Military Definitions - D

A to Z Blogging Challenge.  My topic is MILITARY DEFINITIONS.

D – Delta 

morse code – dash dot dot

Day zero – the first day of basic training [boot camp].

Dear John – term referring to a significant other breaking up with a service member through a letter.

Delayed Entry Program — also called DEP.   A program under which an individual may enlist in a Reserve Component of military service, with a future reporting date for entry into active duty.  My son enlisted in the Navy in June, and was part of DEP until January when he reported for boot camp.  During DEP he studied things like the names of the persons in his chain of command, types of ships and planes, what the insignia for ranks looks like, how to march and salute, etc.  The waiting period was because the rating [job] he signed up for, had boot camp slots available in January.

Demilitarized Zone – DMZ.  A specific area [for example between North and South Korea] in which any type of military force is banned.

Deployment - to organize and send out people and/or things for a particular purpose.  Typically, a battalion or other group of service members is sent out for a specific mission.  My son has had two overseas deployments, one to Okinawa and one to Spain and the Middle East.  Oddly, my son has also had two stateside deployments, to Virginia and Colorado.  I never knew a deployment could be within the US until the first of these occurred.

Detachment — also called DET.  A part of a unit separated from its main organization for duty elsewhere. A temporary military or naval unit formed from other units or parts of units. My son is assigned to the “air DET” detachment of his battalion.

Dog tags - an informal term for the identification tags worn by military personnel.  The tags are primarily used for the identification of dead and wounded soldiers.  They contain personal information such as name, SSN, basic medical information, and religious preference.

Draft – The conscription of qualified citizens in military service.  In the United States, men between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register so that an involuntary “selective service” can be implemented if needed.  My oldest son voluntarily enlisted in the Navy.  My second and third sons [ages 20 and 18] are registered with selective service, which they did online, altho my second son is disabled and will never be required to serve.  This year, because of the opening of most military jobs to women, registration may [but not currently] be required of women, so when my daughter turns 18, she may also be required to register.