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Appendices

A1 – Glossary of Terms

Term Definition
AO (Area of Operations) The defined geographical area where a unit conducts operations.
Briefing Overlay A transparent image layer placed over a base map, showing military graphics, routes, or objectives.
FASCAM (Family of Scatterable Mines) Artillery delivered or air dropped minefields used to disrupt or deny enemy movement.
FSCL (Fire Support Coordination Line) A control measure used to coordinate joint fires across unit boundaries.
FSCC (Fire Support Coordination Center) The staff section responsible for managing indirect fire assets.
Kill Zone An area designated to concentrate firepower to destroy an enemy force.
Overlay A graphical representation of military plans placed over a base map.
SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) A standard method used by units to carry out specific tasks or operations.
Staff TOC (Tactical Operations Center) The central location where commanders and staff plan and monitor operations.
TOC (Tactical Operations Center) The main command post from which a unit conducts planning and coordination.
Unit Dashboard The interface panel in the game that shows status, orders, and details for a selected unit.

A2 – Acronyms and Abbreviations for Overlay Tools

General PowerPoint Terms*

Abbreviation Meaning
PPT PowerPoint (file or software)
PPTX PowerPoint XML file format (modern format)
SL Slide
MBR Master Background (base map or reference image)
ELT Element (graphic object such as a symbol, arrow, or text box)
GFX Graphics (a generic term for visual elements)
LYR Layer (grouped graphic elements, e.g., Fire Support Layer)
TOC Table of Contents
OVLY Overlay
TRSP Transparent (typically used when referring to saved PNG images)
SNIP Screenshot or Snipping Tool capture
HEX Hex Grid (e.g., 500m hexes overlay)
JPG / PNG Image file types used when exporting overlays

Military Overlay-Specific Abbreviations

Abbreviation Meaning
MCOO Modified Combined Obstacle Overlay
FDO Fire Support Overlay
INTEL Intelligence Overlay
ENG Engineer Operations Overlay
C2 Command and Control Layer
SUST Sustainment Layer
ADA Air Defense Artillery (used for threat rings or zones)
FPF Final Protective Fire
AOA Area of Operations Overlay
AO Area of Operations
OBJ Objective
AA Assembly Area or Axis of Advance (context dependent)
PL Phase Line
NAI / TAI Named Area of Interest / Targeted Area of Interest
HLZ / LZ / PZ Helicopter Landing Zone / Landing Zone / Pickup Zone
SEAD Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses
FASCAM Family of Scatterable Mines (used as a symbol)
SITEMP Situational Template
COA Course of Action
SOP Standard Operating Procedure

PowerPoint Design/Editing Tools

Abbreviation Meaning
SHP Shape (e.g., line, arrow, rectangle)
TXT Text Box
GRP Grouped Objects
ALN Alignment Tools
FRM Format Pane or Frame
ZM Zoom (e.g., "ZM to 150% for fine edits")
CNVRT Convert (e.g., "Convert SHP to PNG")
EXP Export (e.g., "EXP OVLY as PNG")
BRG Bring to Front / Send to Back (layer ordering)

Export & Naming Conventions (for FCCW or similar games)

Abbreviation Meaning
briefingoverlaymap~side0.png Player 1's map overlay image
briefingoverlaymap~side1.png Player 2's map overlay image
threatoverlaymap~side0.png Enemy threat layer (e.g., SAM belts)
movementoverlay~side0.png Suggested movement routes
firesupportoverlay~side0.png Artillery fire plans

A2.2 Paint.NET Tools and Features

Abbreviation Meaning
PDN Paint.NET (file extension: .pdn)
LYR Layer (stacked editable objects in Paint.NET)
TBN Toolbox Navigator (Tools palette on the left)
SEL Selection Tool (e.g., rectangle select, lasso)
TXT Text Tool
MVE Move Selected Pixels Tool
CLR Color Picker Tool
BRSH Brush Tool
ZM Zoom Tool
HIST History Panel (undo/redo log)
PAL Palette (color swatches at lower left)
WSP Workspace (the canvas area)

