rocket surgery n. a task requiring intelligence or higher education; a difficult undertaking. Editorial Note: Often used jocularly in negative constructions similar to “It’s not rocket surgery.” Etymological Note: A blend of rocket...
slow elk n.— «Someone else mentioned an unprincipled captain back in the lean ’30s who was said to have sent a task force armed with shotguns ashore at rural stretches on dark nights to hunt “slow elk.” If successful, the men...
horse blanket n.— «At JRTC most light infantry task forces conduct platoon- and squad-sized search and attack in specified areas dividing the battalion sector. They often resemble an artillery “horse-blanket” graphic used to...
purple adj. associated with or concerning all branches of the military. Editorial Note: Purple is often used in the names of joint or inter-service exercises or task forces. A purple-suiter is someone who works on behalf a joint service operation or...
praise sandwich n.— «When giving constructive criticism to an employee, open with some comments about something the employee has done well recently. Then address the bad stuff, but make it quick and to the point, like a shot. Close with...
railbelt n.— «The railbelt grid serves about 75 percent of Alaska’s population and is responsible for about 85 percent of the electricity generated in the state, according to a 2003 report by a task force commissioned by the Legislature...