Action Figure Glossary

Action figure and military terminology explained


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1/6 Scale
Scale ratios are used to describe the size of an action figure, piece of equipment, or vehicle in relation to its real life counterpart. Thus, a 1/6 scale action figure measuring twelve inches would be six feet tall in real life.
21C
Abbreviation of 21st Century Toys, a California-based toy company specializing in collectable military, law enforcement, and public safety action figures with highly detailed uniforms and equipment. 21C entered the action figure market in 1997 with a series of 1/6 scale Vietnam-era military uniform sets and modern-era military vehicles. Since then, 21C has expanded its product line to include World War II, law enforcement, public safety, and a villains series. More detailed than Hasbro's GI Joe line and cheaper and more durable than the 1/6 scale models marketed to adult collectors, 21C stikes a good balance between playability and accurate detail.
AA
Abbreviation of African-American. 21C has released AA versions of both the original SAM and the new SS figures. Currently, AA versions exist for the carded Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine figures (both the PT uniform and BDU sets), Special Forces Combat Set, Toys to Go Exclusive Desert Storm, MAC-V Spec OPS Grp, WWII Dispatch Rider and Motorcycle, Cavalry Scout and Motorcycle, boxed fireman and Urban Firefighter, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Set.
Articulation
The movable joints on an action figure, such as at the knees, elbows, and shoulder, that approximate the range of motion of the human body. For illustration of the articulation offered by different 21C figures, visit the figure study page. For a useful comparison of the articulation offered by various action figure brands, check out the Das Reich Body Study web site.
Babyface
Nickname for the youthful-looking headsculpt used on the first generation SAM figures.
BBI
Abbreviation of Blue Box International, a 1/6 scale action figure manufacturer.
BDU
Acronym for Battle Dress Uniform. BDUs are worn by U.S. military personnel during training and combat.
Blister Card
A type of product packaging with a clear plastic front and a hard cardboard backing. Most 21C uniform, equipment, and weapon sets, and some figures are packaged on blister cards.
BOB
Acronym for Battle of the Bulge. Officially known as the Ardennes Offensive. German WWII surprise counteroffensive through the rugged, forested Ardennes region of Belium and Luxembourg in December, 1944. 21C has released the following BOB-era products: a U.S. 4th Armored Division boxed figure, a German Elite Soldier boxed figure, and a Panzer Commander boxed figure and uniform set.
Boxed
Term used to describe an item packaged inside a box.
C-Scale
Collectible toys and figures are commonly graded using a condition scale which runs from 1-10 (with 10 being the best condition possible). Although grading is highly subjective, the following values should give you a rough idea: C10  = mint, factory fresh, unused  C9  = near mint, very minor imperfection  C8  = very good, minor wear, no broken or missing parts  C7  = good, noticeable wear but no broken parts, may be missing accessories  C6  = fair, significant wear, may have some broken parts  C5  = poor condition with heavy wear, broken parts impair function  C4-C1  = very poor, badly damaged, useful only for parts.
CA
Abbreviation of Caucasian.
Camo
Abbreviation of  Camouflage. In military science, camouflage is the art of concealment and visual deception. It is the means of defeating enemy observation by hiding or disguising personnel, installations, equipment, and activities. This is often accomplished through the application of paint, nets, or foliage that imitates the natural surroundings.
Carded
Term used to describe an item packaged on a blister card.
CCT
Acronym for Combat Control Team. Air Force ground combat forces responsible for air traffic control, fire support, and command and control communications. For its Modern line, 21C has released a USAF Combat Controller boxed figure, a U.S. Air Force C.C.T. uniform set, and a Combat Controller basic boxed set.
Coffin Box
A 12" tall rectangular box that is just wide enough to fit one action figure (also called a Mailer). 21C has used coffin boxes for convention, fan club, and store exclusives, sometimes with full-color graphics and sometimes in just a plain white box.
Cots
Abbreviation of  Cotswold Collectibles, a 1/6 scale action figure manufacturer.
CQB
Abbreviation of Close Quarters Battle. Combat techniques and tactics designed for close range encounters in confined spaces. For its Modern line, 21C has released a Delta Force Close Quarters Battle boxed set and a U.S. Special Forces C.Q.B. uniform set.
DAK
Acronym for Deutsches Afrika Korps. German WWII armored divisions operating in North Africa against the British and later Anglo-American forces during 1941-1943. Commanded by major general (later field marshall) Erwin Rommell, the DAK became legendary for its aggressive, audacious tactics and mastery of desert warfare. 21C has released two DAK boxed figures (Erwin Romell, Afrika Korps Infantry), an Afrika Korps Infantry uniform set, and several DAK vehicles (Afrika Korps Motorcycle with Rider and Sidecar, DAK Kubelwagen, DAK Schwimmwagen, desert tan Kettenkrad).
