|
|
Post by Cartwright on Apr 30, 2008 18:47:30 GMT -5
0-9
180 ¡ª one-hundred-eighty degrees on a compass (180¡ã); to change to the opposite one's point of view (physical or mental).
29 Stumps ¡ª Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, so named for its desolation.
360 ¡ª complete circle on a compass (360¡ã); to put protection all around.
6-by ¡ª rugged truck equipped with six-wheel drive.
7-ton ¡ª nickname for Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, so named for its hauling capacity. See also MTVR.
782 or deuce gear ¡ª standard issue web gear, combat gear, or field equipment, such as ALICE, MOLLE, or ILBE. Named after standard Marine Corps Form 782, which Marines signed when they took custody of and responsibility for their equipment.
A
about face ¡ª movement where a person or group turns and faces the opposite direction; close order drill movement to turn about in a precise manner.
above my/your pay grade ¡ª expression denying responsibility or authority (indicating that the issue should be brought to higher-ranking officials).
acting jack ¡ª assistant drill instructor, or an acting Corporal.
AHA ¡ª Ammunition Holding Area, where ammo is stored and issued. See also ASP.
ahoy ¡ª traditional nautical greeting, used for hailing other boats; originally a Viking battle cry.
airdale ¡ª person who works in aviation.
Air Force salute ¡ª to say, "I know" by a shrug.
ALICE ¡ª All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment, an older form of combat gear still see in occasional use in some Marine activities, replaced by MOLLE and ILBE.
all hands ¡ª entire ship's company or unit personnel, including all officers and enlisted personnel.
ANGLICO ¡ª Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company.
AO ¡ª Area of Operations, or the geographical region that falls under the responsibility of a unit to control and carry out a mission.
APC ¡ª 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 800mg ibuprofen today.
ashore ¡ª on the shore, as opposed to aboard ship; any place off a Marine Corps or government reservation.
Asiatic ¡ª mildly deranged or eccentric as a result of too much foreign duty, or one who has missed too many boats.
ASP ¡ª Ammunition Supply Point, where ammo is stored and issued. See also AHA.
as you were ¡ª order to disregard the immediately preceding order, often in response to a call to "attention on deck" or when the orders issued were mistaken.
ate up ¡ª person unaware of what's going on; one who is always lazy, in disarray, and unsatisfactory.
aye-aye ¡ª 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".
B
baby G ¡ª Brigadier General, the lowest ranking general.
bag nasty ¡ª 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.
BAH ¡ª Basic Allowance for Housing, a pay addendum that allows a Marine to maintain housing appropriate for his or her dependants when not living in government quarters.
BAMCIS ¡ª 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.
barracks rat ¡ª servicemember who rarely voluntarily leaves his or her barracks.
barracks queen ¡ª woman (servicewoman or civilian) who has had sexual relations with a large number of servicemen in a unit.
Battalion Lance Corporal ¡ª most senior non-NCO in the unit; the Lance Corporal most least likely promoted to the rank of Corporal.
battle blaze ¡ª original name for the 1st & 2nd Marine Division shoulder sleeve insignias designed after the units' service in the Battle of Guadalcanal.
battle pin ¡ª tie clasp or tie tack, originally a metal collar bar worn on the shirt collar until the beginning of World War II.
battle zero or BZO ¡ª settings on the sights of a rifle that allow the shooter to overcome various factors and hit accurately at a given range, used as a default before adjusting for wind or distance; also used as a verb when firing to obtain a BZO by trial and error.
BB counter or BB stacker ¡ª servicemember whose duties relate to the storage and issue of ordnance.
BCGs or BCs ¡ª 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.
beans, bullets and bandages ¡ª expression used to refer to those things a logistician must provide his or her unit: rations, ammunition, and medical care.
beer garden ¡ª area near a barracks set aside for the social consumption of alcohol and smoking of tobacco, may contain barbecue or picnic facilities.
beer-thirty ¡ª time of dismissal from the day's duties (and thus allowed to drink alcohol). See also COB.
belay ¡ª to cancel an order; to stop; to firmly secure a line.
below ¡ª down the ladder well; below decks.
BEQ ¡ª Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, living spaces for single enlisted Marine, usually a barracks.
billet ¡ª specific role or job within the unit (for example, the billet of Company First Sergeant is held by the senior enlisted man of the company and acts as the commander's 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.
binnacle list ¡ª sick list, a list of men excused from duty; traditionally, it was posted on or near the binnacle, a large stand used to house a magnetic compass and fitting.
bird ¡ª unspecified aircraft.
blanket party ¡ª assaulting a service member by throwing a blanket over his/her head so he/she can not identify the perpetrators.
blood stripe ¡ª 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.
blouse ¡ª military dress coat or jacket; or as a verb to tuck one's trousers into boots or otherwise secure excess pants legging.
BLT ¡ª Battalion Landing Team, the ground combat element of a MEU; not to be confused with a Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwich.
Bn ¡ª abbreviation for battalion.
boondocks ¡ª woods or wilds, far-away spaces, or that portion of the country which is inhospitable and fit only for military exercises; derived from the Tagalog "bundok" or mountain jungles of the Philippines.
boondockers ¡ª boots.
boondoggle ¡ª trip on government time and/or expense that serves no purpose other than to entertain the person making it.
boot ¡ª recruit, or derisive term for a Marine just out of training.
boots and utes or boots'n'utes ¡ª boots and utility uniform, minus the blouse; sometimes used for physical training or working in hot environments.
boot bands or blousing bands ¡ª 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.
