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USMC Jargon
724 of the most common jargon used by Marines
724
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Professional
05/22/2010

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Term
29 Stumps
Definition
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, so named for its desolation
Term
360
Definition
Complete circle on a compass (360°); to put protection all around.
Term
48, 72, & 96
Definition
In hours, the standard holiday periods of two, three, or four days of liberty.
Term
782 gear or deuce gear
Definition
Standard issue web gear, combat gear, or field equipment, such as ALICE, MOLLE, or ILBE. Named after standard Marine Corps Form 782, which Marines formerly signed when they took custody of and responsibility for their equipment.
Term
8 bells
Definition
Signal for the end of a four-hour watch, so named for the incrementally increasing number of bells at half-hours.
Term
8th & I
Definition
Nickname for Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. so named from its street address at the corner of 8th and I Streets SE. See also Eighth & I.
Term
Above my/your pay grade
Definition
Expression denying responsibility or authority (indicating that the issue should be brought to higher-ranking officials).
Term
Acquire
Definition
Euphemism denoting theft, sometimes jokingly referred to as tactical.
Term
Acting jack
Definition
Assistant drill instructor, or an acting Corporal.
Term
AHA
Definition
Ammunition Holding Area, where ammo is stored and issued. See also ASP.
Term
Ahoy
Definition
Traditional nautical greeting, used for hailing other boats.
Term
Air Force pockets or Army gloves
Definition
An individual's hands being inside his or her pockets.
Term
Air Force salute
Definition
To say, I know by a shrug.
Term
Airdale
Definition
Person who works in aviation; not to be confused with Airedale Terrier.
Term
ALICE
Definition
All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment, an older form of combat gear still in occasional use in some Marine activities, replaced by MOLLE and ILBE.
Term
All hands
Definition
Entire ship's company or unit personnel, including all officers and enlisted personnel; also, the official Navy magazine.
Term
Alphas or class As
Definition
Service Alpha uniform from the phonetic letter A.
Term
Amtrac or amtrack
Definition
Portmanteau for amphibious tractor; not to be confused with the railroad company Amtrak.
Term
ANGLICO
Definition
Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company.
Term
Ant farm or ant hill
Definition
Combat outpost with a large number of radio antennae visible.
Term
APC
Definition
Large, white tablet formerly issued for minor discomfort, that was commonly (albeit mistakenly) called an all-purpose capsule, in reality named after its ingredients: aspirin,phenacetin, and caffeine; replaced by 800 mg ibuprofen today; less commonly refers to an armored personnel carrier, primarily an Army term.
Term
ARMY
Definition
Aren't Ready for Marine's Yet/Aren't Really Men Yet, pejorative backronym used by other branches.
Term
As you were
Definition
Order to disregard the immediately preceding order, often in response to a call to attention on deck or when the orders issued were mistaken, phrased as as I was when speaking to a superior.
Term
Asiatic
Definition
Mildly deranged or eccentric as a result of too much foreign duty, or one who has missed too many boats.
Term
ASP
Definition
Ammunition Supply Point, where ammo is stored and issued. See also AHA.
Term
Ass pack
Definition
Small pack worn around the belt above the buttocks, similar to Fanny pack. See also butt pack.
Term
Ate up
Definition
Person unaware of what's going on; one who is always lazy, in disarray, and unsatisfactory
Term
Aviation units
Definition
See also active squadrons, inactive squadrons, & aviation support units
Term
Aye-aye or aye
Definition
Nautical term used as a response to orders meaning I understand the orders I have received and will carry them out; supposedly a corruption of the words yea, yea, a claim advanced that Cockney accents changed the yea to yi, and from there to aye.
Term
Baby dick
Definition
Small hot dog or sausage.
Term
Baby G
Definition
Brigadier General, the lowest ranking general.
Term
Bad bear
Definition
A phrase or expression used to indicate that a certain situation or object is difficult. Example - The night land nav course at TBS is a bad bear!
Term
Bag nasty
Definition
A-ration bagged meal issued to Marines (usually recruits or in the field) that usually contains: a sandwich (ham, turkey, and bologna are common), a hard boiled egg, fruit, and a small bag of potato chips; often served with a beverage such as juice or milk.
Term
BAH
Definition
Basic Allowance for Housing, a pay addendum that allows a servicemember to maintain housing appropriate for his or her dependents when not living in government quarters; formerly known as Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ).
Term
BAMCIS
Definition
Mnemonic for the troop leading steps, a tactical decision making process; denotes: Begin the planning, Arrange reconnaissance, Make recon, Complete the planning, Issue order, Supervise.
Term
Barracks cover
Definition
Fabric-covered frame cap, worn green with the service uniform and white with the dress uniform; traditionally, officers wear this cap with the quatrefoil and gilt devices that increase with rank.
Term
Barracks queen
Definition
Woman (servicewoman or civilian) who has had sex with a large number of servicemen in a unit.
Term
Barracks rat
Definition
Servicemember who rarely voluntarily leaves his or her living quarters.
Term
BAS
Definition
Battalion Aid Station, a unit's medical post ashore for routine illnesses and injuries; also Basic Allowance for Subsistence, a pay addendum that allows a servicemember to feed his or her family in lieu of government dining facilities. See also sick bay.
Term
Battalion Lance Corporal
Definition
Most senior non-NCO in the unit; the Lance Corporal who, while having a lot of time in grade, is the least likely to be promoted to the rank of Corporal. See also terminal lance.
Term
Battle blaze
Definition
Original name for the 1st & 2nd Marine Division shoulder sleeve insignias designed after the units' service in the Battle of Guadalcanal.
Term
Battle buddy
Definition
Sarcastic euphemism deriving from orders for Marines to not go on liberty alone when stationed overseas.
Term
Battle pin
Definition
Tie clasp or tie tack, originally a metal collar bar worn on the shirt collar until the beginning of World War II.
Term
Battle zero or battle sight zero or BZO
Definition
Calibrated settings on the sights of a weapon that allow the shooter to overcome various factors and hit accurately at a given range, used as a default before adjusting windage or elevation; also used as a verb when firing to triangulate a BZO by trial and error.
Term
BB counter or BB stacker
Definition
Servicemember whose duties relate to the storage and issue of ordnance.
Term
BCD
Definition
Bad Conduct Discharge, also nicknamed Big Chicken Dinner.
Term
BCGs or BCs
Definition
Birth Control Glasses or Boot Camp Glasses, unattractive military issue glasses worn at recruit training; so named that the wearer could not influence the opposite sex into sexual relations. See also portholes & RPGs.
Term
Bean counter
Definition
Servicemember more concerned with fiscal policy and accountability than operations; also as a pejorative for any person whose primary duties deal in money and budgeting.
Term
Beans, bullets and bandages
Definition
Expression used to refer to those things a logistician must provide his or her unit: rations, ammunition, and medical care.
Term
Beer garden
Definition
Area set aside for the social consumption of alcohol and smoking of tobacco; may contain barbecue or picnic facilities.
Term
Beer-thirty
Definition
Time of dismissal from the day's duties (and thus allowed to drink alcohol). See also COB.
Term
Belay
Definition
To cancel an order; to stop; to firmly secure a line.
Term
Below
Definition
Down the ladder well; below decks.
Term
BEQ
Definition
Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, living spaces for single enlisted Marine, usually a barracks.
Term
Big green weenie
Definition
An expression denoting that a Marine has been fucked over or cheated by the Marine Corps, usually in relation to an inconvenience or unfair treatment.
Term
Billet
Definition
Specific role or job within the unit (for example, the billet of Company First Sergeant is held by the senior enlisted advisor, usually a First Sergeant, but could be a Master Sergeant or Gunnery Sergeant); not to be confused with rank, though some billets have a traditionally-held rank associated.
Term
Binnacle list
Definition
Sick list, a list of men excused from duty; traditionally, it was posted on or near the binnacle.
Term
Bird farm
Definition
Pejorative for aircraft carrier.
Term
Bird, ball, and hook
Definition
Pejorative for Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.
Term
Blanket party
Definition
Group assault on a service member, repeatedly striking him or her, preceded by covering the victim's head by a blanket so he or she cannot identify the perpetrators.
Term
Blood stripe
Definition
Scarlet trouser stripe worn on the blue dress trousers, awarded to Marine officers and NCOs due to their high fatality rates in the Battle of Chapultepec. Also a form of hazing where fellow NCO's inflict damage to the outer thighs of a newly promoted Corporal.
Term
Blooper
Definition
Grenade launcher, from the distinctive noise made when firing. See also thump gun.
Term
Blouse
Definition
Military dress coat or jacket; or as a verb to tuck one's trousers into boots or otherwise secure excess pants legging.
Term
BLT
Definition
Battalion Landing Team, the ground combat element of a MEU; not to be confused with a Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwich.
Term
Blues
Definition
Blue Dress uniform.
Term
Bn
Definition
Abbreviation for battalion.
Term
Boondoggle
Definition
Wasteful project or trip on government time and/or expense that serves no purpose other than to entertain the person making it.
Term
Boot
Definition
Recruit, or derisive term for a Marine just out of training.
Term
Boot bands or blousing bands
Definition
Elastic straps or coiled springs used to roll trouser legging under at the boot and simulate tucking into the boot itself; used in blousing boots.
Term
Boot camp
Definition
Recruit training for enlisted Marines at Parris Island, SC and San Diego, CA; while there are several explanations for it being so named, many refer to the fact that recruits wear boots nearly every day of their training.
Term
Boots and utes or boots'n'utes
Definition
Boots and utility uniform, minus the blouse; sometimes used for physical training or working in hot environments.
Term
BOQ
Definition
Bachelor Officer Quarters, housing for single Marine officers.
Term
Box-kicker
Definition
Pejorative for servicemember who works in supply, specifically, a warehouse clerk.
Term
Boxsee
Definition
Hospital corpsman, from the Vietnamese word Bac Si meaning doctor. See also doc.
Term
Brain bucket
Definition
Helmet.
Term
Brain-housing group
Definition
Thought processing, used as a parallel to a rifle's trigger housing group.
Term
Brass
Definition
Brass uniform items; expended casings from weapons; term for senior officers from the metal of their rank insignia.
Term
Brat
Definition
Longtime dependent children.
Term
Brig
Definition
Prison or place of confinement aboard ship or ashore at a Marine Corps or naval station.
Term
Brig rat
Definition
Person who has served much brig time, a habitual offender.
Term
Brightwork
Definition
Brass or shiny metal, which Marines must polish.
Term
Broke-dick
Definition
Servicemember on light, limited, or no duty status for medical reasons.
