Macintosh Users' Group 

sn—sensor 

S/N or SN—1. signal to noise 2. stock number 

3. serial number 

SNA—systems network architecture 

SNAFU—situation normal, all fouled up 

SNAP—1. systems for nuclear auxiliary power 

2. safeguards network analysis procedure

SNEC—Subgroup on Nuclear Export 

Coordination 

SNF—short-range nuclear force 

SNIPER—subnanosecond impulse radiator 

SNL—When referring to a specific Sandia 

location, use the formal (Sandia National 

Laboratories), informal (Sandia), or acronym 

(SNL) name as appropriate, with the state 

name following, separated by a slash. 

Examples: 

1. Sandia National Laboratories/New Mexico is 

the site of PBFA II. 2. The Combustion Research 

Facility at Sandia/California develops 

and applies new research tools to problems in 

combustion research. Note: For internal 

audiences and others familiar with Sandia, the 

short forms “Sandia/NM” and “Sandia/CA” 

may be used. Facilities may also be referred to 

as “the California laboratory” and the “New 

Mexico laboratory.” Sandia Corporation is 

the official corporate name. Use it in legal and 

official documents, contracts, or leases. 

SNLESC—SNL Electrical Safety Committee 

SNM—1. strategic nuclear material 

2. special nuclear material 

SNMERC—Southeast New Mexico Education 

Resource Center 

SNOBOL—string oriented symbolic language 

(A computer language developed by Bell 

Labs.) 

SNORT—supersonic naval ordnance research 

track 

SNOS—1. silicon nitrate oxide semiconductor 

2. silicon nitride oxide silicon 

SNR—1. sodium-cooled nuclear reactor 

2. signal-to-noise ratio 

SNS—Sandia notification system 

144 

SNTP—space nuclear thermal propulsion (or 

program) 

SNU—solar neutrino unit 

SNUPPS—standardized nuclear unit power 

plant system 

SO—special order 

SOA—systems ordering agreement 

SOAR—Space Operations and Applications 

Research 

SOC—1. synthetic organic compound 

2. security overpack container 3. security 

operations computer 

SOCOM—special operations command 

SODAS—Sandia optical disk archival system 

SOF—Special Operations Forces 

SOFPARS—Special Operations Forces 

planning and rehearsal system 

SOH—state of health 

SOI—silicon-on-insulator 

sol—soluble 

sol-gel—solution gelation 

SO/LIC—special operations/low intensity 

conflict 

soln—solution 

SOMNET—Sandia (Labs) open mail network 

SOMS—Sandia octahedral molecular sieves 

sonar—sound navigation and ranging 

SOP—1. Standard Operating Procedure 

(ES&H) 2. Safe Operating Procedure (ES&H) 

3. standard operating power

SOR—1. specific operational requirement 

2. service order request 

SORV—stuck open relief valve 

SOS—1. silicon-on-sapphire (memory) 

2. self-optimized sector (a code) 

SOTAS—standoff target acquisition system 

SOTF—security operations training facility 

SOUTHCOM—Southern Command 

SOW—1. statement of work 2. standoff 

weapon 

sp—1. special 2. Specific 

SP—1. sparkplug 2. standard procedure 

S&P—synthesis and processing 

sp act—specific activity 

SPADAT—space detection and tracking 

SPADIS—Space Defense information system 

SPADOC—Space Defense Operations Center 

SPC—1. statistical process control 

2. switching power combiner 

SPCC—spill prevention controls and 

countermeasures. 

SPCDS—small permanent communications 

and display segment 

SPD—summary plan description 

SPDS—safety performance data system 

SPDT—single pole, double throw (electrical 

switch) 

spec—specification 

145 

SPECT—single photon emission computerized 

tomography 

SPETsNAZ—American Translation: Soviet 

Special Forces 

SPFE—special projects flight experiment 

SPG—single-point ground 

sp gr—specific gravity 

sp ht—specific heat 

SPI—security profile inspection (computers) 

SPIC—serial/parallel/interrupt controller 

(card) 

SPICE—a program for electronic circuit 

analysis 

SPIE—Society of Photo-Optical 

Instrumentation Engineers 

SPIN—Software Process Improvement 

Network 

SPIR—short perimeter intrusion radar 

SPIRITS—spectral and in-band radiometric 

imaging of targets and scenes 

SPL—1. sound pressure level 

2. semiconductor packaging laboratory 

3. self-propelled launcher 4. spare parts list 

5. silent-power limited 

SPLTS—special private line telephone system 

SPM—system prioritization method 

SPMS—1. safety performance measurement 

system 2. strategic planning and management 

system 

SPMT—small project management team 

SPN—stop-production notice

SPO—1. security police officer 2. Special 

Projects Office (Navy) 

SPOT—Satellite pour l'Observation de la 

Terre 

SPP—standard practice procedure 

SPR—1. Sandia Pulsed Reactor 

2. strategic petroleum reserve 

SPRINT—sub-program (manager) integration 

team 

sps or SPS—samples per second 

SPS—1. sun-present sensor 2. safety 

precedence sequence 3. simplified processing 

station 4. sample protection system 

SPSE—savings plan for salaried employees 

SPST—single pole, single throw (electrical 

switch) 

SPT—signal processor and timer 

SPUR—space power unit reactor 

SPV—small projectile vault 

sp vol—specific volume 

sq—square (use of the superscript 2 is 

preferred) 

SQA—software quality assurance 

SQC—1. Sandia Quality Council (obsolete; use 

SQLC) 2. statistical quality control 

SQF—subjective quality factor 

SQIT—Sandia quality improvement team 

SQL—structured query language 

SQLC—Sandia Quality Leadership Council 

(or Committee) (replaces SEC, SMC, and 

SQC) 

146 

SQL/DS—structured query language/data 

system 

SQPC—Secretarial Quality Process Council 

(or Committee) 

SQSC—Sandia Quality Steering Council (or 

Committee). 

