MIlitary Definitions - L

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

L – Lima

morse code – dot dash dot dot

 

Laser — an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” A device that can emit a single wavelength [color] of light, very strong and concentrated.  Uses: bar-code scanners, pointers and targets, surgery [cauterizing capillaries, removal of scars, tattoos, hair, etc], cutting metals, welding, and weapons.

Leave - permission to be away from one's unit for a specific period of time.  Usually granted over the Christmas holidays, during the summer, and immediately before or after deployments.  Most service members receive 30 leave days per year.  Civilian employees who are in the reserves receive 15 days off per year for active duty assignments [usually training].  My son is currently home on leave!  This is the first time I've seen him in person [not on Skype] since September 2014.  He got here April 7 and is leaving April 15.  I'm soooooo excited!

Left Handed Monkey Wrench – A non-existent tool. Often the object of fruitless searches undertaken by recruits at the behest of more experienced servicemembers.

Left (or right) — Terms used to establish the relative position of a body of troops.  The person using the terms left”or “right” is assumed to be facing in the direction of the enemy regardless of whether the troops are advancing towards or withdrawing from the enemy.

Left (right) bank — The bank of a stream or river on the left (right) of the observer when facing in the direction of flow or downstream.

Litter — A basket or frame utilized for the transport of injured persons.