NATO symbols, signs and standard abbreviations of the Armed Forces

How does a conventional army organize its ground units, broadcast troop positions (or troop types) to the various decision makers on the ground, designate a hostile or unidentified unit on the map, or ensure the proper movement of regiments? It uses a list of standardized symbols, signs and abbreviations, identical for (to date) all NATO troops.

This protocol, referred to as APP-6D (latest version) - conventional signs representing terrestrial systems - is intended to ensure interoperability with:

• Troops from friendly countries (which follow the same organizational principle)
• Between one's own troops - to maximize coherence and fluidity of orders throughout the chain of command

And to designer:

• The type, volume and position of an enemy unit, neutral or unknown
• The space where the operations take place (air, land, sea, under the sea)
• The chain of command and the type of unit involved
• Movements, current or future

The general idea is therefore to be able to integrate (either via a digital system or by hand) on a map all the forces present, the typology of these forces, their affiliation, the hierarchy and the space in which they evolve. from the army group to the squad. Of course (and this is probably the most important), the status (is the unit on the map shown at a current, planned or "en route" position?) is indicated on each symbol (solid line or dashes) as well as the direction taken.

In France, the application of the APP-6D (and its previous versions) is defined by the TTA 106 "Terminologie et Symbologie Militaire" (each NATO member country has a framework protocol that includes the elements of the APP-6D in its language).

You can find the APP-6C (the D is not available online) HERE

You can find an excerpt (symbols, abbreviations and signs) HERE

The EASY SYMBOL app (free and in french) to generate, edit and modify your symbols - ACCORDING TO US STANDARD MIL-STD-2525C OR ACCORDING TO THE DESIRED COUNTRY STANDARD, CLICKING ON THE FOLLOWING LINK:

• https://www.symbol.army/about/fr.html

You can read the excellent Wikipedia article on the subject by clicking on the following link:

• https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/APP-6A

An example of using military symbology (Yom Kippur War - 1973)

A PRIORITY NO IN APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTITUTION OF A CITIZEN MILITIA. AND YET, IF ONE BASES ONESELF ON THE SAME SYMBOLOGY TO IDENTIFY ONE'S OWN MEANS, THE ARTICULATION OF THE UNITS IN OPERATION (EVEN IF IT IS A BINOMIAL) AND THE ENEMY CAPACITY... THE CAPACITY OF PLANNING AND CHOICE OF ACTIONS IS MUCH BETTER!

 

Stay strong, be blessed!