BOQ ¡ª Bachelor Officer Quarters, housing for single Marine officers.
boot camp ¡ª 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.
box-kicker ¡ª pejorative for servicemember who works in supply, specifically, a warehouse clerk.
brain bucket ¡ª helmet.
brain-housing group ¡ª thought processing, used as a parallel to a rifle's trigger housing group.
brass ¡ª brass uniform items; expended casings from weapons; term for senior officers.
brat ¡ª longtime dependant children.
the bricks ¡ª barracks.
brig ¡ª prison or place of confinement aboard ship or ashore at a Marine Corps or naval station.
brig rat ¡ª person who has served much brig time, a habitual offender.
brightwork ¡ª brass or shiny metal, which Marines must polish.
broke-dick ¡ª servicemember on light, limited, or no duty status for medical reasons.
brown-bagger ¡ª 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.
buddy-fucker or blue falcon ¡ª negligent (unintentional) or malicious (intentional) disregard for another servicemember's career, comfort, or time; often for personal gain.
bug juice ¡ª insect repellent.
bulkhead ¡ª wall.
bus driver ¡ª Air Force pilot, so termed for the appearance of early USAF uniforms and the function they serve.
butter bar ¡ª Second Lieutenant, so named for the single gold bar rank insignia.
"by your leave, sir/ma'am." ¡ª 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.
C
C & S ¡ª "Clean & Sober" notation formerly entered on the liberty list beside the names of Marines returning from liberty in that condition.
C2 ¡ª Command & Control.
C4I ¡ª Command, Control, Communication, Computers, & Intelligence.
CAC ¡ª Common Access Card, an electronic identification method used to allow a person access to the Navy/Marine Corps Intranet.
CACO ¡ª Casualty Assistance Counseling Officer, a Marine detailed to help the family of a Marine killed, wounded, or captured in the line of duty.
cammies ¡ª camouflage utility uniform.
cannon cocker ¡ª artilleryman. See also gun bunny and red leg.
Canoe U. ¡ª nickname for United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD.
Captain's Mast ¡ª office hours afloat.
CAS ¡ª Close Air Support, aircraft fire on ground troops in support of nearby friendly troops.
Casual Company or CasCo ¡ª 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.
catwalk ¡ª walkway constructed over or around obstructions on a ship or building.
CBRN ¡ª Chemical-Biological-Radiological-Nuclear. See also NBC.
Chair Force ¡ª derogatory term for the US Air Force.
chairborne ¡ª someone who works in an office environment.
chalk ¡ª squad of servicemembers in an aircraft that will or have been deployed to the ground (rappelling or parachuting).
charlies or chucks ¡ª The service "C" uniform, consisting of the short-sleeve khaki shirt and green trousers.
chaser ¡ª contraction of prisoner-chaser, an escort for a prisoner or detail of prisoners.
chevron ¡ª symbols of enlisted ranks above private, usually not acceptably called "stripes" unless describing the rank insignia itself.
Chief ¡ª Chief Petty Officer; it is best and respectful to address Senior Chief Petty Officers and Master Chief Petty Officers as "Senior Chief" and "Master Chief".
Chinese field day ¡ª 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.
chit ¡ª voucher, receipt, letter, or note, entitling the bearer to special treatment, such as medical restrictions from duty; derived from Hindi word for "letter", "chitti".
chow ¡ª food.
chow down ¡ª to eat.
chow hall ¡ª cafeteria. See also mess hall.
chowhound ¡ª person who eats a great deal, or expends much effort and anticipation in daily meals.
CIF ¡ª Consolidated Issue Facility, a place on a station where all personal equipment is stored and issued, often contracted to civilians.
CINC ¡ª Commander IN Chief, often of a Unified Combatant Command.
circular file ¡ª office garbage can.
civvies ¡ª civilian clothing.
clusterfuck ¡ª chaotic and messy situation; multiple mistakes or problems happening in rapid succession.
CNN effect ¡ª fascination or disruption created by extensive, live television presence in a combat zone.
COB ¡ª Close Of Business, the end of working hours; or Close
Order Battle, a synonym for CQB. See also beer-thirty.
cock holster ¡ª vulgarity for mouth. See also cum receptacle.
Colonel ¡ª proper means of addressing lieutenant colonels and colonels.
CommO ¡ª Communications Officer (S-6).
comrats or comm-rats ¡ª COMmuted RATions, an extra pay for married personnel to replace the loss of mess hall privileges.
CONUS ¡ª CONtinental United States (48 states excluding Alaska and Hawaii), as opposed to OCONUS.
corpsman ¡ª Navy hospital corpsman attached to a Marine unit; also known as "doc"; inappropriate to address as "medic" or "aid man" (though in the Quake universe, it is alright to call them medics).
cover ¡ª headgear; to align to the person in front of you in formation (regarding close order drill).
cover and alignment ¡ª 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.
covered and uncovered ¡ª when wearing and not wearing covers (hats).
CP ¡ª command post.
CPX ¡ª Command Post eXercise, or a test of command and control capabilities.
CQB or CQC ¡ª Close Quarters Battle/Combat, combat within a confined space, such as urban warfare. See also MOUT.
crew-served ¡ª short for crew-served weapon; also large and very powerful, based on a crew-served weapon being such.
cruise ¡ª deployment aboard ship; or enlistment period, inappropriately called a stint.
crunchy ¡ª armored term for unmounted infantry.
CS ¡ª tear gas or 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile, a white solid powder commonly used for NBC training.
cum receptacle ¡ª vulgarity for mouth. See also cock holster.
cumshaw ¡ª something extra or free; Pidgin English expression using the Chinese word for "grateful", "kamsia" and "thanks" "sia" (meaning thanks).