SQW—single quantum well 

SQWFET—strained quantum well, field-effect 

transistor 

sr—steradian (solid angle) 

Sr—strontium (chemical symbol) 

SR—1. supplemental requirements 

2. software requirements 3. slant range 

4. suppressed radiation 5. Steel Room 

6. Savannah River (Operations Office/DOE) 

S&R—shipping and receiving 

S/R—safety/relief 

SRA—1. Sandia recognition award 

2. special recognition award 

SRAM—1. short-range attack missile 

2. static random-access memory 

SRAM-T—short-range attack missile, tactical 

SRB—solid-fuel rocket booster 

SRBM—short-range ballistic missile 

SRC—1. sample recovery canister 2. space 

response cell 3. Semiconductor Research 

Corporation 4. Semiconductor Research 

Council 5. Safety Review Committee 

SRCSC—Sandia Radiological and Criticality 

Safety Committee 

SRD—1. secret restricted data 2. system 

requirements document

SRE—subsystem research experiment 

SREMP—source-region electromagnetic pulse 

SRF—Secure Reserve Force 

SRI—Stanford Research Institute 

SRIC—Semiconductor Research Integration 

Center 

SRID—standards/requirements identification 

document 

SRIR—semirigid inspection resin 

SRIS—short-range thermal sight 

SRL—Savannah River Laboratory 

SRN—Sandia Restricted Network 

SRO—1. Savannah River Operations (DOE) 

2. senior reactor operator 

SRP—Savannah River Plant 

SRS—1. Savannah River Site 2. secure recode 

system 

SRSC—Sandia reactor safety committee 

SRT—1. special response team 2. security 

response team 

SR/TR—strategic reconnaissance/tactical 

reconnaissance 

SRTS—short-range thermal sight 

SRV—1. surrogate research vehicle 

2. small (or single)reentry vehicle 

3. safety relief valve 

SRVS—Sandia reimbursement and vouchering 

system 

SS—1. stainless steel 2. special (or system) 

specification (a drawing prefix) 

147 

3. US designator for Soviet surface-to-surface 

missile 4. sole source 5. stockpile support 

6. security/safety (interface) 7. shift supervisor 

S&S—safeguards and security (sometimes 

written as S 2 ) 

SSA—1. senior scientific adviser 2. single 

stronglink assembly 3. source selection 

authority 

SSAC—Source Selection Advisory Council 

SSB—single sideband 

SSBN—Navy designator for its ballistic missile 

launching nuclear submarine 

SSC—1. Soldier Support Center (Army) 

2. structures, systems, and components 

3. scientific support contractor 

4. superfund state contract 

SSCC—Site Security Control Center 

SSCR—1. system software change request 

2. senior Sandia contracting representative 

SSD—1. steady-state distribution 2. solid-state 

storage device 3. safety, security, and 

dismantlement 

SSDA—synchronous serial data adapter 

SSDC—1. Site Security Defense Center 

2. Safety System Department Center (DOE) 

SSDPM—Sandia software development 

process management 

SSEB—Source Selection Evaluation Board 

sSF—standard saybolt fural 

SSF—1. Service Storage Facility 2. saybolt 

seconds fural 

SSFC—Self-Service Finance Center

SSFI—1. safety system functional inspection 2. 

Scaffolding, Shoring, and Forming Institute 

S2SG—Survivability and Security Steering 

(and Working) Group 

SSI—1. ship's system instrumentation 

2. small-scale integrated 

SSID—supplemental structural inspection 

document 

SSL—1. secondary standards laboratories 

2. Sandia Standards Laboratory 

SSM—1. secure storage modules 2. single sideband 

modulation 3. solid-state memory 4. 

surface-to-surface missile 

SS/M—sole source/make (for procurements 

greater than $25,000.) 

SSN—1. shape-stable nosetip 2. social security 

number 3. secure supercomputing networking 

(or network) (SNL) 

SSNM—strategic special nuclear material 

SSO—source selection officer 

SSOMI—safety system outage modification 

inspection 

SSP—1. Stockpile Stewardship Plan 

2. Savings and Security Plan 3. Schedule 

Strike Plan 

SSPO—Strategic Systems Project Office 

SSPS—solid state protection system 

SSR—1. solid-state relays 2. safe-secure 

railcar 3. stockpile surveillance reliability 

SSRS—STRATCOM secure recode system 

SSS—1. safe shutdown system 

2. supplementary safety system 

3. Systems Science and Software (Company) 

148 

SSSA—Soil Science Society of America 

SST—1. safe-secure trailer (or transport) 

2. single-shell tank 

SSTB—Salton Sea Test Base 

SSTS—space surveillance and tracking system 

SSTTP—safeguards system test target 

program (missile launching) 

sSu—standard saybolt, universal 

SSU—1. saybolt seconds, universal 

2. security system upgrade 

SSV—simplified storage vault 

St—stoke (use m 3 s kinematic viscosity) 

ST—1. space (and missile) technology 

2. Sandia traveler 3. superconducting 

transmission 

S&T—systems and technology 

S&TA—Science and Technology Alliance 

STA—1. Secure Transportation Asset 

2. shift technical advisor 

STAC—stemming anchor closure 

STACS—strategic and theater (tactical) 

advanced communications study 

STADAN—space tracking and data 

acquisition network 

stalo—stable local oscillator 

STANAG—Standardization Agreement 

(NATO) 

STAR—1. shock thermodynamics applied research 

2. shock technology applied research 

STARBASE—security tracking and response 

base

STARFIX—satellite timing and ranging fix 

STARLOC—Sandia target location computer 

STARS—strategic target system 

START—Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty 

STAS—safe-to-arm signal 

stat- —Prefix indicating an electrical unit in 

electrostatic centimeter-gram-second system of 

units; SI recommends discontinuing the term. 

STC—1. Society for Technical Communication 

2. seismic target classifier 

STCS—short-term compliance statement 

std—standard 

STE—system test equipment 

STED—solar turboelectric drive 

STEL—short-term exposure level 

STEM—scanning transmission electron 

microscope 

STEP—1. solar total energy project 

2. stockpile transition enabling program 

3. standard for the exchange of product (model 

data) 4. standardization enabling project (or 

program) 

STEPS—Sandia text editing and photosetting 

system 

STF—1. safety test facility 2. systems test 

facility 

STI—1. scientific and technical information 

2. surveillance test interval 

ST&I—security theme and implementation 

STL—Simulation Technology Laboratory 

149 

STM—1. secure transport module 

2. scanning, tunneling microscope 

3. stirling thermal motors 4. scientifically 

tailored materials stack tritium monitor 

STMBMS—simultaneous thermogravimetric 

modulated beam mass spectrometry 

STMPO—solar ten-megawatt project office 

S&TNF—strategic and theater nuclear forces 

STNG—sealed tube neutron generator 

STOC—Special Technical Operations Center 

STOL—short takeoff or landing 

STOLS—surface towed ordnance locator 

system 

STOP—safety training observation program 

STOVL—short takeoff or vertical landing 

STP—1. system test plan 2. standard 

temperature and pressure 3. special 

technologies program 4. software test plan 

5. surety technology program 6. software 

through pictures 

STPP—standard truncated pyramid pillar 

STR—software trouble report 

STRAC—Strategic Army Corps 

STRATCOM—1. Strategic Communications 

2. Strategic Command 

STRAW—structural analysis of subassembly 

wrappers (computers) 

STREP—System Technology Reentry 

Experiments Program (Army) 

STRESS—structural engineering system solver 

(computers) 

STRICOM—Strike Command

STS—1. stockpile-to-target sequence 

2. standard threshold shift 3. safeguards 

transportation system 

STSC—secure transportation and storage 

container 

STTF—Solar Thermal Test Facility (now the 

National Solar Thermal Test Facility) 

