benny88 said:
VOR IS the correct term, but as I understand, it's only used in ROTP/RMC circles. I guess it's different from an OT only because we're students and not officers/fully qualified yet. I don't think it's fair to rip SAUVE for using a term that the University Liason guys tell him. Just because you haven't heard it doesn't mean it's wrong.
At one time, proper military writing was initially taught during BOTC; maybe things have changed in a few decades. And those of us who spent a few months on Avenue Road learning the finer points of "staff duties" can not be blamed for sometimes becoming pedantic. But reading the title to this thread had me wondering: (in this order, really)
a. Is there something wrong with their vehicles? VOR according to A-AD-121-F01/JX-000 The Canadian Forces Manual of Abbreviations (I have an old digital copy) means "Vehicle Off Road".
b. Do they have a new navigation device? VOR according to AAP-6 NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions refers to "air navigational radio aid which uses phases comparison of a ground transmitted signal to determine bearing. This term is derived from the words « very high frequency omnidirectional radio range »".
c. Are they having problems with their eyes? VOR (in the medical world) could refer to vestibulo-ocular reflex.
One of the principles of military writing is clarity. The use of the acronym VOR in this thread did not accomplish the aim of the opening post. Instead of getting the information wanted, it has turned into a lesson on use of abbreviations and just makes me wonder even more how they are training OCdts at RMC. Perhaps the convention for introducing new abbreviations should have been used:
(from A-AD-121-CO1/FP-000 Staff and Writing Procedures for the Department of National Defence and The Canadian Forces, 1994)
Abbreviations and Acronyms. An abbreviation is usually a shortened from of a word, or may be the initial letter of two or more words. An acronym is usually created from the initial letters of a group of words.
The use of abbreviations and acronyms (ref P) is encouraged but care should be exercised to avoid possible ambiguity. If an abbreviation or acronym is used in a document addressed to Allied forces or civilian agencies,
it is recommended that the word or words represented be written in full on the first appearance, followed by the appropriate abbreviation or acronym in brackets (i.e. "National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ)"). Acronyms are written in capital letters without spaces or punctuation. The use of abbreviations that are in common international use (e.g. m, ft, k, etc.) is recommended.