It was famously used by Led Zeppelin in 1971 as the title of their third studio album. However, the term has roots in the U.S. military, specifically in the Vietnam War.
Here's how the term's meaning breaks down:
* Zone: A designated geographical area.
* Special: Denoting a specific purpose or function.
* Operations: Activities or actions undertaken to achieve a particular goal.
In a military context, a ZOSO would be an area where special military operations are carried out.
Led Zeppelin's use of the term in their album title likely aimed to evoke a sense of mystery, intrigue, and the band's own unique brand of powerful and sometimes dangerous music.