STTR—small-business technology transfer 

STU—1. scientific test unit 2. special test unit 

3. seismic test unit 4. secure telephone unit 

STX—sensor transmitter 

SUCI—sensitive use control information 

SUM—Software User’s Manual 

SUMMER—Sandia unmanned mobilemachine 

experimentation range 

SUMMiT—Sandia Ultraplanar Multilvel 

MEMS Technology 

SUNMOS—Sandia/University of New Mexico 

operating system 

SUPA—submicron particle analyzer 

SUPER—science understanding promotes 

environmental responsibility 

SURF—system utilization reaction factor 

SURP—Sandia university research program 

SUWCO—Sewer Use and Wastewater Control 

Ordnance 

sv—sievert (J kg-1; formerly rem) 

SV—1. space vehicle 2. secure voice 

3. standoff vulnerability 4. shear vertical 

SVC—special verification commission 

150 

SVCN—secure video conferencing network 

SVDI—Sandia virtual device interface 

SVIA—Specialty Vehicle Institute of America 

SVIS—Sandia Voice Information System 

SVL—Secure Voice Link 

SVLS—submarine vertical launch system 

SVMS—Sandia voice messaging system 

SVN—secure voice network 

SVT—system verification test 

SW—1. shortwave 2. shallow water 

SWAP—stress wave analysis program 

SWAPS—secretarial, writing, and professional 


SWAT—1. special weapons and tactics 

2. sum of weighted accelerations technique 

3. solid waste assessment test 

SWDA—Solid Waste Disposal Act 

SWE—Society of Women Engineers 

SWEC—Stone and Webster Engineering 

Corporation 

SWERVE—Sandia winged energetic reentry 

vehicle 

SWF—1. Strategic Weapon Facility 

2. stress-wave factor 

SWFLANT—Strategic Weapon Facility, 

Atlantic 

SWFPAC—Strategic Weapon Facility, Pacific 

SWG—seabed working group 

SWGA—Sandia Women’s Golf Association

SWHAS—1. Sandia workplace hazards 

awareness system 2. Sandia workplace 

hazards awareness signs 

SWIFTII—a computer code 

SWIM—special weapon inventory 

management 

SWIRC—Southwest Information and 

Research Center 

SWITS—solid waste information tracking 

system 

SWMC—SNL Waste Management Council 

SWMCM—shallow water mine 

countermeasures 

SWMU—solid waste management unit 

SWOE—Smart Weapons Operability 

Enhancement 

SWOG—Special Weapons Overflight Guide 

SWOP—1. Southwest Organizing Project 

2. special weapons ordnance publication 

SWORD—Sandia wafer-level software for 

reliable devices 

SWOT—strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, 

and threats 

SWP—1. safe work permit 2. safe work 

procedure(s) 

SWR—standing wave ratio 

SWRD—system for weapon rapid deployment 

SWS—1. salt water system 2. service water 

system 

SW/RS—stop work/restart 

SWSA—solid waste storage area 

151 

SWTP—secretarial work training program 

SX—space experiments 

SXR—special exception release 

SXRP—stellar x-ray polarimeter 

SXR—special exception release 

SYNF—synthetic (gaseous and liquid) fuels 

SYNROC—synthetic rock 

SYSCON—systems control 

SYSIN—system input (computers) 

SYSOP—systems operator 

T 

t—1. triton (the nucleus of tritium) 

2. temperature in Celsius; sometimes written 

as T 

T-—tera- (a prefix indicating 10 12 ) 

T—1. tesla (magnetic flux density) 

2. temperature 3. transmission 

4. tritium (chemical symbol) 5. Trident (as in 

Trident II) 6. thermal 7. temporary 

Ta —antenna noise temperature 

Ta—tantalum (chemical symbol) 

TA—1. transverse acoustic 2. test apparatus 3. 

technical associate 4. travel authorization 

5. technical area 6. test authorization 

TABM—tactical antiballistic missile system 

TAC—1. Tactical Air Command (The 

AirCombat Command has now combined the

former TAC and the former SAC into one 

command.) 2. toxic air contaminant 

TACAMO—take charge and move out 

TACC—Tactical Air Control Center 

TACCAuto—Tactical Air Command and 

Control (USAF automated system) 

TACFIRE—US Army automated tactical 

system for artillery fire direction 

TACM—total automatic control module 

TACOM—Tank Automotive Command 

(Army) 

TACP—Tactical Air Control Parties 

TADP—Technology Assessment Development 

Plan 

TADS—technician automated diagnostic 

system 

TAFIG—Tactical Forces interoperability 

group 

TAFIIS—Tactical Air Force integrated 

information system 

TAG—technical assistance grant 

TAGS—text and graphics support 

TALC—tactical laser communications 

TALM—temperature alarm monitor 

TALO—time after liftoff 

TAMMBA—thermoanalyzer modulated 

molecular beam apparatus 

tan—tangent 

tanh—hyperbolic tangent 

152 

TAOS—technology for autonomous 

operational survivability 

TAP—1. unit of impulse (1 dyne-s/cm 2 ) 

2. Training Accreditation Program (DOE) 

3. technical assistance program 4. toxic air 

pollutant 5. tuition-assistance program 

TAPS—1. tunnel and pipe system 

2. tunnel and pipe seal 

TARC—transportation accident resistant 

container 

TATB—triaminotrinitrobenzene 

TAWC—Tactical Air War Center 

Tb—terbium (chemical symbol) 

T&B—top and bottom 

TBC—1. Testbed concentrator (related to 

solar) 2. To be considered 3. testbed 

container 

TBD—to be determined 

TBE—total binding energy 

TBI—1. text-based instruction 2. through 

bulkhead igniter 

Tc—technetium (chemical symbol) 

TC—1. Thermocouple 2. test component 

3. tools component 4. training and 

certification 

T&C—terms and conditions 

TCA—trichloroacetic acid 

T&C—terms and conditions 

TCATS—target cueing and tracking system 

TCC—Technical Control Center 

TCCC—Transeaver Central Control Center

TCD—trouble call desk 

TCE—trichloroethylene 

TCF—1. Technical Control Facility 

2. trillion cubic feet 

TCG—1. track control group 2. technical 

coordinating group 3. topical classification 

guide 

TCI—technology commercialization initiative 

TCLP—toxicity characteristic leaching 

procedure 

TCMC—Technical Communications 

Management Council 

TCNT—transpiration-cooled nosetip 

TCO—technology commercialization office 

TCPC—technical communications products 

group 

TCP/IP—transmission control 

protocol/interest protocol 

TCRC—Technical Classification Review 

Committee 

TCREP—Technical Counters and Response 

Experimental Program 

TCU—tag controller unit 

TD—1. theoretical density (sometimes written 

as Td) 2. timer driver 3. technology 

development 4. time delay 

TDBI—test during burn-in 

TDD—target device detection 

TDDL—time division data link 

TDF—1. Turbulent diffusion flame 

2. Target Development Facility 

153 

TDI—1. target data inventory 2. timedelayed 

integration 3. toluene di-isocyanate 

TDLR—training device letter requirement 

TDM—time division multiplexing 

TDMA—time division multiple access 

TDP—1. targets development program 

2. technical drawing package 

TDR—training device requirement 

TDRE—transmit data register empty 

TDS—1. transporter detection system 

2. tamper detection system 3. Textron Defense 

Systems (Wilmington, MA) 

