Military Acronyms Guide for AASC Supplier and Owner Members
Southern Colorado has a strong and active military presence. As a result, many AASC supplier members and owner members regularly work with military personnel, military documentation, and residents who serve in the Air Force and Space Force.
Military conversations often rely on acronyms and rank references that are second nature to service members but unfamiliar to civilian professionals. This guide is designed to support clearer communication, improve working relationships, and reduce confusion when interacting with military stakeholders.
This resource is intended for:
- Supplier members working with military personnel or installations
- Owner and management teams housing military residents
- Leasing, maintenance, and administrative staff supporting military households
How to Use This Guide
This guide serves as a shared reference tool. It can be used to:
- Clarify terminology used in conversations or documentation
- Better understand military timelines, assignments, and housing discussions
- Support onboarding and internal training for teams
- Improve professionalism and confidence when working with military residents and partners
Terminology, usage, and rank structure may vary by branch and installation.
Housing, Relocation, and Pay
BAH – Basic Allowance for Housing
HHG – Household Goods
PCS – Permanent Change of Station
PPM – Personally Procured Move
TLA – Temporary Lodging Allowance
TLE – Temporary Lodging Expense
CONUS – Continental United States
OCONUS – Outside the Continental United States
Duty Status and Assignments
AD – Active Duty
ANG – Air National Guard
AFSC – Air Force Specialty Code
DEROS – Date Eligible for Return from Overseas
ETS – Expiration Term of Service
TDY – Temporary Duty Assignment
DEPLOYED – Assigned to an operational mission
Documentation and Identification
CAC – Common Access Card
LES – Leave and Earnings Statement
DoD – Department of Defense
SGLI – Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance
Commands, Roles, and Structure
AFI – Air Force Instruction
AFPC – Air Force Personnel Center
MAJCOM – Major Command
MPF – Military Personnel Flight
CC – Commander
CO – Commanding Officer
NCO – Non Commissioned Officer
Training, Operations, and General Terms
PT – Physical Training
UCMJ – Uniform Code of Military Justice
AO – Area of Operations
GSU – Geographically Separated Unit
IDT – Inactive Duty Training
Understanding rank helps suppliers and property teams recognize chain of command references and communicate respectfully and appropriately.
Enlisted Ranks
AB – Airman Basic
Amn – Airman
A1C – Airman First Class
SrA – Senior Airman
SSgt – Staff Sergeant
TSgt – Technical Sergeant
MSgt – Master Sergeant
SMSgt – Senior Master Sergeant
CMSgt – Chief Master Sergeant
Officer Ranks
2d Lt – Second Lieutenant
1st Lt – First Lieutenant
Capt – Captain
Maj – Major
Lt Col – Lieutenant Colonel
Col – Colonel
Brig Gen – Brigadier General
Maj Gen – Major General
Lt Gen – Lieutenant General
Gen – General
Why This Matters for AASC Members
Clear communication protects relationships, timelines, and expectations. For supplier members, understanding military terminology and rank builds credibility and trust. For owners and managers, it supports better service for military residents who often face short-notice moves and unique obligations.
This guide reflects AASC’s commitment to education, professionalism, and member support.
Download the Full Reference
Looking for the complete list?
Download the full Air Force and Space Force acronym and rank reference for use as a team resource or field guide.
Download the Full Military Acronym and Rank List
Important Note
This resource is informational only and does not replace legal or compliance guidance. Questions related to lease terminations, military orders, or resident protections should be reviewed with legal counsel.
Educate. Network. Protect.