Term
Brown-bagger
Definition
A servicemember (usually married) who lives off base with his family, termed because he or she does not eat at the mess hall and must bring his/her meals with him.
Term
Buddy-fucker or blue falcon
Definition
Negligent or malicious disregard for another servicemember's career, comfort, or time, often for personal gain.
Term
Bug juice
Definition
Insect repellent; also flavored juice made from a powder (such as Kool-Aid).
Term
Bulkhead
Definition
Wall.
Term
Bum scoop
Definition
Bad information.
Term
Bus driver
Definition
Air Force pilot, so termed for the appearance of early USAF uniforms and the function they serve.
Term
Busted or busted down
Definition
Reduced in rank, from the term meaning caught in the act.
Term
Butt pack
Definition
Small waist pack worn around the belt above the buttocks, similar to Fanny pack. See also ass pack.
Term
Butter bar
Definition
Second Lieutenant, so named for the single gold bar rank insignia.
Term
Butts
Definition
Pit(s) on a shooting range where targets are located. See also pits and pull butts / pits.
Term
By the numbers or Barney-style
Definition
To perform an action in sequence and strictly according to regulations, idiot proof, oversimplified for the benefit of lower-intelligence people.
Term
By your leave, sir/ma'am.
Definition
Expression used to render respect when overtaking a senior proceeding in the same direction, in conjunction with a salute; traditionally, the senior must offer permission before the junior passes him or her.
Term
C & S
Definition
Clean & Sober notation formerly entered on the liberty list beside the names of Marines returning from liberty in that condition.
Term
C2
Definition
Command and control.
Term
C4I
Definition
Command, Control, Communication, Computers, & Intelligence.
Term
CAC
Definition
Common Access Card, an electronic identification method used to allow a person access to the Navy/Marine Corps Intranet.
Term
CACO
Definition
Casualty Assistance Calls/Counseling Officer, a Marine detailed to help the family of a Marine killed, wounded, or captured in the line of duty.
Term
Call out
Definition
To challenge, often by announcing incriminating information about a person. See also drop a dime.
Term
Cammies
Definition
Camouflage utility uniform.
Term
Campaign cover
Definition
Official term for the brown campaign hat worn by drill instructors. See also field hat, hat, & smokey bear/brown.
Term
Cannon cocker
Definition
Artilleryman. See also gun bunny and red leg.
Term
Canoe U.
Definition
Nickname for United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.
Term
Captain's Mast
Definition
Office hours afloat. The term Captain's Mast is almost universally negative, implying nonjudicial punishment. The modern Navy and Marine Corps use the term Meritorious Mast to announce any ceremony involving the meritorious award of a higher rank or of a particular recognition or honor.
Term
Carry on
Definition
Order to continue after being interrupted.
Term
CAS
Definition
Close Air Support, aircraft fire on ground troops in support of nearby friendly troops.
Term
CASEVAC
Definition
CASualty EVACuation, emergency evacuation of injured personnel from combat zone by any modes of transport available, as opposed to a MEDEVAC carried out byambulance equipment designed solely for the purpose. See also MEDEVAC.
Term
Casual Company or CasCo
Definition
A holding unit/formation of Marines awaiting one of the following: discharge from the Corps, training (usually at a formal school), or deployment to a unit.
Term
Catwalk
Definition
Walkway constructed over or around obstructions on a ship or building.
Term
CAX
Definition
Combined Arms eXercise.
Term
CBRN
Definition
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear. See also NBC.
Term
CCU
Definition
Correctional Custody Unit, a hard-labor and heavy discipline unit overseen by MPs or Navy Masters-at-Arms to which Marines and Sailors found guilty of minor UCMJoffenses through NJP are sent for up to 30 days in lieu of confinement in the brig.
Term
Chair Force
Definition
Derogatory term for the US Air Force.
Term
Chairborne or chairborne ranger
Definition
Someone who works in an office environment, a play on airborne.
Term
Chalk
Definition
Squad of servicemembers in an aircraft that will or have been deployed to the ground (rappelling or parachuting).
Term
Charlies or chucks
Definition
The service C uniform, consisting of the short-sleeve khaki shirt and green trousers.
Term
Chaser
Definition
Shortened form of prisoner-chaser or brig chaser, an escort for a prisoner or detail of prisoners.
Term
Check fire
Definition
Order to stop firing due to a safety condition, possible error or mistarget.
Term
Chesty Puller
Definition
Used in reference to Marines that have been awarded many ribbons and medals.
Term
Chevron
Definition
Symbols of enlisted ranks above private, usually not acceptably called stripes unless describing the rank insignia itself.
Term
China Marines
Definition
Those United States Marines from the 4th Marine Regiment who were stationed in Shanghai, China during 1927 - 1941
Term
Chinese field day
Definition
A form of field day where every item from a room is removed for cleaning; when tending to last much longer than necessary, it is used as a punishment, typically for unsatisfactory performance in routine field day.
Term
Chit
Definition
Voucher, receipt, letter, or note, entitling the bearer to special treatment, such as medical restrictions from duty; derived from Hindi word for letter, chitti.
Term
CIF
Definition
Consolidated Issue Facility, a place on a station where all personal equipment is stored and issued, often contracted to civilians.
Term
Cinderella liberty
Definition
Liberty expiring at midnight.
Term
Civ div
Definition
Civilian life after leaving service.
Term
Civvies
Definition
Civilian clothing or mufti.
Term
CLP
Definition
Cleaner, Lubricant, Preservative, teflon-based cleaning and lubricating fluid used for maintaining small arms.
Term
Clusterfuck
Definition
Chaotic and messy situation; multiple mistakes or problems happening in rapid succession. See also goat rope / goat screw.
Term
CMC
Definition
Acronym for Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Term
CNN effect
Definition
Fascination or disruption created by extensive, live television presence in a combat zone.
Term
COB
Definition
Close Of Business, the end of working hours; or Close Order Battle, a synonym for CQB. See also beer-thirty.
Term
Colonel
Definition
Proper means of addressing lieutenant colonels and colonels.
Term
CONUS
Definition
CONtinental United States (48 states excluding Alaska and Hawaii), as opposed to OCONUS.
Term
Corfams or corframs
Definition
Uniform dress shoes made from poromeric imitation leather.
Term
Corpsman
Definition
Navy hospital corpsman attached to a Marine unit; also known as doc; inappropriate to address as medic or aid man. See also boxsee.
Term
Cover
Definition
Headgear; protection from enemy fire.
Term
Cover and alignment
Definition
When in a formation, this refers to the proper distance between those next to, in front of, and behind a person; to seek the proper interval.
Term
Covered and uncovered
Definition
When wearing and not wearing headgear, respectively.
Term
CQB or CQC
Definition
Close Quarters Battle/Combat, combat within a confined space, such as urban warfare. See also MOUT.
Term
Crew-served
Definition
Short for crew-served weapon; also large and very powerful, based on a crew-served weapon being such.
Term
Cruise
Definition
Deployment aboard ship; or enlistment period, inappropriately called a stint.
Term
CS
Definition
Tear gas or 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, a white solid powder commonly used for CBRN defense training.
Term
Cumshaw
Definition
Something extra or free, given as a favor or gift; pidgin expression using the Chinese word for grateful thanks, kamsia.
Term
D & D
Definition
Drunk and Disorderly, an entry formerly made on the liberty list beside the name of any Marine returning from liberty in that condition.
Term
Dai jobu
Definition
Japanese for OK.
Term
Daily 7 or daily 16
Definition
Stretches and exercises used as a warmup for other, more strenuous physical training.
Term
Dead horse
Definition
To draw advance pay out of the normal pay cycle, the Marine is then obligated to repay the debt at the government's convenience.
Term
Deck
Definition
Floor or surface of the earth; to punch or knock down with one blow.
Term
Deep six
Definition
To dispose of by throwing overboard ship.
Term
Detachment
Definition
A portion of a unit sent independently of its parent organization, usually in support of a larger headquarters; or a small stand alone unit isolated geographically from its parent command.
Term
Deuce
Definition
Reference to the number two in various unit or equipment names.
Term
Deuce gear
Definition
See 782 gear, from the last digit in that term.
Term
Devil Dog or Devil
Definition
Nickname for Marines, a name earned by Marines fighting at the Battle of Belleau Wood; from the German word teufelhunden.
Term
Devil dogging
Definition
Correcting another Marine's minor deficiency, often in public with implied humiliation.
Term
Devil pup
Definition
Nickname for a Marine's child(ren); a member of the Young Marines; a patronizing nickname for a junior Marine.
Term
DI
Definition
Drill Instructor, inappropriate to use the Army term drill sergeant.
Term
DI hut or duty hut
Definition
Office for drill instructors in a platoon's squad bay; doubles as sleeping quarters for the drill instructor on duty. See also house mouse.
Term
Dickskinner or dickbeater
Definition
Human hand.
Term
Diddy bop
Definition
Poor performance in close order drill, or marching in a manner that does not present a crisp military appearance.
Term
DIET
Definition
Deep Infiltration and Extraction Team, to leap frog across great distances by utilizing helicopters as ground refueling points to perform special missions; later known as FARP.
Term
Digis or diggis
Definition
Digital camouflage such as MARPAT; also refers to the digital-patterned MCCUU.
Term
Disneyland East
Definition
Headquarters Marine Corps at Arlington, Virginia.
Term
Doc or Devil Doc
Definition
Navy hospital corpsman attached to the Marines. See also boxsee.
Term
DoD or DOD
Definition
Department of Defense.
Term
Dog
Definition
Small metal fitting used to secure watertight doors, hatches, covers, scuttles, etc; also, to close/secure such door/hatch; also, slang for Marine, from the term Devil Dog.
Term
Dog and pony show
Definition
Any display, demonstration, or appearance by Marines at the request of seniors for the pleasure of someone else, such as a ceremony or parade; also, pejorative for the requirement for over-perfection of such a venue.
Term
Doggie
Definition
Enlisted member of the United States Army, from the diminutive dog-face.
Term
DoN or DON
Definition
Department of the Navy.
Term
Donkey dick
Definition
Slang for a virtually any piece of equipment which has a generally cylindrical or phallic shape, roughly one foot in length, with no, unknown, or obscure official name.
Term
Dope
Definition
Information, or sight settings and/or wind corrections for a rifle under given conditions, possibly from aircraft dope.
Term
Downrange or down-range
Definition
Dangerous area, from the portion of a shooting range that receives impacts; also the execution of a plan.