File and Export Terms

Abbreviation Meaning
PNG Portable Network Graphic (supports transparency—ideal for overlays)
JPG / JPEG Compressed image (no transparency—use only for full maps or screenshots)
TRSP Transparent (used when saving overlays without a background)
FLATTEN Merging all layers into one image before export
SNAP Screenshot or snip (using Snipping Tool or Snip & Sketch)
OVLY Overlay (generic term for your graphic layer)
BASE Base Map Layer (often bottom layer in overlay stack)

Military Overlay Design Tools

Abbreviation Meaning
GFX Graphic Element (unit symbol, arrow, text box)
SYM Symbol (e.g., NATO icon or tactical marking)
OBJ Objective Marker
AA / HLZ / LZ Assembly Area / Helicopter Landing Zone / Landing Zone
AO / PL Area of Operations / Phase Line
ZOI Zone of Interest
FPF / TRP Final Protective Fire / Target Reference Point
NAI / TAI Named Area of Interest / Targeted Area of Interest
FASCAM Family of Scatterable Mines
SAM RING Enemy ADA Threat Ring
GRID Hex Grid overlay (e.g., 500m spacing)

Workflow and Editing Shorthand

Abbreviation Meaning
ALN Align (manually align layers or graphics)
DPL Duplicate Layer
HIDE Hide/Show Layer for easier editing
GRP Group (not natively supported, simulated with layer merging or multi-selection movement)
SML Smudge Tool (plugin — optional)
FX Effects (e.g., glow, blur, outline)
PNGTRSP PNG file with transparent background
SAVE FLAT Save a flattened version (used for map screenshots)
CTRL+Z Undo (standard shortcut, useful in tutorials)

This appendix lists key reference documents, websites, and tools that support the creation of overlays, symbol usage, and tutorial design for new players. These resources help create realistic military graphics and align with Cold War-era doctrinal standards.

Symbol Creation and Reference Tools

  • NATO Joint Military Symbology Tool (Symbol.Army) – https://www.symbol.army

  • NATOAPP6 Symbol Generator – https://natoapp6.org/

  • Wikipedia: NATO Joint Military Symbology – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO_Joint_Military_Symbology

Graphic Resources

  • Military Graphics – https://www.militarygraphics.com/

  • Flaticon (for vector-style icons) – https://www.flaticon.com

  • Game Icons (for generic tactical symbols) – https://game-icons.net/

Map and Image Editing Tools

  • Paint.NET – https://www.getpaint.net/

  • Corel PaintShop Pro – https://www.paintshoppro.com/

  • GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) – https://www.gimp.org/

Microsoft PowerPoint Tutorials and Guides

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Support – https://support.microsoft.com/powerpoint

  • YouTube: PowerPoint for Military Graphics (various creators)

  • Templates and Tutorials (search: 'Military PowerPoint Overlay Templates')

Doctrinal and Military Manuals

  • U.S. Army Field Manuals (Public Domain) – https://armypubs.army.mil/

  • NATO Standardization Office – https://nso.nato.int/

  • FM 101-5-1 (Operational Terms and Graphics)

A4 – Types of Overlay Graphics

A4.1 Tactical Mission Graphics

  • Attack arrows (e.g., Fix, Destroy, Exploit)

  • Axis of advance

  • Bounding overwatch lines

  • Block, contain, transparent, and secure symbols

  • Defense areas and sectors

  • Fire support by fire (SBF) positions

  • Ambush, breach, and raid symbols

A4.2 Graphic Control Measures (GCM)

  • Phase Line (PL)

  • Boundary Line (Unit or Area)

  • Limit of Advance (LOA)

  • Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT)

  • Line of Departure (LD)

  • Line of Contact (LC)

  • Assembly Area (AA)

  • Battle Position (BP)

  • Attack Position (ATK POS)

  • Release Point (RP)

  • Passage Point (PP)

  • Checkpoint (CP), Contact Point, Start Point (SP)

  • Named Area of Interest (NAI), Targeted Area of Interest (TAI)