4. test definition sub-system 

TDTC—Test, Development, and Training 

Center 

TDY—temporary duty 

Te—tellurium (chemical symbol) 

TE—1. transverse electric 

2. thermoelectric 3. terminal equipment 

TEARS—tank effect augmentation by remote 

subsystems 

TEC—1. total electron content 2. total 

estimated cost 

TECTU—Tomahawk electrical compatibility 

test unit 

TEDCG—test equipment design coordination 

group 

TEDE—total effective dose equivalent 

TEF—1 Test and Evaluation Facility 

2. Tritium Extraction Facility 

TEG—test and evaluation group

TEL—transporter-erector launcher 

TELER—telecommunications requirements 

TELNET—telecommunications network 

TEM—1. transverse electromagnetic (wave) 

2. transmission electron microscopy 

temp—temperature 

TEQ—test equipment qualification 

TERA—terminal effects research and analysis 

TERCOM—terrain contour matching; 

sometimes written TERCONTM 

TERSE—terminal reporting system 

TES—1. thermal energy storage 

2. technical enforcement services 

TESS—tactical engagement simulation system 

TESSTA—thermal energy storage for solar 

thermal applications 

TEVES—thermal enhanced (soil) vapor 

extraction system 

TEX—Telex 

TFD—tactical fusion division 

TFDD—thermal/flash protective device 

TFE—trifluoroethylene 

TFM—thin-film membrane 

TFN—the proper acronym for thick (film) 

network is TKN 

TFP—traffic facility practices 

TFPD—thermal/flash protective device 

TFS—terminal fix system 

154 

TFSF—thin film secure facility 

TFT—thin-film transistor 

TFTR—Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor 

(Princeton's Plasma Physics Laboratory) 

TFW—Tactical Fighter Wing 

TGA—thermogravimetric analysis 

TGES—task group on electrical safety 

TGP—two-gimbal platform 

Th—thorium (chemical symbol) 

TH—telemetry head 

THB—1. test head battery 2. test head B 

THERP—technique for human error rate 

prediction 

THIS—trouble-handling information system 

thk—thick 

thm—therm (British unit of temperature) 

THM—1. terminal homing munitions 

2. tri-halomethane 

3D—three dimensional 

THREX—threshold experiment 

THT—transient heat transfer 

TI—1. Texas Instruments 2. transport index 

TIA—Telecommunications Industries 

Association 

TIADS—Tonopah Integrated Air Defense 

System 

TIC—Technical Information Center (Oak 

Ridge); TIC is now obsolete; see OSTI

TID—1. traveling ionospheric disturbances 

2. tamper-indicating device 

TIDBITS—ES&H training information 

database 

TIDS—technical information distribution 

system 

TIE—1. technical institute equivalency 

(program) 2. technical information exchange 

TIE-In—technology information environment 

for industry 

TIG—tungsten inert gas 

TIM—1. target insertion mechanism 

2. technical interchange meeting 

TIMS—technical information monitoring 

system 

TIO—technical integration office 

TIP—1. transaction interface package 

2. Tokamak improvement program 

3. thulium isotope power 

TIPS—total improvement process system 

(visitor access) 

TIQLR—teamwork, integrity, quality, leadership, 

and respect 

TIR—total indicated runout 

TIRC—technical information resource 

consultant 

TIS—1. technical information specialist 

2. technical information service 

3. Telephone Intercept System 

TIU—1. transducer interface unit 2. tag 

interface unit 

TK—temperature Kelvin (see K) 

155 

TkN or TKN—thick (film) network 

TL—transmission level 

T2L—transistor-transistor logic; use TTL 

instead 

TLA—time loss analysis 

TLAM—Tomahawk land-attack missile 

TLAM-C—Tomahawk land-attack missile, 

conventional 

TLAM-N—Tomahawk land-attack missile, 

nuclear 

TLCC—thin line connectivity capability 

TLD—1. thermoluminescence dosimeter 

2. threshold lung damage 

TLDE—theater launch detection experiment 

TLE—target-location error 

TLI—treaty-limited item 

TLTA—two-loop test apparatus 

TLV—threshold limit value 

TLX—short for TELEX 

TM—1. tone modulation 2. transverse 

magnetic 3. technology manager 

4. telemetry 5. technical manual 

6. thematic mapper 

T&M—time and material 

TMAB—tetramethylammonium borohydride 

TMAC—Toxic Materials Advisory Committee 

TMAP—1. teleoperated mobile anti-armor 

platform 2. tactical multipurpose automated 

platform 

TMD—theater missile defense

TMDE—test, measurement, and diagnostic 

equipment 

TMI—Three-Mile Island 

TMP—technology maturation program 

TMS—1. The Metals Society 2. tool-made 

sample (QA) 3. technical marketing specialist 

TMSS—telemanaged (or teleoperated) mobile 

security station (pronounced "Thomas") 

TN—temperature (noise) 

TN—1. thermonuclear 2. test monitor 

TNA—thermoneutron activation 

TNAZ—trinitroazetidine 

TNCHP—trizacycloheptune 

TNF—tactical nuclear forces; theater nuclear 

forces 

TNFC3S—Theater Nuclear Forces Command, 

Control, and Communication System 

TNNW—Treaty on Nonproliferation of 

Nuclear Weapons 

TNSA—technical nuclear surety (or safety) 

analysis 

TNT—trinitrotoluene (explosive) 

TO—1. transverse optic 2. technical order 

(sometimes written as T.O.) 