Term
DPICM
Definition
Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions, a specialized artillery round that releases sub-munitions.
Term
Drill
Definition
Close order drill, the procedures and methodology of handling weapons and moving troops about in an orderly fashion, used to indoctrinate recruits in obedience to commandsand military appearance.
Term
DRMOed
Definition
To dispose of an item by taking it to the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO).
Term
Drop a dime
Definition
To reveal incriminating information about a person. See also call out.
Term
Dry fire
Definition
Practice firing of a weapon without using ammunition in order to refine body position and other shooting fundamentals.
Term
DTG
Definition
Date-Time Group, a numeric code denoting the time and date of a message.
Term
Dummy cord
Definition
Lanyard or tether used to secure a piece of equipment to an anchor to prevent losing it.
Term
Duty NCO or duty
Definition
Sentry responsible for patrol and security of a specific area (usually a barracks and/or working space in garrison). See also fire watch and OOD
Term
EAS
Definition
End of Active Service, the date of discharge from active duty.
Term
EGA
Definition
Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, the emblem of the Marine Corps.
Term
Eight ball
Definition
A Marine who lacks an aggressive spirit.
Term
Eighth & I or Eighth & Eye
Definition
Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., located at 8th and I Streets SE. See also 8th & I.
Term
Elephant hat
Definition
Pith helmet first issued in 1940 and worn by rifle range coaches today
Term
EM
Definition
Enlisted Marine/Man, very inappropriate to use today.
Term
Embed
Definition
Embedded journalist assigned a slot within a combat unit.
Term
Ensign
Definition
Colors, national flag; also the most junior commissioned officer rank in the US Navy.
Term
EOD
Definition
Explosive Ordnance Disposal, responsible for the safe handling, deactivation, and removal of unexploded ordnance, the military version of a bomb squad.
Term
EPD
Definition
Extra Punitive Duties, punishment assigned where the individual is required to perform cleaning duties after working hours (on his or her liberty time).
Term
EPW
Definition
Enemy Prisoner of War.
Term
FAP
Definition
Fleet Assistance Program, a program designed to assign Marines to extra duties outside of his or her normal chain of command.
Term
FARP
Definition
Forward Area Refueling/Rearming Point or Forward Arming Refueling Point, a space on the battlefield designated for the re-arming and re-fueling of aircraft.
Term
Fart sack
Definition
Sleeping bag; linen a mattress is inserted into.
Term
Fast-mover
Definition
Fast-moving fixed-wing aircraft; term popular during the Vietnam War but fallen into disuse as jets replaced propeller as the dominant aircraft.
Term
Fat-body
Definition
Overweight recruit or servicemember.
Term
FEBA
Definition
Forward Edge of the Battle Area, the line of departure where a unit enters enemy territory.
Term
Fiddler's Green
Definition
Imaginary afterlife; paradise.
Term
Field day
Definition
Day or portion of day set aside for top-to-bottom cleaning of an area; also as a verb for the act of conducting a field day.
Term
Field expediency
Definition
Improvisation, to make due to with what's is available.
Term
Field hat
Definition
Campaign cover, a broad-brimmed felt hat, originally with one straight crease down the middle, then with a Montana peak, worn on expeditionary missions from 1912 to 1942, and then again authorized in 1961 for wear at recruit depots by drill instructors and rifle ranges by marksmanship instructors. See also campaign cover, hat, & smokey bear/brown.
Term
Field meet
Definition
Organized sporting competition, often involving athletics and/or soldierly skills.
Term
Field music
Definition
Drummer, trumpeter, bugler, fifer; mostly an antiquated term.
Term
Field scarf
Definition
Khaki uniform necktie.
Term
Field-strip
Definition
To disassemble a piece of ordnance or weapon to the major part groups for routine cleaning or lubricating; to strip cigarette butts to their filters before throwing away.
Term
Fifty-cal or fitty-cal
Definition
M2 Browning machine gun, from its .50 caliber ammunition. See also Ma Deuce.
Term
Fighting hole
Definition
A defensive position dug into the ground; can be dug for one Marine, a pair, or a weapon crew; formerly known as a foxhole.
Term
File:Nmci prog lg.png
Definition
#VALUE!
Term
Final protective line
Definition
The perimeter at which the enemy has begun to overrun friendly troops, signals the commencement of final protective fire in desperate self-defense.
Term
Fire for effect
Definition
Indicates that the adjustment/ranging of indirect fire is satisfactory and the actual effecting rounds should be fired; also a euphemism for the execution of a plan.
Term
Fire watch
Definition
Sentry on duty specifically guarding a person, place, object, or area in a non-combat area (such as a barracks); considered under arms but usually unarmed. See alsoduty & OOD.
Term
Fire watch medal
Definition
Pejorative for National Defense Service Medal, so named because even recruits rate it despite firewatch being their most important duty.
Term
First shirt
Definition
Company or battery First Sergeant.
Term
Fitness report or fitrep
Definition
Report written on Marines (sergeant and above) detailing proficiency and conduct and fitness for command, reviewed for promotion.
Term
Five-jump chump
Definition
A servicemember who has only performed the minimum five paratrooper jumps to receive the Basic Parachute Insignia, as opposed to the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia, which requires additional jumps.
Term
Flak jacket
Definition
Antiquated term for ballistic vest or body armor.
Term
Float
Definition
Deployment aboard ship.
Term
FMF or fleet
Definition
Fleet Marine Force, the operational forces of the Corps, as opposed to reserve or supporting establishment.
Term
FNG
Definition
Fucking New Guy, derogatory term for a Marine recently graduated recruit training and new to a unit.
Term
Fore-and-aft cap
Definition
Soft green garrison cap worn with the service uniform. See also piss cover/cutter.
Term
Form ID-10T or ID-ten-tango
Definition
Prank fool's errand where an unsuspecting Marine is asked to find the fake item, not knowing it is an orthograph for idiot.
Term
Fortitudine
Definition
Former motto of the Corps in the 19th century (replaced by Semper Fidelis), from the Latin word for fortitude; also the name of the Marine Corps History Division's quarterly magazine.
Term
Foxhole
Definition
Fighting hole as termed by the Army and Marines of the past, no longer appropriate for Marine use.
Term
FRAGO
Definition
FRAGmentary Order, an addendum to published operational orders.
Term
Frock
Definition
To be authorized to wear the next higher grade before promotion, confers authority but not pay grade.
Term
FUBAR
Definition
Fucked/Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition/Repair. See also SNAFU.
Term
FUBIJAR
Definition
Fuck yoU Buddy, I'm Just A Reservist.
Term
Full-bird
Definition
Colonel, as opposed to a half-bird, light-colonel, or short-bird / short colonel, a Lieutenant Colonel; so named because his or her rank insignia is a silver eagle.
Term
G-2
Definition
An individual's intellect, from designation for a staff intelligence organization.
Term
Gagglefuck
Definition
Group of Marines grouped too closely or in an unorganized fashion; from gaggle, the term for a flock of grounded geese, and clusterfuck, a term for a messy situation.
Term
Gangway
Definition
Ship's passageway; also used to order juniors to give way to seniors in passageways, and particularly when going up and down ladders.
Term
Garrison
Definition
In addition to the traditional meaning, an adjective referring to not being deployed or deployable, such as buildings at a unit's home base.
Term
Garrison cap or garrison cover
Definition
Soft green folded cap worn with the service uniform. See also fore-and-aft cap and piss cover/cutter.
Term
Gear
Definition
Property or equipment; usually referring to an individual's combat equipment.
Term
Gear adrift
Definition
Gear found left lying around or unguarded, from the saying gear adrift, must be a gift!.
Term
Geedunk
Definition
Candy and other sweets, or a location where such items are obtained (such as a store or vending machine); borrowed from the comic strip Harold Teen. See alsopogey bait.
Term
General
Definition
Method of addressing a Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General, or General.
Term
General orders
Definition
List of 11 General Orders for Sentries detailing rules for guard or sentry duty.
Term
Gerbil launcher
Definition
M203 grenade launcher.
Term
Get some
Definition
Spirited cry expressing approval and the desire for more or to continue, traditionally associated in the Vietnam War to killing or sex.
Term
GI shower
Definition
Bathing with limited water (often with the use of wet wipes); forcibly bathing an individual who refuses to meet minimum hygiene standards.
Term
Gitmo
Definition
U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Term
Goat rope or goat screw
Definition
Chaotic and messy situation. See also cluster fuck.
Term
Go-fasters
Definition
Running shoes or sneakers, named so because they help a person run faster than boots.
Term
Gomer or GOMER
Definition
Antiquated slang for a stupid person, from the character Gomer Pyle; or as a backronym for Get Out of My Emergency Room used by corpsmen to refer tomalingerers who faked illness to avoid duties.
Term
Good cookie
Definition
Good Conduct Medal.
Term
Good to go
Definition
Expression denoting that difficulties will be overcome; ready; well done or satisfactory.
Term
Gore-Tex
Definition
All Purpose Environmental Clothing System (APECS), a cold/wet weather protective parka and trousers, based on the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System, usually in reference to the parka; from the fabric it is made from.
Term
Gouge
Definition
Information or news. See also word.
Term
Grab-ass
Definition
Horseplay, loafing, lounging.
Term
Greens
Definition
Service uniforms in reference to their color.
Term
Grid squares
Definition
Marked reference lines on a map; often used as a prank fool's errand where an unsuspecting Marine is asked to find a box of them when they don't physically exist.
Term
Grinder
Definition
Parade ground or deck used primarily for drill and/or formations.
Term
Ground guide
Definition
Person who walks in front of a vehicle in order to detect and avoid obstacles and guide the driver to the proper spot.
Term
Grunt or ground pounder
Definition
Infantryman, formerly a pejorative that has taken more neutral tones.
Term
GT score
Definition
Intelligence, from the General Technical score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery and the minimum scores that manyMilitary Occupational Specialties require to qualify.
Term
Guide
Definition
Unit guidon-bearer; in recruit training, also the senior recruit and responsible for the actions of all recruits in a platoon.
Term
Gun bunny
Definition
Artilleryman, so named for the hearing loss associated with working around cannons. See also cannon cocker and red leg.
Term
Gung ho
Definition
Chinese phrase meaning to work together, it became the battle cry of the Marine Raiders.
Term
Gunner
Definition
Shortened form of Marine Gunner, a nickname for an Infantry Weapons Officer; used informally to refer to the Officer In Charge if he or she is of warrant officer rank.
Term
Gunny
Definition
Nickname for Gunnery Sergeant, improper to call a Master Gunnery Sergeant this.