Deadhead
Derrogatory nickname for certain 21C headsculpts that have a zombie-like appearance because of their vacant facial expressions and an overapplication of paint around the eyes and nose. This was a particular problem with the carded figures released in 1999 after the original babyface headsculpts.
Delta Force
Abbreviation of 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (SFOD-D), the U.S. military's elite counter-terrorist detachment specializing in overseas hostage rescue, barricade operations, and specialized reconnaissance. For its modern line, 21C has released a Delta Force Close Quarters Battle boxed figure set.
DML
Abbreviation of  Dragon Models Limited, a 1/6 scale action figure manufacturer.
Door Box
A type of packaging for boxed figures with a outer flap that opens like a door to reveal the figure inside a plastic window. Usually the exterior of the box contains a full-color illustration and the inside of the flap contains historical or biographic information about the product. Most 21C boxed figures are packaged in door boxes.
Exclusive
An item which is available only from a particular retailer, event, or club. For example, the 21C Pacific Jungle Outpost set was sold only at JCPenny stores. Some items begin as an exclusive but are later carried by other retailers. For example, the 21C British Paratrooper boxed figure was initailly a Target exclusive but was later carried by KB Toys.
Fallschirmjager
Elite WWII German paratrooper units. 21C has released three Fallschirmjager boxed figures (Fallschirmjager German Paratrooper, Fallschirmjager Officer Monte Cassino, and Fallschirmjager Gran Sasso), and three uniform sets (German Paratrooper, German Officer Cassino, and Fallschirmjager Gran Sasso).
Gurkha
Mercenary soldiers from the mountains of Nepal known for their fighting skill, bravery, and loyalty. Initially recruited by the British to strengthen British colonial rule in India, Gurkha soldiers later fought with great distinction alongside British and Indian troops during the two world wars and still serve in the British army today. 21C has released a 9th Gurkha Rifles boxed figure and uniform set for its World War II line.
HALO
Acronym for High Altitude Low Opening. Type of free fall military parachuting that entails exiting an airlift aircraft at high altitudes (up to 35,000 feet) and free falling to a low altitude (about 2,500 feet) before deploying the canopy. The high altitude jump makes the airlift aircraft harder to shoot down and the low opening reduces the jumper's exposure to enemy observation and ground fire. For its modern line, 21C has released a Special Forces HALO boxed figure and uniform set.
Headsculpt
The head, face, and hair design used on a particular action figure. Note that some  21C headsculpts are unique to just one figure while others have been used for several different figures.
IH
Acronym for Interchangeable Head, a feature of the 21C new style blister carded figure. Figures in this budget-priced series have a redesigned neck post which offers restricted articulation (head tilts up and down but not side to side) but allows the heads to be easily removed and swapped with other heads of the same series. (Note that the IH neck posts and heads are not compatible with any older SAM or SS figures or heads.) In addition, the figure has new GI Joe-style hands with bendable fingers which are interchangeable with older style hands.
KB
Abbreviation of KB Toys, a U.S. based retail chain.
Kettenkrad
German for tracked motorcycle. Name of a German WWII motorcycle tractor used for transporting small loads over rough terrain. 21C has released a 1/6 scale kettenkrad in grey and desert tan.
Kitbashing
The practice of creating a new action figure using uniforms, weapons, and equipment from several different sets.
Kubelwagen
German WWII light utility vehicle. This military version of the civilian volkswagen was widely used on all fronts in reconnaissance and liaison roles. 21C has released a 1/6 scale kubelwagen in grey and desert tan with DAK markings.
Loose
A term used to describe product that is no longer in its original packaging.
LPOP
Acronym for Listening Post Observation Post. A two- or three-man position set up at night outside the perimeter away from the main body of troopers, serving as an early warning system against enemy attack. 21C has released an LPOP equipment set for its Vietnam line.
LRRP
Acronym for Long Range Recon Patrol. Small reconnaissance units trained in artillery spotting, intelligence gathering, forward air control, and bomb damage assessments. Although LRRP teams generally avoid direct enemy contact, they are also sometimes used for combat patrols, conducting ambushes, and prisoner snatches. 21C has released a U.S. Army Long Range Recon Patrol uniform set for its Vietnam line.
MACV
Acronym for Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. The main American military command unit in Vietnam which, from 1962 to 1973, controlled all U.S. military operations, commanded all army elements, managed military assistance and advisory efforts, coordinated U.S. intelligence operations, advised the U.S. ambassador to South Vietnam, and oversaw the many allied units and agencies in Vietnam.
MIB
Abbreviation of Mint In Box. Grading term used to describe a mint condition product still packaged in its original box.
