Appendix:Glossary of military slang

Military slang is a set of colloquial terms which are unique to or which originated with military personnel. They are often abbreviations or derivatives of the NATO Phonetic Alphabet, or otherwise incorporating aspects of formal military concepts and terms. Military slang is also used to reinforce the (usually friendly) interservice rivalries. Some of these terms have been considered gregarious to varying degrees and attempts have been made to eliminate them.

For the purposes of this article, "military slang" includes slang used by any English-speaking armed forces (armies, navies, air forces).

Contents: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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1st CivDiv: (U.S. Marine Corps) The "First Civilian Division", the (fictitious) division made up of Marines who leave the military and go back to civilian life.
3rd Deck Dive Team: (U.S. Marine Corps, Navy) Someone who is suicidal, implying that they should dive off the third deck.
11 Bang-Bang / 11 Boom-Boom / 11 Bush / (pejorative) 11 Bulletstop(per): (U.S. Army) An infantryman, from the Military Occupational Specialty designation "11B".
11 up, 3 down: (U.S. Army) 8 up, see 'ate up'
12B picket pounders! Essayons!: (U.S. Army) A Combat Engineer, from the Military Occupational Specialty designation "12B". Trained in the use of explosives, mines and battlefield obstacles.
13B: (U.S. Army) Cannon Crewman, also 'Gun Bunny', 13 Bang-Bang (or Boom-Boom), 13 Boogaloo, Red Leg (due to red trouser stripes on 19th century uniforms)
2-IC: (Canada and U.K.) Second in Command.
4-10-4: (U.S.) A "Desert Queen": a reference to the physical attractiveness of women in the armed forces, used contextually to refer to someone who is normally considered a '4' on a '1-10' scale of attractiveness (back in the States), becomes a '10' upon arrival in the AOR, but reverts back to a '4' upon return to the States.
411: (U.S.) Briefing prior to one's mission. Example: "Meet me in my office when you're ready for the 411 on your mission."
5 fingers of death: (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps) The beef franks which are included, with beans, in some MREs; so named for their number and unpleasant taste. The dish is also known as "beans and motherfuckers" for the same reason. Because later versions of the meal only contained four beef franks without any beans, they and were subsequently renamed the "4 dicks of death".
40 mike-mike: (U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Marine Corps) A 40mm grenade or M203 grenade launcher, such as is often mounted underneath an M-16 or a variant thereof.
60 mil: (Canada) A 60mm mortar.
782 Gear: (U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy Seabees) Organizational equipment issued to a Marine or Seabee by his or her unit that is kept as part of the Member's personal gear, but must be returned in serviceable condition upon that member's departure, usually including load-bearing equipment, ruck packs, body armor, helmets and other field gear. References an obsolete inventory form. Also referred to as "deuce gear." The U.S. Army equivalent is "TA-50 [gear]".
84 mil: (Canada) A 84mm Carl G (Carl Gustav recoilless rifle). The Singapore Army equivalent, prior to 2013, was simply "84".
90-day wonder (derogatory): A newly-commissioned (O-1) graduate of Officer Candidate School or DIRCOM (Direct Commissioning) program. During WWII, Korea, and early Vietnam, prior to 1970, this terminology referred only to graduates of OCS, which was also derisively known as the "Oklahoma Cook's School." From 2004-2005, the U.S. Marine Corps had a 90 day reservist option that allowed a Marine to enlist, do boot camp, then return to civilian life without attending advanced schooling to finish high school.
99 (niner-niner): (U.S. Navy) Term used to designate something as "All hands", or pertinent to everyone. Usually used by air traffic controllers to designate one transmission as pertinent to all aircraft on frequency. Example: "99, arresting gear is down."
72s and 96s: (U.S) The time (72 or 96 hours, respectively) given to a military member for liberty on holidays or special occasions.

TIG: Tight incoming ground

A

A-gang: (U.S. Navy) The auxiliary division on board a ship or submarine, responsible for sanitary, heating/air conditioning, emergency diesels, hydraulics, and assorted systems.
ack-ack: Anti-aircraft fire; flak.
acorn boy(s): (U.S., Civil War-era) Member(s) of the U.S. Army's XIV Corps, from its distinctive acorn cap badge.
adashi: (U.S.) A Korean man.
adm day: (Indian Army and Canadian Armed Forces) A day allocated for Barrack maintenance and other adm work.
admin vortex: (British Army) A disorganised Soldier.
Admiral of the Narrow Seas: (International, 18th Century) An officer who has just thrown up in the lap of his neighbor.
Admiral's eighth: (RN, 18h Century) Admiral's share of any booty or prize seized by his command.
Admiralty ham: (RN, circa 1900) Tinned fish.
AFI: Air Force Instruction, or derogatorily Another Fucking Inconvenience
Ai-ee-yah: (U.S.) Same as "Hooah," used in the U.S. Army 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Based on an American Indian war cry. See also "Ie-yee-ah"
air bear: (U.S. Air Force) Security or MP trooper
air-dale: (U.K. and U.S.) Derogatory term for a pilot or aircrew.
Air Force mittens: (U.S.) Front pockets of BDU pants. Also, "Army gloves." Compare with 'Bundeswehr gloves', below.
airplane gang: (U.S.) Derogatory term used to describe Airborne-designated division or brigade-level units, i.e., "82nd Airplane Gang". Can also be shortened to simply "Airplane".
African golf: (U.S., obsolete) White officers' term for craps, for its popularity among black troops.
Ali Baba: (U.K, U.S. and Iraq) During the Iraq war, name for insurgents, local thieves and looters.
Alpha Mike Foxtrot: (Infantry) "Adios Mother Fucker" abbreviated using the phonetic alphabet. When used in garrison it is a friendly farewell. When used in combat situations it generally means that the person on the other end of the barrel is being wished a not-so-kind farewell.
alpha roster: (U.S.) An alphabetical list (by last name) of all personnel within a unit.
Aluminum U.: (U.S.) The U.S. Air Force Academy, so called because of the metal's use in the architecture of the campus. and in aircraft.
amen wallah: (British Army, WW1) Chaplain
Anchor Clanker: (U.S. Marine Corps) Reference to U.S. Navy Sailors (pejorative).
(U.S. Navy) Any Chief Petty Officer, whose insignia is an anchor.
...and a wake-up: (U.S.) Term used following a particular period of time to reference how many complete days or watches plus the time spent on the last day leaving a service member has before a tour of duty or field evolution is complete, e.g.: "Two days and a wake up, and I'm gone!"
Annie Laurie: (Br, WW1) transport away from the front (pun on "any lorry")
the animal: (AUS, Vietnam) mechanism for detonating up to 20 claymores at once (also "The Monster")
another damn army: Internal slang for the Air Defence Artillery (ADA) because of their unusual unit structures and over-the-top standards. See also: Fake Infantry
ARAB: (British Army) Arrogant Regular Army Barstud. Refers to any pompous Regular soldier who consider themselves better than part time Army Reserve soldiers. Used as a response to the term STAB.
arsapeek: (Australian Army, WW1) head over heels
Archie: (British, WW1) Antiaircraft (gun or fire; in plural, guns)
armored cow: (AUS, WW2) Canned milk
army banjo: (Australian Army, WW1-1960s) Entrenching tool
army's lawn dart: (U.S.) UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Named for its inability to stay in the air. Also Known as a "Crash Hawk"
army-proof: (U.S. Air Force) Explained in very simple, easy to understand terms; often with pictures. Derived from "Fool Proof"
army strawberries: (U.S. Air Force, WWII) Prunes.
as you were/as I was: (U.S.) Return to what you were doing. The second version is to acknowledge that the order was given in error, particularly during drill. See also "belay my last".
asino morto: (Italian) "Dead donkey", term for canned ham
ass: Armoured vehicles (e.g., tanks). "We'll be driving behind a lot of ass today."
Asses and Elbows: (U.S.) A state in which everyone is busy, such as while cleaning.
ASVAB waiver: (U.S.) A slow or stupid service member; references the military's ASVAB intelligence and skills entrance test, the results of which were allegedly waived to allow enlistment of said service member.
At ease: (U.S.) Relax; also, "As you were." Usually an acknowledgement by a superior (especially commissioned) to junior personnel moving into action or attention.
ate-up: (U.S.) refers to a service member who is overly concerned with following every regulation to the letter, usually with little regard for the situation. Also used to describe a Soldier who has little or no Military Bearing. "Airman Dummy is ate-up with the dumbass." In some U.S.A.F. Fire departments, “ate-up” often referred to firefighters who were almost over-the-top with their enthusiasm for all things firefighting related to the point of being a source of ridicule from other firefighters, they get excited when the bells went go off and disappointment when they don't get to respond as well. Their first shift, they asked if they should sleep with their boots on but in a supervisor it can be hell to work for these people as they are big proponents of “busy work”, work done for the sole purpose of “looking” like you are doing something.
Attend B: (Singapore) Written in abbreviated form as ATTN B; personnel excused from strenuous or physical training, but are otherwise required to be present for the training or class and allowed light duties.
Attend C: (Singapore) Written in abbreviated form as ATTN C; personnel excused from training are in Attend C status and considered unfit for all duties.
auto-pilot: (U.S. Air Force) used to describe when a flight or other marching formation executes a maneuver such as a flank or column movement without the commander issuing the order for such a movement. Normally done during training to avoid an obstacle, such as a tree or MTI. Also, "Auto-pilot march."
A.W.O.L: (UK) ( U.S.military) Absent Without Leave. A soldier who leaves barracks or deserts duty without having cleared the absence beforehand.

B

B1A: (U.S. Army, Vietnam-era). used to describe a C-ration B1A unit, the most highly prized meal of that genre, due to it containing a can of fruit salad in syrup. Pronounced, "Bee-one-A".
bag: (Canada) Term used to denote the uselessness of a Soldier, as in a "bag of hammers" or "bag of poop".

(U.S.) Slang for the flight suit worn by aircrew members.

Bag Drag: To inspect gear/personal bags for unauthorized equipment or prohibited items either prior to posting for shift or upon return from overseas deployment. The name refers to the act of dragging every thing out of ones bag while in formation
bag nasty: (U.S.) The name given to the fast food options in chow halls, i.e.; hot dogs and hamburgers. Also common reference for MRE's. In the Air Force, commonly a reference to pre-packed Flight Lunches intended for aircrew or personnel whose duties do not allow them to go to the chow hall to eat their meals. Also see Box Nasty.
bag of dicks: (U.S.) A problematic or intractable situation.
bag of smashed asshole: (U.S.) Highly derogatory, typically used to describe a Soldier whose uniform wear is unsatisfactory, as in "Private Smith, you look like a bag of smashed asshole". Can also be used in a more general sense to describe anything that is heavily damaged or poor in appearance.
Bagger: (IRL) derogatory term referring to an Irish reservist Soldier, comparing him/her to a sandbag, i.e.; useless.
balls: (U.S.) Term for midnight on a 24-hour clock since it looks like four balls (0000), "My watch is from balls to eight".
balls to the wall(s): (U.S.) To go as fast as possible. (From aviation and nautical; pushing all engine throttle levers toward firewall.) Full throttle causing the ball weights of the engine governor to open outward toward the walls.
balls to nutsack: (Canada) Describes troops cramped together closely
BAM: (U.S.) Broad Assed Marine. Derogatory term for a female Marine.
bang stick: (Canada) Any rifle
Barracks Bunny: (U.S.) A term for an enlisted female who has sexual relations with other enlisted in the barracks.
Barracks Lawyer: (U.S. Army) A low ranking soldier, usually a private, who think he or she knows the law and gives poor legal advise.
barracks rat: (U.S.) A service member unwilling or financially unable to go "out in town" during liberty.

(Canada) Servicewoman who engages in sexual relations with others in a housing area

BASH: (U.S. Air Force) Big Ass Speed Handle. Tool used primarily by weapons troops to spin gun systems and UALS, as well as open & close weapons bay doors.
Battle Bowler: (U.K., Commonwealth) Steel helmet.
bayonet: (U.S., Civil War-WW1) Infantryman
BCGs: (U.S.) Birth Control Glasses. Military issued eyeglasses, typically first issued in basic training, noted for their unappealing appearance which would prevent attracting members of the opposite sex.
Beagle: (U.S. Air Force) F-15E Fighter/Bomber. Contraction of "Bomber-Eagle".
Beam Rider: (U.S.) An A-10 Thunderbolt or similar aircraft that uses laser guided missiles or other laser guided rounds to destroy objects.
beans and bullets: (U.S.) The general term for all types of supplies.
beat your face: (U.S.) Slang for "do some push-ups" and is commonly used in recruit training.
Benny: (U.K.) British Army slang for the Falkland Islands civilians during the Falklands War and locals around bases in the West Country. Based on a badly dressed, mentally retarded character in the soap opera Crossroads.
belay that: (English-speaking navies, origin probably RN) Disregard the order just given. Similar to "as you were".
Belching Buzzard: (U.S. Army) Derogatory/affectionate term for a member of the 101st Airborne Division, so named for the division's "Screaming Eagle" crest, which features the Bald Eagle's head.
BFE or Bumfuck, Egypt: (U.S.) An isolated deployment, or any other extremely isolated or distant location; pejorative. used mostly about the disgust at the distance or remoteness, but also implies that there could be little worthwhile in such an isolated place. The variants "Big Fucking Empty", "BFN" or "Bum Fuck Nowhere" are used in the same sense.
BFH: (U.S.) Big Fucking Hammer- When referring to a hard to do mechanical job: "You're going to need your BFH for that"
BFO: (U.S.) Blinding flash of the obvious.
BFR: (U.S.) Big fucking rock. Sometimes used as a geographical reference point in tactical radio communication: "We're 100 meters south of the BFR."
BFW: (U.S.) Big fucking wrench. Refers to the wrench used on generators to tighten the grounding nut.
BGB: (U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy) Big Gray Boat. Refers to large ships, e.g., carriers and battleships, which are gray in color.
biff chit: (U.K.) A sick note from the medical centre excusing a Soldier from PT. See profile and ATTN C.
Big Chicken Dinner: (U.S.) Bad Conduct Discharge, the less severe of the two types of punitive discharge that may be awarded by court martial (the more severe being a dishonorable discharge) .
Big Dick Contest: (U.S.) An argument that amounts to who's done or experienced more in terms of training or combat.
big green tick: (U.S. Army) An Army-issue large (not medium) ALICE pack. This name is usually used to further emphasize an uncomfortable situation, as in "I've got a three-hour date (12 mile road march at 15:00 min/mile) with the big green tick."
Big Green Dick: (U.S. Army) The Army's administration, especially when it fails to work in the Soldiers' favor.
Big Green Weenie: (U.S. Marine Corps) The fictitious dick that is said to have been at work whenever Marines get screwed over.
Big Red One: (U.S. Army) The First Infantry Division, so noted for the unit insignia of a single red 1. "If you're gonna' be one, be a Big Red One!"
Big Red Pig: (U.S. Coast Guard) Derogatory/affectionate term for Icebreakers, which are painted red for visibility.
Big White One: (U.S. Coast Guard) A High Endurance Cutter, the largest "White Boats" (rescue and law enforcement) vessels in the U.S. Coast Guard.
BIMBLE: (U.K.) Basic Infantry Manoeuvre But Lacking Enthusiasm
bin rat: (Canada) A supply technician or storesman.
bingo fuel: (U.S.) A pre-briefed amount of fuel for an aircraft that would allow a safe return to the base of intended landing.
bird: (U.S.) an airplane or satellite. In combat, may refer to an air-to-air missile; strategic context implies an ICBM.
Bird, Ball and Chain: (U.S. Marine Corps) Cynical term for the Marine Corps' Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem.
bird barn: (U.S.) an aircraft carrier.
bird colonel: (U.S.) a Colonel (O-6), whose insignia is an eagle, as opposed to a Lieutenant Colonel, who wears silver oak leaves.
black Cadillacs: (Canada) Combat boots. used ironically in reference to use as a mode of transport.
blade: (U.K.) SAS Trooper employed in a Sabre Squadron. (Canada) A traitorous or untrustworthy person; one who would betray you or "stab you in the back." Can also be used as a verb.
blanket party: (U.S., Canada) A form of hazing meted out to unpopular service members. Involves covering the head and arms of the target with a blanket to prevent fighting back or identification of the attackers while a beating is administered.
blanket-stacker: (U.K.) Any storeman (even if he doesn't deal with blankets) . Also applied to the Royal Logistic Corps in general, even though their duties include everything from catering to bomb-disposal as well as storekeeping.
bleu: (France) A recruit. Derived from the French term for barely-cooked steak, symbolizing a "raw" recruit.
blivet: (U.S. Army) Vietnam-era. Large, black rubber bag used to carry POL on flatbed trailers to resupply forward units.
blivet: (U.S. Army, U.S. Army Air Corps) WW2-era. A terrible mess. The standard definition is, "What you get when you put 2 gallons of shit in a one gallon container."
(the) Block: (U.S.) Civilian life before enlisting. Example "Oh, you think you're back on the block?" Also simply a reference to back home where you could have done what you wanted in your own way.
Bloody Buckets: (U.S.) Members of the 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, whose division insignia is a red keystone.
Bloggins: (Canada) Name used to show examples during lectures (i.e., Pte. Bloggins just violated the ROEs)
Bloods and Crips: (U.S. Army) A group of Soldiers who are habitually injured, see Sickcall Ranger
blood stripes: (U.S. Marine Corps) "Pinning on blood stripes", an unauthorized hazing practice of kneeing a newly promoted Corporal up and down the outside of his/her thighs, causing bruises that mimic the "blood stripes" an NCO wears on their dress trousers/

(U.S.) Promotion one receives due to the death of the person who previously filled that position.

blooper: (U.S. Army and Marine Corps) Vietnam Era slang term for the M-79 Grenade Launcher. Suggested by the sound it made upon firing.
blow the DCA: (U.S. Navy) The directive, given as a snipe hunt (compare 'pad-eye cleaner'), that new sub crewmembers are often given in a false emergency. After much searching for the DCA, they discover that the DCA is a person, the Damage Controls Assistant (usually a junior officer), and they are being instructed to fellate him. (Note: Many tanks on-board submarines are pressurized with compressed air and "blown" overboard. These tanks are usually identified by abbreviations or acronyms and always require permission before being "blown".)
blue falcon: (U.S.) "buddy fucker," i.e., one who does not help a fellow Soldier, or who intentionally gets a Soldier in trouble. The phrase "Bravo Foxtrot" is also used and has the same meaning.
blue-head: (U.S.) a term for a new recruit in the first few weeks of boot camp. New recruits have their heads shaved and the particularly white recruit's head look blue due to the blood vessels.
blue job: (Canada) A member of the Air Force; derives from their blue uniform. Pejorative (probably deliberately similar to "blowjob").
blue nose: (U.S. Navy, Marines) Anyone who has served above the Arctic Circle or has participated in a ceremony similar to the Shellback ceremony (See Shellback)
blue force: (U.S. Army or Air Force) The friendly force, the opposite of the OpFor.
blue on blue contact: (U.S. and U.K.) A friendly fire incident.
blue suiter: (U.S. Air Force) A general term for active duty Air Force personnel, often used when distinguishing between a mixed environment of Air Force active duty and Department of Defense civilians and contractors.
blues: (U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps) Marine Corps Blue Dress uniform. The Air Force Service Dress Uniform. Occasionally Navy Dress and Winter Blue uniforms, which are actually black.
blues buddies: (U.S. Air Force) A pair of Airmen who frequently leave base together in their dress blues during training.
BMO: (U.S., 1991 Persian Gulf War) Black Moving Object, or a woman in a burkha. Also refers to the Battalion Motor Officer in a mechanized unit
boat: 1. (U.S. Navy) A submarine.2. (U.S. Naval Aviation) A ship on which aircraft is landed.3. (U.S. Army) First generation Minefield Clearing Line Charge which was literally a small boat that was dragged behind a towing vehicle. The current version is mounted on a trailer.4. (Canada) a submarine.
boat chuck: (U.S. Navy) Derogatory term used by the aviation community for any member of a ship's company.
Bobo: (Singapore) A Soldier who cannot hit his target on the rifle range. This is a Singlish mispronunciation of "WOWO", meaning "wash out."
BOHICA: "Bend over, here it comes again." used when wearily contemplating idiotic or malicious decisions by higher-ups.
Bone: (U.S. Air Force) B-1B Bomber. (U.K.) Stupid or pointless, "Well that was a bone question"
Bones: (U.S.) Any military doctor, especially in the Navy. Probably derived from Sawbones.
Bone Crushers: (U.S. Marine Corps) A term which generally distinguishes Corporal ranked senior Marines in authority over lower grade Marines.
bolo: (U.S. Army) 1. a slur the early twentieth century for recruits who could not attain an adequate degree of marksmanship. It comes from the idea that they should grab a bolo and attack hand-to-hand. 2. (BOLO all caps) Be On the Look Out
booger hook: (U.S.) The index or trigger finger of either hand.
boomer: 1. (U.S. Navy) A nuclear ballistic missile submarine, or personnel serving aboard same. 2. (U.S. Air Force) An enlisted aircrew member serving on either a KC-135 'Stratotanker' or KC-10 'Extender' primarily responsible for refueling other aircraft in flight. Derived from "boom operator."
boomstick: Used playfully among infantry when not around superiors to describe a breaching shotgun. "We're going on couple raids tonight. Make sure you bring plenty of shells for the boomstick." Derived from the Bruce Campbell movie "Army of Darkness".
boot, booter: (U.S.) A new join to a particular unit, probably coming from Boot Camp (see below). This person often has an overly enthusiastic yet naive disposition.
boot camp: (U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy) Initial training of new recruits.
Booter: (U.S.); Bootnecks, Booties: (U.K.) Royal Marines, from the leather stock they used to wear around their necks (same origin as Leathernecks for the U.S. Marine Corps).
boots and utes (or "boots'n'utes"): (U.S. Marine Corps) Combat boots and utility uniform, minus the blouse; sometimes used for physical training or working in hot environments.
boot bands (or "blousing bands"): (U.S. Marine Corps and Canada) 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.
BOSNIA: (U.S. Navy) Big Old Standard Navy-Issue Ass. Applies especially to desk-bound female enlisted.
bought the farm: (U.S.) Originally comes from the U.S. Air Force, where it was slang for a fatal crash, wherein the "farm" referred to the small plot of land at the cemetery where the individual was laid to rest, then generally any KIA G.I. whose insurance money pays the family funeral bills.
Bouncing bomb: (U.K.) Issue sleeping bag
Boss: (U.K.) Informal yet respectful address for an officer - especially used in situations where disclosure of military status is not advisable.
Box Kicker: (U.S. Navy) A term used, sometimes derogatorily, for a Supply Officer. The term implies that all a Supply Officer does is go around the warehouse kicking boxes, doing no other work.

