ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Forward operating base

A forward operating base (FOB) is like a special camp that soldiers use when they are fighting in a war. It's like a little town where soldiers live and work together.

Imagine you and your friends build a cool fort in your backyard. You might have a little house and a place to store food and clothes. Soldiers do the same thing but on a much bigger scale. They build tents and maybe even small buildings where they sleep and eat. They also have places to store their weapon and equipment.

The big difference between a fort and a forward operating base is that soldiers use FOBs when they are fighting battles. They go out into the surrounding areas to fight enemies and then come back to FOB to rest and refuel. They might also use FOB to plan their next mission or to talk to other soldiers.

FOBs are important because they help soldiers stay safe and focused during a war. It's like a home base for them to stay organized while they fight.