Term
Gunny rolls
Definition
Poorly-rolled sleeves on the MCCUU, so named from the tendency for some older Marines to take a sloppier approach to uniforms.
Term
Gyrene
Definition
Vietnam War-era nickname for Marine, often thought an insult; combination of the words GI and Marine.
Term
H&S or Hide & Slide
Definition
Headquarters & Service/Supply Company, much like a Headquarters Battalion.
Term
Hack
Definition
Arrest.
Term
Hajji
Definition
Arab or Middle Eastern person or object, from the Arabic term for one who has completed a pilgrimage to Mecca, or hajj
Term
Half-bird
Definition
Lieutenant Colonel, as opposed to a full-bird. See also short colonel.
Term
Half-mast
Definition
Position of the ensign when hoisted halfway, usually done in respect to a deceased person; also called half-staff amongst non-naval forces.
Term
Hard charger or hard
Definition
Term of endearment from a senior to a junior Marine when he or she completes a difficult task, so named for charging through the assignment; or general toughness.
Term
Hashmark
Definition
Service stripe worn on the uniform sleeve by enlisted men and women for completion of four years of honorable service in any of the U.S. Armed Services and Reserves.
Term
Hat
Definition
Drill instructor, so named for the distinctive campaign hat they wear; usually reserved for other or former drill instructor use. See also campaign cover, field hat, & smokey bear/brown.
Term
Hatch
Definition
Door; more specifically, the watertight cover over an opening between compartments or that leads to the ladder wells between decks of a ship.
Term
HBT
Definition
HerringBone Twill; the cotton material of Marine utilities from 1941 to the late 1950s.
Term
HDR
Definition
Humanitarian Daily Ration, a variation of the MRE used to feed a single malnourished person for one day with 2,300 calories.
Term
HE
Definition
High Explosive, used to describe various kinds of ordnance.
Term
Head
Definition
Bathroom or latrine, a nautical term from the days of sailing ships when the designated place to defecate and urinate was forward, at the bowor head of the ship.
Term
Head shed
Definition
Command post or other headquarters area where senior Marines gather.
Term
Headgear
Definition
Hats, helmets, caps, etc.
Term
HEAT
Definition
High-Explosive AntiTank, type of tank round.
Term
Heavy hat
Definition
Junior drill instructor who performs more discipline and punishment tasks than his peers.
Term
HEDP
Definition
High-Explosive Dual Purpose, type of armor piercing ammunition.
Term
Hell hole
Definition
Hatch mounted in the deck of many helicopters (such as the CH-53E Super Stallion) for rappeling.
Term
Helo
Definition
Helicopter
Term
High and right
Definition
Losing one's temper or rationality; from the common error of a poor shooter to jerk the trigger and impact the upper right side of a target.
Term
High and tight
Definition
Nickname for a common variant of the buzz cut, where the hair is clipped very close.
Term
High-speed
Definition
New, interesting, or cool; often used to sarcastically denote that the subject looks good, but performance is dubious.
Term
Hillbilly armor
Definition
Improvised vehicle armor.
Term
HIMARS
Definition
High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.
Term
HMH
Definition
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron
Term
HML
Definition
Marine Light Helicopter Squadrons
Term
HMLA
Definition
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron
Term
HMLAT
Definition
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron
Term
HMM
Definition
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron
Term
HMMT
Definition
Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron
Term
HMMWV or humvee
Definition
High-Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle, common utility truck.
Term
HMT
Definition
Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron
Term
HMX
Definition
Marine Helicopter Squadron
Term
Hollywood Marine
Definition
Marine graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, stemming from rivalry between the two recruit depots.
Term
Homeslice
Definition
Person, often a sarcastic overture to civilians from a drill instructor; from the terms homie and homeboy.
Term
Homesteading
Definition
Remaining at one duty station for an extended tour or consecutive tours.
Term
Honcho or head honcho
Definition
Person in charge, from the Japanese word for boss', hanch?; also a nickname for Okinawan taxi drivers.
Term
Hooch or hootch
Definition
Tent, hut, or otherwise temporary or ramshackle dwelling.
Term
House mouse
Definition
Recruit tasked with cleaning and performing domestic chores for Drill Instructor-only areas. See also DI hut.
Term
Housewife
Definition
Girlfriend; also sewing kit.
Term
HQMC
Definition
Headquarters Marine Corps.
Term
Hump
Definition
Carry or lift a load, originally an Australian term meaning to carry one's swag,; also a forced march carrying full equipment loads.
Term
Hurry up and wait
Definition
Expression denoting inefficient time management or planning, often when a senior rushes a unit into a situation too fast that subsequently makes them wait.
Term
Huss
Definition
To give a helping hand, so named because the H-34 Choctaw helicopter's utility configuration was designated as the HUS-1 Seahorse, leading to Vietnam-era Marines that needed a medical evacuation helicopter to ask for or to be cut a huss.
Term
I & I
Definition
Inspector-Instructor, an active duty Marine assigned to supervise the training of a reserve unit.
Term
IAW
Definition
In Accordance With, term often used to denote compliance with published orders or procedures.
Term
IED
Definition
Improvised Explosive Device, bomb constructed, set, and detonated in unconventional warfare; the acronym can be modified to denote a specific type of IED (such as VBIED, a Vehicle Borne IED).
Term
IG
Definition
Inspector General.
Term
IG Inspection
Definition
Official inspection of a command or unit by the IG or his representatives.
Term
ILBE
Definition
Improved Load Bearing Equipment, the newest iteration of personal combat gear, utilizes the PALS, replaced MOLLE.
Term
In country
Definition
Phrase referring to being within a war zone.
Term
Incentive/individual training or IT
Definition
Physical training used as a punishment, especially in recruit training, sometimes nicknamed incentive torture, indoor tennis, or getting thrashed/bent/slayed/destroyed by recruits. See also pitting & quarterdecking.
Term
Inkstick
Definition
Pen
Term
Irish pennant or IP
Definition
Loose thread, string, or strap on a uniform or equipment that detracts from a perfect appearance.
Term
Iron Mike
Definition
Nickname bestowed on Marines who score a perfect 300 points on the Physical Fitness Test; also used as a nickname for a company or battery named M or Mike inNATO phonetic alphabet, as well as various memorial statues: Parris Island, SC, Quantico, VA, and Belleau, France.
Term
IRR
Definition
Individual Ready Reserve, branch of the reserve that most former servicemembers fall under upon the end of active service, may be called to involuntarily return to active status.
Term
JAG
Definition
Judge Advocate General, colloquial name for the legal entity within the Marine Corps, more properly called Judge Advocate Division, from the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, the naval officer who oversees both the Navy's and Marine Corps' legal entities; also, a television show by the same name.
Term
Jarhead
Definition
Pejorative term for a Marine. Jarhead has several supposed origins: the regulation High and Tight haircut resembles a mason jar (to add insult, some note that the jar is an empty vessel, also therefore a Marine's head an empty vessel); the Mason Jar Company stopped making jars and made the helmets for Marines during World War II.
Term
Jesus slippers or Jesus boots
Definition
Government-issue sandals or flip-flops for sanitation in showers. See also shower shoes.
Term
JETDS
Definition
Joint Electronics Type Designation System, used to categorize the nomenclature of electronic equipment.
Term
JJ DID TIE BUCKLE
Definition
Mnemonic for the 14 leadership traits: Justice, Judgement, Dependability, Initiative, Decisiveness, Tact, Integrity, Enthusiasm, Bearing, Unselfishness,Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, Endurance.
Term
Joe
Definition
Coffee, so named because United States Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels eliminated beer and wine from naval ships, declaring nothing stronger than coffee would be allowed.
Term
John Wayne
Definition
P-38 can opener, a small folding blade used to open canned rations (such as K-rations or C-rations), so named because the actorwas shown in a training film using it.
Term
Joker
Definition
Military journalist, from Private Joker from the movie Full Metal Jacket; also a derogatory term for a junior enlisted servicemember.
Term
JTF
Definition
Joint Task Force, a provisional unit or formation from more than one branch of service.
Term
Jungle bunny
Definition
Vietnam War-era phrase for infantry.
Term
Junk on [the] bunk
Definition
Inspection where all uniforms and equipment to be displayed is laid on the Marine's rack.
Term
K or klicks
Definition
Kilometer.
Term
KA-BAR
Definition
Fighting/utility knife first issued during World War II.
Term
Keeper
Definition
Cloth loop on the green service blouse to hold the cloth belt neatly in place.
Term
Kelly helmet or K-pot
Definition
1917-model basin helmet worn during World War I until 1942.
Term
Kevlar
Definition
Helmet made from kevlar.
Term
Keyboard jockey
Definition
Person whose job causes him or her use a computer for a length of time.
Term
Kuni
Definition
Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.
Term
LAAD Bn
Definition
Low-altitude Air Defense Battalion
Term
Ladder well
Definition
Stairway or ladder connecting different decks of a ship, so named because naval stairs tend to be so steep as to almost be vertical.
Term
Laminated
Definition
Perceived semi-permanent state of issue for a normally temporary status.
Term
Lance Coolie, Lance Criminal, or Lance Coconut
Definition
Derogatory terms for Lance Corporal.
Term
Lance Corporal Underground or Lance Corporal Network
Definition
Joking reference to the gulf between non-NCOs and their superiors; also refers to the spread of foolish rumors that a more experienced Marine would immediately recognize as false.
Term
Land of the big BX
Definition
Used in reference to CONUS by Marines deployed overseas. A borrowed term from the Army, ...of the big PX.
Term
Landing gear
Definition
Crossed rifles exposed on the rank insignia of Lance Corporals, Corporals, and Sergeants.
Term
Lawn dart
Definition
Pejorative for various aircraft, possibly from the lawn dart effect.
Term
LBV
Definition
Load Bearing Vest, personal equipment used to keep the most commonly used items within easy reach utilizing the PALS, usually a component of MOLLE or ILBE.
Term
Leadstick
Definition
Pencil.
Term
Leatherneck
Definition
Nickname for Marine, so named for legends stating that stiff leather collars were once worn to protect the throat from sword-blows (also thought that high stocks were worn for discipline, to keep Marines' heads high and straight). The dress blue uniform still bears a high stock collar today. Also, Leatherneck Magazine.
Term
Leg
Definition
Servicemember who does not rate to wear the Parachutist Insignia, borrowed from the Army Airborne.
Term
Leggings
Definition
Leg coverings made of canvas with eyelets and laces or buckles to secure the trouser legs over boots.
