Military Glossary

Packaged petroleum product
(DOD) A petroleum product (generally a lubricant, oil, grease, or specialty item) normally packaged by a manufacturer and procured, stored, transported, and issued in containers having a fill capacity of 55 United States gallons (or 45 Imperial gallons, or 205 liters) or less.

Parachute deployment height
(DOD, NATO) The height above the intented impact point at which the parachute or parachutes are fully deployed.

Pararescue team
(DOD) Specially trained personnel qualified to penetrate to the site of an incident by land or parachute, render medical aid, accomplish survival methods, and rescue survivors.

Partial storage monitoring
(DOD) A periodic inspection of major assemblies or components for nuclear weapons, consisting mainly of external observation of humidity, temperatures, and visual damage or deterioration during storage. This type of inspection is also conducted prior to and upon completion of a movement.

Passive homing guidance
(DOD, NATO) A system of homing guidance wherein the receiver in the missile utilizes radiation from the target.

Payload build-up (missile and space)
(DOD) The process by which the scientific instrumentation (sensors, detectors, etc.) and necessary mechanical and electronic subassemblies are assembled into a complete operational package capable of achieving the scientific objectives of the mission.

Pecuniary liability
(DOD) A personal, joint, or corporate monetary obligation to make good any lost, damaged, or destroyed property resulting from fault or neglect. It may also result under conditions stipulated in a contract or bond.

Periodic intelligence summary
(DOD) A report of the intelligence situation in a tactical operation, normally produced at corps level or its equivalent, and higher, usually at intervals of 24 hours, or as directed by the commander.

Permissive environment
See operational environment.

Person Authorized to Direct Disposition of Remains
(DOD) A person, usually primary next of kin, who is authorized to direct disposition of remains.

Petroleum, oils, and lubricants
(DOD, NATO) A broad term which includes all petroleum and associated products used by the Armed Forces.

PHOTINT
See photographic intelligence.

Photo interpretation key
See imagery interpretation key.

Pierson-Moskowitz scale
(DOD) A scale that categorizes the force of progressively higher wind speeds.

Pitch angle
(DOD, NATO) The angle between the aircraft's longitudinal axis and the horizontal plane.

PK
See peacekeeping.

Plan position indicator
(DOD, NATO) A cathode ray tube on which radar returns are so displayed as to bear the same relationship to the transmitter as the objects giving rise to them.
Point designation grid
(DOD, NATO) A system of lines, having no relation to the actual scale, or orientation, drawn on a map, chart, or air photograph dividing it into squares so that points can be more readily located.

Politico-military gaming
(DOD) Simulation of situations involving the interaction of political, military, sociological, psychological, economic, scientific, and other appropriate factors.
POS
See primary operating stocks.

Posse Comitatus Act
(DOD) Prohibits search, seizure, or arrest powers to US military personnel. Amended in 1981 under Public Law 97-86 to permit increased Department of Defense support of drug interdiction and other law enforcement activities. (Title 18, "Use of Army and Air Force as Posse Comitatus" - United States Code, Section 1385)

Precise frequency
(DOD) A frequency requirement accurate to within one part in 1,000,000,000.

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