TOA—time of arrival 

TOC—1. Test Operation Center 

2. Technical Operations Center 3. total 

organic carbon (or compound) 

TOF—time of flight 

156 

TOFF—Transient Overpower Fuel-Element 

Failure (computers) 

TOFMS—time of flight mass-spectrometry (or 

spectrometer) 

TOG—technical oversight group 

tol—tolerance 

TOMS—total ozone mapping spectrometer 

TOO—targets of opportunity 

TOP—1. technical operating plan 

2. transient overpower (accident) 3. total 

obscuring power (measure of smoke screening) 

4. traffic operating procedure 5. Triple Option 

Plan 

TOPS—teacher opportunities to promote 

science 

TOS—1. tactical operations system 

2. transportation options study 

TOSI—technical on-site inspection 

TOSM—transceiver on-site multiplexer 

TOUGH—transport of unsaturated 

groundwater and heat 

TOV—teleoperated vehicle 

TOW—time of work 

TP—technical publication 

TPA—1. terephthalic acid 2. tri-party 

agreement 3. terminal processing assembly 

TPC—1. transaction processing center 

2. temporary procedure change 

TPD—temperature programmed desorption 

TPICK—Telecommunications Plan for the 

Improving of Communications in Korea

TPL—transient protection limit 

TPQ—threshold planning quantity 

TPR—terrain profile recorder (also known as 

airborne profile recorder, or APR) 

TPS—1. thermal power system 2. tamperprotected 

sensors 3. transactions per second 

TPU—text processing utility 

TPV—thermophotovoltaic 

TPX—1. tokamak physics experiment 

2. polymethylpentene 

TQG—tactical quiet generator 

TQM—total quality management 

tr—trace 

TR—trainer 

TRA—1. test reactor area 2. teacher research 

associate 

TRAC—transient reactor analysis code 

TRACE—tamper-resistant authenticated 

camera enclosure 

TRADE—training resources and data 

exchange 

TRADOC—Training and Doctrine Command 

(US Army) 

TRAM—transient multiplexer 

TRANSWRAP—transient sodium water 

reaction analysis program (computers) 

TRAPP—transient response to applied 

pressure pulses (computers) 

TRC—total recordable case 

TREAT—Transient Reactor Test Facility 

157 

TRED—technology for regional-based 

economic development 

TREE—transient radiation effects in 

electronics 

TREX—thermally reactive elastic-plastic 

explosive 

TRI—1. Tech Reps, Inc. 2. toxic release 

inventory 

TrIP—transient ignition phenomena 

TRISP—time-resolved infrared spectral 

photography 

TRITAC—Tri-Service Joint Tactical 

Communications Office 

TRL—Tritium Research Laboratory 

TRL/SRC—Tritium Research 

Laboratory/Safety Review Committee 

TROKA—Third Republic of Korea Army 

TRP—technology reinvestment project 

TRS—1. text recognition system 

2. telemetry receiving station 

TRSS—tactical remote sensor system 

TRU—1. transuranic 2. total resource 

utilization 

TRUEX—transuranic extraction 

TRUPACT—transuranic package transporter 

TRV—tactical robotic vehicle 

TRW—Thompson, Ramo, Wooldridge 

(Corporation) 

TS—1. technical support 2. target strength 

3. top secret 4. technical specification 

5. toxic substance

TSA—1. technical staff associate 

2. technical safety appraisal 

TSAM—tri-service standoff attack missile 

TSAR—terminal special-access request 

TSC—1. touch screen control 2. triple 

standard concertina 3. Technology Support 

Center 

TSCA—Toxic Substances Control Act 

TSCC—Technical Support Coordinating 

Committee 

TSCM—1. technical security countermeasure 

2. temperature scram circuit monitor 

TSCO—top secret control officer 

TSD—1. treatment, storage, and disposal 

2. technical system design 3. technology for 

safe driving 

TSDF—treatment, storage, and disposal 

facility 

TSE—test support equipment 

TSER—transportation safety evaluation 

report 

TSES—Transiberian Express Service 

TSG—telephone security group 

TSLS—trajectory stronglink switch 

TSM—Transportation Safety Manual 

TSN—terminal switching network 

TSO—time-sharing option 

TSP—1. traffic service position 2. total 

suspended particulates 3. transportation/ 

storage program 4. testbed setup program 

158 

TSPI—time-space position information 

TSR—1. thermostructural response 

2. technical safety requirement 

TSRS—tactical secure recode system 

TSS—1. transportation security system 

2. total suspended solid 

TSSG—1. trajectory-sensing signal generator 

2. transportation study steering group 

TSSP—trajectory sensing signal processor 

TSSPE—trajectory sensing signal processor 

enable 

TSTS—Tomahawk system test set 

TTA—1. tube-transformer assemblies 

2. Tiger Team assessment 

TTAP—Tiger Team Action Plan 

TTB—1. tank testbed 2. target technology 

base 

TTBT—Threshold Test Ban Treaty 

TTC—Technology Transfer Center 

TT&C—technology transfer and 

commercialization 

TTF—thermal treatment facility 

TTGM—Tiger Team Guidance Manual 

TTI—technology transfer initiative 

TTIM—TACOM thermal image model 

TTL—transistor-to-transistor logic 

TTLD—Teflon thermoluminescent dosimeter 

TTM—two-tone modulation 

TTO—total toxic organics

TTR—1. Tonopah Test Range 2. time to 

repair 

TTS—1. time-transfer system 

2. temporary threshold shift 

TTV—test target vehicle 

TTY—1. teletype 2. teletypewriter 

Tu—tuballoy 

TU-ART—twin universal asynchronous 

receiver/transmitter 

TUDE—terminal user data entry 

TUL—time until launch 

TUQS—trajectory unique signal 

TVA—Tennessee Valley Authority 

TVATP—tactical vulnerability assessment 

training program 

TVC—Technology Ventures Corporation 

TVI—television interference 

TVL—tenth value larger 

Tw or Twad—Twaddell (a unit of specific 

gravity on the Twaddell scale) 

TW—terawatt (trillion watts) 

TWA—time-weighted average 

TWAA—tactical warning attack assessment 

TWCS—Tomahawk Weapon Control System 

TWF—transuranic waste facility 

TWNP—tape-wound nylon phenolic 

2D—two dimensional 

159 

TWO-DFFT—two-dimensional fast Fourier 

transform (see DFFT) 

TWP—1. transuranic waste program 

2. tactical warfare program 

TWPG—Trident Warhead Project Group 

(US/UK) 

TWS—Tomahawk Weapon System 

TWT—1. traveling-wave tube 2. transonic 

wind tunnel 

TWTSF—transuranic waste treatment and 

storage facility 

TWX—teletypewriter exchange (service) 

U 

u—atomic mass unit (unified) 

mA—microamps) 

UART—universal asynchronous 


UAV—unmanned aerial vehicle 

U-AVLIS—uranium-atomic vapor laser 

isotope separation 

UBC—Uniform Building Code) 

UBITRON—undulating beam interaction 

electron (tube) 