  • Engagement Area (EA)

  • Strong Point or Outpost

A4.3 Fire Support and Effects Symbols

  • Target Reference Point (TRP)

  • Fire Support Coordination Line (FSCL)

  • Fire Support Area (FSA) / Fire Support Zone (FSZ)

  • No Fire Area (NFA)

  • Restricted Fire Area (RFA)

  • Final Protective Fire (FPF)

  • Pre-Planned Fire (PPF) impact box

  • Artillery concentration symbols

  • Mortar firing points

  • Illumination area

  • FASCAM (scatterable minefield) area

A4.4 Obstacles and Engineer Graphics

  • Minefields (conventional, scatterable, dummy)

  • Obstacle belts (simple or complex)

  • Demolition symbols (e.g., blown bridge, crater)

  • Gap crossing sites

  • Breach point and lanes

  • Mobility corridor or restricted terrain zone

A4.5 Intelligence and Surveillance Graphics

  • Named Areas of Interest (NAI)

  • Targeted Areas of Interest (TAI)

  • Observation posts (OP)

  • Reconnaissance zones or objectives

  • Sensor placement areas

A4.6 Aviation Control Graphics

  • Air Control Points (ACP)

  • Holding Area (HA)

  • Landing Zone (LZ) / Pickup Zone (PZ)

  • Air Route or Corridor

  • Restricted Operations Zone (ROZ)

  • Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP)

A4.A Friendly Military Symbols Quick Reference

This appendix provides a visual reference for commonly used friendly units, equipment, and support symbols. These icons align with the NATO APP-6 standard and U.S. FM 1-02.1. Refer to this chart when building overlays in PowerPoint or Paint.NET to ensure standardization and readability.

A visual reference to unit and equipment symbols for use in military overlays, consistent with NATO APP-6 and FM 1-02.1 standards.

A5– Searching Unit Symbols on Military Symbol Generator

A5.1 Overview

This section provides a step-by-step guide on how to use the Military Symbol Generator website to search for and build military unit symbols. It includes search tips, symbol construction inputs, and export instructions to help create standardized overlay graphics.

  • Go to the Military Symbol Generator website.

  • Locate the search bar at the top of the screen (refer to Figure A5.2.1)

  • Entry keywords such as Infantry (see A5.7 for a list of search terms)

  • Try different combinations or partial terms to broaden results if needed.

A5.3 Filtering and Selecting Symbols

  • Use the filter panel or dropdown options to narrow results by:

  • Echelon (e.g., Company, Battalion, Brigade)

  • Function (e.g., Infantry, Engineers, Armor)

  • Affiliation (3g., Friendly, Hostile, Unknown)

  • Click on a search result to view the full symbol preview.

Example

Search for a Tank Battalion (Friendly) symbol and select the correct entry.

A5.4 Building a Custom Symbol

  • Use the symbol editor/builder to construct a custom unit symbol.

  • Enter the following:

  • Echelon: Battalion, Company, etc.

  • Function: Mechanized Infantry, Armor, etc.

  • Affiliation: Friendly, Hostile, Unknown

  • Modifiers: Add as needed for specialization (e.g., reconnaissance, airborne)

A5.5 Exporting or Downloading the Symbol

  • Once your symbol is complete, click the export/download button.

  • Choose a file format: PNG or SVG are the most common for overlays.

  • Save the file to your scenario folder or graphic library.

  • You can import the symbol directly into PowerPoint or Paint.NET as needed.

A5.6 Quick Tips

  • Use clear, specific keywords in the search bar.

  • Save frequently used symbols in a dedicated folder for easy access.

