From: rking164@comcast.net   
      
   White phosphorus munitions are weapons that use one of the common allotropes   
   of the chemical element phosphorus. White phosphorus is used in smoke,   
   illumination, and incendiary munitions, and is commonly the burning element of   
   tracer ammunition.[1] Other    
   common names for white phosphorus munitions include WP and the slang terms   
   Willie Pete and Willie Peter, which are derived from William Peter, the World   
   War II phonetic alphabet rendering of the letters WP, which are military   
   jargon.[2] White phosphorus    
   is pyrophoric (it is ignited by contact with air); burns fiercely; and can   
   ignite cloth, fuel, ammunition, and other combustibles.   
      
   In addition to its offensive capabilities, white phosphorus is a highly   
   efficient smoke-producing agent, reacting with air to produce an immediate   
   blanket of phosphorus pentoxide vapour. Smoke-producing white phosphorus   
   munitions are very common,    
   particularly as smoke grenades for infantry, loaded in defensive grenade   
   launchers on tanks and other armoured vehicles, and in the ammunition   
   allotment for artillery and mortars. These create smoke screens to mask   
   friendly forces' movement, position,    
   infrared signatures, and shooting positions. They are often called   
   smoke/marker rounds for their use in marking points of interest, such as a   
   light mortar to designate a target for artillery spotters.   
      
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    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)