OT: So what does ‘tactical’ mean anyway?

[The Spin Meister]

I keep seeing ads for tactical sunglasses, tactical flashlights, tactical boots. Now I see an ad for a tactical walking stick.


Just what does tactical mean? My guess is that it is supposed to mean it was developed for the military so it is better then anything you own so you must buy it especially if you are a true patriot!


The one thing I haven’t seen yet is tactical condoms. After all, we know love is a battlefield!

 

[Obliviax]

According to Google. "Military tactical sunglasses are designed for active duty soldiers and special operations forces to increase situational awareness, visibility, and protection during movement."

 

[LionDeNittany]

I keep seeing ads for tactical sunglasses, tactical flashlights, tactical boots. Now I see an ad for a tactical walking stick.


Just what does tactical mean? My guess is that it is supposed to mean it was developed for the military so it is better then anything you own so you must buy it especially if you are a true patriot!


The one thing I haven’t seen yet is tactical condoms. After all, we know love is a battlefield!

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How about a tactical steering wheel cover?

I guess I could use my tactical gloves...

These roads are WARZONES

 

[heckmans]

I can answer this. I helped develop a product for the tactical environment. Tactical refers to something that is made for use in a kinetic war environment. It can also be used to describe some police equipment...think SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics)

Oakley, for example, has a tactical line of glasses meant for soldiers.

On the Tech side, Samsung has their S23 smart phone. There is a TE (Tactical Edition) version that includes different firmware to connect to military radios and is mounted on a soldier's chest. It typically has a piece of SW called ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit) that is a mapping/comms SW that shows locations of friendly forces, allows calls for resupply, drop pins on areas of interest, fly small UAVs, etc.

Edit: That said, there are lots of things sold on the consumer market that get labeled 'tactical' that would never see a battlefield. They may be made to mimic a tactical item (at a lower price) or may just be junk, or could be the real deal.

 

[RickinDayton]

I can answer this. I helped develop a product for the tactical environment. Tactical refers to something that is made for use in a kinetic war environment. It can also be used to describe some police equipment...think SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics)

Oakley, for example, has a tactical line of glasses meant for soldiers.

On the Tech side, Samsung has their S23 smart phone. There is a TE (Tactical Edition) version that includes different firmware to connect to military radios and is mounted on a soldier's chest. It typically has a piece of SW called ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit) that is a mapping/comms SW that shows locations of friendly forces, allows calls for resupply, drop pins on areas of interest, fly small UAVs, etc.

Edit: That said, there are lots of things sold on the consumer market that get labeled 'tactical' that would never see a battlefield. They may be made to mimic a tactical item (at a lower price) or may just be junk, or could be the real deal.

Very detailed clarification. You are correct about the "tactical" label showing up on many items the military does not use. Lots of knockoffs.

 

[Obliviax]

I can answer this. I helped develop a product for the tactical environment. Tactical refers to something that is made for use in a kinetic war environment. It can also be used to describe some police equipment...think SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics)

Oakley, for example, has a tactical line of glasses meant for soldiers.

On the Tech side, Samsung has their S23 smart phone. There is a TE (Tactical Edition) version that includes different firmware to connect to military radios and is mounted on a soldier's chest. It typically has a piece of SW called ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit) that is a mapping/comms SW that shows locations of friendly forces, allows calls for resupply, drop pins on areas of interest, fly small UAVs, etc.

Edit: That said, there are lots of things sold on the consumer market that get labeled 'tactical' that would never see a battlefield. They may be made to mimic a tactical item (at a lower price) or may just be junk, or could be the real deal.

Good thoughts.

I often use the terms "tactical" and "strategic". The inference is that a tactic is driven by the strategy. Point being you first have to get your strategy before aligning your tactics to achieve your strategy. To that point "tactical" is then less important than "strategic".

So if I was selling condoms, I'd call them "strategic condoms" and not "tactical condoms" (or sunglasses).

A great question being asked by @The Spin Meister. I feel like the term "tactical" is being used like "military grade".

 

[Woodpecker]

 

[PurposePitch]

I keep seeing ads for tactical sunglasses, tactical flashlights, tactical boots. Now I see an ad for a tactical walking stick.


Just what does tactical mean? My guess is that it is supposed to mean it was developed for the military so it is better then anything you own so you must buy it especially if you are a true patriot!


The one thing I haven’t seen yet is tactical condoms. After all, we know love is a battlefield!

View embedded media

Triad Long-Gun Condom

triadtactical.com

Triad Long-Gun Condom​

Triad Tactical​

$40.00 - $45.00

 

[heckmans]

Good thoughts.

I often use the terms "tactical" and "strategic". The inference is that a tactic is driven by the strategy. Point being you first have to get your strategy before aligning your tactics to achieve your strategy. To that point "tactical" is then less important than "strategic".