(U.S. Marine Corps) A warehouseman, MOS 3051.

Box Nasty: (U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps) Box Lunch served in-flight.
BPAG: (AUS) Black Plastic Army Gun. The M16 rifle.
brass: (U.S. and U.K.) Top-ranking officers; The Powers That Be.
Bravo Foxtrot: (Worldwide Navies) (BF) Means 'Ready (to xxx) (at yyy)' (general 'Ready for Action'). Comes from the Allied Maritime Tactical and Maneuvering Book, conveyed by flag hoist or voice radio.
Bravo Zulu: (Worldwide Navies) (BZ) Means 'Well Done'. Comes from the Allied Maritime Tactical and Maneuvering Book, conveyed by flag hoist or voice radio.
brain bucket: (U.S., Canada) Combat helmet.
brain sponge: (U.S.) Any combat hat that does not provide protection. (e.g., A boonie hat)
brig rat: (U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy) Describes a Sailor or Marine who often frequents the brig (military jail), typically as a prisoner.
broke-dick: (U.S.) A Soldier with a medical condition that would hinder the Soldier's ability to perform certain tasks; alternatively, equipment that is not operationally ready.
broken TV: (U.S. Army) The 3rd Infantry Division crest, a blue square with three diagonal white stripes.
broom: (U.S. Army) Army talk for 'sweep' . used in the similar sense that you mop with a mop, hence, you broom with a broom.
brownjob: (RAF) Member of the British Army, from the khaki uniforms.
Brown Water Navy: (U.S.) The fleet of riverine vessels - fast patrol boats, amphibious. landing craft, shallow-draft supply and maintenance ships, U.S. Coast Guard cutters and the like - which had been deployed to control the rivers and coasts of Vietnam during the Vietnam War, so noted for the mud-brown color of the water. Today any such riverine naval force.
brown shoe: 1. (U.S. Air Force) Things and people related to the time when the Air Corps was a subsidiary unit of the U.S. Army. When the Air Force became independent, black shoes replaced the brown shoes worn by the Army at that time.

2. Also refers to U.S. Army service prior to the Vietnam era "You were in the brown shoe army" when it changed to black combat/jungle boots and low quarters. 3. (U.S. Navy) Things and people related to the naval aviation community. From the time when brown shoes were authorized only for aviation ratings and officers.

brown star cluster: 1. (US) A metaphorical scatological reference describing a panicked reaction. A play on red star cluster; the humorous implication being that the subject's frightened defecation serves as a substitute distress call.

2. (US) Alternately, can refer to warning or signalling others that things being said or done are "bullshit".

Brylcreem Boys: (U.K.) Royal Air Force pilots, who were renowned for wearing brylcreem on their hair ("A little dab'll do ya!"), originated during WW2.
bubblehead: Any person serving on a submarine or in the Submarine Service (a reference to decompression sickness).
buddy spike: (U.S. Air Force & U.S. Navy) used during flight operations. In air exercises, it is common to "spike" or lock onto a friendly without engaging. This causes the targeted aircraft's defense systems to warn of active targeting. "Buddy Spike" is a term used to reassure the "spiked" aircraft that the lock came from a friendly aircraft. For example: Suppose you were fighting in an exercise as blue air with opposing red air trying to shoot you. If you got notification on your RWR that an aircraft had locked you, you would want to know if it was from red air or just your wingman. So you might call out "HOOTER 01, spiked from 300 (degrees)" and Hooter 02 might call out "Buddy spike!" having locked you unintentionally, or to help find you visually, etc. This term was used, somewhat incorrectly, in the movie The Incredibles.
Buck Sergeant: (U.S. Army) Referring to a newly promoted Sergeant E-5. Can be used in different contexts, good or demeaning.
buckshee: (U.K., Canada) Spare, unofficial. Buckshee equipment or ammunition is outside the normal accounting system and is often bartered by those who find themselves in possession of it. The origin and nature of the stores determines whether this is a serious. issue. From World War One, when spare bits of shaving soap where called "buckshees". Derived from Baksheesh and the British Army in India
BUFF: (U.S.) Big Ugly Fat Fucker. (Clean: Big Ugly Fat Fellow) . Slang for the B-52 'Stratofortress'.
Buffer: (U.K. and Canada) Chief Bosun's Mate, Senior Boatswain (Seamanship specialist) on a warship, usually having the rank of a Chief Petty Officer.
Bug Company: (U.S. Navy) In boot camp, a company (group) of recruits who are incapable of performing any task correctly, regardless of the rewards or consequences. Generally the individuals who make up these companies will leave boot camp in top physical shape, because they are always being punished with physical training, also known as "cycling".
Bug Juice: (U.S.) The nickname given to the powdered drink served with MRE's on onboard ships. Virtually any powdered, artificially flavored, juice-like substance served in the mess hall of almost any group male environment from Scout Camp through the Military.
bulkhead: (U.S. Navy, Marines, RCN) The interior structural divider of a ship; used ashore to refer to the interior walls of a building, as well.
bullet sponge or bullet stopper: (U.S.) An infantryman, MOS 11B "Eleven Bulletstopper" most commonly the point man of an infantry fire team who is usually the first member of the team to engage, or be engaged by, the enemy.
Bull Ensign: (U.S. Navy) Senior junior officer of the rank of Ensign (o-1) in a ship's compliment. The bull Ensign often is tasked by the Commanding Officer with unsavory tasks that other junior officers would rather avoid.
Bull Nuke: (U.S. Navy Submarine Service) Senior enlisted man within the Engineering Division onboard a submarine, usually a Senior Chief or Master Chief Petty Officer (E-8/9).
Bullshit flag, throwing the: (U.S.) Challenging the factual accuracy of another's statement.
Bum Chum: (U.S., Canada, Australia) Pejorative term for a naval seaman. Refers to the stereotypical seaman's homosexuality.
bumf: (U.K.) Paperwork, especially useless paperwork; comes from bum fodder (i.e., only fit to be used as toilet paper).
Bundeswehr gloves: (U.K.) Pockets, from the perception that members of the German Army often walk around with their hands in them (prohibited in most NATO armed services - including the Bundeswehr. [German Soldiers caught by a superior with their hands in their pockets are typically asked "Is it your birthday? Because you're holding your candle."])
Bunk: (U.S. Army) Bed.
Bunker Bunny: (U.S.) Someone who looks like the model spit and polish Soldier, Marine - but does not tarnish his/her image by venturing beyond the safety of a secure location, also see "Fobbit".
bunny suit: (Canada) CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) suit
Bunting Tosser: (Royal Navy and Commonwealth Navies) A signalman. This term originated in the days when signals between ships were sent by flying signals flags (still done for ceremonaial purposes today) and when signalmen would wave hand-held flags when using semaphore.
buttcrack nasty: (U.S.M.C) Usually a particularly sloppy, unkempt Marine (see 'shitbird')
butterbar: (U.S.) A second lieutenant or ensign, in reference to the rank insignia - a single gold bar.
butterfly stripes: (U.S. Air Force) Term used to refer to the two-striped chevron of Airman First Class, usually awarded to a six-year enlistee immediately after his technical school or to a four-year enlistee after 10 months in the rank of Airman (also see "dragonfly wings").
BZ: (Navy) Also, Bravo Zulu. Allied Signals Book (ATP 1) for "Well done".
B.B. Stackers: (U.S. Air Force) Ammo troops. (U.S.Navy) Aviation Ordnancemen.

C

C.O.C.K: (Canada) Confirmation of Combat Knowledge, a play-on from the more acceptable vernacular - AAR (After action review). "Good job on that exercise troops! Now it's time for some COCK!!" May also be used threateningly as in "I'm going to COCK you till you die" to indicate a useless or excessively harsh exercise in the field or garrison, ostensibly administered to teach the receiver a lesson.
Cable Stretcher: (U.S. Air Force) A "tool" that a new or troublesome Airman is sent to find for that "little bit extra" of cable needed to finish a run. Primarily used in Communication career fields.
cadidiot: (U.S. Army and Air Force, Canada) (kah-DID-iot) Slang term for an officer cadet. In Canada, term also used to indicate youth cadets of all branches. See also "cadink", below. Pejorative.
cadink: (U.S. Air Force) Slang term for an officer cadet. Slightly less pejorative than "cadidiot".
Cadillac: (U.S. Navy) A mop bucket. Named after the mop squeezer, which resembles a Cadillac grill.
Coalition Forces: A toilet facility, a.k.a. Caddie.
Cadot: (U.S. Army) Slang term used to identify cadets in the U.S. Military Academy that briefly train with Regular Army officers. The dot refers to their rank.
Cage Kicker: (U.S. Army) Slang term used for Military Police corrections soldiers.
Cambro: (U.S. Army) Officially called the "Insulated Food Container" or "IFC," which is plastic with stainless steel inserts. Not to be confused with the all-metal "Food Container, Insulated" or "FCI" which is commonly called a "mermite can."
camel jockey: used to refer to Arabs. Pejorative.
cammies: (U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines) Camouflage utility uniform. What are referred to as "BDUs" in the Army and Air Force (now "ACUs" and "ABUs," respectively).
Camp U.S. Coast Guard: (U.S. Coast Guard) The United States Coast Guard Academy at New London. used when referring to the Academy in a derogatory manner. Also: Connecticut University of Nautical Technology.
Canary Club: (U.S. Air Force) used when identifying parking spaces or areas reserved for officers with the rank of O-6 ("bird" Colonel)
cannon cocker: (U.S.) An artilleryman. Also a U.S. Coast Guard Gunner's Mate.
cannon fodder: (U.S.) (formerly) An infantryman sent into battle with the expectation that he will be killed.
Canoe U: The United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Jocular when used by graduates, pejorative when used by outsiders.
canopy lights: (U.S. Army) (Airborne) An item new recruits are sent to find; a form of snipe hunt. Refers to an imaginary set of lights to attach to a parachute canopy for use during night jumps.
Captain Jack: (U.S.) Is the military equivalent to the civilian Jodies in cadences, and always a tough guy. Illustrated in the song lyrics: "Hey, hey, Captain Jack, meet me down by the railroad tracks. With your knife in your hand, I'm gonna’ be a fightin' man."
Captain's Mast: (U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy) Non-Judicial Punishment imposed under Article 15 of the UCMJ.
CATFU: (U.S.) (KAT-foo-(ed) ) Completely And Totally Fuck(ed) Up (i.e., "This thing is CATFUed")
cat eyes: (U.S. Army, Canada) A helmetband with two pieces of luminous. material at the rear.
cat hole: (U.S. Army) A hole dug in the ground in which to defecate.
CBed: (Canada) confined to barracks, a form of punishment. Pronounced "see-beed".
CBPO: (U.S. Air Force) used to mean the Consolidated Base Personnel Office, now if a member states they are going to CBPO or C-BO it means Commissary BX Post Office
CCB: (Singapore) Phonetic rendition of a Hokkien swear word referring to a smelly female reproductive orifice
CFB: (U.S.) Clear as a Fucking Bell, i.e., "You had best hear this CFB."

(Canada) Canadian Forces Base.

CFL: (Canada) Corporal/Captain For Life, someone who will never be promoted above the rank of Corporal or Captain for the rest of their career.
Canadian Gay Guard, Canadian Girl Guides: (Canada) Derogatory term used to refer to the Canadian Grenadier Guard(CGG)
Chairborne Ranger: (U.S. Army) Pretty much anyone in the Adjutant General's Corps, referring to someone who works a desk, in comparison to an Airborne Ranger.. During the Vietnam era also referred to as "Remington's Raiders" a reference to the manufacturer of a popular brand of typewriter.
Chair Force: (U.S. Air Force, Canadian Air Force) The Air Force, referring to the perception that many Air Force personnel spend their time "flying a desk", i.e., doing office work of various sorts.
chalk: (U.S. Army) A specific aircraft load, especially a group of airborne Soldiers which deploy from a single aircraft, typically a platoon for air assaults, or company-minus. sized for airborne drops. Originates from Vietnam War practice of chalking identifying marks on aircraft sides involved in such operations.
Chancre Mechanic: (U.S. Navy) Hospital Corpsman. Also called Pecker Checker, Dick Smith, or Pill Pusher.
Charlie: (U.S.) NATO phonetic alphabet for the letter C. During the Vietnam War was a general term for the Vietcong by shortening of "Victor Charlie."
Charlie Foxtrot: See clusterfuck.
Charlie Golf One: (U.S. Navy) NATO phonetic alphabet for "Standing By to Assist". The standard phrase of U.S. Navy medical teams.
Charlie Mike: (U.S.) NATO phonetic alphabet for "continue mission"
Charlie's Chicken Farm: (U.S. Army) Corruption of Correctional Custody Facility (CCF) . A minimum security military prison for lesser offenses; Usually no more than a fenced-in barracks building and small surrounding area. Sentences to the CCF are Usually as a result of an Article 15 and are generally not career-ending in nature. Differentiated from “The Stockade,” which is much like a civilian jail. Analogous. to a city, county, or state prison in civilian life and houses serious offenders, some awaiting transport to military prisons like Fort Leavenworth Kansas or Mannheim Germany. Also "Charlie Charlie Foxtrot", from phonetic alphabet.
charts and darts: (U.S.) Manual field artillery firing calculations performed with paper (charts), pencil, and pins (darts)
check six: (U.S. Air Force) Term for "watch out behind you" or "watch your ass", based on looking for enemy aircraft or missiles to the rear (6 o-clock position).
cheese eater/cheeser: (U.S. Army) A suck-up or brown-noser. (U.S. Air Force) A rat or tattletale, usually someone who runs to the commander or other ranking member to get another in trouble.
cheesedick: (U.S. Marine Corps) To do something with minimal effort. As in "He cheesedicked his way through it."
chem light batteries: (U.S. Marine Corps) A form of snipe hunt. To have a new Marine search for obviously non-existent batteries for chemical light sticks.
cherry: (U.S.) New recruit still in Basic Training, or newly-minted service member (officer or enlisted) just arrived at first duty assignment after completion of training.
chest candy: (U.S.) Another term to describe ribbons or medals that are worn. It can be pejorative or appreciative, depending on Usage.
chewed up or chewey: (U.S.) See ate up.
Chewbacca: (U.S.) Comes from "chewed up"
Chicken colonel: (U.S.) A full colonel, named for the eagle insignia. Also known as "full bull," "Full bird," or "Bird colonel" as opposed to "light colonel," which is a lieutenant colonel.
chicken plates: (U.S. Army) Small Arms Protective Inserts (SAPI) which fit into the Interceptor body armor system.
Chief: (U.S.) The familiar form of address for any U.S. Army warrant officer or U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer. Also, a section leader in the U.S. Army, and a familiar term for Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force.
Chief of Smoke: (U.S.) The senior enlisted man of an artillery battery or platoon, after the First Sergeant, the "Chief of Firing Battery". Also, "Smoke."
Chief of the Boat/COB: (U.S. Navy) Senior enlisted man onboard a submarine, responsible for manning, training, order and discipline of the enlisted crew. This equates with the Command Master Chief (CMC) onboard a surface ship or shore unit. In this position, the man is often casually referred to passively and in-person as "COB".
chocko: (Australia) An Army Reservist. Pejorative term dating back to World War 2, used by Soldiers of the 2nd AIF to imply incompetence on the part of Reservists who in their view were 'Chocolate Soldiers', likely to melt at the first application of the 'heat of battle'.
Choggy: (UK) a citizen of Afghanistan.
chopped up: Same as ate up.
chopper: (U.S. Army) Helicopter.
Chow: (U.S. Military) Food. (e.g., breakfast, lunch & dinner) "You want to go to the DFAC and get some chow?"
Chow-dale: (U.S. Navy (particularly used by Reactor Department personnel on Nimitz-class aircraft carriers) ) A derogatory term for the Airmen (airdales) attached to the various. squadrons who seem to never-endingly stand in meal lines, make them longer for ship's crew.
Chow keng: (Singapore) Malingerer.
Chow Runner: (U.S. Air Force) A trainee in basic training that announces their respective flight into the dining facility.
CHT: (U.S. Navy) Sewage. Named after the ship's waste system (Collection, Holding, and Transfer (CHT) systems) . Pronounced "C-H-T" or "chit". CHT is Usually found splashing across ship's head floors because the designated ship's crew Usually aren't real excited about fixing a toilet problem.
CHU: (U.S.) Containerized Housing Unit. Common housing unit used on long-term deployments on built-up bases.
Cigarette Soup: (U.S. Army) Onion Soup, because it looks like what you get when you fill an ashtray with water.
Circus. Battalion: (Canada) Play on Service Battalion (Logistics and Supply) due to the excessive number of tents used in its deployment and the general state of coordination among its personnel. Generally pejorative, when used outside the company of said personnel.
Circus. Battery: (U.S. Army) The Service Battery of an Artillery Battalion. So named for its propensity to collect "misfits", and therefore to become a "Circus.".
CIU: (Canada) Civilian In Uniform, Person using the CF (Canadian Forces) as way to pay for school, person who does not belong in the Service.
CK: (U.S. Army) Containerized Kitchen used for preparing and serving meals in the field.
clearing barrel: A promiscuous female soldier. It is in reference to the red, sand filled barrels used to verify that small arms are unloaded before turn in. Soldiers preparing to turn in weapons line up and dry fire their rifles into the barrel. Extremely derogatory. See also "regimental groundsheet".
Close of Business or COB: (U.S. ARMY) The time of day when all scheduled training and administrative work stops. The unit's senior NCO may hold a formation at this time. During this formation, guidance is given to the enlisted members, the unit commander may publish information and the unit is released. However, some members of the unit, especially maintenance crews, may continue working. Also called end of day.
Club Ed: (Canada) The Canadian Forces Service Prison and Detention Barracks in Edmonton, Alberta. An ironic play on "Club Med".
clubz / clubswinger: (RN) Physical Training Instructor.
clusterfuck: A disastrous. situation that results from the cumulative errors of several people or groups. In semi-polite company this is referred to as a Charlie Foxtrot (from the NATO phonetic alphabet) . Also used as a slang term to describe the area effect nature of artillery or cluster bombs.
CMFWIC: Chief Mother Fucker Who's in Charge. Also "Chief Mother Fucker What's In Charge."
CO: (U.S. Military) Commanding Officer
cock holster: (U.S. Military) one's mouth, as in "Everybody, shut your cock holsters and listen up." See also "man-pleaser."
Cockpit: (U.S. Military) Derogatory term for promiscuous female aircrew, generally Army or Marine referring to Air Force female crew members.
cockster: (Singapore) a person who is habitually confused or amusing in a weird way. May derive from cock-up.
Cock stiff: (Canada) something that is solid. my gloves were frozen cock stiff.
Code Red: (U.S. Military) an unwritten order to discipline or haze a solder for going against orders, breaking unit morale, or otherwise not being up to standards.
Colonel Sanders: (U.S. National Guard) Catered meals served in lieu of meals prepared by Army cooks. Obviously a reference to American fast-food icon Colonel Harlan Sanders, a founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Colonel Sanders Award: (U.S. Army) See "KP", below.
Combat Jack: (U.S.M.C) The act of masturbating in a combat area.
Command Private Major: (U.S. Army) Derogatory slang for the rank of Specialist E-4.
Commo: In reference to communications equipment or those who operate them. A title Usually given to the Communications Officer or Communicator aboard U.S. Navy vessels.
companionway: (U.S. Navy, Marines) A staircase. From the term for a ladder or staircase aboard a ship.
Company grade weather: (U.S. Air Force) Exceptionally poor weather; all the senior pilots sit the day out and let the junior company grade guys (who are still trying to build hours) fly in the bad weather.
Coner (U.S. Navy, Submarines): Term of derision used by nuclear trained engineering personnel to refer to rest of crew that live and work forward. The term refers to the cone shape of the sonar bow cap. usage example "We just lowered the anchor 15 minutes ago and those damn coners are already on liberty!"
Conn: (U.S. Navy and Air Force) A naval term referencing the Conning Tower; where the Conning Team gives navigational instructions for a ship (conns the vessel). "You have the Conn" means you have control of the ship. When the CO (Commanding Officer) leaves the bridge, the next in rank takes charge of manning the ship. That person has the Conn. The term is also used in other fields to refer to a commanding officer who upon leaving his post his duties fall to the next ranking person.
Contrails: (U.S. Air Force Academy) Fourth Class Cadet (SMACK) book of military knowledge that is memorized during the fourth class year.
Corfam: (U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps) A high-gloss dress shoe, typically made of plastic rather than leather to enhance gloss and eliminate the need for polishing. Derived from a trademark artificial leather, Corfam developed by DuPont during World War II.
cornflake: (Canada) The cap badge of a recruit in the Canadian Forces, a brass rendition of the Canadian Forces tri-service badge. From the resemblance of the badge in shape and color to the breakfast cereal.
2. By extension from (1), a new recruit.
2. By extension from (1), the Canadian Forces insignia in general.
CORGI: (UK) Commanding Officer's Really Good Idea. A derogatory term for a Commanding Officer's stupid idea.
Corps: (U.K.) Informal address for a Corporal or Lance-Corporal.
COTDA: (U.S. Army) Stands for "Case Of The Dumb Asses." Spoken in both full context and abbreviation. Humorous. and imaginary syndrome or sickness often joked about towards any Soldier who makes an accidental mistakes or forgets something. Example: "Did you go home last night and catch a case of the dumb asses (or COTDA) ?"
Country Club Academy: (U.S.) A derogatory term used by cadets at the United States Military Academy and midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy to refer to the United States Air Force Academy. Refers to the perception of more relaxed standards of military discipline, and the generally less spartan living conditions for cadets, at the AFA as compared to the other academies.
cover: (U.S.) Military headgear of any type.
crab fat: (U.K.) Reference to RAF personnel
crabs: (Singapore) Reference to senior officers of rank major, lieutenant colonel, or colonel, whose rank insignias are respectively one, two, or three State Crests, the outline of each resembling a crab. (United Kingdom) Refers to the British Royal Air Force, due to the blue uniform being the same colour of the powder used to treat crabs.
crabs within a cage: (Singapore) A derogatory term to describe warrant officers whose rank insignias are a state crest encased within a semi-circle and chevrons with the number of chevrons denoting higher ranks. Sometimes used to dismiss a warrant officer who is noted for being very arrogant and proliferate in the use of his authority.
crank: (U.S. Navy) An enlisted Sailor who is doing temporary duty in a ship's galley. On most ships/subs junior enlisted will work full time for many weeks or months in the galley doing menial tasks like washing dishes or scrubbing floors before moving back to their assigned rate and division. "Cranking" or "Mess cranking" is a verb for this situation. Cranking can be occasionally used as a method of EMI. (See EMI)
Crap Hat: (U.K.) SAS or Parachute Regiment describing other regiments in the British Army as less than elite, derived from the distinctive SAS and Parachute berets which are different in color to every other regiment.
crunchie: (U.S. Army) Term used by a Tank Crewman to describe a dismounted infantry Soldier, derived from the sound that they make when the tank rolls over them.
crutch brigade: (U.S. Army) a rear-detachment unit, Usually full of Soldiers who are unable to deploy due to medical or legal issues.
CS&MO: (U.S.) Proper Usage: Close Station, March Order. Alternatively "CSMO,": Collect [your] shit and move out.
Cunt cap: (U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force) The flat garrison cap, the kind often seen tucked under a shoulder epaulet in the movies. Particularly descriptive of the female version of this cap discontinued in the late 1970's, which had an inverted fold in the crown. Also called "piss cutter".
Cum-dumpster: a mouth. Term generally used by drill instructors to create a sense of dominance over recruits, e.g., "shut your fuckin' cum-dumpster!".
Cunt Hair: (U.S. Army, U.S. Navy) a small increment as in, "Move that a cunt hair to the right."
Curtain Call: (U.S. Army) To have to appear personally before the Commander, usually for a reprimand - e.g. - "PFC Jones got the curtain call".
Cycled (U.S. Navy) or "getting cycled": In boot camp, the act of being "beat" by your company commanders via strenuous. work-out, or "PT" sessions. Cycling normally occurs after a member or the entire company has made an error of some kind either in drilling, training, etc. Cycling has no time limit, it lasts as long as desired by the company commander(s) , and it can include any physical training that has been imagined. Oftentimes company commanders will make their recruits put on multiple layers of clothing, while closing windows and turning off fans, etc., in an effort to make it "rain indoors". Lore states of "rain makers", company commanders often rumored to be in charge of other units who will make guest appearances at cycles in an effort to achieve the results of "raining indoors", due to the fact that the sweat from the recruits will cause condensation to build in the room and leak down from the ceilings. See tekan and quarterdecking."