Mike Force
Nickname for Vietnam-era Mobile Strike Force battalions. Organized by the U.S. Special Forces and composed of both U.S. and indigenous troops (mostly Montagnard tribesman), Mike Force battalions were used as a reaction or reinforcing unit in the event of VC attacks on isolated camps. For its Vietnam line, 21C has released a US Special Forces Mike Force boxed figure and uniform set.
MIMB
Abbreviation of Mint In Mint Box. Grading term used to describe a mint condition product still packaged in its original box, also in mint condition.
Mint
Grading term used to describe product that is in perfect, factory-fresh condition without any noticeable imperfections or wear.
MOC
Abbreviation of Mint On Card. Grading term used to describe a mint condition product still packaged on its original blister card.
Molotov cocktail
Crude incendiary weapon usually consisting of a bottle filled with flammable liquid such as gasoline or alcohol, an airtight stopper, and a flammable rag. When thrown, the glass shatters, spreading the flammable liquid on the target. Very effective against light, gasoline -fueled tanks. First used in the 1936-39 Spanish civil War. Named by Finnish troops after a Soviet politician who, as the USSR was invading Finland during WW2, claimed that his country was not dropping bombs, but rather delivering food to the starving Finns.
MOMC
Abbreviation of Mint On Mint Card. Grading term used to describe a mint condition product still packaged on its original blister card, also in mint condition.
MOPP
Acronym for Mission Oriented Protective Posture. MOPP gear is the protective clothing and equipment worn by forces to protect against possible exposure to chemical or biological agents while preserving mission capability. 21C has released a MOPP uniform set for its modern line.
NRFB
Abbreviation of Never Removed From Box. Grading term used to describe a boxed product that has never been removed from its original packaging.
NRFC
Abbreviation of Never Removed From Card. Grading term used to describe a carded product that has never been removed from its original packaging.
OD
Abbreviation of Olive Drab, a dull yellowish green color often used for military uniforms, equipment, and vehicles because of its camouflage properties.
OMG
Acronym for Operation Market Garden. WWII Allied operation in Belgium and the Netherlands designed to establish a bridgehead across the lower Rhine into Germany. According to plan, airborne troops were to seize and hold bridges across eight water barriers until reinforced by an advancing overland force. For its WWII line, 21c has released a 101st Airborne Operation Market Garden boxed figure and uniform set and a British Paratrooper boxed set and uniform set.
ORTP
Acronym for Oil Rig Terrorist Protection. One aspect of Navy SEAL training is the infiltration of offshore oilrig platforms in the event of a terrorist attack. SEAL training facilities have rooms that simulate an oilrig complete with pyrotechnic effects. 21C has released a modern Navy SEAL ORTP exclusive boxed figure for the FX 2000 Convention.
OT
Abbreviation of Off Topic. Used in message board postings to denote content that is not specifically related to the theme of the message board. For example, a posting about a video game in an action figure message board might have the title OT: new Allied Assault game released.
PT
Abbreviation of Physical Training. 21C has released modern carded figures dressed in PT uniforms for each of the four branches of the U.S. armed forces. These PT uniforms consist of shorts, T-shirt with service logo, watch cap, socks, and athletic shoes.
PBR
Acronym for Patrol Boat, River. Fast, light, and heavily armed, PBRs were developed by the United States in 1965 to patrol the inland waterways of Vietnam and deny the Viet Cong the opportunity to infiltrate and re-supply. 21C has released a P.B.R. Crewman exclusive boxed figure for the 1999 Intrepid Action Figure Convention.
QC
Abbreviation of Quality Control, a manufacturer's ability to maintain a certain standard of excellence in workmanship, design, and materials. Some common action figure QC issues include poorly painted headsculpts, uniforms that are frayed or made of inferior material, and missing or broken parts and accessories.
RTO
Acronym for Radio Telephone Operator, the soldier who carries and operates a portable fileld radio. 21C has released a Vietnam-era U.S. Army Radio Telephone Operator uniform set and a U.S. Modern R.T.O. uniform set.
The Sandbox
Nickname for the Usenet newsgroup devoted to GI Joe and other action figures located at alt.toys.gi-joe.
SAS
Acronym for Special Air Service. British special forces unit formed in 1941 to conduct reconnaissance and sabotage behind Axis lines in North Africa during WWII. During the 1991 Gulf War, SAS teams were inserted deep within Iraq to search for mobile SCUD missile launchers. For its Modern line, 21C has released an SAS Scud Hunter boxed figure and uniform set.
Schwimmwagen
German WWII amphibious, four-wheel drive utility vehicle. Used mainly by Waffen SS, Wehrmacht engineer, paratrooper, and other elite units for light reconnaissance and liaison missions. 21C has released a 1/6 scale schwimmwagen in bluish grey, camouflage, and desert tan with DAK markings.
