What is 'Tactical' ?

Ive noticed that a lot of things are called 'tactical' these days.
I've even seen tactical coffee mugs. Can you tell me: What is the definition of 'tactical'?

The TCM (Tactical Coffee Mug), shatterproof, black, and now with crenalations to bash the unruliest of Starbuck's employees, and a tritium glow strip so you can pour yourself a cup a joe in a "lights out" situation. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

On some items I can understand the use of the word, on others it seems like a way to make an item seem butch such as Tactical Waistpack versus Fanny Pack.

To me, the term "Tactical" is starting to feel the way "Extreme" did a couple of years ago. HAHA

I would think that tactical would have a strictly military connotation. Using it like that, I would assume that any "tactical" survival gear would be rugged, natural colored, and, most importantly, stand up to a good thrashing.
I feel too that it is WAY overused. I came across a "tactical whistle" once. Now, explain to me what is so tactical about a loud, shrieking object, used to let others know where you are?

"tactical gear"= any gear made in green, tan, brown or Camo <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

That is the way it seems nowadays anyway!

re, tactical whistles

Signalling, just like a bugler or drummer. Can't jam it, can't run out of batteries, and no line of sight needed.

It has largely degenerated into a marketing buzzword, the same way "pioneer" or "frontier" seems to have done in the 50s and 60s. Saving your cereal boxes for coon skin caps anyone?

'Tactical' is a marketing buzzword that has become pretty meaningless, unless "kind of military in appearance" counts for you.

In military parlance, "tactics" involves small-scale operational planning--what a small group of troops can accomplish in the field. This is opposed to "stragegy" which is a more theoretical large scale form of planning.

I've heard it described this way: "Tactics is what you do when there is something to do. Strategy is what you do when there is nothing to do."

To me "Tactical" means efficeint in it's intended uses and scary looking while it's doing it.

I agree with oldsolider, tactical gear is something you take into a combat situation where you need quick access to, grenades, extra magazines, and minor first aid. Granted to be truthful I’ am no solider but I have trained in tactical gear an own it, it something you take when you go into a fight.

"Tactical" concerns the short term and an immediate area, "strategic" concerns the long range and broad scope of the subject(s) being discussed.

Tactical originally meant "General Quarters, General Quarters, All Hands, Man Your Battle Stations. I Say Again, Man Your Battle Stations. This Is Not A Drill! "Action Stations" for Brits, if I remember correctly.

Tactical means that combat is imminent, & you must use tactics to prevail.

Black gear is the most high evil tactical gear!

you forgot black

Going back to basics, Webster defines tactical as:

1 : of or relating to combat tactics : as a (1) : of or occurring at the battlefront <a tactical defense> <a tactical first strike> (2) : using or being weapons or forces employed at the battlefront <tactical missiles> b of an air force : of, relating to, or designed for air attack in close support of friendly ground forces
2 a : of or relating to tactics : as (1) : of or relating to small-scale actions serving a larger purpose (2) : made or carried out with only a limited or immediate end in view b : adroit in planning or maneuvering to accomplish a purpose

But I agree that these days it is mainly a marketing ploy...

Tactical is a buzz word that has become popular in the last 4 or 5 years to market everything from Guns to knives, flashlights, bags, boots, you name it. In my honest opinion "The word has lost all meaning".
If you like the product and are in the market for one, then buy it. Just don't brag that it is Tactical or guys like me with think you are an idiot.

We use these definitions:


1. of or pertaining to tactics, esp. military or naval tactics.
2. characterized by skillful tactics or adroit maneuvering or procedure: tactical movements.
3. of or pertaining to a maneuver or plan of action designed as an expedient toward gaining a desired end or temporary advantage.
4. expedient; calculated.

But as far as our trackers Tactical means tracking someone that may not want to be found.