D

DFAC: (U.S.) The Dining Facility (pron: Dee-Fack) a.k.a. Mess Hall.
D4D: (U.S. Air Force) Desk, 4 Drawers. Aircraft type flown by most of the U.S. Air Force. "Him? Oh he drives (flies) a D4D!"
DA Form 1: (U.S. Army) Toilet Paper.
DAGBY: (U.S. Army) Dumb Ass Gun BunnY, see 13B, Cannon Cocker, Red Leg
dark green: (U.S. Marine Corps) An African-American U.S. Marine; as compared to a "light-green". Becoming an archaic term; sometimes perceived as offensive.
DART: (U.S. Air Force) Dumb Ass (radio/radar) Troop
DAT: (U.S. Army) dumb ass tanker.[1]
Day 0: (U.S. Army) . The first day of basic training.
Dead Man Walking: (U.S. Army) A person who has a permanent profile (see profile below) which allows him/her to walk two and a half miles rather than run 2 miles as part of the Army Physical Fitness Test or APFT.
Death Jet (DJ): (U.S.) "The F-22 Raptor used in the Air Force. The name was so given because the fighter jet was prestigious. and was an all-rounder, e.g.,, "Death Jet, ETA 30 seconds, hold back for airstrike package""
death technician: (Canada) Infantry Soldier.
Deck: (Worldwide Navy, Marines) The floor on a ship; also used while ashore for the ground or a floor.
Deck-Ape: (Navy, Marines) Naval term used to signify a "boatswain's mate" on a ship who is in charge of anchors, moorings, lines, rope etc.
Degradated: (U.S. Air Force) A term used during meetings to describe a system that is no longer functional as originally designed. The electrical system of the aircraft has degradated to the point that it is no longer functional.
Dependapotamus: (U.S.) A non-military spouse so obese as to shame or draw into question their significant others decision making capabilities. Named so due to their perceived propensity to marry servicemen in order to secure their paycheck and government benefits for themselves.
desert queen: (U.S.) A promiscuous. woman who sleeps around while at a deployed location. (U.S. Air Force) Any female at a deployed location, especially an unattractive one. The stereotype is that because of the imbalance in the male to female ratio, unattractive women become attractive in lieu of sufficient quantities of attractive women.
dairy Queen: (U.S.) A promiscuous. overweight woman who sleeps around while at a deployed location.
desk wallah: (U.K.) A staff officer or other military administrator; pejorative and largely obsolete.
Desert Fox: Female Soldier who is considered more attractive because she has moved down range.
Desperate Love Institute: (U.S.) Nickname for the Defense Language Institute.
deuce and a half, deuce: (U.S., Canada) 2½ ton truck used for carrying cargo or up to 40 people. Commonly used in convoys. During WWII its predecessor, manufactured primarily by GMC was called a "Jimmy"
deuce gear: (U.S. Marine Corps) Organizational equipment that is issued to a Marine from his unit and is kept by the Marine as personal gear, but is expected to be returned in serviceable condition upon that Marine's detachment from the unit. Usually refers to load-bearing equipment, ruck packs, body armor, helmets and other field gear. Derived from "782 gear", referencing an obsolete form.
Devil Dog: (U.S.) U.S. Marine. The term comes from a (possibly apocryphal) complimentary term, Teufelhund, applied by German Soldiers to Marines during World War I for fighting like shock troops.
DICK: (U.S. Army) OIF era. Dedicated Infantry Combat Killer.
dickbeaters: (U.S.) Fingers.
dicked up: (U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force) Generalized state of being incorrect or broken.
dickskinners: (U.S.) Hands.
Dick Smith: (U.S. Navy) Hospital Corpsman. Also called Pecker Checker, Pill Pusher, or Chancre Mechanic. Alludes to a blacksmith working on a penis.
dicktrap: (U.S.) Mouth.
digger: (AUS and NZ) Initially used to describe Soldiers who fought during the Battle of Gallipoli, but now a general term for any Australian or New Zealand Soldier.
diggers: (U.K.) Knife, fork and spoon. Cookhouses at transit barracks, training camps and other locations away from a Soldier's home base generally do not provide these. Thus. it is important to remember your diggers when going for a meal.
digies: (U.S.) Refers to new digital camouflaged field uniforms worn by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.
dig-it, dig it or diggit: 1. (U.S. Navy) A (Usually derogatory) reference to a crew member who shows an outward eagerness to be at sea, in the Navy, etc.--especially when compared to less enthusiastic crew members (see Joe Navy).

2. (U.S. Navy) Any brand or model of butterfly-folding multi-tool (i.e., a Leatherman®) carried by said crew member.

DILLIGAF: (U.S. and Canada) Does It Look Like I Give A Fuck?! Usually a reply in Boot Camp when given a lame excuse for not being able to perform a duty or follow an order. (AUS) Do I Look Like I Give A Fuck? Similar as above
Delta Sierra: Military Phonetic alpahebet for "Dip Shit."
Dink: (U.S.) A derogatory term for an Asian enemy Soldier, used extensively during the Vietnam War. More recently, means delinquent in some form, i.e., not up to standards on progress on training qualifications.
Dirt Nap: (Naval Aviation) Flying ones aircraft and self into the ground. Flat Hatting gone wrong.
disco belt: (U.S. Air Force) A reflective belt worn around the waist on aircraft flightlines.
ditch: (RAF) A crash into the sea. Also used in civil aviation to refer to emergency landings into a body of water
Dittybopper: (U.S. Army) A signals intelligence radio operator trained to intercept Morse Code transmissions. As a verb, "Dittybopping" is used to describe a Soldier or Soldiers who are marching out of time with the cadence being called.
DNF: (U.S.) Departure from Normal Flight. Term for when a pilot loses control of his/her aircraft.
DNIF: (U.S.) Duties Not Including Flying, as in, Medically Grounded.
DNKH: (U.S.) Damn Near Killed Himself/Herself.
doc: A medic.
Dog & Pony Show: (U.S.) A demonstration or presentation intended to impress seniors or visitors; moderately derogatory. (U.S. Air Force) An effort to show an inspection team how well you do a job with the hopes of earning a benchmark process or unit award.
Dog Fuck: (Canada) To shirk one's duties.
dogface: (U.S.) A U.S. Army infantryman, common in World War II, also a Soldier of the 3rd Infantry Division, they get to sing the "Dogface Soldier Song" every morning; now this or "doggy" is used by a Marine to refer to an Army Soldier.
donkey dick: 1. (U.S. Army) The bottom section of a PRC-25/77 radio antenna.. A detachable fuel nozzle for 5 gallon fuel containers. See "horse cock" below.3. A Mortar cleaning brush.
4. By extension, any long cylindrical object. 5. (U.S. Air Force Civil Engineering) An electric vibe tool with a long cylindrical vibrating shaft used in concrete construction to remove air bubbles from concrete.
Donkey Walloper: (U.K.) Cavalry
DONSA: (U.S. Army) A day of no scheduled activity.
donut launcher: (U.S. Army) Ring Airfoil Grenade Launcher. A device which fits on the end of an M16 rifle which fired a donut shaped rubber bullet used in riot control.
Doolie: A fourth-class cadet (freshman) at the United States Air Force Academy (also called "SMACK") .
Dope: Acronym for Data on Personal Equipment or Data On Previous Engagements (sights and elevation/windage settings for sniper rifles). Other Usage includes Information/intelligence regarding the position of a target or info on an objective. Air Force/Navy Usage of 'Bogey Dope' to request the position (bearing, range, altitude and heading) of enemy aircraft.
Dope On A Rope: (U.S. Army) An insult applied to air assault Soldiers. Used mostly by airborne units.
Dorm hoe or dorm slut: (U.S. Air Force) used for a female who is known for her promiscuity around dormitories and lodging facilities.
Dot: (U.S. Army) An ROTC cadet. Refers to the disc shaped rank insignia. Derogatory.
double-digit midget: (U.S.) A service member who has less than 100 days until his or her enlistment ends, or time until rotation out of a combat area arrives.
Double Ugly: (U.S.) Nickname for the F-4 Phantom II.
doughboy: (U.S.) A U.S. Army Soldier. This term is almost exclusively used in the context of World War I "GI" was the term during WWII.
down range: (U.S.) Deployed to a combat zone. Also more generally, at any destination such as field training or a new assignment.
dragonfly wings: (U.S. Air Force) Refers to the two stripe chevron of an Airman First Class.
drink: (RAF) sea/ocean
driver: (U.S. Air Force) A fighter aircraft operator, i.e., pilot (example: "I'm an Eagle Driver", an F-15 Eagle pilot, or a "Viper Driver", an F-16 pilot.
drive on: (U.S. Army) Carry out the mission.
Dropped: (U.S.) An Army or Air Force term used to describe punishment by physical training (Usually pushups) "The DI dropped dingleberry for 20 after he fucked up on the course!"
dropshort: (U.K.) An artilleryman, or the Artillery in general. Artillery will often fire over the heads of friendly troops, who will certainly not appreciate a round that drops short. Also "Dropshot."
DROS: (U.S. Army). Date Returned from Overseas Service. Pronounced, "dee-ross".
Dual Cool: (U.S. Marine Corps) A phrase for a Marine, Usually Recon or Force Recon, who has earned both the Scuba Bubble and Gold Jump Wings.
duck hunter: (U.S.) A member of the Air Defense Artillery.
Duffle Bag: (USAF Security Forces) An airman with an untidy uniform, Airman Blank looks like a duffle bag.
dune coon: (pejorative) Someone from the Iran/Iraq desert region. See also Sand nigger below.

E

E4 Mafia: (U.S. Army) Group of soldiers with the rank of Specialist who are loyal to one another and stick together. Will cover each other against discipline and usually make privates do all the work.
Educated Asshole: (U.S. Navy) A Seabee in the EA (Engineering Aid) rating with civilian and/or military technical training in construction design, surveying, drafting, materials or quality control.
Eagle: (U.S. Air Force) The F-15 Fighter
Eagle Driver: (U.S. Air Force) F-15 Pilot
Eagle Hatcher: (U.S. Air Force) Member of the F-15 Development Team (SPO)
Eagle Keeper: (U.S. Air Force) F-15 Maintainer, crew chief
Eagle Rider: (U.S. Air Force) F-15E Weapons System Officer (WSO or 'Wizzo') - 'Backseater'
Eaglet: (U.S. Air Force) Humorous. term used by F-15 personnel in early days of the F-16 program to refer to the F-16.
Echo Check: (U.S. Air Force) a type of snipe hunt where a jet engine maintainer is told to scream into a static jet engine at the top of his lungs, and if he get the right pitch and volume the blades in the engine will ring.
Echo Tango Suitcase: (U.S. Army) Punning reference to ETS or Expiration of Term of Service the end of an enlisted soldier's service contract, especially if the soldier has no intention of reenlisting. Similar to "PCS to Fort Living Room," another humorous reference to impending discharge from active duty.
EGA: (U.S. Marine Corps) Eagle, Globe and Anchor, the emblem of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Egg Banjo: (U.K.) A fried egg sandwich so called because when it is eaten, generally with the one hand that is free, egg yolk squirts onto the eater's shirt/jacket resulting in them raising their sandwich to approximately ear height whilst they attempt to "strum" the egg from their shirt with their free hand.
Egyptian PT: (U.K.) Sleeping, particularly during the day. Probably dates from WW2 or before. The act of laying on your bed, with your arms crossed over your chest, just like an Egyptian mummy
Elsie: (U.K. and U.S. Marine Corps) Phonetic pronunciation of "LC", the abbreviation for Lance-Corporal
E.M.I.: (U.S.): Extra Military Instruction. In military training establishments it is a supposed learning opportunity for a serviceman to better learn some military instruction. It is not supposed to be (but most often is) a non-judicial punishment that Usually consists of some menial task like running in place with arms outstretched from the chest while holding a rifle (Army) or changing into every uniform once an hour for inspection (a "Fashion Show") (Navy) . This punishment is used for individuals who have difficulty following instructions, or show excess attitude towards company commanders/authority figures.
ENDEX: End Exercise
Errr...: (U.S. Marine Corps) An abbreviated or unmotivated "Oorah". Often used as a form of acknowledgment or greeting.
ETS: (U.S. Army). Expiration of Term of Service. Pronounced, "ee-tee-ess". The end of an enlisted soldier's service contract, especially if the soldier has no intention of reenlisting.
evolution: Generally, any specific operation or activity. "This evolution does not require talking." "All hands on deck for the refueling evolution." More commonly referred to as a "serial" in UK military.
extra: (Singapore) to serve extra duties as camp guard or confinement (frequently on weekends) as punishment
eyebrow remover: (U.S. Army, Canada) Immersion heater, a device used for heating washing water in a field kitchen; it consists of a gas-fuelled element immersed in a large container, such as a large galvanized garbage container. An external gas tank drips gas down a column into the element, and is lit by dropping a match or inserting a lit gas-soaked rod into the tube, igniting the gas. The term "eyebrow remover" is derived making the mistake of looking in the opening after dropping the lit match in it to see if it lit properly; the puddle of gasoline at the bottom will sometimes flash and send a flame into one's face.

