VOLUME I Multinational Maritime Tactical Instructions and Procedures

sequence number. The number allocated to a ship by a unit commander to indicate its position in
the line.
shadowing. The observation of an enemy unit or force, usually as a sequel to surveillance or reconnaissance,
for the purpose of reporting its composition, location, movement, and any other relevant
information.
shore bombardment lines. Ground lines established to delimit bombardment by friendly
surface ships.
signaled course. The true course which is being or which is to be steered.
signaled speed. The speed in knots at which the Guide has been ordered to proceed.
signals intelligence (SIGINT). The generic term used to describe communications intelligence and
electronic intelligence when there is no requirement to differentiate between these two types of
intelligence, or to represent fusion of the two.
signature. The characteristic pattern of the target displayed by detection and identification equipment.
significant track. In air defence, tracks of aircraft or missiles which behave in an unusual manner
which warrants attention and could pose a threat to a defended area.
Silent SAM. An AAW tactic that places a long-range SAM ship in a silent posture. The tactical picture
is provided by an AEW aircraft via Link. When directed or when preplanned responses dictate,
the Silent SAM ship engages the raid under attack based on Link data.
situation report. A report giving the situation in the area of a reporting unit or formation.
skeleton screen. A screen in which individual units are assigned stations or patrol lines relative to
the corners or sides of a rectangular main body or convoy.
small ship. A ship of 450 feet (or 137 meters) or less in length.
MTP 1(D), Vol. I
soft kill. In ASMD soft-kill measures use devices such as ECM, chaff, or decoys to neutralize
the missile.
sonar. An acoustic device used primarily for the detection and location of underwater objects.
sonobuoy. An acoustic device, used mainly for the detection of submarines which, when activated,
transmits information by radio.
speed made good over the ground (SOG). The average speed at which a ship has covered the
distance between two geographic positions.
speed made good over the water (STW). The result of the effect of weather but not the effect of
current or tidal stream on the signaled or base speed.
speed of advance (SOA). In naval usage, the speed expected to be made good over the ground.
splash point. The point where a single weapon or the first weapon fired of a pattern should enter the
water to have the highest probability of destroying the target; its location depends on target
course, speed, and depth, and the characteristics of the weapon after it has entered the water.
Glossary-20 CHANGE 1