Overview
These fields distinguish one military organization from every other organization, even when names, abbreviations, and designations changed over time.
How These Fields Work Together
Primary identity, ontology linkage, and canonical naming fields. They establish record identity but do not by themselves establish command relationships or lineage.
Each field answers a separate question. A value in one field must not be copied into another merely because the concepts are related. Open each field below for its full meaning, storage contract, allowed values, uncertainty rules, examples, and connections to the rest of the unit record.
Fields in This Category
Unit ID
The permanent record number used to keep this unit separate from every other unit in the guide.
Entity ID
The connection between the unit record and the broader record for the same real-world organization.
Official Unit Designation
The unit’s full official name or designation as supported by military records.
Unit Short Name
A shorter name, acronym, or familiar form veterans may recognize more quickly.