Term
Liberty
Definition
Authorized free time ashore or off station, not counted as leave, known in the Army as a pass.
Term
Liberty list
Definition
List containing the names of Marines entitled to liberty and those employed by the guard during the liberty period (and thus not entitled to leave post).
Term
Liberty risk
Definition
A Marine with a high risk of getting into trouble on liberty.
Term
Lifer
Definition
Career servicemember, as opposed to one who serves for a single enlistment.
Term
Lifertool
Definition
Multi-tool, so named because a lifer would inevitably need a tool of such utility.
Term
Lima Charlie or lickin' chicken
Definition
Loud and Clear, an expression meaning that the communication has been received and understood; originally exclusive to radio traffic.
Term
Line company
Definition
Lettered Marine companies or the aviation term for ground units, originally, an infantry company.
Term
Lipstick lieutenant
Definition
Pejorative for warrant officer, so named from the appearance of their rank insignia: the addition of red to the gold and silver bars of a lieutenant.
Term
Lollygag
Definition
Dawdle or fool about.
Term
Long handles
Definition
Long sleeved/legged undershirt/shorts.
Term
Long War
Definition
Term for the War on Terrorism favored by senior military leaders.
Term
Lost lieutenant finder
Definition
Hand-held GPS unit, a joke term on the reputation for new lieutenants to be incompetent in land navigation.
Term
LT
Definition
Abbreviation for lieutenant, inappropriate to address as such verbally.
Term
LWH
Definition
LightWeight Helmet.
Term
LZ
Definition
Landing Zone, a clearing designated as the place where a helicopter (or other VTOL aircraft) can land.
Term
M
Definition
A prefix to the model number of a specific nomenclature of equipment, generally considered to denote model or mark.
Term
Ma Deuce
Definition
Term of endearment for the M2 Browning machine gun. See also fifty-cal.
Term
Ma'am
Definition
Proper method of addressing female officers in particular and all women in general.
Term
Mac Marine
Definition
Nickname for Marine, popular during World War II, also the career planner popular on posters of the 1960s.
Term
MACS
Definition
Marine Air Control Squadron
Term
Maggie's drawers
Definition
Red flag attached to a pole, used to signal a miss on the rifle range, replaced by a red disk.
Term
MAGTF
Definition
Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
Term
Major
Definition
A Captain in command of a ship's Marine detachment, so titled because a ship may have only one Captain, the commanding officer.
Term
MALS
Definition
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron
Term
Mama-san
Definition
Term of endearment for an elder Japanese woman, often a maid, cook, or tailor/seamstress performing services for Marines; from the Japanese honorific suffix san.
Term
MARINE
Definition
Muscles Are Required, Intelligence Non-Essential or My Ass Rides In Navy Equipment, pejorative backronyms used by other branches.
Term
Marine
Definition
The following nicknames are usually acceptable: leatherneck, devil dog, sea soldier, warrior, hard charger, motivator; the following are acceptable from other Marines: jarhead, gyrene; the following are insults: soldier, seabag.
Term
Marine house
Definition
Security Guard term for living quarters for Marines, on or off embassy grounds.
Term
Marine Mattress
Definition
A woman who is thought to be sexually promiscuous with other Marines.[citation needed]
Term
MASS
Definition
Marine Air Support Squadron
Term
Master Guns or Master Gunny
Definition
Master Gunnery Sergeant.
Term
MBT
Definition
Main Battle Tank, currently the M1 Abrams.
Term
MCI
Definition
Marine Corps Institute, a distance education program; also, the courses available to Marines for bonus promotion credit.
Term
MCMAP
Definition
Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
Term
MCT
Definition
Marine Combat Training, infantry skills training for non-infantry Marines.
Term
MCX
Definition
Marine Corps eXchange, a military department store, less formally known as the PX.
Term
Meat gazer
Definition
Urinalysis observer who observes the servicemember peeing into the sample container to prevent tampering with the sample.
Term
MEB
Definition
Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
Term
MEDEVAC or Medivac
Definition
MEDical EVACuation, removing a wounded person to the closest medical or triage facility using designated ambulance equipment, vehicles, or aircraft. See also CASEVAC.
Term
MEF
Definition
Marine Expeditionary Force.
Term
MEPS
Definition
Military Entrance Processing Station, facility where prospective recruits are screened medically, psychologically, and legally for recruit training.
Term
Mess hall
Definition
Cafeteria. See also chow hall.
Term
Messman
Definition
Cook.
Term
MEU
Definition
Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Term
Mickey Mouse boots
Definition
Boots designed for extreme cold weather using an air bladder for insulation, so named for their oversized and bloated appearance.
Term
Midrats
Definition
Midnight (or other late-night) rations provided for servicemembers who work late hours.
Term
Mike
Definition
Minute.
Term
Mike-mike
Definition
Millimeter.
Term
Military time
Definition
The time of day on a 24-hour clock. General Wallace M. Greene forbade the practice of suffixing the unnecessary word hours after each indication of time of day (1330 or thirteen-thirty instead of 1330 hours); the practice of saying oh instead of zero for hours before 1000 has diminished as well.
Term
Miss
Definition
Antiquated naval custom of addressing female officers lieutenants and below, along with warrant officers.
Term
Mister
Definition
Antiquated naval custom of addressing male officers lieutenants and below, along with warrant officers.
Term
MOLLE
Definition
MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, type of load-bearing equipment utilizing the PALS, replaced ALICE and replaced by ILBE.
Term
Molly Marine
Definition
Nickname associated with early female Marines, especially a statue of Opha Mae Johnson.
Term
Monkey suit
Definition
Military uniforms in general; originally, the fur suit used by aviators at high altitudes.
Term
Moonbeam
Definition
Flashlight.
Term
MOPP
Definition
Mission Oriented Protective Posture, the defense equipment (gas masks and overgarment suits) worn to protect against Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical weapons.
Term
MOS
Definition
Military Occupational Specialty, a job classification.
Term
Mosquito wings or skeeter wings
Definition
Rank insignia for a Private First Class, a single chevron.
Term
Motarded
Definition
Displaying excess motivation, often in the form of visual symbols and lore (such as unit logos); a combination of the terms moto and retarded.
Term
Motivator
Definition
Term of endearment from a senior to a junior Marine, so named when the junior displays motivation for his or her duties.
Term
Moto
Definition
Motivated/motivating, often use to describe a person, object, or event that would motivate an individual Marine.
Term
Motor t or MT
Definition
Motor Transport, a subunit of Marines responsible for the operation and maintenance of wheeled non-combat and non-engineer vehicles.
Term
MOTS
Definition
Marine Operational Training Squadrons
Term
MOUT
Definition
Military Operation in Urban Terrain. See also CQB/CQC.
Term
MP
Definition
Military Police, mostly replaced by PMO.
Term
MRE
Definition
Meal, Ready-to-Eat, standard U.S. field ration. Sometimes jokingly referred to with backronyms such as Meals Rejected by the Enemy, Meals Rejected by Ethiopia, Meal, Rotten to Eject, Meals Rarely Eaten, Meal, Reluctant to Exit, Mister E, or the Three Lies for the Price of One.
Term
MRE bomb
Definition
Bursting plastic bag made from chemical heating pouches found inside of a standard MRE.
Term
MSG
Definition
Marine Corps Security Guard, responsible for guarding United States Embassies.
Term
MTACS
Definition
Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron
Term
MTO
Definition
Motor Transport Officer, the Marine in charge of maintenance and operation of a unit's trucks.
Term
MTV
Definition
Modular Tactical Vest, the newest type of ballistic vest for Marines.
Term
MTVR
Definition
Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement See also 7-ton.
Term
MWCS
Definition
Marine Wing Communications Squadron
Term
MWD
Definition
Military Working Dog, a trained government canine for law enforcement, detection of explosives and/or drugs, sentry, or other military use(s).
Term
MWHS
Definition
Marine Wing Headquarters squadron
Term
MWSS
Definition
Marine Wing Support Squadron
Term
NAVY
Definition
Never Again Volunteer Yourself, pejorative backronym used by sailors who regret volunteering.
Term
NBC
Definition
Nuclear, Biological, Chemical. See also CBRN.
Term
NCIS
Definition
Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the primary law enforcement agency of the DoN, also a television show of the same name.
Term
NCO
Definition
NonCommissioned Officer: corporal or sergeant; the Army term noncom is no longer appropriate.
Term
NCOIC
Definition
Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge, an NCO responsible for a group of Marines, but without the authority of a commissioned officer; somes also the senior enlisted Marine acting with the officer in charge. See also OIC & SNCOIC.
Term
NJP or Ninja Punch
Definition
NonJudicial Punishment, a legal proceeding much like a court-martial of much smaller scope. A commanding officer is authorized to award summary punishments at office hours (called Captain's Mast afloat) under Article 15, UCMJ, to punish offenses too serious to be dealt with by a mere rebuke, but not serious enough to warrant court-martial.
Term
NMCI
Definition
Navy/Marine Corps Intranet, the program that outsources garrison information technology services for the Department of the Navy, sometimes jokingly referred to as Non Mission Capable Internet.
Term
NMCI logo
Definition
#VALUE!
Term
No impact, no idea
Definition
Expression denoting a miss on a weapons range (the scorer cannot find an impact on target); also used as an I don't know response.
Term
No Such Agency
Definition
Backronym for the National Security Agency, so called because of its secretive nature and as a play on words.
Term
Non-rate
Definition
Junior to the NCO ranks: a Private, Private First Class, or Lance Corporal.
Term
NROTC
Definition
Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, a college-based recruiting program for officers for the Navy and Marine Corps.
Term
Nut(s) to butt(s)
Definition
Standing in line extremely close to the person in front, often required in recruit training.
Term
OCONUS
Definition
Outside of CONtinental United States, as opposed to CONUS.
Term
O-course
Definition
Obstacle course.
Term
OCS
Definition
Officer Candidate School, recruit training for officers.
Term
O-dark thirty
Definition
Very early hours before dawn. See also military time. The custom of saying oh instead of zero has diminished, but remains in this expression.
Term
Office hours
Definition
Administrative ceremony where legal, disciplinary, and other matters (such as praise, special requests, etc.) are attended, designed to dramatize praise and admonition, in a dignified, disciplined manner, out of the ordinary routine. Known as Captain's Mast afloat. An award given during a positive office hours or Mast is known as a Meritorious Mast, a negative office hours with punishment awarded is an example of Nonjudicial punishment.
Term
Officers' club or officers' mess or O-Club
Definition
Recreation facility for officers that often includes a bar, restaurant, game room, and objects of unit significance, such as a mascot or war trophy; similar to a gentlemen's club.