UC—use control 

U&C—usual and customary 

UCAI—unclassified controlled access 

information

UCBT—uncollimated Compton backscattering 

tomography 

UCC—use control characteristics 

UCCATS—urban combat computer-assisted 

training system 

UCC/ND—Union Carbide 

Corporation/Nuclear Division 

ucg or UCG—underground coal gasification 

UCL—upper control limit 

UCNI—unclassified controlled nuclear 

information 

UCP—1. Universal Construction Package 

2. Unified Command Plan 3. uranium 

calibration pit 

UCPOG—use-control project officer's group 

UCS—1. unclassified computer software 

2. Union of Concerned Scientists 

UDETSS—underwater deterrent security 

system 

UDL—use denial lock 

UDT—underwater demolition team 

UEL—upper explosive limit 

UESC—United Energy Services Corporation 

UF—1. Upward Feedback 2. University of 

Florida 

UFAS—Uniform Federal Accessibility 

Standards 

UFC—Uniform Fire Code 

UFFCS—ultrasonics, ferroelectrics, and 

frequency control society 

UFL—upper flammable limit 

160 

UFSAR—updated final safety analysis report 

UG—underground 

UGS—unattended ground sensor 

UGSW—unattended ground sensor 

workstation 

UGT—underground test 

UGV—unmanned ground vehicle 

UHDL—unified hardware description 

language (computers) 

UHF or uhf—ultra-high frequency 

UHI—upper-head injection 

UHLCADS—ultra-high-level container 

airdrop system 

UHV—ultra-high voltage 

U/I—urban-industrial 

UIC—1. user identification code 

2. underground injection control 

UIS—user interface simulation 

UJT—unijunction transistor 

UK—United Kingdom 

UKAEA—United Kingdom Atomic Energy 

Authority 

UL—Underwriter’s Laboratories, Inc. 

ULF—ultra-low frequency 

ULSI—ultra-large-scale integrated 

UMS—1. ultrasonic motion sensor 

2. universal maintenance standards 

UNAAF—Unified Action Armed Forces

UNC—1. unified national coarse (holes) 

2. United Nuclear Corporation 

UNCAI—unclassified noncontrolled access 

information 

UNICCAP—universal cable circuit analysis 

program (computers) 

UNIX—a computer operating system 

developed at Bell Labs 

UNSCOM—United Nations Special 

Commission 

UMT—uranium mill tailings 

UMTCA—Uranium Mill Tailings Control Act 

(1978) 

UN—unsatisfactory 

UNO—United Nations Organization 

UO2—uranium dioxide 

UOP—Formerly Universal Oil Products; now 

a joint venture company of Union Carbide and 

Allied Signal 

UOR—unusual occurrence report 

UPC—universal PAL controller 

UPEC—University Programs Education 

Committee 

UPH—underground pumped hydro 

UPI—1. United Press International 

2. Unidynamics/Phoenix, Inc. 

UPS—uninterruptible power supply 

UPT—university part-time 

UQS—unique signal 

UR—unsatisfactory report 

161 

URA—uniformly redundant array 

URS—UHF ranging system 

US—1. United States (often written as U.S.) 

2. Ultrasonic 

U&S—unified and specified 

USA—1. United States Army 2. United States 

of America 3. United Space Alliance 

USAAG—US Army artillery group 

USABC—US Advanced Battery Consortium 

USAD—US Agency for International 

Development 

USADC—US Army Defense Command 

USAF—United States Air Force 

USAFAD—US Army Field Artillery 

Detachment 

USAFE—US Air Force, Europe 

USAKA—US Army Kwajalein Atoll 

USAREUR—US Army, Europe 

USART—universal synchronous/asynchronous 


USARV—US Army in Vietnam 

USASDC—US Army Strategic Defense 


USASI—USA Standards Institute (replaces 

ASA) 

USASOC—US Army Special Operations 


USATHAMA—US Army Toxic and 

Hazardous Materials (Center)

USCAR—US Council for Automotive 

Research (research consortium formed by 

Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Corp., and 

General Motors Co.) 

USCG—US Coast Guard 

USCINCEUR—US Commander-in-Chief, 

Europe (NATO) 

USCINCPAC—US Commander-in-Chief, 

Pacific Command 

USCINCSO—US Commander-in-Chief, 

Southern Command (NATO) 

USCOMDOMREP—US Commander, 

Dominican Republic 

USDA—US Department of Agriculture; 

unique signal device assembly 

USDOE—US Department of Energy 

USDRE—Under Secretary of Defense for 

Research and Engineering 

USDSD—ultrasonic seal data storage device 

USDW—underground sources of drinking 

water 

USECRE—US Export Council for Renewable 

Energy 

USEUCOM—US European Command 

USFK—US Forces in Korea 

USFWS—US Fish and Wildlife Service 

USG—1. US Government 2. unique signal 

generator (or generation) 

USGCRP—US Global Change Research 

Program 

USGS—US Geological Survey 

USH—universal sleeve housing 

162 

USIC—US Industry Coalition 

USJVP—Utility Scale Joint-Venture Project 

USMB—US Metric Board 

USMC—US Marine Corps 

USN—US Navy 

USNC/RM—US National Committee for Rock 

Mechanics 

USOP—unique signal override plug 

USQ—unreviewed safety question 

USRADS—ultrasonic ranging and data system 

USRD—ultrasonic seal reading head 

USS—United States ship 

USSAN—US Security Affairs NATO 

USSIOP—US single integrated operational 

plan 

USSPACE(COM/NORAD—US Space 

Command/North American Air Defense 

USSR—Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics 

(see NIS and FSU) 

UST—1. unique signal train 

2. underground storage tank 

UT—ultrasonic testing 

UTA—University of Texas at Austin 

UTC—universal time coordinated 

UTMC—United Technologies Microelectronics 

Center 

UTRC—United Technologies Research Center 

UU—ultimate user

UUT—Unit Under Test 

UV—1. ultraviolet 2. undervoltage 

UVASER—ultraviolet amplification by 


UV-LIDAR—ultraviolet light detection and 

ranging 

UV-Vis—ultraviolet visible 

UWB—ultra-wide band 

UXO—unexploded ordnance 

V 

v—1. vibration 2. velocity 

V—1. vanadium (chemical symbol) 2. volt 

VA—1. Volt ampere 2. vulnerability 

assessment 

vac—vacuum 

VAC—1. Vacuum Atmospheric Company; 

(Hawthorne, CA) 2. volts, alternating current 

(see VDC) 3. vacuum 

VACS—voice activated control system 

VAFB—Vandenberg Air Force Base 

VAIS—visually artificial intelligent 

surveillance 

VAM—vibration and acoustic monitoring 

VAMS—visits and assignments management 

system 

VANA—vector automatic network analysis (or 

analyzer) 

163 

VAr—volt-ampere reactive 

VAR—1. visual-aural range 2. vacuum-arcremelt 

VAT—vertical access tower 

VAWT—vertical-axis wind turbine 

VAX—virtual address extension 

VB/TWSS—vehicle barrier/taut-wire sensor 

system 

VC—verification chamber 

VCC—voice conferencing console 

VCE—vinyl copolymer ethylene 

VCM—voluntary corrective measure(s) 

