A “click” is a term used in the military to refer to a distance of one kilometer. This unit of measurement is often used in navigation and communication when discussing the location of a unit or target.
One of the reasons the military uses the term “click” instead of “kilometer” is that it can be a more precise way of communicating distances. For example, if a unit is moving toward a target and they are told that it is “two clicks away,” it can be confident that they are within two kilometers of the target. This can be especially useful in situations where visibility is limited and exact distances are difficult to determine.
Another reason the military uses the term “click” is that it can be more easily understood by troops who may not be familiar with the metric system. In many countries, kilometers are not commonly used in everyday language and may be harder for some soldiers to conceptualize. By using the term “click,” the military can ensure that all troops understand the distance being discussed.
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In addition, “click” is also used as a slang term to refer to a short amount of time. For example, a soldier might say “I’ll be back in a click” to indicate that he or she will be back in a short amount of time.
Why do they call a kilometer a click?
The origin of the term “click” as military slang for a kilometer is uncertain. It is believed that it may have originated from the sound made by the odometer of a vehicle when it turns over, “clicking” from one kilometer to the next. Another theory is that it comes from the use of radio communication devices, the use of “clicks” to indicate distance. Some say it came from the sound of the metal clicking on the measuring wheel that soldiers used to measure distance.
Another theory is that the term “click” was used in the Vietnam War as a way for soldiers to communicate distances without giving away their location to the enemy. The use of the term “kilometer” might have given away the fact that they were using the metric system, which would have been a clue to the enemy about their country of origin. Using the term “click” instead made it more difficult for the enemy to determine their location.
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Regardless of its origins, the term “click” has become a widely used and understood slang in military jargon around the world. It serves the purpose of easily understood distance measurement and is also an indicator of time.
How far is 2 clicks in military?
In the military, a “click” is often used as a slang term to approximate distance while on patrol. It is not an officially recognized unit of measurement and the distance represented by one “click” can vary depending on the context and the person using the term. Typically, a “click” is equal to 1000 meters or 1 kilometer. So, 2 clicks would be equal to 2 kilometers or 1.2 miles.
What distance is 5 clicks?
“Clicks” is a term used by military personnel to approximate distance while on patrol. It is not an officially recognized unit of measurement and the distance represented by one “click” can vary depending on the context and the person using the term. Typically, a “click” is equal to 1000 meters or 1 kilometer. So, 5 clicks would be equal to 5 kilometers or 3.1 miles.
What are common military measurement slangs?
Common military measurement slang includes:
- “Klicks” for kilometers
- “Click” for kilometers
- “Mikes” for miles
- “Tangs” for tangents (used in artillery calculations)
- “Grid” for grid reference (used for navigation and map reading)
- “Degrees” for direction (used for navigation and map reading)
- “Elevation” for height above sea level
- “Azimuth” for direction (used for navigation and map reading)
- “Depth” for underwater measurement
- “Knots” for nautical miles per hour (used in naval operations)
These are not officially recognized measurements but are commonly used in the military.
Summary
A “click” is a term used in the military to refer to a distance of one kilometer. It is used as a precise and easy-to-understand way of communicating distances, and it is also used as a slang term for a short amount of time.
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