You’ve heard it in movies, on base, or maybe during training: “It’s two clicks east.” But what exactly is a “click,” and why does the military say it?
While it’s not entirely certain how the use of the word began, both the U.S. and the United Kingdom fought together in World War I, along with the French. Since aligning with France, the term has been a mainstay in the American Armed Forces.
With that being said, some believe it was Australia that popularized the term with Americans during the Vietnam War. Troops counting steps that would equate to 100 meters was considered a “mark.”
After 1,000 meters, troops would lift their rifles to indicate the feat to their leaders while “clicking” a gas regulator. This noise is one theory as to how the term klick became popular.
The Basics: Click = 1 Kilometer
In military terms, a “click” or “klick” means one kilometer, which is 1,000 meters or about 0.62 miles. If someone says “three clicks out,” they mean around 1.86 miles.
The term is simple, direct, and has lasted for decades in every branch of service.
Why the Military Uses “Click”
When precision matters, shorter words save time. “Klick” is faster to say and clearer over static or in the middle of an operation.
Most NATO and allied forces use the metric system, so speaking in kilometers keeps everyone aligned. And because “kilometer” can sound garbled on a bad radio connection, “klick” cuts through loud and clear.
When “Click” Means Something Else
In marksmanship, a click is a precise adjustment on a rifle scope. Each click moves the point of impact by a small increment, typically one inch at 100 yards.
So, if you hear “two clicks up,” it refers to adjusting aim with a rifle, not moving a distance on the map. Whether about distance or precision in shooting, the word serves a key, but different purpose.
How Does a Click Translate to Real-Life Movement?
If you're walking, a click usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes to cover, depending on pace, terrain, and gear. Picture an infantry unit in the Vietnam War, moving five clicks before dawn to secure a position.
Each step under the jungle canopy, with boots on the earth, marked a segment of time and distance that shaped a soldier's day. On flat ground at 3–4 miles per hour, that's about 12–20 minutes per kilometer, or “Click.”
No two clicks feel the same when you’re hauling a 60-pound pack uphill, but in a vehicle or aircraft, a click can pass in seconds.
Things You Didn’t Know About Klicks
1. It’s in your favorite movies.
Military films like Saving Private Ryan and Lone Survivor use “klicks” to describe distance authentically. It’s one of the few instances where Hollywood consistently gets real jargon right.
2. It’s made its way into gaming.
If you play Call of Duty or Battlefield, you’ve probably used “clicks” without realizing it. The term has moved from combat comms to pop-culture shorthand.
3. It’s both metric and memorable.
The U.S. uses miles on the road, but every service member learns kilometers in the field. “Klick” bridges that gap because it is short, clear, and memorable.
The Origin Story
There’s no single origin story, but several strong theories:
- Phonetic shortcut: Troops shortened “kilometer” to “klick” for speed and clarity.
- Rifle regulator clicks: Some historians trace it to Australian troops in Vietnam marking every 100-meter increment with a “click” on their rifles.
- Odometer sound: Early vehicle odometers made a clicking noise every kilometer.
- Allied adoption: As the U.S. worked with metric-based allies, “klick” became standard in military mapping and communication.
Whatever the source, the term has stuck because it is clear, universal, and easy to distinguish in the field.
Quick Reference
1 click = 1 kilometer = 0.62 miles (3,280 feet)
5 clicks = 5 kilometers = 3.1 miles
Scope click = one sight adjustment ≈ , one inch at 100 yards
How Far Is a 100 Clicks?
If you travel 100 clicks, then you’ll have traveled around 62.14 miles. This is just a hair over 100 kilometers, as you might’ve guessed.
Understanding the different terms, exceptions, and history of clicks or klicks can help you adapt faster to military life and gain a better understanding of communication among the military community.
Why “Clicks” Are Still Relevant
“Klick” is more than just slang. It is a shared language that connects service members across branches, generations, and even borders.
From long marches to late-night missions, it’s a word that carries weight and history. Whether you’re decoding dialogue in a military movie, gaming with friends, or mapping your next route, now you know: one click can mean a lot more than just a kilometer.
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