VCO—1. voltage-controlled oscillator 

2. virtual cathode oscillator 

VCP—1. volunteer contribution plan 

2. verifiable control procedures 

3. verifiable completion process 

4. vitrified clay pipe 

VCR—videocassette recorder 

VCSEL—vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser 

V&CT—verification and control technology 

VDC—1. volts, direct current (see VAC) 

2. volts direct current 

VDFG—variable diode function generator 

VDI—1. video disk interactive (computers) 

2. virtual device interface 

VDT—video display terminal 

Ve—exhaust velocity (expressed in m/s) 

VE—visoelastic (materials)

VEC—variable explosive chamber 

VENUS—computer code superseding MARS 

code for disassembly analysis 

vf or VF—video frequency 

VFA—vibration fly around 

VFO—variable frequency oscillator 

VFP—variance frequency processor 

VGA—1. video graphics array 2. video 

graphics adapter 3. voluntary group accident 

(insurance) 

VH—velocity (or validation) head 

V&H—vulnerability and hardening 

VHAP —volatile hazardous air pollutant 

VHDL—VHSIC hardware description 

language 

VHF or vhf—very high frequency 

Vholdup—holdup capacitor voltage 

VHSIC—very high speed integrated circuit 

VHT—very high temperature 

VIA—volunteers in action 

VIEWS—virtual interactive environment work 

space 

VIP—1. visual information projection 

2. vital issue process 3. video imaging 

projectile 4. very important person 

VISAR—velocity interferometer system for 

any reflector 

VISDTA—video imaging system for detection, 

tracking, and assessment 

164 

VISTA—very intelligent surveillance and 

target acquisition 

VITA—volunteers in technical assistance 

Viterbi—redundancy for error checking 

VIU—VME I/F unit 

viz.—videlicet; namely 

VKA—volatile keying assembly 

VLBI—very low baseline interferometry 

vlf or VLF—very low frequency 

VLF—very low flow 

VL&H—vulnerability, lethality, and 

hardening 

VLOS—vertical line of sight 

VLR—very long range 

VLS—vertical launching system 

VLSI—very large scale integration 

VM—1. velocity modulation 2. voltmeter 

3. virtual machine 

V/m—volts per meter 

VMD—video motion detection 

VME—versa-module, Europe 

VMS—virtual memory system 

VMSEL—Virtual Manufacturing and 

Synthetic Environment Laboratory (SNL) 

VNIIA—Translation: All-Russian Scientific 

Research Institute of Automatics 

VNIR—very near infrared

VNIEF—(also known as Arzamas-16) 

Translation: Russian nuclear weapons 

laboratory (can be considered a combination of 

Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia 

National Laboratories) 

VNITF—Translation: Russian Federal 

Nuclear Center 

v/o—volume/percent 

VOC—volatile organic compounds 

V/OD—voice/open data 

vol—volume 

VOM—volt-ohm milliammeter 

VOR—VHF omni range 

VP—1. video processor 2. vault processor 3. 

vice president 4. vapor pressure 

Vp—pinchoff voltage 

VPIC—Russian acronym for Soviet Military 

Industrial Commission 

VR—virtual reality 

VRCI—Variable Resistive Components 

Institute 

VRE—vibrating reed electrometer 

VRF—Visual Recording Facility 

VRIS—vault remote inventory system 

VRLA—valve regulated lead-acid (batteries) 

VRTWG—verification research technology 

working group 

vs.—versus 

VS—very survivable 

VSB—vestigial sideband 

165 

VSI—visual site inspection 

VSIS—Vault Safety and Inventory System 

VSM—vestigial sideband modulation 

V-SMOW—Vienna standard mean ocean 

water 

VSS—video storage system 

VSTOL—vertical/short takeoff and landing 

(aircraft) 

VSU—1. voice synthesizer unit 2. video 

surveillance unit 

VSW—very shallow water 

VSWR—voltage standing-wave ratio 

VT—vacuum tube 

VTE—virtual test environment 

VTERM—virtual terminal 

VTL—voluntary term life 

VTOL—vertical takeoff and landing 

VTPP—Verification Test Plan and Procedures 

VTR—1. video tape recorder 2. vault-type 

room 

VTS—vertical tube storage 

VTVM—vacuum tube voltmeter, used now 

only on old equipment; use EVM for electronic 

voltmeter 

VTWS—vertical taut-wire sensor 

VTZF—variable threshold zonal filter 

vu—volume unit 

VU—veeder unit

Vu-graph—informal spelling of viewgraph 

VUA—virtual user address 

VUV—vacuum ultraviolet 

V&V—validation and verification 

VVT—variable valve timing 

W 

W—1. watts 2. wolfram (or tungsten) 

(chemical symbol) 3. warhead 

WA—work authorization 

WAC—1. weapons allocation committee 

2. weapons advisory committee 3. weapons 

activity committee 

WACC—waste acceptance criteria committee 

WADS—weapons access delay system 

(formerly the igloo access delay system) 

WAF—waste assay facility 

WAIS—1. wide area intrusion (detection) 

system 2. wide area information server (OSTI) 

3. wide area infrared sensor 

WALI—workstation for the analysis of LISA 

images 

WALT—warning assessment logic terminal 

WALTS—wide-angle laser transmitter system 

WAM—1. wide-area mine 2. warhead arming 

maneuver 

WAN—wide-area network 

WAP—weapon appraisal process 

166 

W-ARD—Westinghouse, Advanced Reactors 

Division 

WARSS—wide area ramp surveillance system 

WART—wave action rotary transmission 

WATCH—wireless alarm transmission of 

container handling 

WATDR—waste accumulation traveler 

disposal request 

WATS—wide-area telephone service 

Wb—weber 

WBC—whole body counter 

WBCN—wide-band communications network 

(DOE) (Transmission between Production 

Facilities and the Weapons Labs) 

WBS—work breakdown structure 

WC—waste custodian 

WCD—weapon compatibility date 

WCL—Waste Certification Laboratory 

WCP—weapon control panel 

WCS—weapon control system 

WCSC—Workgroup Computing Service (or 

Support) Center 

WCU—1. WATCH controller unit 

2. weapon control unit 

WDCR—weapon design and cost report 

WDD—wing data disk 

WDEC—weapon design, engineering, and 

certification 

WDI—watchdog input

WDL—work days lost 

WDR—weapons development report 

WDSR—weapon development status report 

WDT—warning display terminal 

w.e.—water equivalent 

WE—1. write enable 2. Western Electric 

WEAT—Web External Architecture Team 

WEC—Westinghouse Electric Corporation 

WeDID—Waste Component Recycle, 

Treatment, and Disposal Integrated 

Demonstration 

WEF—Water Environment Federation 

WEIL—weapon evaluation test laboratory 

WERC—Waste-Management Education and 

Research Consortium 

WERF—Waste Experimental Reduction 

Facility 

WERP—Waste Examination Reduction and 

Packaging (Facility) 