Term
Officers' country
Definition
Living spaces for officers aboard ship, or portion of post or station allocated for the exclusive use of officers.
Term
OFP
Definition
Own Fucking Program, not complying perfectly or synchronized with orders assigned to a group.
Term
OIC
Definition
Officer In Charge, a commissioned officer responsible for a group of Marines, but without the authority of a commanding officer. See also SNCOIC & NCOIC.
Term
OJT
Definition
On-the-Job Training, without a formal school or period of instruction.
Term
Oki
Definition
Okinawa.
Term
Old Asia hand
Definition
Person with more than one tour in Asia.
Term
Old Man
Definition
Very informal nickname for the commanding officer, considered an inappropriate term of endearment for use by a junior, thus used in reference but never in address.
Term
OMPF
Definition
Official Military Personnel File, a record of all awards, punishments, training, and other records compiled by Headquarters Marine Corps.
Term
OOB
Definition
Out Of Bounds, or straying into an area restricted from use by normal traffic, prohibited to Marines, or too far from base for a given libertyperiod.
Term
OOD
Definition
Officer Of the Deck, or the senior Marine responsible for the patrol and security of a unit's garrison working spaces and sleeping quarters after working hours, usually responsible for subordinate sentries and acts as a guard commander. See also duty & firewatch
Term
Oorah or ooh rah or Urah
Definition
Spirited cry used since the mid-20th century, comparable to Hooah used in the Army or Hooyah by Navy SEALs; most commonly used to respond to a verbal greeting or as an expression of enthusiasm. The origin is often disputed.
Term
OP
Definition
Observation Post, a position used for reconnaissance; also, the post newspaper of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.
Term
Operational tempo or optempo
Definition
The pace or speed of operations for a unit or individual.
Term
OPSEC
Definition
Operation(s/al) Security, counterintelligence efforts to keep generally unclassified but sensitive information (such as troop movements and deployments) from enemies.
Term
OPTEMPO
Definition
OPerational TEMPO, or the pace of operations and activities for a given unit.
Term
OQR
Definition
Officer Qualification Record, a service record for officers, much like an enlisted Marine's SRB.
Term
Oscar Mike
Definition
On the Move, the names of the two NATO phonetic alphabet letters O and M which stand for the phrase. Used on the radio and in shorthand to each other. See also NATO phonetic alphabet
Term
OTV
Definition
Outer Tactical Vest, militarized version of Interceptor body armor, a common type of ballistic vest; being replaced by the MTV.
Term
Outside
Definition
Civilian life after discharge. See also real world.
Term
Over the hill
Definition
Excessively old; or to the desert.
Term
Overhead
Definition
Ceiling.
Term
Padre
Definition
Chaplain, usually Catholic, from the Spanish and Italian terms for father.
Term
Page 11
Definition
NAVMC 118(11), a page of a Marine's Service Record Book or Officer Qualification Record where administrative remarks are made concerning a Marine's performance and conduct, and which may contain negative recommendations regarding promotion or re-enlistment; while not a punishment itself or inherently negative, it is part of a Marine's permanent service record and used as a basis for administrative decisions regarding a Marine's career; the term commonly refers to an entry itself made in this section.
Term
PALS
Definition
Pouch Attachment Ladder System, a webbing system used to attach combat accessories to MOLLE and ILBE equipment.
Term
Parade ground/field/deck
Definition
Area set aside for the conduct of parades, drill, and ceremonies, often paved or well-maintained lawn. See also grinder.
Term
Paradise Island
Definition
Nickname for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
Term
Passageway
Definition
Corridor or hallway.
Term
Passed over
Definition
Having failed selection for the next higher rank (for SNCOs and officers).
Term
Pay grade
Definition
DOD system of designating a U.S. serviceperson's pay (E-1 through E-9, WO-1 through CW-5, and O-1 through O-10), not to be confused with rank (though the two usually correspond) or billet.
Term
PCP
Definition
Physical Conditioning Program, exercise regimen for Marines failing to meet the minimum physical requirements; also Physical Conditioning Platoon, for the unit where a physically unfit recruit is sent prior to recruit training, nicknamed Pork Chop Platoon.
Term
PCS
Definition
Permanent Change of Station, transfer to another post, station, base, or installation.
Term
PFC
Definition
Private First Class.
Term
PFT
Definition
Physical Fitness Test, a semiannual test measuring strength, agility, and endurance by scoring performance in pull-ups (flexed-arm hang for females), abdominal crunches, and a 3-mile run.
Term
Phone watch
Definition
Duty where a Marine is responsible for answering phones when others are busy or unavailable (such as lunch hours); also the person filling the duty.
Term
Phrog
Definition
Nickname for CH-46 Sea Knight.
Term
PI
Definition
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
Term
Pickle suit
Definition
Service A uniform, from its all over green appearance.
Term
Pinning or pinning on
Definition
Promotion by pinning the new rank insignia onto the MCCUU collar; also a form of hazing by striking the pins into the wearer's chest.
Term
Piss and punk/puke
Definition
Solitary confinement on bread and water, which is only authorized aboard ship.
Term
Piss cover or piss cutter
Definition
Nickname for soft green garrison cap worn with the service uniform. See also fore-and-aft cap.
Term
Pit
Definition
Depressed area on a shooting range where the targets are located, shooters staff it by marking, raising, and lowering targets from behind aberm. See also butts and pulling butts / pits.
Term
Pitting
Definition
Incentive training for a large group of recruits, so named for the sandy pits set aside for such events. See also quarterdecking.
Term
Pizza box
Definition
Marksman Weapons Qualification Badge, so named for its square shape.
Term
Pizza stain
Definition
A nickname used by some marines during recruit training to refer to the National Defense Service Medal, so named for the red and yellow appearance, like the cheese and sauce of a pizza.
Term
Platoon sergeant
Definition
SNCO executive to the platoon commander, usually the senior enlisted man.
Term
PMCS
Definition
Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services, regularly performed maintenance on equipment, as opposed to corrective maintenance.
Term
PMO
Definition
Provost Marshal's Office, the military police force of a Marine installation.
Term
POC
Definition
Point Of Contact, the person to liaison with on a given matter.
Term
Pogue or POG
Definition
Marine not of the combat arms (infantry, armor, and artillery), etymology is disputed: possibly pogue derived from the Tagalog word meaning prostitute or the Erse Gaelic word meaning to kiss [my ass], while POG could be from the acronym Persons Other than Grunt, but could be a backronym.
Term
Poguey or pogey bait
Definition
Candy or sweets. See also geedunk.
Term
Poguey or pogey rope
Definition
The French Fourragère authorized for wear by members of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments.
Term
Police
Definition
To pick up items (such as litter or expended ammunition casings), to return an area to a natural state.
Term
Poncho liner
Definition
Insulating blanket used to warm the individual wearing a rain poncho, often used as a stand-alone blanket.
Term
Pop smoke
Definition
To leave quickly or hastily; from the method of throwing a smoke grenade to mark a landing zone or conceal a retreat.
Term
Port
Definition
Naval term for left; opposite of starboard.
Term
Portholes
Definition
Military issue eyeglasses, or the wearer of glasses. See also BCGs & RPGs.
Term
Pot shack
Definition
Place where cooking utensils are washed.
Term
Prick
Definition
Slang for any equipment bearing the PRC JETDS designator, usually man-portable radios.
Term
Property shed
Definition
Place where organizational property is stored, often a warehouse.
Term
PT
Definition
Physical Training, physical exercise to build or maintain strength, agility, and flexibility.
Term
Pucker factor
Definition
High level of anxiety experienced by those in tight situations, usually aircrew.
Term
Pull butts / pits
Definition
To mark and score targets on a shooting range from behind a berm. See also butts & pits.
Term
PX
Definition
Post eXchange, a term borrowed from the Army; more properly the Marine Corps Exchange.
Term
QRF
Definition
Quick Reaction Force, a highly-mobile stand-by force designed to add firepower in precise places as the commander decides on a changing battlefield, often used forMEDEVAC purposes.
Term
Quarter deck
Definition
A location of prominence in a barracks or office; in recruit training, this area by the drill instructor's office is usually off-limits to recruits except during ceremonial discipline; the term comes from the quarter deck of a ship defined as the part of the upper deck abaft the mainmast, including the poop deck when there is one. Usually reserved for ship's officers, guests, and passengers.
Term
Quarterdecking
Definition
Incentive training at recruit training by means of repetitive and constant physical exercises, so named because it is usually a recruit's only opportunity to visit the quarter deck. See also pitting.
Term
Quarters
Definition
Housing, whether bachelor (barracks) or family (government-leased apartments or houses); or periodic, muster of a ship's company.
Term
Quatrefoil
Definition
Four-pointed embroidered pattern stitched on to the top of a Marine officer's barracks cover, from the tradition of wearing it to be identified as friendly to Marine sharpshooters during boarding actions in the era of wooden sailing ships.
Term
R&R
Definition
Rest and Relaxation, authorized absence from a combat area to reduce the effects of combat stress reaction.
Term
R/S
Definition
Respectfully Submitted, used as an end greeting in written communication.
Term
Rack or sack
Definition
Bed, inappropriate to use the Army term bunk except when used in conjunction with junk on the bunk.
Term
Radio watch
Definition
Duty monitoring radio networks for relevant traffic, also; the person filling that duty.
Term
Raider cap
Definition
Cover worn with the M1941 HBT utilities
Term
Ranks
Definition
There are no acceptable contractions or shortened ways of addressing the following: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer/Chief Warrant Officer, Major, Colonel, and General. The following may be addressed with permission or informally: Private First Class as Private, a Gunnery Sergeant as Gunny, a Master Sergeant or First Sergeant as top, a Master Gunnery Sergeant as Master Gunny, a Second Lieutenant or First Lieutenant as Lieutenant, a Captain as Skipper, a Lieutenant Colonel as Colonel, and a Brigadier General, Major General, and Lieutenant General as General. It is inappropriate to abbreviate an enlisted Marine's rank (Staff Sergeant or above) as Sergeant, nor can the nickname sarge be used. Appropriate written abbreviations for all ranks can be found on United States Marine Corps rank insignia.
Term
Ratfuck
Definition
Taking the best available selection and leaving less desirable alternatives for others.
Term
Real world
Definition
Civilian life after discharge. See also outside.
Term
Red death
Definition
Poorly prepared corned beef with cabbage.
Term
Red lead
Definition
Ketchup/catsup.