D
D & D ¡ª Drunk and Disorderly, an entry formerly made on the liberty list beside the name of any Marine returning from liberty in that condition.
DD-214 ¡ª discharge papers, from the form number.
dai jobi ¡ª Japanese for OK.
dead horse ¡ª to draw advance pay out of the normal pay cycle, the Marine is then obligated to repay the debt at the government's convenience.
death by PowerPoint ¡ª overly long and boring brief, from the tendency of briefers to over-use the presentation software.
deck ¡ª floor or surface of the earth; to punch or knock down with one blow.
deep six ¡ª to dispose of by throwing overboard ship.
defecation hits the oscillation ¡ª polite version of the expression "shit hits the fan", meaning a deranged or impossible situation; so named because feces striking a spinning fan would create a large mess.
deuce ¡ª reference to the number two in various unit or equipment names.
deuce gear ¡ª see 782 gear, from the last digit in that term.
Devil Dog or Devil ¡ª nickname for Marines, a name earned by Marines fighting at the Battle of Belleau Wood; from the German word "teufelhunden".
devil dogging ¡ª correcting another Marine's minor deficiency, often in public with implied humiliation.
DI ¡ª Drill Instructor, inappropriate to use the Army term "drill sergeant".
dickskinner or dickbeater ¡ª human hand.
diddy bop ¡ª poor performance in close order drill, or marching in a manner that does not present a crisp military appearance.
DIET ¡ª 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.
digis ¡ª digital camouflage such as MARPAT; also refers to the digital-patterned MCCUU.
Disneyland East ¡ª Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps at Arlington, Virginia.
Doc ¡ª Navy hospital corpsman attached to the Marines, can be combined with "devil dog" to become "devil doc".
DoD or DOD ¡ª Department of Defense.
dog ¡ª 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.
dog and pony show ¡ª 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.
doggie ¡ª enlisted member of the United States Army, from the diminutive "dog-face".
DoN or DON ¡ª Department of the Navy.
donkey dick ¡ª slang for a virtually any piece of equipment which has a generally cylindrical shape, roughly one foot in length, and has no official name (or unknown).
dope ¡ª information, or sight settings and/or wind corrections for a rifle under given conditions.
down-range ¡ª dangerous area, from the portion of a shooting range that receives impacts; also the execution of a plan.
DPICM ¡ª Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions, a specialized artillery round that releases sub-munitions.
DTG ¡ª Date-Time Group, a numeric code denoting the time and date of a message.
E
EAS ¡ª End of Active Service, the date of discharge from active duty.
EGA ¡ª Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, the emblem of the Marine Corps.
eightball ¡ª worthless, troublesome individual.
Eighth and I ¡ª Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., located at 8th and I streets, S.E.; more properly written as "8th & I".
EM ¡ª Enlisted Marine/Man, very inappropriate to use today.
elephant hat ¡ª pith helmet issued in 1940 and worn by rifle range coaches today
embed ¡ª embedded journalist assigned a slot within a combat unit.
Ensign ¡ª colors, national flag; also the most junior commissioned officer rank in the US Navy.
EOD ¡ª Explosive Ordnance Disposal, responsible for the safe handling, deactivation, and removal of unexploded ordnance, the military version of a bomb squad.
EPD ¡ª Extra Police Duties, punishment assigned where the individual is required to perform cleaning duties after working hours (on his or her liberty time).
EPW ¡ª Enemy Prisoner of War.
F
FARP ¡ª 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.
fart sack ¡ª linen a mattress is inserted into.
fat-body ¡ª overweight recruit or servicemember.
feather merchant ¡ª Marine of slight build, lightweight.
FEBA ¡ª Forward Edge of the Battle Area, the line of departure where a unit enters enemy territory.
field day ¡ª day or portion of day set aside for general cleanup or police of an organization's area or barracks rooms; also as a verb for the act of conducting a field day.
field expediency ¡ª improvisation, to make due to with what's is available.
field hat ¡ª campaign hat, 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.
field music ¡ª drummer, trumpeter, bugler, fifer; mostly an antiquated term.
field scarf ¡ª khaki uniform necktie.
field-strip ¡ª 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.
fifty-cal or fitty-cal ¡ª M2 Browning machine gun, from its .50 caliber ammunition. See also Ma Deuce.
fighting hole ¡ª a defensive position dug into the ground; can be dug for one Marine, a pair, or a weapon crew; known in the other services as a "fox hole".
file 13 ¡ª paper shredder.
finding ¡ª significant discrepancy found during an inspection.
fire for effect ¡ª 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.
fire watch ¡ª 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.
first shirt ¡ª company or battery First Sergeant.
flak jacket ¡ª antiquated term for ballistic vest or body armor.
FO ¡ª Forward Observer, a person within sight of a target who calls indirect fire or Close Air Support onto it.
FOD ¡ª Foreign Object Damage, also refers to an object or debris that causes FOD to an aircraft.
FOD walk ¡ª organized effort to find and remove potentially damaging objects from a flight area.
fore-and-aft cap ¡ª garrison cap, also frequently referred to as a piss cutter.
form ID-10T or ID-ten-tango form ¡ª prank fool's errand where an unsuspecting Marine is asked to find the fake form, not knowing it is an orthograph for "idiot".
Fortitudine ¡ª former motto of the Corps in the 19th century (replaced by Semper Fidelis), from the Latin word for "fortitude".
four-deuce ¡ª 4.2 in. (107-mm) mortar.
foxhole ¡ª fighting hole as termed by the Army and Marines of the past, no longer appropriate for Marine use.
