APPENDIX I
GLOSSARY
A
ADDRESS GROUPS— Four-letter groups assigned
to represent a command, activity, or unit; used
in the same manner as a call sign.
AIS FACILITY-RELATED INFORMATION— Work-
load, anticipated resource changes, number of
operators available, the system capabilities, etc.
B
BACKLOG— The work waiting to be run (processed)
on a computer.
BATCH PROCESSING— A method of processing in
which similar items are grouped together and
processed all at one time.
BOOK MESSAGE— A message for two or more
addressees in which the drafter considers it
unnecessary that each addressee be informed of
the other(s).
C
CMS ALTERNATE CUSTODIAN— Responsible to
the CMS custodian and commanding officer for
the CMS account; is held accountable on the
same level as the custodian.
CMS CUSTODIAN— Responsible to the com-
manding officer for the correct accountability
and maintenance of the CMS account.
CMS LOCAL HOLDER— A command or activity
that receives COMSEC material support from a
CMS account command.
CMS USER— An individual CMS user that requires
COMSEC material to accomplish an assigned
duty, advancement study, or training purpose.
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER SUPERVISOR—
Responsible for message processing, circuit
operations, and supervision of personnel;
responsible to the SWS, when assigned.
COMMSHIFT— A message sent to a NCTAMS to
move its guard from one broadcast or servicing
communications center to another.
COMMSPOT— A report to advise of any situation
that might cause significant disruption to tactical
communications.
COMNAVCOMTELCOM (COMMANDER,
NAVAL COMPUTER AND TELECOM-
MUNICATIONSCOMMAND)— Headquarters
for all naval shore-based communications.
CONTINGENCY PLANS— Backup plans for the
continuation of an activity’s mission during
abnormal operating conditions.
CWO (COMMUNICATIONS WATCH OF-
FICER)— Responsible for the efficient running
of the watch, including equipment and person-
nel; responsible to the communications officer.
D
DRAFTER— The person who actually composes a
message for transmission.
DTG (DATE-TIME GROUP)— A method of
assigning a date and time to message traffic
consisting of six digits, two each to represent
date, hour, and minutes; begins at the start of
each new day at 0001Z.
E
EA (ELECTRONIC ATTACK)— Involves actions
taken to prevent or reduce an enemy’s effective
use of the electromagnetic spectrum. EA
replaces electronic countermeasures (ECM).
ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM– The natural
vibrations that occur when a force is applied to
a substance. These vibrations occur with various
speeds and intensities. The speed at which they
occur is called frequency, and the distance
between each vibration is called wavelength.
AI-1