Term
Red leg
Definition
Artilleryman. See also cannon cocker and gun bunny.
Term
Red Patch
Definition
Device worn on the uniforms of landing support Marines to distinguish the shore party from landing troops.
Term
Regulation
Definition
To be in accordance with regulations or adopted specifications or issued from government sources.
Term
REMF
Definition
Rear Echelon Mother Fucker, a derision for someone who serves in a non-combatant role.
Term
Remington raider
Definition
A typist or clerk in an administration billet.
Term
Request mast
Definition
Appealing to increasingly higher links in the chain of command in order to seek satisfaction for a grievance the requester feels was not adequately handled at a lower level; DoN orders permit any Marine to request mast up to the individual's commanding general without repercussions.
Term
Re-up
Definition
Reenlist, volunteering for an additional period of service.
Term
RHIP
Definition
Rank Hath Its Privileges, used as a justification for a personal indulgence.
Term
Roach coach
Definition
Food truck or other mobile store
Term
Rock happy
Definition
Eccentric or mildly deranged as a result of long overseas duty at a remote station (traditionally an island).
Term
Rocks and Shoals
Definition
Articles for the Government of the Navy, the pre-UCMJ code of law for the United States Department of the Navy.
Term
ROE
Definition
Rules Of Engagement, the restrictions on when and how a servicemember may use force on the enemy and other forces.
Term
Rotate
Definition
Return home at the end of a deployment.
Term
RPG
Definition
Rocket-Propelled Grenade, a common explosive weapon used by many militaries and insurgent groups; the most common of which is theRPG-7.
Term
RPGs or RPs
Definition
Rape Prevention Glasses, unattractive military issue glasses worn at recruit training; so named that the wearer would be so unattractive that even a rapist would avoid her. See also BCGs & portholes.
Term
Running lights
Definition
Navigational night lights on a ship; Marine's eyes.
Term
S/F
Definition
Abbreviation for Semper Fidelis when used as an end greeting in written communication.
Term
SACO
Definition
Substance Abuse Control Officer, a Marine responsible for the initial screening and evaluation of a Marine or sailor with alcoholism or illegal drug use issues to the proper medical facilities for rehabilitation & treatment.
Term
SAFE
Definition
Mnemonic for the set up of weapons in small-unit defense, deonotes: Security, Automatic weapons, Fields of fire, Entrenchment.
Term
Sailor
Definition
The following nicknames are usually acceptable: bluejacket, tar; while the following are considered insults: gob, swab, swabbie, swab jockey, squid, anchor clanker, rust picker, deck ape.
Term
Salad, tossed salad or fruit salad
Definition
Ribbons and medals worn on a uniform, from the colorful appearance of wearing many awards.
Term
Salt, salty, or salt/salty dog
Definition
Experienced or well-worn person or object, from the salt that would accumulate after long-term exposure to salt water.
Term
Salty language
Definition
Profanity.
Term
SALUTE
Definition
Mnemonic device for a situation report, denotes: Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, and Equipment.
Term
Sandbox
Definition
Iraq or other desert area.
Term
Say again (your last)
Definition
Request to repeat a statement, question, or order, especially over a radio; the word repeat is not to be used in this context, as it calls for a preceding fire mission to be fired again.
Term
Say?nara
Definition
Japanese for goodbye.
Term
Schmuckatelli
Definition
Generic, unnamed junior Marine, from the Yiddish pejorative schmuck.
Term
SCIF
Definition
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, a place classified materials are processed and/or stored.
Term
Scrambled eggs
Definition
Gold oak leaf embroidery found on an officer's barracks cap visor and mess dress cuffs.
Term
Scrounge
Definition
Appropriate, borrow, or acquire (possibly by doubtful means); derived from scringe, meaning to search about, rummage, or pilfer.
Term
Scullery
Definition
Place where dishes are washed.
Term
Scuttlebutt
Definition
Gossip; or a drinking fountain, from butt (cask) and scuttle (make a hole in a ship's side, causing it to sink), a cask that had an opening fitted with a spigot used to contain fresh water for drinking purposes. Because people gathered around a scuttlebutt, gossip, rumors, and sea stories are also known as scuttlebutt.
Term
SDI
Definition
Senior Drill Instructor, the leader of a recruit platoon.
Term
Sea lawyer
Definition
Person who dispenses legal advice without any sort of formal training or schooling, inappropriately called a barracks lawyer.
Term
Sea story
Definition
Story, tale, or yarn calculated to impress others, often contains exaggeration or even outright lies.
Term
Seabag drag
Definition
Manually carrying personal items (often within seabags) to new or temporary living quarters.
Term
Seabag or sea bag
Definition
Duffel bag used to carry one's personal belongings.
Term
Second hat
Definition
Second-most senior drill instructor in a platoon.
Term
Secret squirrel
Definition
Intelligence personnel or activities.
Term
Secure
Definition
Stop, cease; or put away and lock.
Term
Semper Fi
Definition
Shortened version of Semper Fidelis, the motto of the Corps, Latin for always faithful.
Term
Semper I
Definition
Colloquialism denoting selfish or self-centered behavior.
Term
Semper pie
Definition
Condition where the mess hall serves similar items repetitively.
Term
Shit bag or shit bird
Definition
Habitually unkempt or undisciplined Marine.
Term
Shit-brick
Definition
Useless or ignorant person.
Term
Shit-hot
Definition
Sarcastic reference to an overly arrogant person.
Term
Shitter
Definition
Bathroom, head, or latrine, most often an outdoor portable toilet or outhouse.
Term
Shooter
Definition
Person whose primary duty involves marksmanship with a rifle or pistol, such as students at a rifle range or competition team members.
Term
Shore party
Definition
Landing support specialists that direct the disposition of troops during an amphibious assault.
Term
Short colonel or short-bird
Definition
Lieutenant Colonel, as opposed to Colonel. See also light-colonel & half-bird.
Term
Short-timer
Definition
Person nearing the completion of his/her present tour of duty or enlistment.
Term
Short-timer's disease
Definition
Apathy to duties and regulations from a person nearing EAS.
Term
Shove off
Definition
To leave the vicinity, from the naval term meaning to guide a ship to sea.
Term
Shower shoes
Definition
Pair of rubber sandals issued to recruits to prevent infections from the use of community or shared showers. See also Jesus shoes.
Term
Sick bay
Definition
Infirmary or other medical facility aboard ship, can also refer to aid stations ashore. See also BAS.
Term
Sick call
Definition
Daily period when routine ailments are treated at sick bay.
Term
Sick call ranger/commando
Definition
Person who constantly finds medical reasons to avoid work, may suffer from a factitious disorder such as hypochondriasis, Munchausen syndrome, or malingering.
Term
Side arms
Definition
Weapon (usually a pistol) carried by a sentry under arms; also, cream and sugar in coffee.
Term
Side straddle hop
Definition
Jumping Jack.
Term
Sight in
Definition
Aim a weapon at a target using the sights, considered an intention to shoot the target.
Term
Silver bullet
Definition
Rectal thermometer used to check the core temperature of a person suffering from heat-related injuries, such as hyperthermia; often referred to as an incentive to avoiddehydration.
Term
Skate
Definition
Avoiding work by finding an excuse to be elsewhere or unavailable by doing something easier (but important enough to avoid re-tasking); also used as an adjective to describe such an easier duty.
Term
Skid squadron
Definition
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron, so named because the AH-1 SuperCobra and UH-1N Twin Huey helicopters utilize skids instead of wheels forundercarriage.
Term
Skipper
Definition
Nickname for captain (whether Marine or Navy rank), derived from the Scandinavian word for ship, schiffe, and the Dutch word for captain, schipper. Inappropriate to refer to a commanding officer that is not your own or without permission.
Term
Skivvies
Definition
Underwear: skivvie shirt (T-shirt) and skivvie drawers (underwear).
Term
Skylark
Definition
To casually frolic or take excess time to complete a task, from the old naval term to run up and down the rigging of a ship in sport.
Term
Slide bite
Definition
Pinching or abrasions of hand due to holding a semi-automatic pistol too closely to a recoiling slide.
Term
Slop chute
Definition
Impolite term for restaurant within the PX or beer garden.
Term
SMEAC
Definition
Mnemonic for the five paragraph order, a method of clearly issuing complex orders; denotes: Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration & Logistics, Command & Signal.
Term
Smokey Bear or Smokey Brown
Definition
Brown campaign cover worn by drill instructors, so named because of their similarity to the hat worn by Smokey Bear. See also campaign cover, field hat, & hat.
Term
Smokin' and jokin'
Definition
When a mass of Marines is acting unproductive.
Term
SNAFU
Definition
Situation Normal, All Fucked Up. See also FUBAR.
Term
Snap in
Definition
Conduct sighting in or aiming exercises with an unloaded weapon.
Term
SNCOIC
Definition
Staff NonCommissioned Officer In Charge, a SNCO responsible for a group of Marines, but without the authority of a commissioned officer; somes also the senior enlisted Marine acting with the officer in charge. See also NCOIC & OIC.
Term
Snot locker
Definition
Nose.
Term
Snow job
Definition
Misleading or grossly exaggerated report; sales talk.
Term
Snuffie or snuffy
Definition
Junior Marine, Lance Corporal and below.
Term
SOP
Definition
Standard Operating Procedure, the routine manner of handling a set situation, can be a standing order.
Term
SOS
Definition
International distress signal; or Shit On a Shingle, creamed beef on toast.
Term
SOTG
Definition
Special Operations Training Group
Term
Spit and polish
Definition
Extreme individual or collective military neatness, extreme devotion to the minutiae of traditional military procedures and/or ceremonies; from spit-polishing boots and dress shoes.
Term
Spit-shine
Definition
Polish leather footwear (boots and dress shoes), employing spittle to remove excess grease and produce a high polish.
Term
Splice of the mainbrace
Definition
Invitation to drink, from the old naval custom of drinking grog after repairing battle-damage to the main braces.
Term
Spud locker
Definition
Place where fresh vegetables are stored, after the nickname for potatoes.
Term
Squadbay
Definition
Living quarters with open rooms and shared head, as opposed to the more common barracks that offer individual rooms.
Term
Square(d) away
Definition
Make neat and regulation appearance, to be in a neat and regulation appearance.
Term
Squid
Definition
Pejorative for sailor.
Term
SRB
Definition
Service Record Book, an administrative record of an enlisted Marine's personal information, promotions, postings, deployments, punishments, and emergency data; much like an officer's OQR.
Term
SSDD
Definition
Same Shit, Different Day, euphemism denoting frustration with an unchanging situation or boredom.