FRAGO ¡ª FRAGmentary Order, an addendum to published operational orders.
frock ¡ª to be authorized to wear the next higher grade before promotion, confers authority but not pay grade.
FUBAR ¡ª Fucked/Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition/Repair. See also SNAFU.
full-bird ¡ª 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.
G
gagglefuck ¡ª 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.
galley ¡ª kitchen aboard ship.
gangway ¡ª ship's passageway; also used to order juniors to give way to seniors in passageways, and particularly when going up and down ladders.
gear ¡ª property or equipment; usually referring to an individual's combat equipment.
gear adrift ¡ª gear found left lying around, from the saying "gear adrift, must be a gift!".
geedunk ¡ª candy or sweets. See also pogey bait.
General ¡ª proper way of addressing a Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General, or General.
general mess ¡ª enlisted mess.
gerbil launcher ¡ª M203 grenade launcher.
GI ¡ª Government Issue; formerly a term for a servicemember, but now describes being squared-away or the government's idea of an ideal servicemember.
GI can ¡ª garbage can, also known as circular file.
GI house ¡ª place where garbage is stored until it is hauled away.
Gitmo ¡ª U.S. Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
gizmo ¡ª miscellaneous, nondescript, unidentified gadget or tool.
go-fasters ¡ª running shoes or sneakers, named so because they help a person run faster than boots.
gomer ¡ª antiquated term for stupid person, from the Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. TV series.
good cookie ¡ª Good Conduct Medal.
Gore-Tex ¡ª Extended Cold Weather Clothing System, usually in reference to the parka; from the fabric it is made from.
GOV or govvie ¡ª Government Owned Vehicle, as opposed to POV.
grab-ass ¡ª horseplay, loafing, lounging.
greens ¡ª service uniforms and their color.
grid squares ¡ª 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.
grinder ¡ª parade ground or deck used primarily for drill and/or formations.
grunt ¡ª infantryman, formerly a pejorative that has taken more neutral tones.
gun bunny ¡ª artilleryman, so named for the hearing loss associated with working around cannons. See also cannon cocker and red leg.
Gung ho ¡ª Chinese phrase meaning to "work together," it became the battle cry of the Marine Raiders.
gunner ¡ª abbreviation of Marine Gunner, the title for line warrant officers, designated as experts in various combat arms and tactics, signified by a bursting bomb designation; used informally to refer to the Officer In Charge if he or she is of warrant officer rank.
gunny ¡ª nickname for Gunnery Sergeant, improper to call a Master Gunnery Sergeant this.
gyrene ¡ª nickname for Marine, often thought an insult; combination of the words "GI" and "Marine".
H
H&S or Hide & Slide ¡ª Headquarters & Service/Supply Company, much like a Headquarters Battalion.
hack ¡ª arrest.
half-bird ¡ª Lieutenant Colonel, as opposed to a full-bird. See also short colonel.
half-mast ¡ª position of the ensign when hoisted halfway, usually done in respect to a deceased person; also called "half-staff" amongst non-naval forces.
hard charger ¡ª 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.
hashmark ¡ª 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.
hat ¡ª drill instructor, so named for the distinctive campaign hat they wear; usually reserved for other or former drill instructor use.
hatch ¡ª door; more specifically, the watertight cover over an opening between compartments or that leads to the ladder wells between decks of a ship.
HBT ¡ª HerringBone Twill; the cotton material of Marine utilities from 1941 to the late 1950s.
HDR ¡ª Humanitarian Daily Ration, a variation of the MRE used to feed a single malnourished person for one day with 2,300 calories.
HE ¡ª High Explosive, used to describe various kinds of ordnance.
headgear ¡ª hats, helmets, caps, etc.
head ¡ª bathroom or latrine, a nautical term from the days of sailing ships when the designated place to defecate and urinate was forward, at the bow or "head" of the ship.
HEAT ¡ª High-Explosive AntiTank, type of tank round.
heavy hat ¡ª junior drill instructor who performs more discipline and punishment tasks than his peers.
hajji ¡ª Arab or Middle Eastern person or object, from the Arabic term for one who has completed a pilgrimage to Mecca, or "hajj"
hell hole ¡ª hatch mounted in the deck of many helicopters (such as the CH-53E Super Stallion) for rappeling.
helo ¡ª Helicopter
HEDP ¡ª High-Explosive Dual Purpose, type of armor piercing ammunition.
high and right ¡ª 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.
high-speed ¡ª new, interesting, or cool; often used to sarcastically denote that the subject looks good, but performance is dubious.
hillbilly armor ¡ª improvised vehicle armor.
HIMARS ¡ª High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.
HMMWV or humvee ¡ª High-Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle, common utility truck.
Hollywood Marine ¡ª Marine graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, stemming from competition between the two recruit depots.
homeslice ¡ª person, often a sarcastic overture to civilians from a drill instructor; from the terms homie and homeboy.
homesteading ¡ª remaining at one duty station for an extended tour or consecutive tours.
honcho or head honcho ¡ª person in charge, from the Japanese word for "boss', "hanch¨"; also a nickname for Okinawan taxi drivers.
hooch ¡ª tent, hut, or otherwise temporary or ramshackle dwelling.
housewife ¡ª girlfriend.
hump ¡ª carry or lift a load, originally an Australian term meaning "to carry one's swag,"; also a forced march carrying full equipment loads.
hurry up and wait ¡ª expression denoting inefficient time management or planning, often when a senior rushes a unit into a situation too fast that subsequently makes them wait.
huss ¡ª 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".
