beach·head

[beech-hed]
noun
1.
the area that is the first objective of a military force landing on an enemy shore.
2.
a secure initial position that has been gained and can be used for further advancement; foothold: The company has won a beachhead in the personal computer market.

Origin:
1935–40; beach + head

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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World English Dictionary
beachhead (ˈbiːtʃˌhɛd) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  an area on a beach that has been captured from the enemy and on which troops and equipment are landed
2.  the object of an amphibious operation
 
[C20: modelled on bridgehead]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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00:10
Beachhead is always a great word to know.
So is slumgullion. Does it mean:
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

beachhead
1940, in ref. to Ger. military tactics in World War II, from beach + head, on the model of bridgehead, but the image doesn't quite work.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Although dispersed throughout the beachhead, this equipment was linked
  primarily by telephone with a radio backup.
It could also be a beachhead for similar projects in other cities.
We took a stroll on the beach along the line of boats on the beachhead.
His regiment stormed the beachhead and fought their way into the island
  interior under heavy enemy fire.
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