military-industrial complex affiliates - define "tip of the spear"

[Butler, Darren J Ctr 584 CBSS/GBHAC]

Hi Jill,

"Tip of the spear (TOS)"

 

It is a phrase coined by the Special Ops community. As with many
military phrases, it's definition is broadening over time. It is almost
exclusively used in regards to warfare, but it seems to be catching-on
in other arenas. It's still basically military slang, so exercise
caution when using it.

 

It can mean the following (not exhaustive):

* At the very center of harm's way (ex: "The Bomb Squad is at the Tip of
the Spear against the Neo-Nazis")

* The cutting/deadly edge (ex: "The new PULVERIZER 3000, will be the Tip
of the Spear in Homeland Defense)

* The leading unit of an attack/engagement (ex: The battleship, USS
Smackdown, will be the Tip of the Spear when we engage the enemies
fleet)

 

Non Sibi Sed Patriae (Not For Self, But For Country)!

Darren

************************************************************

Darren J. Butler

Sr. Technical Writer-Editor, Template Wrangler, Mil-Spec Pharisee, ex
USN

Integrated Data for Maintenance

NG Corp

 

-----Original Message-----
From:
techwr-l-bounces+darren.butler.ctr=robins.af.mil at lists.techwr-l.com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+darren.butler.ctr=robins.af.mil at lists.techwr-l.
com] On Behalf Of Jill Mohan
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2007 10:26 AM
To: techwr-l at lists.techwr-l.com
Subject: military-industrial complex affiliates - define "tip of the
spear"

 

Hello, All;

 

This question is directed to those of you who work in the defense

sector.  Have you come across the term "tip of the spear"?

 

What does it mean? When is it appropriate to use?

 

I want to stick it in my style guide, but I'm having trouble finding

an exact definition. It does not appear in the DoD terms guide at

www.dtic.com.

 

Thanks,

Jill Mohan

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