Could you imagine a conversation like this: 

“After receiving my LES and realizing an increase in BAH I headed over to the CDC to get Johnny and then to the BX to pick up some new ABUs for my TDY.” 

An outsider might think you are crazy but to a person who lives with a military member this is just common conversation.  Acronyms are essential to the flow of the military. They stand for rank, job, organizations, or even a state of awareness. My favorite term is BRAT. This is the name given to a child whose parent or parents served fully in the armed forces. Derogetory as it may sound, BRAT is a title we wear proudly.  In actuality BRAT was not created as an acronym. These came into play when the word alone was associated with an awful child. Military culture reclaimed the military brat as a term of endearment with these translations; Born Rough And Tough , or Brave Resilient Adaptable and Trustworthy. 

Many acronyms are shared between branches but there are a great deal more that are clearly their own. Way to many to list here! I compiled a few common terms but feel free to post a comment with more.

AAFES - Army Air Force Exchange Service
AFC - Air Force Career
AKO - Army Knowledge Online
BAS - Basic Allowance for Substance
BAH - Basic Allowance for Housing
BX - Base Exchange
CDC - Child Development Center
CMF - Career Management Fields
COLA - Cost Of Living Allowance
DeCA - Defense Commissary Agency
DEERS - Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System
EFMP - Exceptional Family Member Program
ESC/EWC - Enlisted Spouses/Wives Club
FAC - Family Assistance Center
FCP - Family Care Plan
FLO - Family Liaison Officer
FRO - Family Readiness Officer
FSA - Family Separation Allowance
FSC - Family Support Center
FSG - Family Support Group
FRG - Family Readiness Group
HOR - Home Of Record
ITT - Information, Tours, and Travel
LES - Leave and Earnings Statement
MOS - Military Occupational Specialty
MPF - Military Personnel Flight
MWR - Morale, Welfare, and Recreation
NEX - Navy Exchange
OPSEC - Operations Security
OSC/OWC - Officers’ Spouses/Wives Club
PCS - Permanent Change of Station
POA - Power Of Attorney
POC - Point Of Contact
PX - Post Exchange
RMO - Round Metallic Object aka unit coin
ROE - Rules of Engagement
SGLI - Servicemembers Group Life Insurance
TDY - Temporary Duty
TLA - Temporary Living Allowance
TLF - Temporary Living Facility

If you ever come across a tricky abbreviation check out this website MilitaryWords.com. It is a great little tool to decode just about any acronym. Well its about time to get off the PC and spend some R and R with the DD before the AM …. Oops that is a whole other post … lol =)

~Amanda, Sygnet Creations