battle stations

1. The positions that soldiers must assume when in or preparing for combat. These will be your battle stations in times of warfare. That approaching ship certainly looks suspicious. Men, to your battle stations. I was filled with dread when I heard the command for us to man our battle stations.

2. A command to take such positions. Battle stations! All hands on deck! Battle stations! Enemy troops straight ahead! We're under attack! Battle stations!

battle stations

used as a command or signal to military personnel to take up their positions in preparation for battle. chiefly US