I
I & I ¡ª Inspector-Instructor, an active duty Marine assigned to supervise the training of a reserve unit.
IAW ¡ª In Accordance With, term often used to denote compliance with published orders or procedures.
IED ¡ª 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).
IG ¡ª Inspector General.
IG Inspection ¡ª official inspection of a command or unit by the IG or his representatives.
ILBE ¡ª Improved Load Bearing Equipment, the newest iteration of personal combat gear, utilizes the PALS, replaced MOLLE.
inkstick ¡ª pen
Irish pennant or IP ¡ª loose thread, string, or strap on a uniform or equipment that detracts from a perfect appearance.
Iron Mike ¡ª Nickname bestowed on various memorial statues: Parris Island, SC, Quantico, VA, and Belleau, France
IRR ¡ª 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.
J
JAG ¡ª Judge Advocate General, the legal entity within the Marine Corps, from the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, the naval officer who oversees both Navy and Marine JAG corps; also, a television show by the same name.
jarhead ¡ª 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.
Jesus slippers or Jesus boots ¡ª government-issue sandals or flip-flops for sanitation in showers. See also shower shoes.
JETDS ¡ª Joint Electronics Type Designation System, used to categorize the nomenclature of electronic equipment.
joe ¡ª 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.
John Wayne ¡ª P-38 can opener, a small folding blade used to open canned rations (such as K-rations or C-rations), so named because the actor was shown in a training film using it.
Joker ¡ª military journalist, from Private Joker from the movie Full Metal Jacket; also a derogatory term for a junior enlisted servicemember.
JTF ¡ª Joint Task Force, a provisional unit or formation from more than one branch of service.
K
K or klicks ¡ª kilometer.
KA-BAR ¡ª fighting/utility knife first issued during World War II.
keeper ¡ª cloth loop on the green service blouse to hold the cloth belt neatly in place.
kelly helmet or K-pot ¡ª 1917-model basin helmet worn during World War I until 1942.
kevlar ¡ª helmet made from kevlar.
keyboard jockey ¡ª person whose job causes him or her use a computer for a length of time.
L
ladder well ¡ª stairway or ladder connecting different decks of a ship, so named because naval stairs tend to be so steep as to almost be vertical.
laminated ¡ª perceived semi-permanent state of issue for a normally temporary status.
lance coolie or lance criminal ¡ª derogatory terms for Lance Corporal.
landing gear ¡ª crossed rifles exposed on the rank insignia of Lance Corporals, Corporals, and Sergeants.
LBV ¡ª 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.
leadstick ¡ª pencil.
leatherneck ¡ª antiquated 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.
leg ¡ª servicemember who does not rate to wear the Parachutist Insignia, borrowed from the Army Airborne.
leggings ¡ª leg coverings made of canvas with eyelets and laces or buckles to secure the trouser legs over shoes.
liberty ¡ª authorized free time ashore or off station, not counted as leave, known in the Army as a "pass".
liberty list ¡ª 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).
lifer ¡ª career servicemember, as opposed to one who serves for a single enlistment.
Lima Charlie or lickin' chicken ¡ª Loud and Clear, an expression meaning that the communication has been received and understood; originally exclusive to radio traffic.
line company ¡ª lettered Marine companies or the aviation term for ground units, originally, an infantry company.
lollygag ¡ª dawdle or fool about.
long handles ¡ª long sleeved/legged undershirt/shorts.
Long War ¡ª term for the War on Terrorism favored by senior military leaders.
lost lieutenant finder ¡ª hand-held GPS unit, a joke term on the reputation for new lieutenants to be incompetent in land navigation.
LT ¡ª abbreviation for lieutenant, inappropriate to address as such verbally (when typed for verbal communication between characters, it is spelt 'El-Tee').
LWH ¡ª LightWeight Helmet.
LZ ¡ª Landing Zone, a clearing designated as the place where a helicopter (or other VTOL aircraft) can land.
M
Ma Deuce ¡ª term of endearment for the M2 Browning machine gun. See also fifty-cal.
ma'am ¡ª proper method of addressing female officers in particular and all women in general.
Mac Marine ¡ª nickname for Marine, popular during World War II, also the career planner popular on posters of the 1960s.
Maggie's drawers ¡ª red flag attached to a pole, used to signal a miss on the rifle range, replaced by a red disk.
MAGTF ¡ª Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
Major ¡ª a Captain in command of a ship's Marine detachment, so titled because a ship may have only one Captain, the commanding officer.
Mama-san ¡ª 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".
Marine ¡ª the following nicknames are usually acceptable: leatherneck, devil dog, sea soldier, warrior, hardcharger, motivator; the following are acceptable from other Marines: jarhead, gyrene; the following are insults: soldier, seabag.
Master Guns or Master Gunny ¡ª Master Gunnery Sergeant.
MBT ¡ª Main Battle Tank, currently the M1 Abrams.
MCT ¡ª Marine Combat Training, infantry skills training for non-infantry Marines.
meat gazer ¡ª urinalysis observer who observes the servicemember peeing into the sample container to prevent tampering with the sample.
MEDEVAC or Medivac ¡ª Medical Evacuation, removing a wounded person to the closest medical or triage facility, often by helicopter.
MEF ¡ª Marine Expeditionary Force.
MEPS ¡ª Military Entrance Processing Station, facility where prospective recruits are screened medically, psychologically, and legally for recruit training.
mess hall ¡ª cafeteria. See also chow hall.
messman ¡ª cook.