  • Combine filters and search terms to refine results

  • Use high-resolution exports for clean overlays

A5.7 Search Terms by Unit Types

General Search Tips:

Use singular nouns: e.g.,” infantry” instead of “infantries”

Try role-based terms: e.g., “engineer”, “artillery”, “reconnaissance”

Add “unit” or “symbol” only if you're getting too many unrelated results

Avoid overly generic terms like “military” or “army” – the site already filters for military graphics

A5.7.1 Infantry and Ground Forces

  • Infantry

  • Mechanized

  • Airborne

  • Air Assault

  • Light Infantry

  • Rifle

  • Special Forces

A5.7.2 Armor and Cavalry

  • Armor

  • Tank

  • Armored Reconnaissance

  • Cavalry

  • MBT (Main Battle Tank)

A5.7.3 Artillery

  • Artillery

  • Self-Propelled

  • Rocket Artillery

  • Mortar

  • MLRS

  • Howitzer

A5.7.4 Engineer and Support

  • Engineer

  • Combat Engineer

  • Bridging

  • Construction

  • Maintenance

  • Supply

A5.7.5 Reconnaissance and Intel

  • Recon

  • Reconnaissance

  • UAV

  • Intelligence

  • Surveillance

A5.7.6 Air Force and Aviation

  • Attack Helicopter

  • Fighter

  • Bomber

  • Transport

  • UAV

  • Rotary

  • Fixed Wing

A5.7.7 Command and Headquarters

  • Headquarters

  • Command Post

  • Battalion HQ

  • Company HQ

A5.7.8 NBC

  • NBC

  • CBRN

  • Nuclear

  • Decontamination

A5.7.9 Examples of Complex or Composite Searches

  • Mechanized Infantry

  • Anti-Tank Company

  • Engineer Platoon

  • Artillery Battery

  • Airborne Battalion

A6 – PowerPoint Shortcut Keys

A6.1 General File & Application Commands

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + N New presentation
Ctrl + O Open presentation
Ctrl + S Save presentation
Ctrl + P Print
Ctrl + W / Ctrl + F4 Close presentation
Ctrl + Z Undo
Ctrl + Y Redo
Ctrl + C Copy
Ctrl + X Cut
Ctrl + V Paste
Ctrl + A Select All

A6.2 Slide Navigation & Management

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + M New slide
Ctrl + D Duplicate slide
Ctrl + Up / Down Move slide up or down in the order
Ctrl + Shift + Up / Down Move selected slide to top or bottom
Delete Delete selected slide

A6.3 Text Formatting

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + B Bold
Ctrl + I Italic
Ctrl + U Underline
Ctrl + E Center align
Ctrl + L Left align
Ctrl + R Right align
Ctrl + T Open Font dialog

A6.4 Presentation View & Control

Shortcut Action
F5 Start the presentation from the beginning
Shift + F5 Start the presentation from the current slide
Esc End presentation
Right Arrow / N / Space Next slide
Left Arrow / P / Backspace Previous slide
B Black screen on/off
W White screen on/off

A6.5 Object Manipulation

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + G Group selected objects
Ctrl + Shift + G Ungroup objects
Ctrl + K Insert hyperlink
Ctrl + Shift + C Copy formatting
Ctrl + Shift + V Paste formatting
Shift + Drag Constrain movement to horizontal or vertical
Ctrl + Drag Duplicate object while dragging

A6.6 View & Zoom

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + Mouse Wheel Zoom in/out
Alt + F5 Presenter View
Ctrl + F1 Show/hide Ribbon

A7 – Paint.NET Shortcut Keys

A7.1 General File & Application Commands

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + N New file
Ctrl + O Open file
Ctrl + S Save file
Ctrl + Shift + S Save As
Ctrl + P Print
Alt + F4 Close Paint.NET
Ctrl + Z Undo
Ctrl + Y Redo
Ctrl + A Select All
Ctrl + D Deselect

A7.2 Tools Selection

Shortcut Action
T Text Tool
M Move Selected Pixels Tool
S Magic Wand Tool
R Rectangle Select Tool
L Lasso Select Tool
Q Ellipse Select Tool
B Paintbrush Tool
P Pencil Tool
E Eraser Tool
G Gradient Tool
F Paint Bucket Tool (Fill)
C Clone Stamp Tool
K Color Picker Tool
Z Zoom Tool
H Pan Tool