WES—1. warhead electrical system 

2. weapon electrical system 3. Waterways 

Experiment Station 

WESF—Waste Encapsulation and Storage 

Facility (Hanford) 

WESTCOM—Western Command 

WESTLANT—Western Atlantic Command 

(NATO) 

WETL—Weapon Evaluation Test Laboratory 

WF&A—waste, fraud, and abuse 

WFO—work for others 

167 

WFOTD—Work for Others Technologies 


wg—weapon grade 

WGA—Western Governors Association 

WGBC—waveguide beyond cutoff 

wgs—water-gas shift 

WGS—world geodetic system 

WGSP—Western Gas Sands Project 

Wh—watt hour 

WH—warhead 

WHC—Westinghouse Hanford Company 

WHCA—White House Communications 

Agency 

WHI—warhead installation 

WHOI—Woods Hole Oceanographic 

Institution 

WH/RV—warhead and/or reentry vehicle 

WHS—warhead section 

WHTU—warhead test unit 

WIMP—weakly interacting massive particle 

WIN—1. waste information network 

2. women’s inreach network 

WINS—well-based inertial navigation system 

(now banned) 

WIPP—Waste Isolation Pilot Plant 

WIR—weapon information report 

WIS—WWMCCS information system

WITS—warhead (or weapon) integration test 

system 

WITU—a weapon identification device 

WIU—weapon interface unit 

wk—week 

WL—1. Wright Laboratory 2. Weapons 

Laboratory 3. working level 

WL/AD—Wright Laboratories/Armament 

Directorate 

WLANT—West Atlantic 

WLM—working level month 

WM—waste management 

WMD—waste-management defense 

WMIC—Waste Minimization Implementation 

Center 

WMin—waste-minimization 

WMOA—waste minimization opportunity 

assessment 

WMOC—waste management operations 

committee 

WMRP—waste-management and regulatory 

projects 

WMS—warehouse management system 

WMT—weapons maintenance trailer 

WN—WNINTEL 

WNINTEL—Warming Notice: Intelligence 

(Sources or Methods Involved) 

w/o—1. weight/percent; see wt. % (preferred) 

2. without 

WO—1. work order 2. waste operations 

168 

WOB—women-owned (or woman-owned) 

business 

WOC—Wing Operations Center 

WORM—write once read many 

WOTS—work order tracking system 

WP—1. white phosphorus (screening smoke) 2. 

West Point. 3. Warsaw Pact (now obsolete) 4. 

word processing (or word processor) 

WPAS—work package authorization system 

(nonweapons program) 

WPC—Women’s Program Committee 

W/PC—work/passenger car 

WPIO—WIPP Project Integration Office 

(DOE) 

wpm—words per minute 

WPM—work project manager 

wpn—weapon 

WPPSL—weapons production primary 

standards laboratory 

WPT—Weapon Preload Test 

WQC—water quality criteria 

WQCC—Water Quality Control Commission 

wr—wreath 

WR—1. war reserve (stockpile of weapons) 

2. working receiver (STTF) 

WRAP—waste receiving and processing plan 

WRD&T—weapons research, development, 

and testing

WRE—Weapons Research Establishment 

(UK) 

WREAFS—waste reduction evaluation at 

federal site 

WRO—weapon retrofit order 

WROC—waste reduction operations complex 

wrs—weighted residual squared 

WRT—WIPP radioactive test 

WR&TD—weapons research and technology 

development (program) 

WS—1. weapons system 2. warhead section 

3. weapon storage 4. work station 5. worker 

safety 6. weapon science 

WS 3 —This system’s formal US designation is 

the Weapon Storage and Security System 

(AN/FSQ-143-V). Within NATO, the WS 3 is 

called the Weapon Security and Survivability 

System. 

WSA—weapon storage area 

WSARG—weapon safety assessment and 

review group 

WSC—weapons security container 

WSE—worksite evaluation 

WSESRB—Weapon System Explosives Safety 

Review Board 

WSET—weapon systems evaluation test 

WSI—Wackenhut Services, Inc. 

WSLI—weapon surety link interface 

WSMC—Western Space and Missile Center 

WSMR—White Sands Missile Range 

169 

WSNSO—weather service nuclear support 

office 

W/sr—watt per steradian 

WSRA—Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (1968) 

WSRS—Westinghouse Savannah River Site 

WSRSG—weapon system review study group 

WSS—1. weighted sum of squares 2. wide 

sense stationary 

WSSB—weapon system safety branch 

WST—work study trainee 

W/st—watt per steradian 

WSV—weapons storage vault 

wt—weight 

WT—1. water tight 2. weapons testing 

wt%—weight percent 

WTDC—waste tank diverter cell 

WTE—warhead test environment 

WTO—Warsaw Treaty Organization 

WTS—Washington tactical switch 

WTTV—WSMC transponder test van 

WTVD—Russian acronym for Western 

Theater of Military Operations 

WW—world war; initial-cap words when used 

with a number as World War II (WWII) 

WWC—wire-wound calorimeter 

WWMCCS—World-Wide Military Command 

and Control System

WWVCS—World-Wide Voice Conferencing 

System 

WWW—world-wide web (hyper-text based 

multimedia environment) 

WYSIWYG—what you see is what you get 

X 

X—reactance 

XCHEM—explosive chemical 

XDT—delayed detonation (sometimes called 

sympathetic detonation) 

XGDS—exempt from general declassification 

schedule 

XISPS—x-ray image scan processing system 

X-MIBA—external microbeam analysis 

X-MP—x-multiplexer-processor 

XNS—Xerox network system 

XPS—x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy 

XRD—1. x-ray detector; 2. x-ray diode 

XRL—x-ray laser 

XTL—crystal 

XTM-LF—x-ray tomographic microscope load 

frame 

xu—x-unit (the siegbahn, a unit of length) 

XUV—extreme ultraviolet 

170 

Y 

Y—yttrium (chemical symbol) 

Y-12—Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant 

YAG—yttrium aluminum garnet (laser) 

Yb—ytterbium (chemical symbol) 

yd—yard 

YIG—Yttrium Iron Garnet (laser) 

YMP—Yucca Mountain Project 

YOT—youth opportunity trainee 

yr—year 

YTD—year to date 

Y-Term—Yale terminal emulator 

Z 

Z—atomic number 

ZB—Zodiac Beauchamp 

ZEG—zero energy growth 

ZES—zero energy state 

Zn—zinc (chemical element) 

ZnS—zinc sulfide 

ZOC—zone operations control 

ZPPR—zero power plutonium reactor

Distribution: 

6 MS0619 Creative Arts Department, 12620 

1 MS9018 Central Technical Files, 8945-1 

2 MS0899 Technical Library, 9616 

1 MS0612 Review & Approval Desk, 9612 

for DOE/OSTI 

171

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