Mickey Mouse boots ¡ª boots designed for extreme cold weather using an air bladder for insulation, so named for their oversized and bloated appearance.
mike ¡ª minute.
mike-mike ¡ª millimeter.
military time ¡ª the time of day on a 24 hour clock. General Wallace M. Greene Jr., 23rd Commandant of the Marine Corps (1964-1967), 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.
Miss ¡ª antiquated naval custom of addressing female officers lieutenants and below, along with warrant officers.
Mister ¡ª antiquated naval custom of addressing male officers lieutenants and below, along with warrant officers.
MOLLE ¡ª MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, type of load-bearing equipment utilizing the PALS, replaced ALICE and replaced by ILBE.
monkey suit ¡ª military uniforms in general; originally, the fur suit used by aviators at high altitudes.
moonbeam ¡ª flashlight.
MOPP ¡ª Mission Oriented Protective Posture, the defense equipment (gas masks and overgarment suits) worn to protect against Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical weapons.
mosquito wings or skeeter wings ¡ª rank insignia for a Private First Class, a single chevron.
motivator ¡ª term of endearment from a senior to a junior Marine, so named when the junior displays motivation for his or her duties.
moto ¡ª motivated/motivating, often use to describe a person, object, or event that would motivate an individual Marine.
motarded ¡ª displaying excess motivation, often in the form of visual symbols and lore (such as unit logos); a combination of the terms "moto" and "retarded".
MOUT ¡ª Military Operation in Urban Terrain. See also CQB/CQC.
MOS ¡ª Military Occupational Specialty, a job classification.
MP ¡ª Military Police, mostly replaced by PMO.
MRE ¡ª Meal, Ready-to-Eat, standard U.S. field ration. Sometimes jokingly referred to as "Meals Rejected by Ethiopia," "Meal, Rotten to Eject," or the "Three Lies for the Price of One".
MRE bomb ¡ª bursting plastic bag made from chemical heating pouches found inside of a standard MRE.
MSG ¡ª Marine Corps Security Guard, responsible for guarding United States Embassies.
MTO ¡ª Motor Transport Officer, the Marine in charge of maintenance and operation of a unit's trucks.
MTV ¡ª Modular Tactical Vest, the newest type of ballistic vest for Marines.
MTVR ¡ª Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement, a large utility truck. See also 7-ton.
MWD ¡ª Military Working Dog, a trained government canine for law enforcement, detection of explosives and/or drugs, sentry, or other military use(s).
N
NBC ¡ª Nuclear, Biological, Chemical. See also CBRN.
NCIS ¡ª Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the primary law enforcement agency of the DoN (a television show has been dubbed this, based on the U.S. Military NCIS program).
NCO ¡ª NonCommissioned Officer: corporal or sergeant; the Army term "noncom" is inappropriate.
NJP ¡ª 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.
NMCI ¡ª Navy/Marine Corps Intranet, the program that outsources garrison information technology services for the Department of the Navy.
non-rate ¡ª junior to the NCO ranks: a Private, Private First Class, or Lance Corporal.
No Such Agency ¡ª the National Security Agency, so called because of its secretive nature and as a play on words.
NROTC ¡ª Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, a college-based recruiting program for officers for the Navy and Marine Corps (when a 'J' is added after the 'N' and before the 'R', it is a Junior ROTC or a High School based ROTC).
nut to butt ¡ª standing in line extremely close to the person in front, often required in recruit training.
O
OCONUS ¡ª Outside of CONtinental United States, as opposed to CONUS.
OCS ¡ª Officer Candidate School, recruit training for officers.
O-dark thirty ¡ª very early hours before dawn. See also military time. The custom of saying "oh" instead of zero has diminished, but remains in this expression.
office hours ¡ª 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.
officers' club or officers' mess or O-Club ¡ª 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.
officers' country ¡ª living spaces for officers aboard ship, or portion of post or station allocated for the exclusive use of officers.
OFP ¡ª Own Fucking Program, not complying perfectly or synchronized with orders assigned to a group.
OJT ¡ª On-the-Job Training, without a formal school or period of instruction.
old Asia hand ¡ª person with more than one tour in Asia.
Old Man ¡ª very informal nickname for the commanding officer, considered an inappropriate term of endearment for use by a junior.
OMPF ¡ª Official Military Personnel File, a record of all awards, punishments, training, and other records compiled by Headquarters Marine Corps.
oorah or ooh rah or Urah ¡ª 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.
OP ¡ª Observation Post, a position used for reconnaissance; also, the post newspaper of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.
OPSEC ¡ª Operation(s/al) Security, counterintelligence efforts to keep generally unclassified but sensitive information (such as troop movements and deployments) from enemies.
OPTEMPO ¡ª OPerational TEMPO, or the pace of operations and activities for a given unit.
OQR ¡ª Officer Qualification Record, a service record for officers, much like an enlisted Marine's SRB.
OOB ¡ª 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 liberty period.
OTV ¡ª Outer Tactical Vest, militarized version of Interceptor body armor, a common type of ballistic vest; being replaced by the MTV.
outside ¡ª civilian life after discharge. See also real world.
overhead ¡ª ceiling.
over the hill ¡ª excessively old; or to the desert.
P
padre ¡ª chaplain, usually Catholic, from the Spanish and Italian terms for "father".
PALS ¡ª Pouch Attachment Ladder System, a webbing system used to attach combat accessories to MOLLE and ILBE equipment.
parade ground/field/deck ¡ª area set aside for the conduct of parades, drill, and ceremonies, often paved or well-maintained lawn.