A7.3 Layer Commands

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + Shift + N New Layer
Ctrl + Shift + D Duplicate Layer
Ctrl + Shift + Delete Delete Layer
Ctrl + M Merge Layer Down
Ctrl + Up / Down Move Layer Up / Down

A7.4 View & Navigation

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + Plus (+) Zoom In
Ctrl + Minus (-) Zoom Out
Ctrl + 0 Actual Size (100%)
F11 Full Screen
Ctrl + Shift + A View Layer Properties

A7.5 Edit Commands

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + X Cut
Ctrl + C Copy
Ctrl + V Paste
Ctrl + Shift + V Paste into New Layer
Delete Delete selection
Ctrl + I Invert selection
Ctrl + Shift + I Invert colors

A7.6 Shapes & Drawing

Shortcut Action
Shift (hold while drawing) Constrain proportions (circle, square)
Ctrl (hold while drawing) Draw from the center

A7.7 Color & Brush

Shortcut Action
X Swap primary and secondary colors
D Reset colors to black and white
Ctrl + Shift + C Show Color Palette

A7.8 Other Useful Keys

Shortcut Action
Ctrl + R Show/Hide Rulers
F8 Show/Hide Tools Window
F9 Show/Hide History Window
F10 Show/Hide Layers Window
Ctrl + Shift + X Toggle Canvas Size

A8 – Troubleshooting Common Overlay Issues

  • Exported Overlay Image Looks Blurry

  • Cause: PowerPoint exports images at 96 DPI by default.

  • Fix: Use a higher DPI setting (see Section 2.2.5). Resize the slide to match the base map’s resolution (see Section 2.2.6)

  • Transparency Is Not Preserved

  • Cause: Exported image was saved as JPEG instead of PNG.

  • Fix: Always export overlays as PNG files (see Section 2.6.3). Double-check that the map layer is hidden before exporting.

  • Overlay Graphics Are Misaligned with the Map

  • Cause: Slide dimensions or map scaling don’t match.

  • Fix: Match the PowerPoint slide size to the pixel dimensions of the base map (see Section 2.2.6.2). Lock the base map in place to prevent accidental shifting (see Section 2.3.3.4).

  • Objects Shift or Disappear After Grouping

  • Cause: Improper grouping of transparent and non-transparent elements.

  • Fix: Use the Selection Pane to verify object layers (see Section 2.5.2). Avoid grouping the map image with overlay elements.

  • Paint.NET Layers Aren’t Exporting as Transparent

  • Cause: The Base map layer is not hidden before export.

  • Fix: Uncheck the visibility icon for the base map layer. Ensure the export format is PNG.

  • Overlay File Won’t Load into Game Editor

  • Cause: The File type or naming format is incorrect.

  • Fix: Use consistent naming conventions (see Appendix A9). Make sure the file extension is .png, not .jpeg or .pptx.

A9 – File Naming Standards & Folder Organization Tips

Consistent file naming and organized folder structures help streamline your workflow, especially when managing multiple overlays, mission graphics, and source files across various tools, such as PowerPoint, Paint.NET, and scenario editors.

Recommended File Naming Conventions

Use clear, descriptive filenames with prefixes or numbering to keep overlays grouped and ordered. Avoid spaces and special characters.

Examples:

  • 01_Maneuver_Overlay.png

  • 02_Fires_Overlay.png

  • 03_Engineer_Overlay.png

  • 04_Intel_Overlay.png

Note

  • Use leading zeros (e.g., 01, 02) to keep files sorted correctly.

  • Include versioning if needed (e.g., Overlay_01_v2.png).

  • Use underscores (_) instead of spaces for cross-platform compatibility.

Suggested Folder Structure

Organize files into clearly labeled folders to separate base maps, overlay layers, exports, and references.

Example structure:

  • /Overlays

  • /Basemaps

  • /OverlayGraphics

  • /Exports

  • /references

Best Practices:

  • Keep the original editable files (PPTX, PDN) in a safe folder.

  • Export final graphics to a dedicated Exports folder.

  • Create separate folders for each mission or scenario if working on multiple projects.