SEAL
Acronym for SEa, Air, Land. Elite U.S. Navy special forces unit specializing in unconventional warfare, counter-guerilla warfare, and clandestine operations in maritime and riverine environments. For its Vietnam line, 21C has released a SEAL Stoner machine gun boxed figure and uniform set, a SEAL M-60 Machine Gunner boxed figure and uniform set, a SEAL (Recon) uniform set, and a Navy Seal Pointman boxed figure. For its Modern line, 21C has released a M151 A2 Special Operations Vehicle, a Navy SEAL Night OPS boxed figure and uniform set, a Navy SEAL Jungle OPS boxed figure and uniform set, a SEAL Team 5 VBSS boxed figure and uniform set, and a Navy SEALs mountain OPS boxed figure.
SCUD
Nickname for the Russian-made R-17, a mobile, short-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile. Made famous when Iraq launched nearly 90 SCUD missiles against Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf nations during the 1991 Gulf War. For its Modern line, 21C has released a British SAS SCUD Hunter boxed figure and uniform set.
SOG
Acronym for Studies and Observation Group. Secret all-volunteer special operations forces that carried out a covert paramilitary campaign against North Vietnam from 1964 to 1972. In its Vietnam line, 21C has released a MAC-V Spec Ops Grp and a MAC-V SOG Team Leader boxed figure set, a MAC-V SOG carded figure, a MAC-V SOG convention exclusive figure, and a MAC-V SOG "One Zero" Team Leader boxed figure.
SOTW
Abbreviation of Soldiers Of The World. Formative International's 1/6 scale line of action figures, uniform and equipment sets, and vehicles.
Spetznaz
Acronym from the Russian SPETZialnogo NAZnacheniya, meaning troops of special purpose. Elite Russian special operations forces. For its Modern line, 21C has released a Russian Spetznaz boxed figure, a Soviet Spetsnaz uniform set, and a Russian Spetznaz Sniper boxed figure and uniform set.
SS
Acronym for Super Soldier, the name of the 21C second generation body style that has improved articulation and can hold a more realistic pose than the original SAM body.
SSAM / SAM
Acronym for Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, the four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Nickname for all 21C action figures. Also used to refer to the 21C first generation, non-super soldier body style.
SWAT
Acronym for Special Weapons And Tactics. A specialized, highly trained unit of a local police department used to resolve extremely dangerous situations requiring tactics and weaponry not normally available to uniform patrol officers. Highly trained in handling crisis intervention by negotiation or, if necessary, assault. For its America's Finest line, 21C has released a SWAT Tactical Vehicle, a SWAT Commander boxed figure and uniform set, SWAT Motorcycle and rider, SWAT sharpshooter boxed figure and uniform set, SWAT Subdued Urban Camo boxed figure and uniform set, SWAT Urban Camo boxed figure and uniform set, SWAT Team Leader boxed figure and uniform set, SWAT Sheriff's Department boxed figure and uniform set, and a SWAT Team Pointman boxed figure and uniform set.
TOW
Acronym for Tube-launched, Optical, Wire-guided, the standard U.S.crew-portable or vehicle mounted anti-tank weapon. For its modern line, 21C has released a TOW Anti-Tank Weapon Set.
TRU
Abbreviation of Toys R Us, an international toy retail chain.
TUS
Abbreviation of The Ultimate Soldier, the brand name of 21C's 1/6 scale line of military action figures, equipment and weapon sets, and vehicles.
VBSS
Acronym for Visit, Board, Search, Seizure. Combat techniques and tactics designed for boarding and taking control of ships at sea. For its modern line, 21C has released a SEAL Team 5 VBSS boxed figure and uniform set.
Vinnie
Nickname given by Sandbox members to the Italian-American-looking headsculpt that first appeared on the Target Exclusive 82nd Airborne boxed figure and has since reappeared on the 3rd Infantry boxed figure, the 2nd Ranger Boxed figure, and on the carded WWII Army Ranger.
Wehrmacht
German for defensive force, the collective term for the German armed forces from 1938 to 1945, including the army (Heer), navy (Kriegsmarine), and airforce (Luftwaffe).
WAAC
Acronym for Women's Army Auxiliary Corps. Created during WW1 and reactivated again in WW2, the WAAC was an American organization of female volunteers designed to "free a man for combat." Serving in a variety of non-combat roles, these stenographers, motor pool drivers, mechanics, radio operators, and sheet metal workers helped alleiviate severe manpower shortages. In July 1943, the word Auxiliary was dropped and the WAC became part of the Army. For its WW2 line, 21C has released a WAAC boxed figure.
WSC
Abbreviation of White Scout Car. Manufactured by the White Motor Company, the M3A1 scout car was a fast, agile, light-armored scouting vehicle used by Allied forces mainly for reconnaissance and as a command vehicle. 21C has released a 1/6 scale M3 Scout Car for its WWII line.