So if I was selling condoms, I'd call them "strategic condoms" and not "tactical condoms" (or sunglasses).

A great question being asked by @The Spin Meister. I feel like the term "tactical" is being used like "military grade".

In military terms, the strategy is developed in the command center. The tactics are the specific actions that implement the strategy

 

[The Spin Meister]

Good thoughts.

I often use the terms "tactical" and "strategic". The inference is that a tactic is driven by the strategy. Point being you first have to get your strategy before aligning your tactics to achieve your strategy. To that point "tactical" is then less important than "strategic".

So if I was selling condoms, I'd call them "strategic condoms" and not "tactical condoms" (or sunglasses).

A great question being asked by @The Spin Meister. I feel like the term "tactical" is being used like "military grade".

That was my oh-so-subtle point. I see guys in cammo acting all tough pushing their ‘tactical whatever’. But if they are selling sunglasses for $19.99 then no way they are military grade.

Just playing on people that are patriotic and want to support the military. And think it’s cool to have TACTICAL GEAR!

 

[Obliviax]

That was my oh-so-subtle point. I see guys in cammo acting all tough pushing their ‘tactical whatever’. But if they are selling sunglasses for $19.99 then no way they are military grade.

Just playing on people that are patriotic and want to support the military. And think it’s cool to have TACTICAL GEAR!

 

[LionDeNittany]

That was my oh-so-subtle point. I see guys in cammo acting all tough pushing their ‘tactical whatever’. But if they are selling sunglasses for $19.99 then no way they are military grade.

Just playing on people that are patriotic and want to support the military. And think it’s cool to have TACTICAL GEAR!

This is a total BS post

How can you possibly see guys in Camo?

That tactical gear should make them invisible to the naked eye.

 

[Woodpecker]

This is a total BS post

How can you possibly see guys in Camo?

That tactical gear should make them invisible to the naked eye.

Full nudity!:

 

[LionDeNittany]

Full nudity!:

Definitely not tactical.

Where is the quick release?

 

[LionFan87b]

I keep seeing ads for tactical sunglasses, tactical flashlights, tactical boots. Now I see an ad for a tactical walking stick.


Just what does tactical mean? My guess is that it is supposed to mean it was developed for the military so it is better then anything you own so you must buy it especially if you are a true patriot!


The one thing I haven’t seen yet is tactical condoms. After all, we know love is a battlefield!

View embedded media

It means you're supposed to shell out your money for these products because they're "tactical."

 

[Obliviax]

Full nudity!:

need to kneepads. I see this thread making a turn.

 

[EdwardoCarrachio]

I keep seeing ads for tactical sunglasses, tactical flashlights, tactical boots. Now I see an ad for a tactical walking stick.


Just what does tactical mean? My guess is that it is supposed to mean it was developed for the military so it is better then anything you own so you must buy it especially if you are a true patriot!


The one thing I haven’t seen yet is tactical condoms. After all, we know love is a battlefield!

View embedded media

Those who have served will tell you that developed for the military usually doesn't mean best. It means bought by government at lowest bid.

Tactical is a term used for marketing to civilians who do not know what tactical means.

 

[Obliviax]

Those who have served will tell you that developed for the military usually doesn't mean best. It means bought by government at lowest bid.

Tactical is a term used for marketing to civilians who do not know what tactical means.

Yep. Unless you want to spend $2,500 for a toilet or $150 for a hammer.

 

[lazydave841]

no way they are military grade.

Those who have served will tell you that developed for the military usually doesn't mean best. It means bought by government at lowest bid.

Tactical is a term used for marketing to civilians who do not know what tactical means.

EC hit on it. I'm not an ex-mil, but working on the railroad we have a bunch of them. They tended to tell ya that if a product said military grade, it's probably a PoS. See the ear plugs among other things.

 

[Jerry]

In the military context, "tactical" can also mean "immediate" or "on the battlefield" while "strategic" refers to the big picture.

For example, the Civil War battle of Antietam was a tactical draw with neither side holding a battlefield advantage after 12 hours of horrific fighting...the bloodiest single day in American military history.

Strategically, however, it may have been the most important Union victory of the entire war, to include Gettysburg, as it blunted Lee's invasion of the North, caused Europe's powers to reconsider their potential recognition of the Confederacy's statehood, and set the stage for Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation that changed the moral terms and stakes of the entire conflict.

A similar concept of tactical versus strategic has application in non-military arenas, not least of which is politics.

 

[junior1]

Those who have served will tell you that developed for the military usually doesn't mean best. It means bought by government at lowest bid.

Tactical is a term used for marketing to civilians who do not know what tactical means.

lowest bidder (not always, sometimes it's "best value")...but items bought for the military must meet milspec (military specifications) so that bids are analyzed based on what the military needs in apples to apples comparisons.

