This page helps you learn some of the terminology used during deployments. If you know additional terms to add to this page, let us know! We'd love to hear from you.
Official Terminology
Advance Party The Advance Party is generally a small number of Marines from the deploying unit that arrive "in country" prior to the majority of the battalion. The Advance Party functions as the element to prepare arrival for the rest of the battalion.
COP: Combat Outpost Combat Outpost (COP) is a term used to refer to anything from a patrol base to something smaller than a Forward Operating Base. Combat Outposts vary in size and infrastructure; possible components include tents, generators, fuel tanks, clean water resupply, guard towers, and barriers.
Deployment Temporarily moved from the permanent duty station, generally to an overseas location or on a ship.
Duty Station Shortened version of Permanent Duty Station.
Float Deployment on a ship.
FOB: Forward Operating Base A forward operating base (FOB) is a secured position used to support tactical operations. In addition, FOBs have become refuges from danger, places of renewal for physical needs, a respite from the mental stresses of battle, and a means for service members to stay connected. For more info visit: www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil or click here.
FRO: Family Readiness Officer The FRO, or Family Readiness Officer, is the primary source for information for the parents of a deployed Marine. The FRO's responsibilities include: actively manage, coordinate and promote all matters pertaining to unit family readiness; serve as the military point of contact concerning unit family readiness issues; and ensure command policy regarding information flow to families of single Marines is established and supported.
In Country Terminology used to refer to the status of a Marine who is deployed. To say the Marine is "In Country" typically means that he/she is not in the United States. "In Country" can refer to any location other than the U.S., whether a combat zone or not.
MCT: Mass Communication Tool The Mass Communication Tool (MCT) is designed to rapidly disseminate important information to United States Marine Corps personnel and family members. The Family Contact portion of the MCT has transitioned to MOL (Marine Online), a web-based admin system that all Marines use. Marines can access this system at www.mol.usmc.mil. Each individual Marine is responsible for keeping their Family Readiness contact information current. Single Marines are NOT required to provide any contacts. If a Marine does not input their parents' info into MOL as a contact, they will no longer hear from the Family Readiness Officer (FRO). The new system provides the FROs with email only capability for now. If parents want to receive the mass notifications from the FRO an email account is required along with being added to your Marine's MOL. The end goal is to include a mass text and phone capability. For more information, see this official Marine Corps news article. Updated Feburary 22, 2011.
MotoMail Family and friends of deployed Marines can send a letter to be downloaded, printed, and ready for delivery, usually within 24 hours. The service is free, private and secure. Visit: www.motomail.us.
Permanent Duty Station (PDS) The base your Marine is stationed when not on deployment; the primary base or installation for his/her battalion or unit.
Rear Party The Rear Party is generally a small number of Marines that stay "in country" for a longer period of time than the majority of the battalion. The Rear Party functions as the element to finalize the location after the battalion departs.
RBE: Remain Behind Element The RBE, or Remain Behind Element, is a small number of Marines from the deployed unit that stay at the permanent duty station of the deploying Marines. The RBE functions include communications with family members and maintaining the unit's affairs at their main base.
Satellite Phones (SAT Phones) A satellite phone or satphone is a type of mobile phone that connects to orbiting satellites and is often used in remote areas where cellular service is unavailable. Click on “Phone Calls” to your left for more info.
Unofficial Terminology
“River City” A slang term used by Marines to refer to a situation when the unit’s communication systems are temporarily shut down. This could occur in order to preserve operational security before a maneuver or if a unit sustains casualties to ensure family members are notified through the proper channels.
Skype Skype is software that enables internet video and voice calls. Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls are completely free. Click on “Phone Calls” to your left for more info.
