What does "SLANT" in SLANT report mean?

COL Thomas Ficarra — Thu, 27 May 2021 12:42:30 -0400

Back in my Mech Engineer days, we used SLANT reports to help keep Commander's up-to-date on the status of people and equipment. SLANT reports can be found in FM 6-99 U.S. ARMY REPORT AND MESSAGE FORMATS, pg A-193. My questions is, what does "SLANT" mean? Is it an acronym, or does it just reference the slashes "/" that are found to separate MC/FMC and/or Auth/OH? One of the many mysteries in the military. Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate, CAC is the proponent of this reg.

Response by 2LT Brian L. made May 27 at 2021 1:13 PM

2LT Brian L. — Thu, 27 May 2021 13:13:33 -0400

Awesome question sir... I've heard it so many times but never processed what it could mean. Typical Army life

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made May 27 at 2021 1:16 PM

SMSgt Bob W. — Thu, 27 May 2021 13:16:09 -0400

I don't believe the Army knows either. They don't spell it out in any of the regs regarding the report.

Response by COL Thomas Ficarra made May 27 at 2021 1:36 PM

COL Thomas Ficarra — Thu, 27 May 2021 13:36:31 -0400

Well, CAC came through pretty quickly. If I was reading the updated May 2021 version of FM 6-99, I would have known that SLANT means, "size, location, activity, number of troops (friendly)" via Table A-130. I was looking at the Aug 2013 version due to my googling efforts. Google just gave me the first thing it found. I should have cross-referenced Army Pubs to see if there was an updated book. I own that one. Lesson learned and info found. Now we know, and knowing is half the battle - Yo Joe!

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made May 27 at 2021 2:29 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Thu, 27 May 2021 14:29:21 -0400

LANT is short for the Atlantic, like COMSUBLANT.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2021 10:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 May 2021 22:53:42 -0400

I’ve been told it stands for the ‘/‘s between each item in the report. I.e. 3 males/3 females/3 children/3 vehicles