F

FANG: Fucking Air National Guard.
Fang Fairy: (U.S. Navy) a.k.a. "Tooth Fairy". Slang for a Sailor in the DT (Dental Technician) rating. Self-explanatory.
fangs: (U.S. Marine Corps) A term used as a reference to teeth as in "Go brush your fangs!"
farmer armor: (U.S.) Improvised vehicle armor. See Hillbilly armor.
fart cart: Auxiliary ground air pressure unit, used to start jet engines.
fart sack: (U.S.) A sleeping bag.
Farts and Darts: (U.S. Air Force) A reference to the decorations on the brim of a field-grade officer's dress uniform cap.
fashion show: (U.S. Navy) A punishment where the service member, over a period of several hours, dresses in each of his uniforms (work, dress, summer dress and summer work) to be inspected. Designed to prevent the punished from going on liberty for most of a day.
fast movers: (U.S., Canada) Term used by Soldiers for jet fighters, especially ground support aircraft. Dates to Vietnam.
fatigues: (U.S. Army) Duty/work uniform, as opposed to dress uniform.
fauji: (Indian army) belonging to or part of military.
field: (U.K., U.S.) General use - duty or training away from any post/base, "In the field for training this week."; also used to denote forward deployed units/personnel, "1st Brigade is in the field at Al-Asad, 2nd and 3rd Brigades remain at main post stateside."
field day: (U.S.) Thorough cleanup of a barracks or duty area with the expectation of an inspection. Thursday is a common day for field day in garrison.
Field grade weather: (U.S. Air Force) Exceptionally good weather. All the field grade officers (O-4 thru O-6) like to get out of their offices and take a flight in this kind of weather, leaving the CGO's to fly in the bad weather.
Fighting First: The U.S. Army's First Infantry Division. (AKA Big Red One)
FIDO: "Fuck It, Drive On". i.e., What to do following a Charlie Foxtrot.
FIGJAM: "Fuck I'm Great Just Ask Me" A nickname given to "that" Soldier who just thinks they know more than everyone
FIGMO: (U.S.) "Fuck it, got my orders". "Finally I got my orders" Exclamation by one who is scheduled to leave a duty post.
Fighting Fit: (U.K., Indian Army) Functioning properly, in perfect health, used for men as well as equipment.
First Shirt: (U.S.) A First Sergeant. Also, "First Soldier" or "Top".
fish: (U.S. Navy) Submarine warfare qualification pin.
FISH: "Fighting In Someone's House", variant of FIBUA ("Fighting In Built-Up Areas), an official acronym, but now known as OBUA "Operations in Built Up Areas."
fish tank: (U.S. Navy) Term used by submarine personnel to refer to the ocean surrounding a submerged submarine (see "people tank", below) .
fister: (U.S.) An artillery Soldier in a Fire Support Team (FST), i.e., an Artillery Forward Observer .
FITFO: (U.S.) "Figure it the fuck out."
five and fly: (U.S.) To graduate from a U.S. service academy, serve only the required five years on active duty, and then resign at the first opportunity. Sometimes also referred to as "Five and dive".
Five Jump Chump: (U.S.) A U.S. Army Soldier who has earned the Airborne Badge, but has done no more than the required five jumps and is not part of an airborne unit.
Five Knots to Nowhere: (U.S. Navy) A phrase often to describe the missions that ballistic missile submarines are tasked with. Their purpose is to deter nuclear war by being on station, slowly crisscrossing a highly-classified location somewhere in the oceans.
Five Plonks: (U.K.) An idiot.
Five-Sided Squirrel Cage: (U.S.) An old term for The Pentagon used during the Vietnam War.
Five-Sided Puzzle Palace: (U.S.) A term for The Pentagon.
Flags: 1. (RN) A flag lieutenant (i.e., admiral's aide-de-camp).
A signal officer.
FLAK: (WW2) 'Fl'ug'a'bwehr'k'anone - German for "air defense cannon".
Flight Line: (U.S. Air Force) Slang for any restricted area on most Air Force Bases where aircraft are parked for general maintenance. Equivalent to an airport apron.
flight risk: (U.S.) Term jokingly used to refer to an officer of grade O-6 (Colonel/Captain) or higher at the controls of an aircraft.
flying a desk: (RAF) Working as a staff officer or administrator; may be used pejoratively ("all he does is fly a desk") or simply to refer to a pilot who has been posted to such a job ("I'm flying a desk at the MOD these days").
flump: Fat Lazy Unmotivated Pussy.
FM: (U.S. and U.K.) "Fucking Magic". used to describe why a faulty electronic device unexplainably starts working again.
FNG: (U.S.) "Fucking New Guy (or Girl)" . One of many terms used to describe a new arrival to a unit.
Food for Freedom Program: (U.S. Army) Wherein a soldier gains so much weight that he is kicked out of the service. As in: "He is so fat." "Yeah, He's in the food for freedom program."
FOB: (U.S.) "Forward Operating Base."
fobbit: (U.S.) Fairly new term used to describe Soldiers who do not go outside their Forward Operations Base (FOB) in Iraq, or a Soldier stationed in Iraq who has not seen combat. Derived from J.R.R. Tolkien's Hobbit, a creature that didn't like to leave the safety of their homes or "The Shire."
Fort Fumble: (U.S.) The Pentagon.
football bat: (U.S.) used to describe a person or system that is unusually odd. (i.e., "You are as Fucked up as a Football Bat". Sometimes rendered as "Left Handed Football Bat", or "Soup Sandwich".
Four foot drop: (U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps) Humorous take on repairing the unreliable PRC-25/27 radio. "Giving a prick (PRC) the four foot drop" is to throw it to the ground in frustration.
Fourth Point of Contact: (U.S. Army) The buttocks, or the fourth point of the body to contact the ground in a Parachute Landing Fall (PLF) (Balls of the feet, calves, thighs, buttocks, pull-up muscle)
Franco Mafia: (Canada) The unofficial manner in which French-Canadian military members tend to congregate and support one another.
FRED: (U.S.) "Fucking Ridiculous. Economic Disaster". The nickname given to the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy heavy transport aircraft. The name was popularized because of the so-called "$500 toilet seat" expose on 60 minutes during the early fielding of the aircraft. Or, (AUS) "Fucking Ridiculous. Eating Device". The issue eating device in combat ration packs, a combination between a small Spoon and a Can Opener, and a bottle opener. Officially Field Ration Eating Device or Food Ration Extraction Device (both are acceptable).
Friend of the Bromide: (U.S.) A generally non-qualified Sailor that performs no Useful function other than to provide a load for the air conditioning plant. The "Bromide" refers to the Lithium Bromide air conditioning plant, which operates better under load.
(The) Frisbee: (Canada) A term used to describe the shape of the Baked Cherry Dessert IMP entree which resembles a round, thin, flat Frisbee. Infamous for its disgusting taste.
Front Leaning Rest: (U.S.) Pushup position.
frosty: (U.S.) Alert, watchful. This may have spawned from pop culture, not actual military use of the term. The first known use of it was in the 1972 film The New Centurions.
fruit salad: (U.S.) The colorful collection of ribbons worn on the breast of a dress uniform.
FTA: 1. (U.S. Army) "Fuck the Army" - common graffiti, also spelled out as a spoken epithet. When the Sergeant Major asks about the new "FTA" tattoo, remember that it stands for "Fun, Travel and Adventure" or "Finest Training Available"
2. (U.S. Marine Corps) "Failure to Adapt", a reason recruits are sent home from boot camp.
FTAF: (U.S. Air Force) "Fuck the Air Force" - common graffiti, also spelled out as a spoken epithet. Usually used as a high form of derogatory term towards the Air Force.
FTN: (U.S. Navy) "Fuck the Navy" - common graffiti, also spelled out as a spoken epithet. Usually used in a simple game of "hide & seek" - FTN can Usually be found in obscure places (like inside machinery) and the discovery of which Usually pisses-off higher-ranking people and 'dig-it's'.
FUBAR: (U.S.) Abbreviation for "Fucked up beyond all recognition (or repair)." Sometimes "FUBER" for "economical repair". See "SNAFU", below.
FUBIJAR: (U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve) "Fuck you Buddy, I'm just a reservist".
FUBIS: (U.S. Army) "Fuck You Buddy I’m Shipping" used in Vietnam Era by Soldiers who had a short amount of time before they went home.
FUGAZI: Fucked Up, Got Ambushed, Zipped In. Vietnam War slang for a messed up situation. Zipped in refers to a body bag.
full-bird colonel: (U.S.) A colonel (O6) as opposed to "light colonel" which is a lieutenant colonel (O5). Named for the eagle insignia. Also known as "full bull," "full bird," or "bird colonel". See "light colonel", below.
full-bull: (U.S.) See "full-bird colonel" above.
full screw: (U.K.) term used to describe Corporals after being promoted from Lance Jack.
Fuzzy Wuzzy: (U.K.) In Victorian times, a derogatory term for alien or dark-skinned inhabitants of the British Empire.

G

gabra: (Singapore) To be exceedingly confused.
GAFA: (U.K.) Great Arabian Fuck All. Royal Air Force description of lack of visible landmarks during the 1st Gulf War.
gaggle-fuck: A disorganized group, a clusterfuck.
gaggle-march: (U.S. Air Force) Normally spoken, pronounced "gaggle-HARCH," it is used to describe a flight or other formation that is marching out of step or outside of acceptable drill and ceremonies.
ganked: Stolen, swiped.
gash: 1. (U.K.) Rubbish, trash. A gashbag is what one puts it in.

2. (U.K.) Unprofessional and/or unimportant. 3. (Canada, signals) Probably derived from (1), garbled or incomprehensible signals. 4. (Canada, Navy) Trash, garbage. 5. (U.K.) Very derogatory term for any woman.

gat: 1. (U.K.) Referring to the rifle used by British Forces (SA80).
2. (U.S.) Any small arm, referring to gangster slang.
Gator: (U.S. Navy) Shortening of the title "Navigator". The senior officer in charge of navigation aboard a navy ship.
Gator Navy: (U.S. Navy) Meaning the amphibious. arm of the surface Navy.
GAF: (U.S.) Gay as fuck. When unpopular individuals ask what this acronym is, they are often told it stands for "Go Air Force". Alternatively, implying a "give a fuck" attitude, meaning one doesn't care. "What's with the GAF attitude?" or "That guy's pretty GAF."
GAF Factor: (Canada) Give a fuck factor. When a Soldier cares a lot or a little about a task, orders, duties, or instruction. "My GAF Factor is non-fucking-existent".
Garatrooper: (Canada) used to describe a Soldier who excels in garrison but is lacking where it counts in the field. This term was used by WWII U.S. Army Cartoonist Bill Mauldin "Up Front" to describe those who were "too far forward to wear ties, and too far back to get shot" However the term proved unpopular with the Paratroopers who saw it as a slur on their designation and it never gained popularity with U.S. forces.
gedunk or geedunk: (U.S. Navy): Commonly junk/snack food itself (see 'pogey bait'), or the store in which it can be acquired. Also the military service ribbon awarded to new recruits in boot camp is referred to as the "gedunk ribbon". (Unconfirmed: derived from the sound made by an old-fashioned cigarette machine when the Foosball-like metal handle was pulled out and released, i.e., the ribbon is of such little value that it was obtained from a vending machine.)
get some Navy: (U.S. Navy) A verb used to describe a situation where someone has some pain inflicted on them due to something associated to the Navy. (e.g., A Sailor is told that he has to stay past his duty time and do extra duty due to the whim of a higher ranking person - he is "getting some Navy").
GI: (U.S.) Always pronounced as initials "gee ai", coined during WWII it reputedly stands for "government issue(d)". As a noun, GI refers to a member of a U.S. military service, as in "G.I. Joe"; originally pejorative as it implied that U.S. Soldiers were nothing but interchangeable units (Government Issue(d) Joe) that could be requisitioned like any other supplies. As an adjective, it can be applied to any item of U.S. military materiel or procedure. When used as a verb it means to put into military shape, as in "to GI the barracks". Etymology at GI.
GIB: (U.S.) Guy In Back, i.e., back-seater in a two-place aircraft, whose job duties vary with the aircraft (e.g. WSO "Wizzo" = Weapons Systems Officer).
gig line: (U.S.) An imaginary line running down the front of a uniform formed by the edges of the pants fly placket, right belt buckle edge and the shirt button placket. The significance of the "gig line" is that all parts of it be in-line for inspections.
G.I. party: (U.S. Army & Air Force) A term used to describe scrubbing the barracks from top to bottom. This sort of "party" is seldom, if ever, fun.
Go-fasters: (U.S. Marine Corps) Athletic or "tennis" shoes.
go outside: (UK Royal Navy and Royal Marines) To leave the service and return to civilian life.
go west: (WWII U.K.) die. As in migrate across the American continent in the 19th Century, when people who went West were often never seen again.
goat rope/ing: A Useless, futile, or foolish activity. A waste of time directed by higher authority.
goat locker: (U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard) Room or lounge reserved for Chief Petty Officers (E-7 and above). Those who are E-6 and below would do well to steer clear unless expressly permitted inside. Also used to refer to the Chief Petty Officers assigned to one command.
GOBI: General Officer Bright Idea. An idea often inspired by a briefing, which is then endorsed and ordered by a general. Sometimes it is valid, often it is pointless, but it invariably creates more bureaucratic hassles than are necessary to the mission.
GOFO: Grasp Of the Fucking Obvious..
Go Juice: Coffee
goldbrick, goldbricker: (U.S.) A member of the military who feigns illness to avoid duty; more recently, any service member who shirks duty.
Golden Shellback: (U.S. Navy) A Sailor who crosses the equator at the point of intersection with the International Date Line. See Shellback.
Gold side: (U.S. Coast Guard) The regular U.S. Coast Guard, which wears gold insignia compared to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, which wears silver insignia. See Silver side.
GOMOR: (U.S. Army) : General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand - An official memo of reprimand which becomes part of the permanent military record, difficult to remove. adj. - "She was GOMOR'ed".
gone Elvis: (U.S.) Missing in action.
gonk: (U.S. Air Force) electronics/avionics/computer devices in general, especially when performing functions of a computational nature. Also seen as "gonkulator". Can be used as a verb: to "gonkulate" means to calculate either by hand or by machine. (From a "Hogan's Heroes" episode in which Hogan convinced Klink that the "gonkulator" was a top-secret Allied device.)
Good Training: (U.S.) Anything that does not result in death, a reportable incident, or the relief of the commanding officer. "We had rain for three days during the field problem, but it was all good training."
Good Idea Factory: (U.S Army) Any higher headquarters building where senior leadership concocts "good ideas" for subordinates to implement. Examples include wearing reflective belts in combat zones, formations held prior to formations, and the Army-wide adoption of the black beret.
Gook: (U.S.) A derogatory term for an Asian enemy Soldier used extensively during the Vietnam War. From the Korean guk. ("people").
Got One's 6: (U.S.) military slang for 'got one's back'. When a Soldier in a situation where a solo battle can be dangerous, even life-threatening, another would offer help to ensure survival even if the mission ends in failure. The Soldier is like a clock with the face looking at 12 o'clock and arms at 3 and 9 o'clock.
gopping: (British Army) Dirty, especially used of rifles in need of cleaning.
gouge: (U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard - particularly aviation) Informal information channel; the grapevine; the straight dope; inside information. Gouge is passed on by the gouge train.
goulasch cannon: (U.S. Army, German Wehrmacht) Portable, self-contained field kitchen. Originally used by WWII German Soldiers, but it can also refer to the U.S. Army's Mobile Kitchen Trailer or MKT.
Gore 4: (U.S. Marine Corps) Full Gortex rain suit, including hood, covering one's person. This is a play on the MOPP chemical warfare system and its numbered levels of use/protection.
grand slam: (U.K.) The act of defecating, urinating and throwing up while sleeping off a large "Male Bonding Session" while undergoing training.
Grape: 1. (U.S. Submarine Service) Delightfully easy. Examples: "This is %$# grape duty! I %$# love it!" or "That was a grape sig, you %$#." (See "sig" below)
2. (U.S. Marine Corps, Army) One's head. For example: "Put your cover [hat] on your grape."
3. (U.S. Air Force Fighter Pilots): an aircraft/pilot that is easy to shoot down.
4. (U.S. Navy): The flight deck crewmen on an aircraft carrier tasked with fuel handling (so called for their purple shirts and helmets) . Related to "skittles".
Gravel Tech(nician): (Canada) Infantry, Usually referred to as such by the Navy.
green eggs: (U.S. Army) Powdered (dehydrated) eggs served by the Army. Green is used to indicate "Army issue" and not necessarily the actual color in this case. (pre 1995 eggs were often served mermite cans, and were actually green in color.)
Green Eyed: (U.K.) Excessively keen or professional Soldier.
Green Slime: (U.K.) Intelligence Corps. Based on color of Beret combined with the Intelligence Corps' sneaky and underhand warfare.
Green suiter: (U.S.) A soldier, in contrast either to a civilian or to a member of another service.
Green weenie: (U.S. Marine Corps) A term used to describe one being refused a liberty. "I got fed the green weenie again....tasted like the last guys asshole!"
grid square: (U.S. Army) An item new recruits are sent to find; a form of snipe hunt. Literally, a grid square is a rectangle on a map, a square created by grid lines of one kilometer.
Grinder: (U.S. Navy) The outside tarmac, asphalted area or courtyard normally adjacent to a barracks which is used to perform musters, drilling, and sometimes "cycling" of recruits in boot camp.
ground-pounder: (U.K. and U.S.) Derogatory term for Army or Marines. Opposite of 'air-dales', above.
ground sheet: 1. (Canada) A rubberized tarp, used as a half-shelter
2. (Canada) A female who sleeps around, "she's nice to lay on"
grow bag: (U.K. RAF) Slang for aircrew - so named due to the color of the RAF flying suits.
grunt: (U.S.) Originally, a derogatory term for Army or Marine infantrymen (referencing the sounds made by men carrying heavy gear). This term has become more acceptable over time, and today, most, if not all, infantrymen are proud to be "grunts," as opposed to other MOSes in the military. Also known as "Ground Pounders." Although "grunt" is not an acronym, common backronyms include: "Ground Replacement Unit, Not Trained" or "Ground Replacement, Usually Not Trained."

(Canada) Government Reject Unfit for Naval Training, Usually refers to infantry/combat arms.

GTFO: (U.S.) Pronounced "GIT-foe". Acronym of "get the fuck out", nonspecific utilization in training/combat.
GTS: (U.S.A.F.) Google That Shit. Used when asked a stupid or unknown answer to a question one could learn on their own by utilizing a popular search engine.
Guardian Angel: (U.S.) A Soldier or Marine placed in a high position in urban warfare to provide overwatch and cover to friendly units moving below.
Gucci kit: (U.S., U.K. & Canada) Non-issued kit or equipment bought by the Soldier. The word "gucci" alone is also used in the Navy to mean fancy, e.g. "that's a gucci computer".
Guckle: (U.S. Submarine Service) Storage Space on Submarines, Similar to a large closet, larger than a puka (below).
Gum Shoe, or Gummy Bear: (U.S. Navy) Slang for a Sailor in the CT (Cryptology Technician) rating. The first CT school was located in a room on top of a building having a tarpaper 'deck'. The students would inevitably get pieces of tar on the bottom of their shoes.
gun: (U.S.) An artillery piece. This isn't slang per se but precision, as rifles and pistols are referred to as "small arms" or "sidearms" or simply "weapons." Gun is also slang for "penis"; recruits learn not to call their weapon a gun in the rhyme, This is my rifle/This is my gun/This one's for fighting/This one's for fun.
gun bunny: 1. (U.S.) An artilleryman - often specifically a cannon crewman. Often used as derogatory and implies simplemindedness because of simple job - "Pull string, gun goes boom"
(Royal Navy) Female camp follower of teams competing in the RN Field Gun Run.
gun-plank: (U.K.) An Artillery term for a junior officer, implying that they would be more Useful wedged under the wheels of the gun to prevent it sinking into the mud than in their current role.
gun rock: (U.S.) Artillery cannon crewman, especially used by other artillerymen (e.g.,: forward observers, fire direction control) . Pejorative.
Gung Ho Mo Fo: (U.S. Army) A Soldier who is more enthusiastic about the Army than those around him. This is a fairly recent slang term resulting from the "gangsta" influence in the U.S..
Gunny: 1. (U.S.) a Marine Corps gunnery sergeant(E-7)
2. (U.S.) a Naval Gunner's mate.
3. (U.S. Army) Master gunner in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanized infantry company or battalion, or gunnery sergeant in a U.S. Army howitzer platoon.
gyrene: (U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force) Mildly derisive term for a Marine. Also "Jar Head," "Leather Neck"

