WIA
Military abbreviation · Military Term
| Stands for | Wounded in action |
|---|---|
| Categories | Military |
WIA stands for Wounded in action, a military term abbreviation.
Casualty category for service members injured by an enemy or hostile act seriously enough to require medical treatment by a medical officer. Being recorded as WIA generally qualifies a service member for the Purple Heart.
Example: The company reported two WIA after the mortar attack, both evacuated to the field hospital.
Usage notes
Casualty reports often summarize losses as "KIA/WIA" counts. Traumatic brain injuries from blasts, once overlooked, are now recognized as wounds when they meet medical criteria. Non-hostile injuries, such as vehicle accidents, are reported as non-battle injuries instead.
Related abbreviations
More military term abbreviations
- AAFES – Army and Air Force Exchange Service
- AAR – After action review
- ABU – Airman Battle Uniform
- ACFT – Army Combat Fitness Test
- ACU – Army Combat Uniform
- AD – Active duty
- AFQT – Armed Forces Qualification Test
- AFSC – Air Force Specialty Code
- AFT – Army Fitness Test
- AGR – Active Guard Reserve
- AIT – Advanced Individual Training
- AO – Area of operations