Paradise Island ¡ª Nickname for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
passageway ¡ª corridor or hallway.
passed over ¡ª having failed selection for the next higher rank (for SNCOs and officers).
pay grade ¡ª 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.
PCP ¡ª 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.
PCS ¡ª Permanent Change of Station; transfer to another post, station, base, or installation.
PFC ¡ª Private First Class.
PFT ¡ª Physical Fitness Test, a biannual test measuring strength, agility, and endurance by scoring performance in pull-ups (flexed-arm hang for females), abdominal crunches, and a 3-mile run.
phone watch ¡ª 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.
pinning ¡ª promotion by pinning the new rank insignia onto the MCCUU collar; also a form of hazing by striking the pins into the wearers' chest.
MCCUU collar; also a form of hazing by striking the pins into the wearer's chest.
piss and punk ¡ª solitary confinement on bread and water, which is only authorized aboard ship.
platoon sergeant ¡ª SNCO executive to the platoon commander, usually the senior enlisted man.
PMCS ¡ª Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services, regularly performed maintenance on equipment, as opposed to corrective maintenance.
PMO ¡ª Provost Marshal's Office, the military police force of a Marine installation.
POC ¡ª Point Of Contact, the person to liaison with on a given matter.
pogey bait ¡ª candy or sweets. See also geedunk.
pogey rope ¡ª French Fourrag¨¨re, authorized to members of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments.
pogue or POG ¡ª Marine not of the combat arms (infantry, armor, and artillery), derived from "POG": Persons Other than Grunt.
police ¡ª to pick up items (such as litter or expended ammunition casings), to return an area to a natural state.
pop smoke ¡ª to leave quickly or hastily; from the method of throwing a smoke grenade to mark a landing zone or conceal a retreat.
port ¡ª naval term for "left"; opposite of starboard.
portholes ¡ª military issue eyeglasses, or the wearer of glasses. See also BCG.
pot shack ¡ª place where cooking utensils are washed.
POV ¡ª Privately/Personally Owned Vehicle, as opposed to a GOV.
prick ¡ª slang for any equipment bearing the "PRC" JETDS designator, usually man-portable radios.
property shed ¡ª place where organizational property is stored, often a warehouse.
PT ¡ª Physical Training, physical exercise to build or maintain strength, agility, and flexibility.
pucker factor ¡ª high level of anxiety experienced by those in tight situations, usually aircrew.
PX ¡ª Post eXchange, a term borrowed from the Army (who now uses "BX" or "Base eXchange"); more properly the Marine Corps Exchange (MCX).
Q
QRF ¡ª 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 for MEDEVAC purposes.
quarter deck ¡ª 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."
quarterdecking ¡ª being punished 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.
quarters ¡ª housing, whether bachelor (barracks) or family (government-leased apartments or houses); or periodic, muster of a ship's company.
R
R&R ¡ª Rest and Relaxation, authorized absence from a combat area to reduce the effects of combat stress reaction.
rack or sack ¡ª bed, inappropriate to use the Army term "bunk".
radio watch ¡ª duty monitoring radio networks for relevant traffic, also; the person filling that duty.
ranks ¡ª 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.
ratfuck ¡ª taking the best available selection and leaving less desirable alternatives for others.
real world ¡ª civilian life after discharge. See also outside.
REMF ¡ª Rear Echelon Mother Fucker, a derision for someone who serves in a non-combatant role.
red death ¡ª poorly prepared corned beef with cabbage.
red lead ¡ª ketchup/catsup.
red leg ¡ª artilleryman. See also cannon cocker and gun bunny.
regulation ¡ª to be in accordance with regulations or adopted specifications or issued from government sources.
Remington raider ¡ª a typist or clerk in an administration billet.
request mast ¡ª 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.
re-up ¡ª reenlist, volunteering for an additional period of service.
RHIP ¡ª Rank Hath Its Privileges, used as a justification for a personal indulgence.
roach coach ¡ª mobile (usually truck-mounted) store selling junk food.
rock happy ¡ª eccentric or mildly deranged as a result of long overseas duty at a remote station (traditionally an island).
Rocks and Shoals ¡ª Articles for the Government of the Navy, the pre-UCMJ code of law for the United States Department of the Navy.
rotate ¡ª return home at the end of a deployment.
RPG ¡ª Rocket-Propelled Grenade, a common explosive weapon used by many militaries and insurgent groups; the most common of which is the RPG-7.
ROE ¡ª Rules Of Engagement, the restrictions on when and how a servicemember may use force on the enemy and other forces.
running lights ¡ª navigational night lights on a ship; Marine's eyes.
S
SACO ¡ª 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.
sailor ¡ª the following nicknames are usually acceptable: bluejacket, tar; while the following are considered insults: gob, swab, swabbie, squid, anchor clanker, rust picker, deck ape.
salad or tossed salad or fruit salad ¡ª ribbons and medals worn on a uniform, from the colorful appearance of wearing many awards.
salt ¡ª old naval term for an experienced or well-worn person or object, from the salt that would accumulate form salt water. Can also be used as an adjective, to call someone or something salty.
salty language ¡ª profanity.
SALUTE ¡ª mnemonic device for a situation report, denotes: Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, and Equipment.
sandbox ¡ª Iraq or other desert area.
Say¨nara ¡ª Japanese for "goodbye".
schmuckatelli ¡ª generic, unnamed junior Marine, from the Yiddish pejorative schmuck.