H

Habeeb: (U.S.) A general term for Iraqis during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. From Arabic for 'friend.' Somewhat pejorative or dismissive.
Habeebatee: (U.S.) A term for an attractive Arab female. Somewhat pejorative or dismissive and frowned upon given current events.
Hadji/Haji: (U.S.) A general term used to describe Middle Easterners during the first Gulf War and subsequently during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (Usually describing a friendly Iraqi/Afghan). Same as Habib--refers to people native to the Middle Eastern countries, India, and Egypt. Somewhat pejorative or dismissive. Considered by some as a racist remark, and has thus. fallen under scrutiny. Also used to refer to local markets where servicemen can acquire cheap goods, possibly of dubious. authenticity. Originates from an Arabic term of honor for a Muslim who has completed the Hajj to Mecca. Possibly from the Indian character Hadji in the 60s adventure cartoon "The Adventures of Jonny Quest".
hairy bag: (Canada) Naval personnel in a sea-going trade. used as a familiar or jocular term, not pejorative. (U.S.), a.k.a. nut sack.
half left down: (Singapore) Used when soldiers are in drill formation to order them to turn 45 degrees left before assuming the push-up position. See Knock it down.
ham and claymores: (U.S. Army, Vietnam-era). Term used to describe C-ration meal, Ham and Lima Beans.
ham and lifers: (U.S. Army, Vietnam-era). Term used to describe C-ration meal, Ham and Lima Beans.
Hand bag: (Australia) Signaller - from the satchel they carry that holds the light-weight antenna & other ancillary equipment.
HANO: (U.S.) "High Altitude No Opening", a parachute jump in which the parachute fails to open, Usually with fatal results. Play on "HAHO" and "HALO".
Hang Fire: To wait until further orders.
hardball: (U.S.) Any hard-surfaced road.
hard charger: (U.S.M.C) cynically or affectionately, an over eager, enthusiastic, highly motivated Marine.
hatch: (U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps) A door. From the shipboard terminology for the means of entering or exiting the compartment of a ship.
hatless dance: (Canada) A charge parade, referring to the fact that the accused is marched in at double time in front of the presiding officer without a beret ("My last hatless dance cost me two days' pay!")
hawk: (U.S.) Winter or extreme cold weather; e.g., "the hawk" or "don't let the hawk get you."
head: 1. (U.S. Navy, Marines, U.S. Coast Guard) Facilities designated to relieve biological needs. See Army term "latrine". 2. A slightly less offensive term short for dickhead or other similar heads.
Head Shed: Headquarters
health and comfort: (U.S.) From "Health and Comfort Inspection", a euphemistic term for a search of quarters for contraband. Also called "Health and Welfare."
helmet fire: (U.S.) Task saturation, especially in the context of flying instrument procedures.
helo: (U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps) Helicopter.
Herc Doc: (U.S. Air Force) a C-130 maintainer.
high and tight: the stereotypical military hair cut where the hair is cut bald up to the parietal ridge. Mostly worn by gung-ho hard chargers.
high speed, low drag: (U.S.) Latest in technology. Excellent, particularly of equipment.
Hillbilly armor: (U.S.) Improvised, sometimes crappy vehicle armor.
hindquarters: Any headquarters.
hit the silk: (U.S.) To abandon an aircraft mid-flight by means of a parachute. For example, "Johnson's plane took a lot of flak, but he hit the silk just in time!" Also, punch Elvis.
HMFIC: Head Mother Fucker in Charge.
Holland: (Singapore) To be lost or get lost without a clue where you are. Etymology is disputed but it is pronounced as "ho-lan".
holiday flag: (U.S.) over-sized flag flown over Posts and Major Commands during holidays.
Hollywood Marine: (U.S.) Enlisted Marine who underwent their recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
Hometown Hero: A title which criticizes military persons who play the role of a highly achieved individual in their home town but is known by comrades to be fictitious..
hooah: (U.S. Army/USAF Security Forces/Canadian Army Infantry) A spirited cry, which can mean nearly anything positive. Exact origins are unknown. Paratroopers claim it as originating from the involuntary grunting sound one makes on contact with the ground during a parachute landing. Others claim that it is an acronym for "Heard, Understood and Acknowledged." used normally in group instruction as acknowledgement of understanding rather than in one on one situations with an officer where "Yes Sir, understood sir" is still preferred. Pronounced "Who-Ah" in one short syllable by Rangers. In the Regiment ( 75th RGR ) , depending on its placement in the sentence or its inflection and tone, Hooah can an affirmative, a negative, a Verb, and or curse word. Its Usage in the Canadian Army is somewhat debated, however, "seen" is used as the preferred affirmative. See also, HUA.
hook: 1. (Canada) A chevron as rank insignia. For example, to "get one's third hook", say, is to be promoted to sergeant (third chevron).

2. (U.S.) A Chinook, a CH-47 twin rotor heavy lift helicopter, see 'Shithook' below. 3. (USAF Pilot Training) Fail. From the shape of the "U" grade assigned to unsatisfactory training sorties or check rides.

hoofing: (UK Royal Marines) Outstanding, excellent.
Hoorah: (U.S. Navy) A spirited cry, equivalent to the U.S. Army's "Hooah".
Hoover: (U.S. Navy) Nickname for the S-3 Viking. Named for the sometimes strange sounds it makes while flying.
horse cock: 1. (U.S. Navy) (Vulgar) A heavy cylinder of lunch meat or ground hamburger while still in the wrapper, prior to being sliced or opened.

2. (Canada) (Vulgar) A flexible metal nozzle attached to gas cans to facilitate pouring.

house mouse: (U.S. Navy) An unskilled 'FNG' Sailor arriving in Vietnam who is assigned to camp maintenance at a naval facility.
House, The: (U.S. Military) Term used by military personnel in Germany to identify a bordello.
HUA: (USAF Security Forces) An acronym for "Head Up Ass", or "Heard, Understood, Acknowledged." See hooah.
Hudson High: The United States Military Academy at West Point, which overlooks the Hudson River. Pejorative.
HUGA: (U.S. Air Force/USAF Security Forces) Used in lieu of HUA towards higher ranking individuals who won't stop talking "Heard, Understood, Go, Away".
hummer: 1.(U.S. Navy) Nickname for the E-2 Hawkeye.

2. (U.S. Army) Nickname for the HMMWV.

hun: (U.S. Air Force) The F-100 fighter
hun driver: (U.S. Air Force) F-100 Pilot

I

I&I: (U.S.): Intoxication & Intercourse. A wild time while on leave. Play on R&R
Ie-yee-ah: (U.S.) Same as "Hooah," used in the U.S. Army 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment. Based on an American Indian war cry. See also "Ai-ee-yah."
IFR: "I fucking refuse", in a pseudo-rebellious. form against higher-ups.
IHTFP: (U.S.) "I Hate This Fucking Place", a feeling common among recruits, officer candidates, and those who are burned out. When asked by a superior what it means, the junior will often reply, "I Have Truly Found Paradise."
I Must Puke: (Canada) Refers to the disgusting flavors of the various Canadian Forces IMPs (Individual Meal Packs).
in country: (U.S.) In a foreign territory, especially a combat zone, especially Vietnam. I was in country that whole summer. Does not generally apply to foreign basing in friendly countries during peacetime.
in the dinghy: (WWII RAF) All right for the moment. If you ditch your kite in the drink, you may go west, but you will be safer for the moment if you can get into a life-raft.
Indian country: Beyond friendly lines.
ink stick: (U.S. Marine Corps) Ink pen.
irons, eating irons: (U.K.) Cutlery.
(the) Island: (U.S. Marine Corps) Parris Island in South Carolina. One of two boot camps in the corps; the only one that trains female enlisted marines. Male marines who trained there are called "island marines".
Ivan: (NATO countries) Generic term for Russians, similar to "Hadji/Haji" for Arabs.
IYAAYAS: (U.S. Air Force) means If You Ain't Ammo You Ain't Shit. Self-explanatory. used by 2W0X1 (Formerly 461XX) Ammo Troops
IYAOYAS: (U.S.Navy/Marine Corps)If You Ain't Ordnance You Ain't Shit. Used by Navy and Marine Aviation Ordnancemen as a greeting or farewell to other Ordnancemen or an insult to those outside the rate as in "IYAOYAS mother fucker". Pronounced "ai-yo-yas".
ID10T Form: (U.S.) Idiot form. A non-existent form that ignorant airmen/marines are sent to find. Usually they are new to their unit.

J

jacked up: (U.S.) Screwed up, ruined, in trouble. "Jackness" is the quality of being in a jacked-up state; can also refer to a hapless individual: "Get over here, Jackness."

(USAF Security Forces) An individual placed in apprehension.  From the position he is placed in prior to being handcuffed.  Also a verb referring to the act of chambering a round in the M-16 rifle.
(Canada) - used as a verb - to "jack someone up" refers to the process of re-motivating an individual with often humorous content.

jack: (U.K., AUS Army) Selfish, as in "Don't be a jack bastard" or "Don't jack on your mates". One of the most serious. things a British Soldier can be accused of by his comrades.
jack shack: (U.S. Army) Panchos, sleeping bags, sheets, and other issued gear that is arranged around the bed of a soldier who sleeps in a shared barracks room with the intention of providing more privacy. The term denotes that the soldier has went through this effort so that they can "jack off".
Jack Tar: (U.K., AUS Navy) Fellow sailor, comrade, friend or a sailor overly proud of serving and embellishes everything stereotypical of a navy sailor or AUS Navy's equivalent to AUS Army's term "Digger". this can lead to confusion at times when personnel from both service arms meet because in the Navy Jack means something positive or natural, whereas in the Army it means something negative (see above).
Jane Wayne: (U.S. Army & U.S. Marine Corps) A very aggressive or masculine female Soldier or Marine. Also a term to imply a woman is a competent Soldier.
Jarhead: A U.S. Marine Corps - according to some, a reference to the "high and tight" haircut and squared chin. Alternatively, American Heritage Dictionary states, "Perhaps from the shape of the hat the Marines once wore" [2]. On the other hand, the Oxford English Dictionary originally cites it as U.S. Army slang for a mule (1916), then later as a word for a "foolish or stupid person" (1942); the application to a Marine cites from 1944. Oddly, it was applied to U.S. Army Soldiers in the 1930s, based on the mule mascot of Army's football team [3]. According to some, a reference to the fact that the Mason Jar Company produced many of the metal helmets worn by Marines during WW II. Pejorative when used by non-Marines; defiantly proud when used by Marines about themselves (as in the book and movie of the same name, about a Marine sniper during the First Gulf War) .
Jawa: (U.S.) A Soldier, Usually of low rank, stationed in a desert area. From the creatures in the Star Wars films.
Jawan: (India) A Soldier with the rank of private; also a generic term for Indian Soldiers.
Jedi mind trick: (U.S. Air Force) When flight lead needs the wingman to do something unplanned or that has not been briefed, but the wingman magically does it before he is told to.
J.E.E.P.: (USAF Security Forces) Junior Enlisted Expendable Personnel. The new airmen coming into a unit fresh from training, the constant butt of JEEP jokes. Right out of tech school. "Just enough education to pass"
JEEP jokes: (USAF Security Forces) Hazing jokes pulled on gullible new airmen see Keys to the aircraft below.
Jeff: (U.S. Air Force) slang term used for a new second lieutenant.
Jerry: (U.S., U.K., Canada) A slang for German Soldiers during the Great War and World War 2. Survives in common English Usage in the term "jerry can".
Jesus. slippers (or "Jesus. boots"): (U.S.) Government-issue sandals or flip-flops for sanitation in showers. See also shower shoes.
jet jockey: (U.S.) A pilot.
JHW: (U.K.) Jersey Heavy Wool, the old-style thick military sweater.
Jimmy: (Canada) signaler. It is suggested that this term comes from the figure of Mercury on their cap badges, which is referred to as "Jimmy" by the un-enlightened.
jimmy dean: (U.S. Army) In reference to a kind of pre-packaged meal, Usually more edible than an MRE but lacks any way of heating the food. Usually contains a can of juice, canned meal or vacuum-packed sandwich, a fruit cup, a peppermint, and sometimes Pringles.
Jodie/Jody: (U.S.) A man who steals a Soldier's girlfriend/wife when deployed, out in the field, or in training. So often referred to in cadences used during exercises that the cadences themselves have become known as Jodies or Jody calls.

Ain't no use in goin' home,
Jodie's got your girl alone.

Joe: (U.S. Army) A Soldier.
Joe Navy: (U.S. Navy) An overly enthusiastic "gung-ho" Sailor (see Lifer). Pejorative.
Juicy or juicy girl: (U.S.) Name given to a prostitute or bar girl. Originated in Korea.
joey: (Canada) Can be used to describe a new member, or a Soldier who is heavily reliant on others.
John Wayne: (U.S.) Also known as a P-38. A small finger held can opener. (US Army) John Wayne can also refer to a Soldier who does not have his helmet chinstrap buckled, and therefore looks like John Wayne in 1960s war movies.
John Wayne School: (U.S.) Army Special Forces school, Fort Bragg.
JN: (U.S. Navy) Japanese National. Usually a Japanese shipyard worker, but can also be applied to any Japanese citizen.

K

kebab: (U.K. & Commonwealth) An aircraft's jet engine, components spin and heat up.
keener: (Canada) A recruit or one who is new to a unit that is Usually overly-enthusiastic about his/her assignment.
Keys to aircraft 300: (U.S. Navy): A form of snipe hunt. A new join is sent to the Maintenance Office or Ready Room in an attempt to get keys to start an aircraft due to launch. Of course, there are no keys to military fighter jets, the gag is simply to humiliate a new join. The number given is the BUNO (bureau number), or painted aircraft designation of the new join's squadron, it could be any number.

(USAF Security Forces) Keys to the aircraft, a JEEP joke pulled on gullible first time Close in Sentries. It involves either the Area Supervisor or one of the Alarm Response Teams asking if the Close in Sentry if he received the keys to the aircraft from the sentry whom he relieved of the post, the Flight Sargent and Commander may get involved. The sentry is usually threatened with an article-15 for dereliction of duty, and goes on all night until he gets relieved in the am where he is called into the Flight Sgt.'s or Commander's office where he is told that it was all a joke.

K.I.A: Killed In Action
Keys to the Submarine/Ship/Reactor: (U.S. Navy) Snipe hunt - A new join is sent all over the vessel to get the keys, so the CO can get underway. Everyone tells the new person they just gave the keys to someone else, preferably far away or hard to get to. This is similar to the "Keys to aircraft" snipe hunt, since there are no keys for military ships larger than riverines and certainly no keys for submarines.
KFS: (U.K., Canada) Knife, fork and spoon.
killick: (Canada, U.K.) An old term for a homemade anchor, now used to refer to a person in the rank of Leading Seaman. This is in reference to the rank badge which historically was a single fouled anchor worn on the left arm. Also, not coincidentally, the name of Capt. Aubrey's steward, a grumpy but beloved character in the Patrick O'Brian Aubrey-Maturin series of Napoleonic naval adventures.
KITDAFOS: (U.K.) Kept in the dark and fed on shit
kite: (RAF) aeroplane
kiyi: (U.S.) An official letter informing of a person killed in action (K.I.A).
klicks: Kilometers
KMAGYOYO: Kiss my ass, guys: you're on your own... (used "outside" the community of brothers or in jest)
Knife and Fork School: (U.S. Navy) (pejorative) The school that U.S. Navy doctors, nurses, dentists and hospital administrators go to prior to receiving their commissioning. So-called because of the belief that all they learn there are social graces.
Knee-deep Navy: (U.S.) U.S. Coast Guard (pejorative), so-called because of the mistaken belief the U.S. Coast Guard never sails into deep water.
knock it down: (Singapore) Command to get into pushup position. "You guys want to take your own sweet time...whole lot of you knock it down!"
knuckle dragger: (U.S. Navy Submarine Service) A Machinist's Mate Auxiliary-man, responsible for non-propulsion systems like the sanitary system or hydraulic system. The term was coined from the stereotype that Machinist Mates are not as intelligent as other rates like Radiomen or Sonar Technicians, so they rely mostly on brute strength to get their job done. (U.S. Air Force) A crew chief, also referred to as "wrench-turner" or "grease monkey".
KP: (U.S., Canada) Abbreviation for the obsolete term "Kitchen Police", a duty assigned (to other than food service personnel) to perform menial, but necessary, kitchen chores such as dishwashing, serving and kitchen cleaning, oftentimes as a punishment for bad behavior. It has been jocularly backronymed to "Keep Peeling", in reference to the popular perception of Soldiers peeling potatoes; however, in the United States, current Army regulations prohibit non-food services personnel from food preparation.

L

Lance Colonel: (U.S. Marine Corps) A Lance Corporal that always tries to take control of situations, whether or not he/she is the senior Marine, and will inevitably create more problems if actually allowed to take control.
Lance Coolie; Lance Criminal: (U.S. Marine Corps) Cynical terms for Lance Corporals, the third-lowest enlisted rank in the Marine Corps.
Lance Corporal Underground: (U.S. Marine Corps) refers to what the junior enlisted are saying or feeling; a more informed rumor mill.
Lance Jack: (U.K.) A term used to describe a Lance Corporal (LCpl) in the U.K. Armed Forces.
Last Cleaning Position Left: (U.S. Marine Corps) A play on the abbreviation "LCPL" for Lance Corporal, the highest non-NCO rank. used to remind a Lance Corporal that they are still subject to having to clean.
latrinegram: (U.S., WW2/Korea) Wild, unfounded rumor.
Latrine Wisdom: (U.S. Military) Jokes and quotes left by military personnel in porta potties and bathroom walls in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Latrine Queen: (U.S. Air Force) Title given to a trainee in basic training that is in charge of the cleaning crew of the bathrooms.
Lautenberged: (U.S.) Discharged due to a domestic violence conviction, named after the Lautenberg Amendment.
Lawn Dart: (U.S. Air Force) Pejorative nickname for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, based on its appearance and crashes early in its career. Also a pejorative nickname used by bomber pilots to refer to fighter jets.
LBFM: (U.S.) "Little Brown Fucking Machines." Originally coined to describe Filipina prostitutes who serviced American personnel stationed at/temporarily visiting Subic Bay Naval Base and Clark Field/Air Base; also applied to Central American prostitutes. Highly pejorative and offensive.
LBFMPBR: (U.S. Navy) "Little Brown Fucking Machines, Powered By Rice". Prostitutes, specifically in the Philippines, to differentiate them from Central American LBFMs. Highly pejorative and offensive.
leatherneck: (U.S.) A Marine, from the high leather collar formerly worn with formal uniforms, and in fighting uniform during the days of shipborne, sword-wielding boarding parties, when Marines were issued a leather gorget. The "Fighting Leathernecks" is also the nickname of the Western Illinois University men's athletic teams, by exclusive permission of the Department of the Navy.
Left Handed Salute: (U.S.) Punishable action of disrespect to a superior unless right arm is immobilized or otherwise incapacitated. Reference to any action of open disrespect.
leg: (U.S.) non-airborne qualified Soldiers. Also LEG or LEGS (Low Energy Grunt or Low Elevation Ground Soldier).
les Joyeux: (France) "the joyful", Battalions de Afrique (African Discipline Battalions), named for beating jail.
libo: (U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps) Liberty, time away from work (after hours, on a weekend, during a port-call, etc.) not charged against leave.
lickin' chicken: (U.S. Army) radio-speak nonsensical version of "Lima Charlie" for "loud and clear"
lifer: (U.S.) A (Usually derogatory) term for a person who has been in the military a long time or plans to stay in long enough to retire, Usually a Dig it.
light colonel: (U.S.) A lieutenant colonel. Pejorative.
light fighter: (U.S. Army) Soldiers of one of the Army's Light divisions; foot infantry as opposed to mechanized units.
light up: (Canada) To correct someone in an extremely harsh manner, Usually involving yelling and profanity. "The RSM lit Smith up for walking on the grass."
Lima Charlie: (U.S.) NATO phonetic alphabet radio-speak for "Loud and clear."
Lima Lima Mic Foxtrot: (U.S. Army) Radio speak for "Lost Like A Mother Fucker".
Little Shitty Volkswagen: (Canada) Derisive backronym for "LSVW", which actually stands for "Light Support Vehicle, Wheeled".
LN: (U.S.) Acronym for a Local National (pronounced ELL-N). used to describe "friendly" locals who work on Army Bases in Iraq.
Lobo: (Singapore) Refers to individuals who, for some reason or another, are currently assigned to a unit but hold no assigned vocation. These are typically raw recruits or privates fresh from basic military training assigned to a military school or institution for further training but cannot attend the course that they have been sent for at the present time. They generally lack the skills or qualifications necessary for their military vocation and cannot function in that role as yet. Thus. they generally spend their time doing menial jobs such as cleaning or clerical work. The quasi-official term for such persons is "Temporary Support Staff". Is thought to refer to the acronym for "Left Out of Battle Order".
Lock and load: (U.S.) To insert a magazine of ammunition into a weapon and chamber a round.
LOM: (U.S. Army) Lack of motivation - A type of letter or memorandum signed by U.S. Army Ranger School students who drop out of the course by their own choice and not for medical reasons or performance. Signing a LOM is reputed to prevent voluntary drops from re-enrolling in the course and to cause long-term military career difficulties.
LPC: (U.S.) Leather Personnel Carriers - boots.
lost the keys: (U.S. Navy) After a negative incident, the Commanding Officer relinquishes some operating authority of his ship/submarine/reactor to his superiors, but without dismissal.
LRA: (U.S. Air Force) Lowest-ranking airman, often assigned the menial or unpleasant tasks that nobody else will do.
LRSD: (U.S. Army) Long Range Surveillance Detachment (pronounced LERSDEE)
LRRP: (U.S. Army) Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (pronounced LURP).
LT: (U.S.) Nickname for Lieutenant (pronounced ELL-TEE) . A pronunciation of the actual military abbreviation for Lieutenant; is becoming more common in police jargon, as well.
Load Toad: (U.S. Air Force) Refers to former 462XX and current 2W1X1 AFSC. Those who load ordinance onto the aircraft. Meant to be derogatory but now a term of endearment.