Term
Stacking swivel
Definition
Oblong-shaped link with an opening screwed to the rifle that allowed other rifles to be hooked and stacked (the M1 Garand was the last service rifle to have a stacking swivel, this function is now held by the weapon's sling); a person's throat.
Term
Staff NCO or SNCO
Definition
Staff NonCommissioned Officer, Marines in the rank of E-6 or above: Staff Sergeant, Gunnery Sergeant, Master Sergeant, First Sergeant, Master Gunnery Sergeant and Sergeant Major.
Term
Stand by
Definition
Wait, stop and wait.
Term
Starboard
Definition
Naval term for right, opposite of port.
Term
STOL
Definition
Short TakeOff/Landing, takeoff and landing technique needing only a short runway to become airborne. See also STOVL, VTOL, & V/STOL.
Term
STOVL
Definition
Short TakeOff, Vertical Landing, takeoff and landing technique where a V/STOL aircraft will make a non-vertical take-off to carry greater weight, such as fuel and weapons, expend that weight, and make a vertical landing. See also STOL, VTOL, and V/STOL.
Term
Suck
Definition
Mouth.
Term
Survey
Definition
Medical discharge or to effect discharge/retirement of an individual for medical reasons; dispose of an item of government property by reason of unserviceability.
Term
Susie Rottencrotch
Definition
Wife, girlfriend, or other generic woman.
Term
Swab
Definition
Mop; also pejorative for sailor, so named because sailors of wooden ships had to swab the decks to keep them from warping.
Term
Swagger stick
Definition
Antiquated symbol of authority long out of style.
Term
Swamp-ass
Definition
Unpleasant collection of sweat soaking undergarments.
Term
Swinging dick
Definition
Vulgarity for male Marine, used to emphasize an order to a whole group instead of individual(s).
Term
Swoop
Definition
Make a long trip in a short period of time, usually in reference to returning to post after liberty to avoid an UA status.
Term
Sympathy chit
Definition
Voucher sarcastically authorizing the recipient sympathy from others.
Term
T/O&E
Definition
Table of Operations and Equipment, a list authorizing a unit personnel of a particular rank and MOS, as well as organic equipment; often seen separately as T/O and T/E.
Term
TAD
Definition
Temporary Additional Duty, a duty where the Marine or Sailor is detached from his or her unit temporarily and serves elsewhere; comparable to the Army term TDY.
Term
TBS
Definition
The Basic School, the six month combat training school for new Marine officers.
Term
Terminal lance
Definition
Marine nearing the end of his enlistment at the rank of lance corporal and unlikely to get promoted; also a webcomic of the same name. See also battalion lance corporal.
Term
The bricks
Definition
Barracks.
Term
The Rock
Definition
Okinawa.
Term
The suck
Definition
Miserable situation or place, often used to describe the Marine Corps or a combat zone.
Term
The wire
Definition
Defensive perimeter of a firm base, crossing it denotes the end of relative safety.
Term
Thousand-yard stare
Definition
Unfocused gaze of a battle-weary servicemember.
Term
Thump gun
Definition
Grenade launcher, from the distinctive noise made when firing. See also blooper.
Term
Tie-ties
Definition
Straps or strings used to tie items to another line, such as laundry or rifle targets.
Term
Tight-jawed
Definition
Angry, so named from the human tendency to clench the jaw when angered.
Term
Tip of the spear
Definition
Term for a unit or subunit that enters enemy territory first.
Term
Toilet bowl
Definition
Marksman Weapons Qualification Badge, so named for the concentric rings in the design which resemble water swirling down a toilet bowl, and in allusion to its being the lowest level of weapons qualification.
Term
Top
Definition
Informal nickname for a Master Sergeant, inappropriate to use without permission.
Term
Topside
Definition
Ship's upper deck.
Term
Tore up
Definition
Broken, messy, unserviceable.
Term
TRAM
Definition
Tractor, Rubber-tired, Articulated steering, Multi-purpose.
Term
T-rat
Definition
Tray ration, nickname for Unitized Group Ration, a ration heated and served to a group of servicemembers.
Term
Trooper
Definition
Soldier, considered an insult to refer to a Marine unless plural.
Term
Troops
Definition
Generic group of servicemembers.
Term
Trousers
Definition
Pants.
Term
Trunk monkey
Definition
A passenger in the back of an armored vehicle, not part of the crew.
Term
Two-block
Definition
Hoist a flag or pennant to the peak, truck, or yardarm of a staff; or a tie with the knot positioned exactly in the gap of a collar of a buttoned shirt.
Term
UA
Definition
Unauthorized Absence, the naval version of the term AWOL.
Term
UAV
Definition
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
Term
UCMJ
Definition
Uniform Code of Military Justice (Public Law 506, 81st Congress) 1951, the system of military law, both judicial and nonjudicial.
Term
UD
Definition
Unit Diary, the computerized system that maintains all administrative records for a unit.
Term
Un-ass or un-fuck
Definition
To correct a deficiency, usually on a person.
Term
Under arms
Definition
Status of having a weapon, sidearm, MP or SP brassard, or wearing equipment pertaining to an arm such as a sword sling, pistol belt, or cartridge belt as part of guard duty; Marines under arms do not remove covers indoors.
Term
Under canvas
Definition
Living under temporary sheltering, such as a tent.
Term
Under way
Definition
To depart or to start a process for an objective.
Term
Unq
Definition
Unqualified, usually in reference to training events.
Term
Unsat
Definition
Abbreviation of unsatisfactory.
Term
USMC
Definition
Acronym for United States Marine Corps. Also used as a pejorative backronym: Uncle Sam's Misguided Children, U Signed the Motherfucking Contract, U Suckers Miss Christmas, Unlimited Shit and Mass Confusion, University of Science, Music and Culture, Uncomplicated Shit Made Complicated.
Term
USO
Definition
United Service Organizations Inc., private, nonprofit organization that provides morale and recreational services to members of the U.S. military worldwide.
Term
Utilities
Definition
Field and work uniforms (currently the MCCUU), formerly called dungarees, inappropriately called the Army term BDU.
Term
V/STOL
Definition
Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing, a type of aircraft that can perform STOL, STOVL, and VTOL.
Term
VERTREP
Definition
Vertical replenishment, the use of helicopters for cargo transfer to ships or distant outposts.
Term
VMA
Definition
Marine Attack Squadron
Term
VMAQ
Definition
Marine Electronic Warfare Squadron
Term
VMAT
Definition
Marine Attack Training Squadron
Term
VMB
Definition
Marine Bombing Squadrons
Term
VMC
Definition
Marine Composite Squadrons
Term
VMCJ
Definition
Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadrons
Term
VMD
Definition
Marine Photographic Squadrons
Term
VMF
Definition
Marine Fighter Squadron
Term
VMF(N)
Definition
Marine Night Fighter Squadrons
Term
VMFA
Definition
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron
Term
VMFA(AW)
Definition
Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron
Term
VMFAT
Definition
Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron
Term
VMFP
Definition
Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
Term
VMGR
Definition
Marine Aerial Refueler/Transport Squadron
Term
VMGRT
Definition
Marine Aerial Refueler/Transport Training Squadron
Term
VMJ
Definition
Marine Reconnaissance Squadron / Marine Target Towing Detachments
Term
VML
Definition
Marine Glider Squadron
Term
VMM
Definition
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron
Term
VMMT
Definition
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron
Term
VMO
Definition
Marine Observation Squadron
Term
VMP
Definition
Marine Patrol Squadron
Term
VMR
Definition
Marine Transport Squadrons
Term
VMS
Definition
Marine Scouting Squadrons
Term
VMSB
Definition
Marine Scout Bombing Squadrons
Term
VMTB
Definition
Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadrons
Term
VMTD
Definition
Marine Target Towing Detachments
Term
VMU
Definition
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron
Term
VMX
Definition
Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron
Term
VTOL
Definition
Vertical TakeOff/Landing, takeoff and landing technique that does not need a runway to become airborne. See also STOL, STOVL, & V/STOL.
Term
WAG
Definition
Wild-Ass Guess, sometimes qualified with the sarcastic prefix Scientific.
Term
Walking john
Definition
Nickname for a Marine marching in dress blues uniform that appeared on World War I-era recruiting posters.
Term
War belt
Definition
Web belt.
Term
War paint
Definition
Camouflage face paint.
Term
Watch
Definition
Formal tour of duty of prescribed length, usually a guard-related task.
Term
Water buffalo or water bull
Definition
400-gallon potable water tank, trailer-mounted, towed behind a truck.
Term
Weekend warrior
Definition
Reservist.
Term
Wetting-down or wet down
Definition
Celebration in honor of one's promotion as an officer or to the SNCO ranks, so named for the tradition of wetting the recipient and/or the promotion warrant.
Term
Whiskey locker
Definition
Supply locker/closet.
Term
Whites
Definition
Marine Corps or Navy white dress uniforms.
Term
Wilco
Definition
Voice procedure term shortened from Will Comply.
Term
Willie peter bag
Definition
Waterproof bag.
Term
Wing wiper
Definition
Aviation person, usually a maintenance person and not a pilot.
Term
Winger
Definition
Aviation Marine.
Term
WM
Definition
Walking Mattress/Woman Marine, usually considered an offensive term.
Term
Wooly pully or itchy bitchy
Definition
Green wool sweater worn with the service uniform (or blue with the dress uniform) over the khaki shirt.
Term
Word
Definition
General term for instructions, orders, and information that is required for all members of a unit to know; or the act of passing information to a collected group of servicemembers. See also gouge.
Term
Work your bolt
Definition
Resort to special measures, either by energy or guile, in order to attain a particular end; from the action of racking a rifle's bolt to clear a stoppage.
Term
WP or Willie Pete[r]
Definition
White phosphorus munition, whether in grenade, mortar, artillery, or aerial bomb form.
Term
XO
Definition
Executive Officer, the second in command of a unit, known as a Chief of Staff for a general.
Term
YATYAS or YAT YAS
Definition
You Ain't Tracks/Trackin, You Ain't Shit, an amtrac slogan.
Term
Yellow leg
Definition
Marine, nickname given by North Korean Army in reference to Korean War-era discolored, yellow-looking leggings.
Term
Yut or yut yut
Definition
Exclamation of enthusiasm or approval, similar to oorah.
Term
ZMQ
Definition
Marine Barrage Balloon Squadrons
Term
Zoomie
Definition
Pilot, usually an Air Force pilot.
Term
Zoomie U
Definition
United States Air Force Academy
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