broken arrow
"Broken arrow" has significant meanings in both military contexts and Native American culture, ranging from critical incidents to symbols of peace.
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Definition
C1Military
(technical)A code phrase indicating an accidental event involving nuclear weapons or components that does not create the risk of nuclear war.
Example
- The military immediately responded to the broken arrow alert to secure the compromised nuclear materials.
C1Military
(historical)A code phrase used to signal that a ground unit is in imminent danger and requires immediate air support from all available aircraft.
Example
- During the Battle of Ia Drang, the commander called a broken arrow to request urgent air support.
B2Native American Culture
(symbolic)A symbol representing peace or the resolution of a conflict.
Example
- The tribe presented a broken arrow as a gesture of peace to their former adversaries.