M

Ma Deuce: (U.S. Army) M2 - .50 caliber Machine Gun.
Madre: (U.S.) Female chaplain.
Magic: (U.S. Air Force) aircraft avionics, especially of the glass cockpit variety.
Mail Buoy Watch: (U.S. Navy) A method of hazing new enlisted unrated Sailors on ships. The Sailor is told that the ship's mail is on another ship, but they cannot bring it to us. So, they tie the mailbag to a buoy and send us its location. When we pass it, the Sailor is expected to use a boathook and snag the mailbag. The Sailor is outfitted with heavy weather gear, a Mae West lifejacket, helmet and boat hook. He is then paraded around to the "compliments" of more seasoned Sailors.
Maisies: (Canada) Nickname for the Régiment de Maisonneuve (abbreviation "R de MAIS").
Man jammies: (Canada) Nickname for the traditional knee length button shirt worn by Afghan males.
Marine Proof: (U.S.) An overly simple task or way of doing things. Stems from the stereotype that Marines are slow-witted or unable to handle complex operations. Slightly pejorative.
Master Blaster: (U.S. Army) used as a casual reference to the Master Parachutist's Badge. Also used to describe the Tank Gunner's red T-shaped handle, used in misfire procedures.
Master Guns: (U.S. Marine Corps) Master Gunnery Sergeant; (U.S. Navy) Gunners Mate Master Chief
Master jack: (Canada) A master Corporal.
Master Private: (Canada) A Master Corporal who was demoted to Private.
Matelot: (U.K.) A Sailor in the British navy, pronounced "mat-low," from French for "Sailor."
Meals on wheels: (U.S. Army) Mobile Kitchen Trailer (MKT) .
Meals Rejected by Ethiopians: (U.S.) meal-ready-to-eat, a.k.a. MRE.
Meat shield: (Canada) An infantryman.
Meathead: (Canada): An MP, descriptive of the red berets they wear as part of their uniform .
Merlion: (Singapore) To vomit copiously, especially after an over-indulgence of alcohol. This description of projectile vomit invokes the image of the Merlion, a tourism mascot of Singapore resembling a hybrid of fish body with a lion's head. A famous statue of this mascot is a large fountain with water spewing from its mouth.
Mermite can: (U.S. Army) Officially it's the "Food Container, Insulated" which was (see Cambro) for transporting hot or cold foods from a kitchen to Soldiers in the field. Declared obsolete by the Army in 1995. However, they are still a common sight and are used by some to smuggle cold beer to the field.
MFWIC: Mother Fucker Who's/What's in Charge.
MIA: Missing in action.
Midnight Requisition: (U.S.) To steal, see Scrounge. To acquire supplies for a unit from another with out their approval or knowledge, usually after business hours/dark.
Mic Golf: (U.S.) Term meaning, Master Gunner; from the NATO phonetic alphabet.
Mic Mic: (U.S.) Millimeter, from the NATO phonetic alphabet.
Mikes: (U.S.) Minutes, from the NATO phonetic alphabet.
Millers: (U.S.) Multiple Launch Rocket System from the acronym "MLRS".
MIR Commando: (Canada) Soldier who is always on Sick Parade. "MIR" refers to Medical Inspection Room, the medical facilities on a Canadian Forces base.
MLRS: (U.S.) Multiple Launch Rocket System, a.k.a. millers.
MKT: (U.S.) Mobile Kitchen Trailer, a.k.a. meals on wheels
MMFD: (Br, Gulf War 1) Miles and miles of fucking desert, a play on KKMC.
Mo Rat: (Canada) "Mo", slang from Militia. A pejorative term used to belittle or insult reservists. "God damn, piece of shit Mo Rat! Junk!"
Mo Trap: (Canada) A person who joins the reserves because they are too young to join the regular force but after 10 years they're still in the reserves. Usually, because they were promoted quickly and slid into an easy job. If they went regular, they would be back to doing shit tasks. "I joined the Mo at 16 years old until I was old enough to go Regular Force, then I got promoted to Sergeant two years later. I can't go back to being a Private. That's bullshit!"
Mob-ster: (U.S. Air Force) Member of a mobile combat communications organization.
Monkey shit: (U.S. Navy) A type of duct seal that is pliable and waterproof.
Moonbeam: (U.S. Marine Corps) A flashlight.
Mosquito wings: ( U.S. Army) refers to the single chevron rank insignia of a private/E-2.
Motti: Finnish military slang for a totally encircled enemy unit. The tactic of encircling it is called motitus, literally meaning the formation of an isolated block or "motti", but in effect meaning an entrapment or envelopment.
Mox Nix: (U.S. European Theatre) Bastardization of the German "es macht nichts", or it makes no difference.
MRE: (U.S.) meal-ready-to-eat, a.k.a. Mystery E, Meals Refusing to Exit and "Meals Rejected by Ethiopians".
MTV: (Br, WW1) Motor Transport Volunteers.
Muckle: (Canada) To gain/take possession of something, as in "Muckle on to those ammo cans and get over here!"
Mustang: (U.S.) A nickname for an officer promoted from the enlisted ranks. Can be respectful when used by enlisted ranks and seasoned officers, or pejorative when used by career-oriented and/or snooty academy-trained officers.
Mystery E: (U.S.) meal-ready-to-eat, a.k.a. MRE.

N

Nasty Girl: (U.S. Army) Term used by regular Army Soldiers to describe National Guardsmen
Navy issue ass: (U.S.) Term used for female Navy members in reference to their reputation of having large posteriors.
NJP: (U.S.) Refers to Non-Judicial Punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Essentially, legal punishment imposed by a unit commander in lieu of a trial. May be refused by a servicemember in exchange for a court martial and (almost invariably) a stiffer punishment.
No Duff: (U.K., Canada, Singapore, Australia) Not a training scenario: "I say again, we have No Duff Casualty, over."
Nonner: (U.S. Air Force) Personnel who are not in a flightline AFSC. Derived from "Non-Sortie Producing Motherfucker".
November Golf: (U.S.) Phonetically stating NG for NO GO, literally, to fail. Army evaluations are scored as either GO/NO-GO instead of Pass/Fail. That's a big November Golf chief.
NOF: (U.S.M.C) Acronym for Non-Operating Fuck. Refers to Marines that are not 3531 Motor Transport Operators. Any other Marine besides them that has a license to drive a tactical vehicle and isn't a 3531, they are NOFs. Pronounced (naw-fs).
NO GO Nazi: (U.S.) An especially strict evaluator who seems to take pleasure in giving NO-GOs.
November Juliet: (U.S.M.C.) Coffee (pejorative slang) NATO phonetic for "Nigger Juice"
NS: (Canada) Not Serviceable, a term to describe equipment that is no longer serviceable. Also describe someone who is incompetent: "That guy is NS".
NUB: (U.S.) (Submarine Service) Abbreviation for 'Non-Useful body' or 'Non-Useful bitch'--a new enlisted crewmember who has not yet completed the qualification process to earn their vaunted Submariner's Warfare Badge, otherwise known as their 'Dolphins'. New definition for term "New Underway Buddy" was coined to allow its continued use despite new stricter hazing rules.
Nug Away: (U.S. Army) To work diligently at a tedious. task.
nugget: (U.S. Air Force and Navy) An inexperienced pilot or aircrew member.
Nuke: 1. (U.S. Navy) Naval nuclear personnel (Naval personnel who operate nuclear reactors and related machinery) .

2. Also refers to ordnance type that is neither confirmed nor denied, and is handled by a different Department (See "Weaponettes") . 3. (U.S. Navy) To make a simple task unnecessarily complicated. "Don't nuke this up - it's just stenciling your skivvies."

4. (U.S. Navy) To solve a problem. "I'm not really sure how that works, you'll just have to nuke it out."

Number One: (RN) The First Lieutenant of a vessel.
Numpty: (U.K., Canada) An individual who just doesn't get it; Frequently found getting "Jacked up"
Nutsack: Term used for the 100-round ammo holder on a M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Narrower at its point of connection to the weapon than at the middle. Hence, its resemblance to a scrotum.
Nut to Butt: (U.S. Army, U.S. Navy): A phrase to tell Soldiers or Sailors to tighten-up a single file line, generally used in Basic Training (e.g., a chow line, equipment issue, etc.)
Nylon Letdown (WWII Allies): descent with a parachute, in reference to the materials used for the parachutes at the time.

O

Ocifer: (Singapore) A derogatory term for a conscript officer. May derive from a local mispronunciation of "officer" by poorly educated enlisted men or as a reference to Officer Cadet School (OCS) that all SAF officers must attend.
OBE: (U.S.) Overcome by events meaning decision is no longer required due to change in situation. U.S. Army term used for those in need of additional IQ or for someone who can't seem to keep.
OBE: (U.K. Armed Forces) A term used when a Warrant Officer finally gets their vaunted OBE. Sometimes this is earned by the use of "Others Buggers Efforts". Derogatory when OBE is earned this way.
ODs: (Canada) The older olive drab colored combat uniforms worn before the introduction of CADPATS. When pronounced "ode" can also refer to Ordinary Seaman.
Office Hours: (U.S. Marine Corps) Non-Judicial Punishment under Article 15 of the UCMJ. See Captain's Mast.
OFP: (U.S. Marine Corps) Own Fucking Program, a term given to a Marine who doesn't follow an order given or is not following the Marine Corps standard
OG: (Indian Army) Olive Green used to refer to the uniform worn, sometimes can be used to describe a person(officer/NCO) who is more strict or disciplined.
Old man, the: (U.S., U.K.) The unit commander. In practice, this term is often used even when the commander is female. A term of affection and respect. NEVER used (U.S.) in the personal presence of the Old Man. See CO.
O Early Hundred, O Dark O'clock, O Dark 30 Hours, 0 Dark Early, O Dark Stupid: (U.S., Canada) Very early morning or any time before sunrise. Also O Late Hundred, etc. for night. Often, these terms overlap - 0200 is both too early and too late.
On the double: (U.S. Navy, Marines) As quickly as possible; without delay.
On your face: (U.S. Army) Do pushups.
One Cheek Lean: (U.S. Army) To lean on a folded entrenching tool (shovel) to support one's weight while defecating.
Oorah: (U.S. Marine Corps) Term used to respond in the affirmative to a question, acknowledge an order, or generally to express enthusiasm.
Operation Full Bird: (U.S. Army) Commands given by a LTC (0-5) with the hope of being noticed by a promotion board. Used derogatively by enlisted Soldiers required to carry out the mission.
Operation Golden Flow: (U.S. Air Force) Getting called from the orderly room, first sergeant, or commander's support staff to show up and sign a form. Then the joy of visiting the health and wellness center to provide a urine sample for the cause.
ORSE: (U.S. Navy) The Operational Reactor Safeguards Exam. A 24 hour exam where the ship's ability to operate the nuclear reactor during normal and casualty situations is tested. Also the crew's knowledge is examined and all facets of nuclear system maintenance, procedures, and documentation are reviewed. (Note: The Navy's standards are usually ten times more stringent than the NRC's)
Oscar-Mike: (U.S.) On the Move, from the phonetic alphabet.
O silly hundred hours: (U.K.) Very early in the morning. Also "Zero Dark Thirty"
O Dark Thirty: (U.S.) Very early in the morning
O Dark Stupid: (Can) Very early in the morning.
Overhead: (U.S. Navy, Marines) The deck above you while aboard a ship; Used ashore to refer to the ceiling of a room, as well.
Over The Hill: (U.S.) MIA or AWOL(qv)

P

PCOD: (U.S. Air Force) "Pussy cutoff date" - 30 days prior to end of tour cessation of visits to LBFMs/massage parlors providing time to test for and treat VD. U.S. Air Force Airmen Thailand 60s.
PFA: (U.S.) "Pretty Freakin' Awesome" (coined by the band Willy Pete in their song "PFA" which refers to many military things and people who are "PFA")
Pad Eye Remover: (U.S. Navy) A non-existent tool that a new join is sent in search of to remove the "pad-eyes" from a flight deck of an aircraft carrier or flight line while ashore. Pad-eyes are the circular cut-outs in the deck which contain metal rungs for use in securing an airplane via use of tie-down chains. See Keys to the Ship, Mail Buoy Watch and Snipe Hunt.
Padre: (U.S.) Chaplain.
pai-kar pai-chew: (Singapore) "The sick and the crippled", those with a profile. Sometimes slurred to Pikachu.
P.A.P.E.R. C.L.I.P: (U.S.) People Against People Ever Re-enlisting—Civilian Life Is Preferred. Also People Against People Ever Re-enlisting Civilian Life Incentive Program. An acronym often used by military personnel whose enlistment is almost finished and have a cynical and jaded take on their time left in the military. Often this person will wear a paper clip on the brim of their hat as an act of defiance or snubbing of military authority. Marine Corps often wear the paper clip inside their cammie blouse where most people keep a pen. Some have gone so far as to take a large paperclip and put it in their blouse pocket and iron over it repeatedly so the outline is visible.
Patrol Sock (U.S. Navy, Submarines): A sock dedicated to the function of capturing/containing/absorbing masturbatory ejaculations. Employment of which is considered a common courtesy when hot bunking with other crew members. Usage example, One might say to ones new bunk mate "Hey you non-qual piece of shit. Have you ever heard of using a fucking patrol sock?!"
PBI: (British, WWI) Poor Bloody Infantry
Pea Shooter: (U.S. Army) 1. Term used by 155mm Artillery Cannon Crewmembers referring to the much smaller and less powerful 105mm Artillery Cannons. 2. Term used by Artillerymen for anything less powerful than a Howitzer. Example: M-16 Rifle or Mortars.
Peacock: (U.S.) Has every certification bag or tab authorized to wear on the uniform of the day and thinks they're better then everyone and can pick up anyone.
Pear-shaped: (U.K. ) Badly wrong or awry (as in "to go pear-shaped") . Not a military term, strictly speaking, as it is in general use by civilians in the U.K..
Pecker Checker: (Canada) Medical Personnel; (U.S. Navy) Hospital Corpsman. U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman are also called Pill Pusher, Dick Smith, or Chancre Mechanic. Marine Corps also uses this term for those unlucky bastards tasked with monitoring a whizz quiz.
People Tank: (U.S. Navy) Term used by submarine personnel to refer to the interior of the submarine (see Fish Tank) .
Penguin: (U.K. RAF) Aircrews term for ground crew. "All flap and no fly."
Penis Peelers: (U.S.) Hands (U.S. synonym: Dick Beaters)
Perfect for Cleaning; Personnel for Cleaning: (U.S. Army and Marines) Unenthusiastic synonyms for Privates First Class (PFCs) in the Army and the Marine Corps.
Professional Fucking Custodian: (Marine Corps) Private First Class, usually used during field day.
Pretty Ricky: (U.S. Army) A term used to describe a well groomed soldier.
PFCIC: (U.S.) Private First Class in Charge. used in reference to PFCs who take on more authority than they have. A play off of NCOIC.
PFM: (U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps) Pure Fucking Magic. used to explain how something works to someone who will not grasp the technical details.
Phantom Phixer: (U.S. Air Force) An F-4 Phantom mechanic.
Phone Colonel / Commander: (U.S.) An O5 or O4 who introduce him- or herself as "Colonel or Commander" over the phone in hopes of being mistaken for a the higher rank.
Pill Pusher: (U.S. Navy) Hospital Corpsman. Also called Pecker Checker, Dick Smith, or Chancre Mechanic.
Pilot: (RN) The Navigating Officer of a ship.
Pilot before Pontius.: (RAF) "I was a pilot before Pontius." (i.e., Pontius Pilate) means that the pilot is very experienced.
Pineapple: (U.S., World War II) Slang for a hand grenade, due to the pineapple-like shape of army issue Mk. II hand grenades. (U.S., pejorative) person from Hawaii (not necessarily ethnic Polynesian).
Pinger: (RN) Anti-Submarine helicopter and crew. Derived from the dipping sonar.
PINGERS: (U.S. Air Force) Persons In Need of Graduation, Education, Recreation, and Sex. Term used for young non-prior-service Air Force personnel graduated from basic training and enrolled in technical training. See also pipeliner.
Pipeliner: (U.S. Air Force) A non-prior-service Air Force member enrolled in initial technical training.
Pit: (U.S. Marine Corps) Large Sand pits at MCRD that are used for a platoon Trashing by Drill Instructors. See Thrashing.
Pitching a tent: (U.S. Navy, especially Boot Camp) One who masturbates at night under his blanket.
Plastic Bug: (U.S. Navy) Nickname for the F/A-18 Hornet.
Plat Daddy/Mama: (U.S. Army) Platoon sergeant.
Plebe: Freshman at the United States Naval Academy or United States Military Academy (a freshman at the United States Air Force Academy is a "Doolie" or a "Smack") .
PLF: (U.S. Army) Parachute Landing Fall.
PLUG: (Canada) Private Learning Under a Gun, this Soldier is so stupid he needs a gun to his head to understand (this usage is possibly a backronym for plug, which the Oxford English Dictionary defines as an "incompetent or undistinguished person"[4], usage dating to 1848)
PMCS: (U.S.) Park the Mother and Call the Shop, a play on the official meaning: Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services.
PNN: (U.S. Army) Private News Network, the rumors that spread from the grouping of privates who banter.
Po Bosun: (RN) The senior petty officer medical assistant on board a ship; po is British slang for a chamber pot, the implication being that he was in charge of emptying the chamber pots in the sickbay.
Pocket billiards: (Singapore) Walking around with one's hands in his pockets, referring to someone beating off, as in 'Stop playing pocket billiards when I'm talking to you!'
Pocket Rocket: (U.S. Air Force) A ballistic missile warfare insignia.
POG: (U.S.) Person (or personnel) Other than Grunt. Rhymes with "rogue". Used by combat arms Soldiers to describe anyone in a support Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) . Also used by infantrymen to describe anyone other than an infantryman.
Pogey Bait: (U.S.) The Marines in China before WWII were issued candy (Baby Ruths, Tootsie Rolls, etc.) as part of their their ration supplements. At the time, sugar and other assorted sweets were rare commodities in China and much in demand by the Chinese, so the troops found the candy useful for barter in town. The Chinese word for prostitute, roughly translated, is "pogey". Thus, Marines being Marines, candy became "Pogey Bait". A term that was also used during the Vietnam War.
Pogs: The cardboard gift certificates circulated by AAFES shops in theater during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. They are used to save the cost of shipping regular U.S. coinage across seas, and resemble collectable milk caps, the most popularly produced by the "POG" company
POL: (U.S. Army) Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants. Shorthand for gasoline, diesel, or other fuel. Pronounced by letter, "Pee-Oh-Ell".
Poles in the Holes: (U.S. Navy Nuclear Program) To SCRAM the nuclear reactor.
Poon-tang: A term used to describe "pussy" during Vietnam.
Pooka: (U.S. Submarine Service) Area for storage, smaller than a closet, larger than a cabinet. Small workspace separated by partitions.
Pop Smoke: (U.S.) Call for extraction. Alternately to leave work or complete an period of service.
Pop Tart: (U.S. Air Force) An Airman whose technical training school is 6 weeks or less.
Popcorn Colonel: An O5 (Lieutenant Colonel). Called this because the insignia is an oak leaf and looks like a kernel of popcorn.
Pork chop: (U.S.) Term for the 200-round box used with an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW).
Potato Masher: (Allied, World War II) Slang for Nazi German hand grenades due to their distinctive shape.
POV: (U.S.) Privately Owned Vehicle. Pronounced, "Pee-Oh-Vee."
PowerPoint Commando / PowerPoint Ranger: A briefer notorious for producing overly complex briefs in PowerPoint that are too long and use too many effects, such as animations and sounds.
PRC-E6 (or E7, E8, etc.): (U.S.) A non-existent item that a new join to a unit may be sent to acquire and bring back, typically from an NCO of a particular grade (PRC is a common prefix in designations for radio or other communications equipment and is pronounced "prick". The combination of this pronunciation plus the "E-" rating makes up the joke.)
Prick-6: (U.S. Army) Vietnam-era shorthand for the PRC-6 radio carried by platoons. Also applied to the "Prick-25", a backpack carried radio used by company-sized units.
Profile: a flat piece of scenery or stage property that has been cut so as to form an outline or silhouette of an object.
Promotion Pads: (Canada) Initial issued knee pads that are never worn under any circumstance. Unless you spend your career on your knees sucking the chain-of-command's dick.
Provisional Wing of Tesco's: (U.K.) Royal Logistics Corps nickname combining Provisional IRA with a famous supermarket in the U.K..
PT Rat: (U.S.) A servicemember who spends a large amount of time in individual PT.
Puddle Pirate: (U.S.) A member of the United States U.S. Coast Guard, so-called because of the mistaken belief that they never sail into deep water.

