broken arrow

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Noun 1.2 Related terms 1.3 References

[edit] English

[edit] Noun

broken arrow (plural broken arrows)

Wikipedia

1. (US, euphemism) (military) An accidental event that involves nuclear weapons or nuclear components but does not create the risk of nuclear war.
   • 2004, Roland Everett Langford, Introduction to Weapons of Mass Destruction: Radiological, Chemical, and Biological, page 97:

     In the US, the code name for a serious nuclear weapons incident is "Broken Arrow". It is US policy neither to confirm nor deny the existence of nuclear weapons at any specific location; this also applies to Broken Arrow incidents.

2. (US military) a code phrase that a ground unit is facing imminent destruction from enemy attack and all available air forces within range are to provide air support immediately.

[edit] Related terms

• Bent Spear
• Empty Quiver
• Faded Giant

[edit] References

• About.com: US Government info. File retrieved 11-15-2007.