SCIF ¡ª Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, a place classified materials are processed and/or stored.
scrambled eggs ¡ª gold oak leaf embroidery found on an officer's barracks cap visor and mess dress cuffs.
scrounge ¡ª appropriate, borrow, or acquire (possibly by doubtful means); derived from "scringe," meaning to search about, rummage, or pilfer.
scullery ¡ª place where dishes are washed.
scuttlebutt ¡ª 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.
SDI ¡ª Senior Drill Instructor, the leader of a recruit platoon.
seabag or sea bag ¡ª duffel bag used to carry one's personal belongings.
sea lawyer ¡ª person who dispenses legal advice without any sort of formal training or schooling, inappropriately called a "barracks lawyer".
sea story ¡ª story, tale, or yarn calculated to impress others, often contains exaggeration or even outright lies.
second hat ¡ª second-most senior drill instructor in a platoon.
secret squirrel ¡ª intelligence personnel or activities.
secure ¡ª stop, cease; or put away and lock.
Semper Fi ¡ª shortened version of "Semper Fidelis", the motto of the Corps, Latin for "always faithful".
semper pie ¡ª condition where the mess hall serves similar items repetitively.
sheet ¡ª map.
shit bird ¡ª habitually unkempt or undisciplined Marine.
shit-brick ¡ª useless or ignorant person.
shit-hot ¡ª sarcastic reference to an overly arrogant person.
shitter ¡ª bathroom, head, or latrine, most often an outdoor portable toilet or outhouse.
shooter ¡ª person whose primary duty involves marksmanship with a rifle or pistol, such as students at a rifle range or competition team members.
short colonel or short-bird ¡ª Lieutenant Colonel, as opposed to Colonel. See also light-colonel and half-bird.
short-timer ¡ª person nearing the completion of his/her present tour of duty or enlistment.
short-timer's disease ¡ª apathy to duties and regulations from a person nearing EAS.
shove off ¡ª to leave the vicinity, from the naval term meaning to guide a ship to sea.
shower shoes ¡ª pair of rubber sandals issued to recruits to prevent infections from the use of community or shared showers. See also Jesus shoes.
sick bay ¡ª infirmary or other medical facility aboard ship, can also refer to aid stations ashore.
sick call ¡ª daily period when routine ailments are treated at sick bay.
sick call ranger ¡ª person who constantly finds medical reasons to avoid work, may suffer from a factitious disorder such as hypochondriasis, Munchausen syndrome, or malingering.
side arms ¡ª weapon (usually a pistol) carried by a sentry under arms; also, cream and sugar in coffee.
side straddle hop ¡ª Jumping Jack.
sight in ¡ª aim a weapon at a target using the sights, considered an intention to shoot the target.
skate ¡ª 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.
skipper ¡ª 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.
skivvies ¡ª underwear: skivvie shirt (T-shirt) and skivvie drawers (underwear).
skylark ¡ª 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.
slop chute ¡ª impolite term for restaurant within the PX or beer garden.
SMEAC ¡ª mnemonic for the five paragraph order, a method of clearly issuing complex orders; denotes: Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration & Logistics, Command & Signal.
smokin' and jokin' ¡ª when a mass of Marines is acting unproductive.
SNAFU ¡ª Situation Normal, All Fucked Up. See also FUBAR.
snap in ¡ª conduct sighting in or aiming exercises with an unloaded weapon.
snot locker ¡ª nose.
snow job ¡ª misleading or grossly exaggerated report; sales talk.
snuffie or snuffy ¡ª junior Marine, Lance Corporal and below.
SOP ¡ª Standard Operating Procedure, the routine manner of handling a set situation, can be a standing order.
SOS ¡ª international distress signal; or Shit On a Shingle, creamed beef on toast.
spit and polish ¡ª 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.
spit-shine ¡ª polish leather footwear (boots and dress shoes), employing spittle to remove excess grease and produce a high polish.
splice of the mainbrace ¡ª invitation to drink, from the old naval custom of drinking grog after repairing battle-damage to the main braces.
spud locker ¡ª place where fresh vegetables are stored, after the nickname for potatoes.
squadbay ¡ª barracks with a single open room and shared head.
square(d) away ¡ª make neat and regulation appearance, to be in a neat and regulation appearance.
squid ¡ª pejorative for sailor.
SRB ¡ª 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.
SSDD ¡ª Same Shit, Different Day, euphemism denoting frustration with an unchanging situation or boredom.
stacking swivel ¡ª 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.
staff NCO or SNCO ¡ª 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.
stand by ¡ª wait, stop and wait.
starboard ¡ª naval term for "right", opposite of port.
STOL ¡ª Short Take-Off/Landing, type of aircraft that needs only a short runway to become airborne.
the suck ¡ª miserable situation or place, often used to describe the Marine Corps or a combat zone.
survey ¡ª medical discharge or to effect discharge/retirement of an individual for medical reasons; dispose of an item of government property by reason of unserviceability.
swab ¡ª mop; also pejorative for sailor, so named because sailors of wooden ships had to swab the decks to keep them from warping.
swamp-ass ¡ª unpleasant collection of sweat soaking undergarments.
swinging dick ¡ª vulgarity for male Marine, used to emphasize an order to a whole group instead of individual(s).
swoop ¡ª make a long trip in a short period of time, usually in reference to returning to post after liberty to avoid an UA status.
sympathy chit ¡ª voucher sarcastically authorizing the recipient sympathy from others.
Squib - Derogatory term for a Strogg. Some believe this was derived from their initial invasion, which was brought upon them by Strogg naval vessels. This would mean it is a variation of Squid, a derogatory term against a person enlisted or commissioned in the Navy.
|
|