(Canada) A sea cadet or naval reservist.

Puff the Magic Dragon or Puff: (U.S., Vietnam War) An AC-47 air-to-ground attack aircraft.
Puking Chicken: (see Belching Buzzard) a derogatory reference to the 101st Airborne's Eagle crest.
Pull chocks: (U.S. Air Force) to leave a bar, for example to abandon a crappy party. (U.S. Navy) to leave. Refers to removing the wheel chocks when an aircraft is ready to taxi away.
Punch out: (U.S. Air Force) to eject from an aircraft. Has acquired the meaning to separate from the service, or resign from the Academy.
Purple Suiter: (U.S.) A person who is serving in an all-service (Army, Navy and Air Force) position. An example would be a Naval officer who manages fuel for all military units in an area or major command.
Purple Trade: ( Canada) A support trade, such as an admin clerk, driver, medical officer, etc. Support trades are shared by all three services in the Canadian Forces.
Puzzle Palace: (U.S.) The National Security Agency headquarters at Fort Meade, Maryland. This comes originally from the book titled The Puzzle Palace written by James Bamford about the National Security Agency.
Pump and Dump: (All services) . To use the bathroom.
PX Ranger: (U.S. Army) . A Soldier who purchases and wears badges, tabs, and insignia without having graduated from the appropriate corresponding schools, usually without the approval of the chain of command.

Q

QM: (Canada) Quartermaster- specifically a building or area within a base or facility where equipment and material requisitions can be made, not necessarily referring to the person or persons responsible for a unit's supplies.
quarterdecking: (U.S. Marine Corps) The act of performing physical training as a minor punishment in boot camp. This takes place in a portion of the recruit barracks known as the quarterdeck.
Quarterlies: (Singapore) Expendable/consumable stores (such as boot polish) that are issued to Soldiers every quarter year by the quarter master.
Quarter-ton truck: (U.S., WW2 to 1980s) Official designation of a jeep.
Queen: (U.S. Navy 1980s) Title given to the Sailors who do the domestic duties. A Sailor could be the berthing queen if he is assigned to cleaning the berthing compartment or the laundry queen if he does the laundry. This is as opposed to the king who has more manly duties.
Queen for a Year: (U.S.M.C.) Refers to a female Marine, usually at her MOS school, because she'll be treated like a queen by the males hoping for a relationship (mostly because of the low number of females compared to males)
Queep: (U.S. Air Force) Paperwork and other bureaucratic tasks that detract from time that should be spent flying.
Queer: (U.S. Navy) Nickname for the EA-6 Prowler due to its unique double stacked side-by-side seating arrangement.
Queertrons: (U.S. Air Force) "queer" electrons that cause avionics to behave oddly or malfunction.

R

R2-D2: (Canada) An aircraft back-ender (non-pilot) , (U.S.) C-RAM gun emplacements, or (U.S. Navy) Phalanx CIWS (also called cheese-whiz). Reference to Luke Skywalker's droid in the X-Wing from Star Wars. (U.S Army, Maintenance) A hand pump apparatus that is used to fill motors or hubs with oil.
Racing spoon: (UK) Spoon for eating rations very quickly whilst in the field.
Rack: (U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy) Bed.
rack burn: (U.S. Navy) The imprint on someone's face after waking up from the Navy-issue lightweight blankets that look something like grill marks on meat. This is implied towards a Sailor who seems to spend too much time sleeping.
rack ops: (U.S. Marine Corps) The time for sleep, if permitted, while in the field.
rack PT: (U.S. Marine Corps) Refers to either skipping unit or section PT in favor of staying in bed. Pussy Time.
radioing the logs: (U.S. Navy) Recording engineering log data via mental telepathy (see "Xoxing Logs" below) .
Raf: (U.K.) The Royal Air Force, as pronounced acronymically.
Raghead: (U.S., U.K.) Popularized by the Gulf and Iraq wars. A term referring to the enemy, or any terrorist.
Railroad Tracks: (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force) Captain's insignia (2 bars linked together at the top and bottom, Lieutenant in Navy and U.S. Coast Guard).
Rainbow Flight: (U.S. Air Force) Refers to a brand-new flight of Trainees in Basic Military Training, whom are characterized by the "rainbow" of civilian clothes prior to being issued uniforms.
Ranger beads: (U.S. Army) A string of pace count beads used during orienteering exercises.
Ranger blanket: (Canada) A lightweight thermal blanket. The first ones used were poncho liners imported from the United States military.
Ranger file: (U.S. Army) Single file line.
Ranger grave: (U.S. Army) Slang, slightly pejorative term for a hasty fighting position, so named because it is barely deep enough for an individual to lie prone in.
Ranger roll: (U.S. Army) A patrol cap with the top rolled slightly under so that the cap sits higher on the head.
Ranger TV: (U.S. Army) Fire.
Rat Fuck: (U.S.) Term used for the action of going through a MRE box before chow time selecting the best meal for oneself. Also used to describe taking preferred items out of MRE's. Could also be used to describe a random mess.
RCH: (U.S. Air Force) Red Cunt Hair. Means a very small quantity, tiny amount, or just a little bit.
RCPO: (U.S. Navy) Recruit designation in Navy Boot Camp, pronounced Are-Pock, for Recruit Chief Petty Officer. Normally, all recruits get a chance to be RCPO for one day when everyone else realizes that they suck at it. Next day, a new RCPO is chosen. The one who remains last is normally the guy who is too scared to say he can't do it, so he sticks with it. Typically this job is volunteered for by those who will eventually be labeled 'diggits' by others. (See 'diggit') .
Rear-D: (U.S.) Rear Detachment, the part of a unit that stays home when the unit is deployed.
Recce: (Canada, U.K., and Commonwealth) Reconnaissance. Traditionally used by Commonwealth militaries, though beginning to find more common usage in the United States. In South Africa, the term "Recces" colloquially refers to the South African Special Forces Brigade.
Rectal Cranial Inversion: (U.S.) To have one's head up one's ass. Also "Cranial Rectosis."
Redders: (U.K.) Something red hot. Nickname of legendary Royal Marine 'Redders' Redman.
Redleg: (U.S.) An artilleryman. Refers to red leggings worn by some artillerymen in the 19th century.
Red Ball: (U.S. Air Force) A problem with an aircraft that is sitting on the End of Runway and needs to be fixed ASAP before takeoff.
red-light ranger: (U.S.) A Soldier who spends much of his pay at the red-light district.
red on red: (U.S.) Describes a situation when two enemy groups fight each other, leaving the U.S. force in advantage. Ex. Al-Qaeda terrorists fighting Sunni insurgents in Al Anbar, Iraq.
red star cluster: (U.S.) A distress call; literally refers to the hand-launched red pyrotechnic signal flare. In non-combat situations, acknowledgement of a precarious situation or need for help. A humorous derivation is brown star cluster for metaphorical panicked defecation.
regimental groundsheet: (Canada; pejorative) A promiscuous. female Soldier. "Groundsheet" is a term for a tarpaulin-like sheet used either for shelter or, in this case, protection from wet or cold ground; "regimental", in this case, refers to scope of usage.
Relish Suit: (Canada) Informal nickname used by some to refer to the temperate woodland Canadian Disruptive Pattern (CADPAT) uniforms.
REMF: (U.S., U.K. and Canadian Army) Rear Echelon Motherfucker. This is a term used negatively to describe a Soldier who is safely far from the front lines, such as a paper-pusher, support personnel or aide to a general.
Rent-A-Crowd: Often used in reference to farewell ceremonies or changes of command, this refers to a crowd that is gathered to attend an optional function only because they were ordered to.
Repple Depple: (U.S.) Replacement Depot. Any given assigned location near an area of operations where replacement troops are sent prior to assignment, or where troops are sent prior to rotation back home.
Retarded Over-Trained Children: (U.S.) Reserve Officer Training Corps or R.O.T.C. Pejorative.
Rhino: (U.S.) A nickname for the F-4 Phantom II, in reference to its, for the time, large radome.
Ricky Boxing: (U.S. Navy, especially Boot Camp) One who spends much of his day (and possibly night) beating off. Also: Ricky Boxing Champion would refer to a Recruit who beat off the most during Boot Camp.
Ricky Fishing: (U.S. Navy) Similar to Ricky Boxing above, only applicable for females.
Ricky Ninja: (U.S. Navy) A Sailor recruit in boot camp who does any variety of nefarious. things, particularly at night or when they have little chance of being caught. Activities could include, (but are not limited to,) stealing, vandalism, hazing, etc. In this form, it is derogatory. In a more jocular form, it can be used to refer to a fellow Sailor, or even yourself. Typically used during "service week" (week 5 of Naval boot camp, when a recruit is given an assigned task in various areas of the base) if the recruit works the mess hall and sneaks away to shirk one's duties, or "steal" cereal boxes or food for oneself or their friends.
Ricky Recruit: (U.S. Navy) A new Sailor, especially in boot camp, that exemplifies the "perfect Sailor" by never messing up, always following orders, etc.; much to the chagrin of his or her fellow recruits. May be jocular or pejorative, but mostly used as a derogatory term.
Ripple: (U.S. Navy) Female NCO
Ring knocker: (Pejorative) A military academy graduate, particularly one who calls attention to the fact.
RMO: Round Metal Object; slang for "coin" - specifically the unit's challenge coin.
ROAD: (U.S.) Retired On Active Duty. The condition of having no motivation and productivity within months of retirement. Invariably pejorative.
ROMFT: (Royal Navy) Roll On My F****** Time. The condition of having no motivation and productivity within months of retirement.
rock: (U.S.) A particularly stupid Soldier. From "Dumber than a box of rocks". Ironically, the term Sergeant Rock, based on the name of a comic, is a term for a heroic combat Soldier.
rock: (RAF) Member of the RAF Regiment (shortened form of rock ape)
rock and roll: (U.S.) The fully automatic fire setting on a weapon. "The M16 selector switch has three settings: safe, semi-automatic, and rock-and-roll."
rock apes: (RAF) The RAF Regiment, stereotyped in the RAF as being rather stupid. It does not come from the barbary apes of the Rock of Gibraltar, who were fed by the RAF Regiment during World War II, but rather from an incident when one rock officer shot another having mistaken him for a rock ape.
rocks and shoals: (U.S. Navy) Navy rules and regulations.
roll in on: (U.S. Air Force) To engage in the initial maneuver of an attack.
ROP's: (British Army) Restriction of Privileges
Rotorhead: (U.S.) Term for helicopter aviators
Roundel Airways: (British Army) The RAF, from their aircraft identification markings.
Rounds Complete: (U.S. Army) Finished.
RPG: (U.S. Army) Has 2 meanings. Most recent is the Soviet "Rocket Propelled Grenade", which is a shoulder fired grenade with a rocket charge to fire quickly at troops or armored vehicles, causing death and injury within its blast radius. RBG's are 'fire and forget' weapons. The other definition is "Rape Prevention Glasses" (see BCG). Issue eyeglasses of the 1960's-1980's (same style as Buddy Holly or Elvis Costello), replaced in the 1980's by an even less stylish version frequently worn by Japanese and/or English businessmen in the 1970's.
RTB: 1. (U.S.) Term meaning "Return To Base." Usually used when a mission is finished, supplies are exhausted, or base wants to regroup.
2. (U.S. Air Force Academy) "Rag Tag Bastards"; any graduating class which has red as its class color. Each class is either a gold, silver, blue, or red class, when the senior class graduates, their class color is passed to the incoming class.
run money: (U.S.) 19th Century Navy term for a reward paid for the return of a deserter.
Rupert: (U.K.) Slang for Officer. Not always derogatory.
Ruptured Duck: (U.S.) The Honorable Service award given to U.S. service members who were discharged under honorable conditions during or just after World War II. Also used to describe the recipient; refers to the awkward appearance of the spread-wing eagle of the emblem.
RTU: (U.K. and Canada) "Returned To Unit"—sent back to the home regiment or base from a specialized training establishment as the result of failure or disciplinary action. "After the mess had been cleared up there was only one outcome … RTU!"

S

sabo: (Singapore) Short for "sabotage". To cause trouble for one's fellow soldiers, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Often used of soldiers who cause their group to suffer collective punishment. A frequent offender is known as a "sabo king". See Blue Falcon.
sad sack: (U.S.) WWII-era term used to describe an individual, typically an officer, who makes military life unnecessarily difficult. This is typically done via over-and-above adherence to military regulations.
Saikang: (Singapore) Menial labour such as area cleaning, carrying of stores, etc. May derive from the Hokkien for "shit work". A soldier who is volunteered by superiors to do (usually) menial work is termed a "saikang warrior".
Sammy: (U.S. Army) Term referring to a Somalia native. Used in the early 1990's by Soldiers deployed there.
sandbag: (Ireland) Term referring to reserve Soldier.
sandbagging: (U.S. Army, Canada) Term referring to a Soldier who is performing his duties inefficiently or with laziness. Ex: "That Soldier is sandbagging it." [see "goldbricking," "shitbagging"]
sandbox: (U.S.) Informal term for a forward deployed location. Also a miniature model of an area for troops to study for familiarization before an operation.
Sarge: (U.S., U.K.) Informal for Sergeant. Sometimes objected to by sergeants, and largely outdated.
Sarnt: (U.S. Army, Canada, and U.K.) Slang mispronunciation of Sergeant.
sat: (U.S.) Satisfactory, as opposed to Unsat.
(U.K.) Soldier Awaiting Training - Soldier who is not currently posted awaiting training.
SBO: (Singapore) Skeletal Battle Order; officially refers to an infantryman's basic combat equipment, without field pack or field supplies. In slang usage, refers specifically to the old-style combat webbing and attached pouches, as opposed to the newer MOLLE-compatible load-bearing vest which is currently replacing it.
scablifter: (U.K. RN) Medical branch rating (formerly SBT or 'Sick Bay Tiffy')
scaly, or scaly back: (U.K.) A signaler. It is suggested that this term comes from the figure of Mercury on their cap badges, who appears to have fish-like scales on his back. An alternative version is that it is related to the fact that old radios used to leak battery acid on the back of the man carrying it - hence they had a scaly back.
scoff: (U.K.) Food.
scope dope: (U.S.) Radar or sonar operator who spends his/her days staring at a screen.
scrambled eggs: (U.S.) The decorations on the brim of a field-grade officer's dress uniform cap.
(U.K.) The gold oak leaves on senior officers' cap peaks.
scran: (U.K. RN/RM) Food.
scrape your face: (U.S.M.C.) to shave
scraper: (RAF) Thin band in the centre of a squadron leader's rank badge.
screen-saver face: (Singapore) To be dreaming when one is supposed to be alert. Also 'Stone'
screw the pooch: (U.S. Military and civilian) To badly err or mess up. (Canada) To shirk one's duties. Used as an euphemism for dog fucking (see Dog Fuck.)
screwed, blued and tattooed: (U.S. Navy) Used to describe common liberty activities in some ports. Getting "Screwed, blued and tattooed" can imply a fun liberty, one where someone got in trouble for various. reasons, or one where the Sailors simply saw everything there was to see in a given port.
scrounge: (U.S. Navy) A Sailor who does not keep his body clean. (U.S. Army & Air Force) A very important member of a unit, a Soldier who can obtain any materials and/or equipment, usually by other than normal channels.
scuttlebutt: (U.S. Navy) Rumor or gossip, deriving from the nautical term for the cask used to serve water (or, later, a water fountain). See scuttlebutt.
seabag: (U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy) Issue green canvas or cordura bag used to transport personal effects.
seabag drag: (U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy) Routine of travel referring to the waiting period often encountered when transferring flights or waiting assignment to flight manifest.
sea daddy: (U.S./U.K. Navy) A senior enlisted man who acts as a guide to a junior (usually a "newbie"), showing him the ropes and guiding his early career. The civilian police equivalent is called a "rabbi".
sea donkey: Pejorative. A Derogatory term for a female Sailor.
seagull Colonel: A colonel who swoops in, makes a mess on (craps on) everything, and swoops out again.
sea hag: A Derogatory term for a female Sailor. From a Popeye character.
sea pup: (U.S. Navy) The junior enlisted who is guided by the Sea Daddy.
sea lawyer: (U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, RN) A Sailor, probably too smart for his own good, who thinks he knows all of the regulations and quotes them to get out of either work or trouble. Other U.S. and U.K. military equivalent is "Barrack Room Lawyer" (U.K.), and "Barracks Lawyer" or, more crudely, "Shithouse Lawyer" (U.S.).
Sec(k) Daddy/Mama: (U.S.) Section sergeant.
seen: (Canada Infantry, Canada Armour) Used as a confirmation for a visual reference; used to confirm understanding of orders, similar usage as Hooah
self-loading cargo: Passengers boarding a transport aircraft.
semi-skimmed: (U.K. Royal Marines) Referring to their Green Berets, due to green lidded semi-skimmed milk cartons and bottles available in the U.K..
semper fu: (U.S. Marine Corps) Refers to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, the hand-to-hand combat system used by the Marines, which has different levels of belts (tan, grey, green, brown, black) for different levels. Combination of "Semper Fi" and "kung-fu".
Senior Airman of the Air Force: (U.S. Air Force) An overzealous. Senior Airman.
Sergeant Rock: (U.S.) Based on the name of a comic book, is a term for a highly competent and heroic combat Soldier.
Serve And Fuckoff: (Singapore) Backronym for the Singapore Armed Forces, generally used by conscript soldiers whose primary concern is to finish their obligation and get back to civilian life. Not to be used within earshot of senior NCOs or officers.
severn nursery: (U.S.) refers to the United States Naval Academy located on the banks of the Severn River in Maryland. A pejorative used by Navy enlisted personnel.
shack: (U.S. Air Force) A direct hit against a ground target, often used as praise.
shack rat: (Canada) A term used to describe promiscuous. female civilians who come to military barracks to sleep with random Soldiers.
shacks: (Canada) Barracks.
sham: (U.S. Army) To slack off on duties.
shamurai: (U.S.) A master of shamming.
sham shield: (U.S. Army) A term used for the Army's Specialist rank. Meaning that a Specialist can now get privates to do their work. Also, because a specialist is not accountable for anything, but still has authority. Also known as a chicken on a platter, because of the eagle in the middle of the shield.
Sharkfin: (U.S. Air Force) used at Beale AFB, including accompanying deployed locations and S. Korea, referring to a particular person that cannot perform his duties adequately, namely in aircraft maintenance.
shavetail: (U.S.) (Also spelled "shave-tail") A derogatory term for a Second Lieutenant, or for a female servicemember. Compare with "Split Tail".
Sheet Metal: (U.S. Army) Term used to describe a 15G, or Aircraft Structural Repairer.
Sheep: (Canada) A very condescending and uncomplimentary term for civilians (Civvies), especially those who do not agree with the military perspective about something.
shellback: (All English-speaking navies, originally U.K.) A Sailor who has crossed the Equator during a tour. There is a "Crossing the Line" ceremony where all Shellbacks kindly harass the new initiates - called tadpoles or pollywogs - to initiate them into the position of Shellback. The senior Shellback aboard presides as King Neptune's personal representative.
shiney-arse: (U.K.) Regimental Admin Officers and those in similar desk-bound posts. The green polyester "barrack trousers" formerly worn by Army office workers did indeed acquire a certain shine to the seat after prolonged contact with an office chair.
Shiny guys/Shiny: (U.S. Army) Officers. Also see Brass.
shipwreck tech: Mildly derogative term for the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Common among graduates of West Point.
Shirt: (U.S. Air Force) Respectful term to address an Air Force First Sergeant. For example, "Hey Shirt, got a minute?"
Shitbag: (U.S. Army) A derogatory term for a soldier who is not well disciplined or slacks off on duties.
Shitbird: (U.S. Marine Corps)Derogatory name for a Marine that is not squared away in appearance or discipline.
shit hot: (U.S.) Outstanding, hardcore, tactically proficient. For example, "Second platoon was looking shit hot today in the shoot house."
Shithook: (U.S.) CH-47 'Chinook' cargo helicopter.
shitmate: (U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy) Derogative term Used often by Marines when referring to Navy Sailors.
shit pump: (Canada) Often used to refer to an incompetent soldier.
shit on a shingle: (sometimes abbreviated S.O.S.) (U.S.) Chipped beef on toast.
shit patrol: (U.S. Army) Term used to describe being selected for latrine duty in the field or the practice of burning the buckets of shit, with diesel fuel, collected from the field latrines. To be selected means you have "shit patrol".
shit pump: or pump (Canada) A person who displays a poor attitude, meets the bare minimum standard, an overall bad Soldier. "Bloggins is a real shit pump".
shoe: (U.S. Navy) Short for "black shoe", a surface warfare officer. Pejorative. Compare "brown shoe".
shoe clerk: (U.S. Air Force) Someone who works a desk job in the military, has no idea what military operations really are, is convinced that his relatively meaningless, bureaucratic job is the most important function in the military, and causes the people doing the real mission to waste time and resources on his petty, trivial tasks. See queep.
shooting pool with the Captain: (U.S.) A U.S. Navy term for captain's mast (non-judicial punishment presided by the unit commanding officer) . This refers to the green felt cloth draped over the commanding officer's table during mast. The green cloth is a tradition dating to the Royal Navy in the 15th century that is symbolic for the Captain's mastery of the seas.
shovel patrol: (U.K.) Leaving your Unit area with a spade in order to defecate.
short or short-timer: (U.S.) Term coined during Vietnam era to describe personnel approaching the end of their tour and/or term of service. Usually announced in an obnoxious and rowdy manner — examples: "I'm so short I had to parachute out of bed this morning and accidentally landed in my boot!", "I'm so short I could sit on a piece of paper and dangle my legs over the edge!" Modified into "short-timer" in the modern military era.
Short Bus: (U.S.) The MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protectant) vehicle, because of its appearance.
shower-shoe: (U.S.) Pair of rubber sandals (a.k.a. "flip-flops") issued to recruits to prevent infections from the use of community or shared showers. See also Jesus. shoes. Also used as a slightly pejorative term for junior servicemember. Comes from the perception that new personnel still wear their footwear in the shower, as mandated in boot camp or basic training.
shower tech: (U.S. Navy) Pejorative term for Sonar Technicians who are perceived to never get dirty from their work, which mostly involves sitting in front of computer screens and seem to have a lot of off-watch time as compared to other enlisted rates, hence the ability to take a shower whenever.
Shut up and Color: Often told to someone of equal or lower rank, telling them to quit complaining. See also 'Suck Thumb'.
sick, lame and lazy: The group of military personnel on 'sick call' or excused from duty for injury or illness -- a half-joking reference to malingering.
sickbay commando: (U.S.) A servicemember found often in sickbay (a hospital or infirmary) , usually in lieu of difficult work or PT.
sick-call ranger: (U.S. Army) someone who is "hardcore" about malingering. Also, the more-recent 'sick-call ninja', 'master of malingering', 'clinic ninja' or 'profile ranger'.
Sierra Hotel: 1. Shit's Hot- Refers to actions that are particularly awesome or high-speed. Used as a compliment when someone is doing well.

