From Unmanned to Uncrewed: Moving away from gender-based terminology

May 10, 2021 - Defence Stories

This past year, the Joint Terminology Panel (JTP) took its first step towards moving the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) away from gender-based terminology.

The JTP is the review body for all operations-related terminology proposals.

The meeting, in partnership with Transport Canada, was called to review terminology associated with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). However, the meeting grew into a broader discussion about moving away from gender bias in terminology more generally. 

The word unmanned was identified as being gender-based and non-representative of all genders. Simply put, it is outdated in today’s context.

“While it wasn’t the intent of the meeting,” said Scott Van Will, Director Defence Information Management Planning, “we’re glad to have taken that very important first step away from gender-based terminology.”

As a result, the word unmanned has been changed to uncrewed, in respect to the autonomous and remotely operated vehicles.

The word unmanned is still used within the United Nations, but it is hoped that DND/CAF’s adoption of uncrewed will inspire other nations to do the same.

Inclusivity is a key aspect of Canada’s Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, and ADM(IM) is excited to continue working towards gender inclusive terminology.

The Defence Terminology Bank is the authoritative source for defence terminology in both official languages, with over 50,000 terms. Check out DTB today!

New non-gender-based terminology

uncrewed vehicle; UV
A self-propelled vehicle that operates without on-board human intervention.
Note: An uncrewed vehicle can be autonomous or remotely operated.

uncrewed aircraft; UA; uncrewed air vehicle; UAV
A aircraft that operates without on-board human intervention.
Note: An uncrewed aircraft can be autonomous or remotely piloted.

uncrewed ground vehicle; UGV
A self-propelled ground vehicle that operates without on-board human intervention.
Note: An uncrewed ground vehicle can be autonomous or remotely operated.

uncrewed surface vehicle; USV
A self-propelled vehicle that operates on the surface of water without on-board human intervention.
Note: An uncrewed surface vehicle can be autonomous or remotely piloted.

uncrewed underwater vehicle; UUV
A self-propelled underwater vehicle that operates without on-board human intervention.
Note: An uncrewed underwater vehicle can be autonomous or remotely piloted.