Here are some acronyms and terms you should know:

AAFES—Army and Air Force Exchange Services, which runs the post exchange (PX) and other shops
and services on the post.

ACS—Army Community Services, a one-stop center for family support on the post.

ACU—Army Combat Uniform, a new camouflage uniform.

BHA—Basic Housing Allowance, an addition to the paycheck of Soldiers living off post.
BCT—Brigade Combat Team.
BDE—Brigade.
BDU—Battle dress uniform.
BN—Battalion.
BTRY—Battery.
CDR—Commander.
CG—Commanding general.
CONUS—Continental United States.
DA—Department of the Army.
DCU—Desert camouflage uniform.

DEERS—Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, the registration of Soldiers�?spouses and children that allows them to get their ID cards and access other military services.

Deployment—The relocation of forces and materiel to operational areas. Deployment encompasses all activities from home station through destination, including intracontinental, intertheater and intratheater
movement, staging and holding areas.

DFAS—Defense Finance and Accounting System, the organization that pays your Soldier and keeps track of his allotments and leave time.

DOB—Date of birth.
DoD—Department of Defense.
DOR—Date of rank, when a Soldier officially is promoted to his current rank.
DSSS—Disabled Soldiers Support System (sometimes called DS3).
AER—Army Emergency Relief, the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization.
AR—Army Reserve, Army Regulation or armor.
ARNG—Army National Guard.
BOQ—Bachelor Officer Quarters.

KIA—Killed in Action.
LES—Leave and Earnings Statement, the Soldier’s paystub.
LOD—Line of duty.
LZ—Landing zone.
MEDDAC—Medical Department Activity.
MI—Military Intelligence.
MIA—Missing in action.
MP—Military Police.
MRE—Meals ready to eat.

MWR—Morale, Welfare & Recreation, a collection of facilities (such as fitness centers and bowling alleys) and services (such as travel agencies and tours) available on the Post for Soldiers and their families.

NCO—Noncommissioned officer.
NCOIC—Noncommissioned officer in charge.
NG—National Guard.
NLT—Not later than.
NOK—Next of kin.
NTC—National Training Center at Fort Irwin,California.
OBC—Officer Basic Course.
OCONUS—Outside the continental United States.
OCS—Officer Candidate School.
OIC—Officer in charge.
PAO—Public Affairs Office.
PCS—Permanent change of station (i.e., moving).
EFMP—Exceptional Family Member Program,which provides support and resources to Soldiers�?family members with disabilities.
ETS—Estimated time of separation, the date when a Soldier’s commitment to the Army ends, unless she reenlists.
FAC—Family Assistance Center.
FLO—Family Liaison Office, an ombudsman program for Soldiers and families.
FRG—Family Readiness Group.
GO—General officer, brigadier general and above.
HQ—Headquarters.
HQDA—Headquarters, Department of the Army.
IED—Improvised explosive device.
IET—Initial Entry Training or “boot camp.�?BR>IRR—Individual Ready Reserve.
JAG—Judge Advocate General, the Army’s legal branch.
JRTC—Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
TOC—Tactical Operations Center.
USAR—United States Army Reserve (no longer an official acronym, but still in common use).
USO—United Service Organization, still helping Soldiers and their families.
VA—Department of Veterans Affairs, formerly known as the Veterans Administration.
WO—Warrant Officer.
WOCC—Warrant Officer Candidate Course.
XO—Executive Officer.
PLT—Platoon.
PNOK—Primary next of kin.
POA—Power of attorney.
POC—Point of contact.
POV—Privately owned vehicle.
PX—Post Exchange.
QRF—Quick reaction force.
QTRS—Quarters, the places where Soldiers and families live.
RD/RDC—Rear Detachment/Commander, sometimes shortened to “Rear D.�?/FONT>