It's a complicated yet necessary process.

 

[EdwardoCarrachio]

lowest bidder (not always, sometimes it's "best value")...but items bought for the military must meet milspec (military specifications) so that bids are analyzed based on what the military needs in apples to apples comparisons.

It's a complicated yet necessary process.

Yes. I was generalizing. I didn't think a run down from the acquisition corps would go over well.

 

[91Joe95]

I can answer this. I helped develop a product for the tactical environment. Tactical refers to something that is made for use in a kinetic war environment. It can also be used to describe some police equipment...think SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics)

Oakley, for example, has a tactical line of glasses meant for soldiers.

On the Tech side, Samsung has their S23 smart phone. There is a TE (Tactical Edition) version that includes different firmware to connect to military radios and is mounted on a soldier's chest. It typically has a piece of SW called ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit) that is a mapping/comms SW that shows locations of friendly forces, allows calls for resupply, drop pins on areas of interest, fly small UAVs, etc.

Edit: That said, there are lots of things sold on the consumer market that get labeled 'tactical' that would never see a battlefield. They may be made to mimic a tactical item (at a lower price) or may just be junk, or could be the real deal.

I just saw some cut up tactical trash cans being wielded on tv. Were you involved with those?

 

[91Joe95]

lowest bidder (not always, sometimes it's "best value")...but items bought for the military must meet milspec (military specifications) so that bids are analyzed based on what the military needs in apples to apples comparisons.

It's a complicated yet necessary process.

Good thing they have the emergency procurement process to circumvent that and all these new wars to use it on.

 

[junior1]

Good thing they have the emergency procurement process to circumvent that and all these new wars to use it on.

there's always an exception to every rule...just like in Congress when something is "done", that just means it's the beginning of something else.

 

[Ward Hog]

need to kneepads. I see this thread making a turn.

This is where the tactical condem would probably cum in handy.

 

[87 Penn St8]

Good thoughts.

I often use the terms "tactical" and "strategic". The inference is that a tactic is driven by the strategy. Point being you first have to get your strategy before aligning your tactics to achieve your strategy. To that point "tactical" is then less important than "strategic".

So if I was selling condoms, I'd call them "strategic condoms" and not "tactical condoms" (or sunglasses).

A great question being asked by @The Spin Meister. I feel like the term "tactical" is being used like "military grade".

In a past life I used the terms every day too.

Strategy = the umbrella concept/goal.

Maybe cut down the yards of a dual threat QB with a proclivity to tuck and run.

Tactic = different ways/plays you do to achieve it.

E.g.- have the Safety shadow qb on some plays, have DE's hold the edges without going too far upfield to keep him in the pocket on passing situations forcing him to throw or go up middle etc

The words are interchanged often when really one is the sum of the parts. Tactics are relatively easy to judge and shift. If your strategy is wrong then you are in big trouble...

 

[Obliviax]

In a past life I used the terms every day too.

Strategy = the umbrella concept/goal.

Maybe cut down the yards of a dual threat QB with a proclivity to tuck and run.

Tactic = different ways/plays you do to achieve it.

E.g.- have the Safety shadow qb on some plays, have DE's hold the edges without going too far upfield to keep him in the pocket on passing situations forcing him to throw or go up middle etc

The words are interchanged often when really one is the sum of the parts. Tactics are relatively easy to judge and shift. If your strategy is wrong then you are in big trouble...

Right. In football strategy would be the game plan going into Saturday. A tactic is the play you call on second and six.

 

[WaylonJ]

That was my oh-so-subtle point. I see guys in cammo acting all tough pushing their ‘tactical whatever’. But if they are selling sunglasses for $19.99 then no way they are military grade.

Just playing on people that are patriotic and want to support the military. And think it’s cool to have TACTICAL GEAR!

Hence the term "tacti-cool."

 

[Nittany1997]

I would get the tactical shaver, pretty cool how you can shave under water.

 

[lowhandicapper]

Tactical in the retail world just means you're probably a sucker who has tribal behavior that can easily be manipulated. It's a marketing term for things you can buy that has nothing to do with military grade.
As the old saying goes, "a sucker is born every minute!"
Call it tactical and put a tattered flag on it!

 

[Woodpecker]

Oooo, maybe an organic hand-curated artisanal tactical product!

 

[mfb5053]

Tactical means it comes in black, OD Green, Sand, and camo color schemes.

 

[PSUNYGNYY]

Being in law enforcement for 27 years and on the USMS Task Force I found out quickly what being tactical meant. Not having a military background or growing up hunting or ever firing a gun, I had to learn quickly or lose respect of my fellow officers. Tactical is a frame of mind, the way you dress, how you apply your training, and most importantly how you carry yourself.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

So Meal Team 6 and the Gravy Seals training for the inevitable New World Order attack can feel like they’re Delta Operators