2. The NATO phonetic alphabet abbreviation for Shit Hot. It is considered high praise and is the pilot's favorite and all-purpose expression of approval. For example, "That Sierra Hotel pilot just shot down six MiGs and an ICBM!" This is the "polite" military way to say that something is very impressive, and has come into use outside the military.

Sierra Tango Foxtrot Uniform: Shut The Fuck Up (NATO phonetic alphabet).
sig: (U.S. Navy) A signature on a qualification card (a card that shows you are ready to stand a particular watch) . There are many, many "qual cards" in the Navy that must be completed before being allowed to take an exam or be interviewed by a board to be qualified to stand a particular watch or role. Some qual cards and their individual sigs can be easy or extremely difficult to obtain. In some cases a junior Sailor going for a sig may not only have to prove his/her knowledge to a senior crewmember, but also do something extra for that signature--such as performing a minor menial task or bringing a small bribe like a can of soda.
Silver bullet: Rectal thermometer used on boots who over heat during boot camp. Also known as a magic bullet.
Silver side: (U.S. Coast Guard) . The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, which wears silver insignia of office (since Auxiliarists have no military rank). See gold side.
silly buggers: (Canada) A sarcastic reference to "playing army" when an individual must act upon the fictional events taking place in a field exercise.
"...Since Jesus was a Corporal": (U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps) For a very long time. e.g.,: "I haven't been home since Jesus. was a Corporal."
Sith Gear: (U.S. Marine Corps) Organizational equipment issued to a Marine from his unit and kept by the Marine as personal gear, but is expected to be returned in serviceable condition upon that Marine's detachment from the unit. Usually refers to load-bearing equipment, rucksacks, body armor, helmets and other field gear. From the warrior Sith lords in the "Star Wars" franchise.
six, six and a kick: (U.S.) Six months confinement, six months loss of pay, reduction in grade to E-1, Bad Conduct Discharge; formerly the most severe penalty that could be awarded by a special court martial. A special court martial can now adjudge 12 months confinement.
skate: (U.S.M.C.) To avoid real work, as in someone that always has something else to do, or, an easy job, as in " Jones gets to be the C.G.s driver this month, that's so skate".
Skillfully Acquire: (Canada) To steal, without the negative connotation. Used by seniors to circumvent the regulations on giving unlawful orders, i.e., stealing.
skimmer: (U.S. Navy, Submarines) Term referring to any and all surface vessel. See "Target" below.
skimmer puke: (English speaking Navies) Submariner's pejorative term for Sailors on surface warships, especially destroyers and frigates. The ships are often referred simply as "targets", even if speaking of one's own Navy.
skinny: (U.S.) A term used to describe combatants from African nations.
skittle: (U.S. Navy) A term used by ship's crew for an Airman on an aircraft carrying vessel referring to the multi-colored candy "Skittles". Aircraft handling crew (and some ship's crew) wear colored pull-over shirts depending on their job which stands out to the majority of a ship's crewmen in plain blue uniforms.
Sleaford Technical College, Sleaford Tech: (RAF) The Royal Air Force College Cranwell
slick-sleeve: (U.S. Air Force) Lowest enlisted grade (E-1), so named because no stripe is awarded until the grade of E-2 (Airman) is achieved.
slider: (U.S. Navy) Chow hall cheeseburger.
slop bucket: (U.S. Navy) Used by Navy air traffic controllers to refer to a metal or plastic bucket that excess coffee and coffee grounds are disposed into. Each day the Slop Bucket PO (Petty Officer) - normally a non-petty officer rank, E1-E3 - is charged with disposing of the contents and cleaning the bucket for the following day. Slop Bucket PO is not a legitimate collateral duty, but still a common duty given to junior air traffic controllers prior to receiving any controller qualifications.
slope/slopehead: (U.S.) A derogatory term for an Asian enemy Soldier used extensively in Vietnam.
slow-mover badge: Purple Heart Award
SLUF: (U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy) Short Little Ugly Fucker (Clean Short Little Ugly Fellow) Description and term of affection for the A-7 Corsair II attack aircraft.
sluggie: (Ireland) Term referring to reserve Sailor.
SMACK: An acronym short for "Soldier Minus. Ability, Coordination, and Knowledge", formerly referred to a fourth-class cadet (freshman) at the United States Air Force Academy (also called a "doolie"). The term is still used to refer to fourth-class cadets on the Cadet Honor Guard.
Smash Pissers: (Canada) To have sex with. Ex "Man, I'd smash pissers with her any day." .
SMB (ex-Yugoslavia): "sivo maslinasta boja" (grayish olive green color); the typical green color of army uniforms in ex-Yugoslavia.
smell your own musk: (U.S.) General term for a person acting more important than they are. Like they are getting high from smelling themselves. Common among E-4 (SPC) in leadership positions. Use started in Afghanistan. Usage: "He was talking back to me like he was smelling his own musk."
smoke (verb): (U.S. Army) Term to describe punishment of minor offenses by means of excessive physical training. Usage: "The drill instructor smoked me for talking back." See U.S. Marine Corps term Thrashed
Smokey Bear: (U.S.) General term for a Drill Instructors' (Marine Corps), Drill Sergeants' (Army), Military Training Instructors' (Air Force) or Company Commanders' (U.S. Coast Guard) wide-brimmed hat. Properly called a campaign hat and formerly standard uniform issue in the Army and Marine Corps (per-WWII). Also called "round brown hat".
Smoke in the air: (U.S.) An incoming visible locked-on missile.
SNAFU: (U.S.) Acronym for "Situation Normal, All Fucked Up"; dating probably before World War II, Oxford English Dictionary defines it as "an expression conveying the common Soldier's laconic acceptance of the disorder of war and the ineptitude of his superiors" [5]. It began to enter the everyday American lexicon shortly after the war. It also spawned other acronyms denoting increasing states of "fucked up":
'FUMTU': Fucked Up More Than Usual
'TARFU': Things Are Really Fucked Up
'FUBB': Fucked Up Beyond Belief
'FUBAR': Fucked Up Beyond All Recognition (or Repair)
'JANFU': Joint Army-Navy Fuck-Up
Snake: (Australian) Sergeant
snake eater: (U.S. Army) Special Forces
snake pit: (U.S.) An Air Force term for the TI table in a dining facility at BMT or a situation where many people are critically watching for the slightest break in protocol, usually award events or promotion ceremonies.
Snake pit: (Australian) the sergeant's mess or senior non commissioned officer mess.
sniper check: (Canada and U.S.) A salute rendered to an officer in a field environment, where salutes are normally proscribed because they identify officers to the enemy.
snipes: (U.S.) Members of the engineering crew on a naval vessel (usually submarines).
snivel gear, snivel kit: (U.S., Canada) Creature comfort items such as Gore-Tex clothing, sleeping bag, etc.
SNOB: (U.S. Navy) Acronym for Shortest Nuke On Board. The nuke on board a submarine with the least amount of time left on board; usually someone on their first and only enlistment, without any intention of re-enlisting.
snot locker: (U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy) Nose.
snotty: (Canada and U.K.) An untrained subordinate officer in the Navy. A naval cadet in Canada, or a midshipman in the U.K.
SOC: (Singapore) Standard Obstacles Course. A 1600-meter course with 11 obstacles.
SOG: (U.S.) Vietnam era. Special Operations Group or Studies And Observations Group.
soup sandwich: (U.S.) Insult often used in Basic Combat Training, referring to an action, uniform or task done inefficiently or improperly. Example: "Your uniform is all messed up, looking like a soup sandwich."
soup coolers: (U.S.) refers to one's mouth."
SP: (U.S. Army) Start point. The location where and point in time when travel starts.
Sparks or Sparky: (U.S.) Anyone who deals with radios or things electronic.
speed bump: (U.S. Army) Pejorative term used by armor personnel to describe infantry. See also "crunchie."
Sperm on a Sponge: (Canada) Technical term for the individually wrapped decontamination wipes issued with CF gasmasks
Split: (Canada) derogatory reference to early female members of the Navy. Short for split-ass.
Split Tail: (U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps) derogatory reference to any female.
Spook: (U.S., U.K.) A spy. Used for anyone in the CIA, NSA, NRO, DIA, MI5 or MI6. In the military, one who deals with the gathering of electronic intelligence.
Spot: (U.S. Army) An ROTC cadet or Warrant Officer 1. See "Dot." Derogatory
Spotlight Ranger: (U.S. Army) One who puts forth his best effort only when he is receiving attention.
Sprocket Grease: (U.S.) Term used by tracked vehicle operators referring to foot Soldiers.
Squaddie: (U.K.) An enlisted member of the British army, lower ranks only.
(U.K.) Short for Squadron Leader
squared away: cleaned up; in military shape; ready for inspection.
squawk: (U.K.) a member of the Army Air Corps
squid/squiddly: (U.S.) A U.S. Navy Sailor. Often used with derogatory intent. Inspired naming of the cartoon character Squiddly Diddly, a squid in a Sailor suit. Squidward has also been used in recent years, lifted from the name of a character from the Sponge Bob Square Pants cartoon.
STAB: (British Army) Stupid Territorial Army Bastard. Pejorative Acronym.
Stacking Swivel: (U.S.) Originally parts of a military-issue rifle (the stacking swivel was located near the muzzle, in front of the forward sling swivel, and was used to hook the rifles together when stacking arms). Now used to refer to a male Soldier's throat, and always used in the phrase "pick you up by your stacking swivel" to connote that the speaker, usually a DI, metaphorically intends to bodily move you from one place to another. Example: "Son, if you don't move pronto, I'm gonna’ pick you up by your stacking swivel and put you in the proper position of attention." "I'm gonna’ grab you by the stacking swivel and shake the stupid out of you!"
stand tall: (U.S.) Used as a verb for to be proud, or to present a military appearance. Also can refer to having to answer to higher authority facing consequences: "Standing tall before the man."
stay frosty: (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps) Regular term among Soldiers to both stay calm and stay alert.: "I'm not sure if these guys are friendlies or not. We might be walking into something here. Stay frosty."
Still/stills: (U.K.) Derogatory effort to work around the prohibition of another pejorative term. Denotes "Still a [fill-in],"e.g., Still a Bennie (RN), Still a Split (RN), Still a STAB (Army). Itself prohibited and superseded by Andys denoting And he's still a Bennie etc.
steam table: (U.S. Navy) A form of snipe hunt. A new join is sent to look for 30 feet of steam table.
steel beach picnic: (U.S. Navy) An party-like event held on a ship that is intended to let Sailors let off steam. Usually includes grilling food, games, music, etc.
steel pussy: (U.S. Navy) Heavy duty steel wool, often made of stainless steel, that is used to scrub pots, toilets, rust, etc.
Stone Frigate: (U.K., Canada) Term for a Naval shore establishment.
Stonewallers: (CSA) Term for 116th Infantry Regiment, commanded by Thomas J. Jackson at First Manassas during the American Civil War, where he earned the nickname "Stonewall".
storm flag: (AUS) Term for flag draped over coffin at military funeral
(U.S. Army) Smaller sized flag flown over Posts and Major Commands during inclement weather
STRAC: U.S. Army slang term for "a well-organized, well turned-out Soldier, (pressed uniform, polished brass and shined boots)." A proud, competent trooper who can be depended on for good performance in any circumstance.
stripes: (U.S.) Enlisted rank insignia, especially E-4 and above (non-commissioned officer (NCO) ) pay grades in leadership positions.
(U.K.) NCO rank insignia.
(U.K., U.S.) Get your stripes - to be promoted to an NCO rank.
STUMP: (U.S.) "Stupid Tankers Under Mortar Protection" Acronym used by Infantry to describe Armor personnel to show that being Infantry is a harder profession.
Stupid O' Clock: (U.S.) A U.S. Army slang term that refers to any time very early in the morning. See '0 dark thirty'.
Super Wammy-dyne: (U.S. Navy) Advanced or new technology/equipment, akin to New Fangled
suck, the: (U.S.) The field, bad conditions, rotten duty, used to describe the military as a whole. One might say "embrace the suck" to tell someone to stop complaining and accept the situation.
suck it up: (U.S.) See "Suck, the" above. Similar to "embrace the suck."
suck thumb: (Singapore) Shut up and stop complaining.
Sucking Rubber: (U.S.) (Submarine Service) Extended periods wearing Emergency Air Breathing devices (EABs), a full-face air mask similar to that worn by firefighters, except fed from ship's emergency air system rather than a bottle on your back. (U.S. Air Force) Wearing the chemical warfare mask, especially in MOPP 4. "We spent two hours sucking rubber".
Suspense: (U.S. Army and Air Force) A deadline.
Suzy or "Susie Rottencrotch: (U.S.) The girl back home. Often spends a lot of time with Jody very soon after deployment. See Jody.
Swab: (U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard) A freshman cadet at the United States Coast Guard Academy; also contraction of "swabbie" (see below)
swabbie: (U.S.) A U.S. Navy Sailor. A reference to swabbing (mopping) the deck, a frequent and highly visible activity of deck division Sailors
SWAT Team: (Canada) A pejorative term for combat-arms reservists referring to their training schedule. "Some Weekends And Thursdays"
sweet Fanny Adams: (U.K.) meaning nothing, literally "sweet fuck all".
swinging dick: (U.S.) Any male military member, especially a lower-ranking enlisted male. For example, "Every swinging dick in here had better be ready to go in ten minutes!" In polite company, "swinging Richard."
Swivel Chair Partrol: (U.S.) meaning "Civil Air Patrol" (USAF Aux.)
SWO: (U.S.) Staff Weather Officer, (pron. SW-oh) generally refers to any USAF commissioned or non-commissioned officer supporting Army operations downrange or in-garrison. Term of endearment and/or derision depending on current weather forecast, usually prefaced with "F-ing" if said forecast sucks.

T

TA-50: (U.S. Army) Issued "Go to War" gear used by Soldiers during training or actual combat. Similar term "782 Gear" is used by the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy Seabees.
TA-100: (U.S. Army) Refers to overwhelming amount of TA-50. For example, "At Ft. Stewart, we got issued TA-100. It's twice as much."
TACP: (U.S. Air Force) Tactical Air Control Party (pron. TACK-PEA) An Airman that serves with an army unit who is a liaison to the Air Force. Main job is to call in air strikes.
T-Rats: (U.S. Army) Tray-pack field rations. Even though the Tray-packs are obsolete and are no longer issued, the term survives and is used for the UGR (Unitized Group Ration) which replaced the Tray-pack meals.
Tab: (U.K.) A term meaning marching at fast pace while carrying a full bergen and rifle (army), similar to yomp.
Tac: (U.S. Army) Short for Tactical Officer, whose role in Officer Candidate School and at the U.S. Military Academy is analogous to a Drill Sergeant for Basic Training.
Taco: (U.S. Air Force) A grade of "Unsatisfactory" on a training sortie, derived from the taco-shape of the letter "U".
Tac-O: (U.S. Army) Pronounced the same as the dish (taco) , it is another form of Tac, but is generally Used in the absence of the Tactical Officer's presence. Example: "Hey, have you seen the Tac-O around?"
TACAMO: (U.S.) Take Charge And Move Out. TACAMO is also the Pentagon designation for aircraft which are integral to the U.S. nuclear warfare command and control system.
Tactical: (Singapore) To perform an unauthorized action in a circumspect manner. Smoking "tactically", for instance, means smoking (at an unauthorized time or place) in such a manner as to avoid detection by senior NCOs or officers.
Tactically Acquire: (U.S. Air Force, U.S.M.C.) To steal, without the negative connotation. See Skillfully Acquire.
Take a Knee: (U.S. Army) To pause or rest.
Tango: (U.S.) NATO phonetic alphabet for the letter "T" and for "Target" (or enemy). Example: "We have two Tangos at 3 o'clock – I'll take the right one."
Tango Down: (U.S.) NATO phonetic alphabet for "Target Down", i.e., when an enemy or target has been neutralized. Example: "The first guard is Tango Down."
Tango Mike: (U.S.) NATO phonetic alphabet for "Thanks much."
Tango Uniform: (U.S.) NATO phonetic alphabet for "Tits Up" also used by the FCC, FAA and DOD to mean killed or destroyed. (Alternative more polite translation: "Toes Up").
(U.S. Army & U.S. Marine Corps) Not in optimal condition. (e.g., The HUMVEE went Tango Uniform before we even arrived.).
(U.S. Air Force) Dead drunk.
(U.S.) Object Inverted. (Upside Down) (e.g., 'I'm turning the plane Tango Uniform to get a better look.') May be used in a more vulgar fashion as "Tits Up"
Tango Yankee: (INTL) [NATO phonetic alphabet] short for "Thank You.", commonly used over the radio. Commonly just "Tango" over the radio (for "Thanks").
Tapes: (U.K.) NCO rank insignia (i.e., stripes).
Target: (U.S. Navy, Submarines): Term referring to any and all surface vessels.
TDY: (U.S. Air Force, Army) Temporary Duty, used as an adjective ("Capt Smith is TDY this week, sir.")
Teeny Weeny Airways: (U.K.) Army Air Corps, a reference to the fact that the Regiments are equipped with Helicopters that carry very few men.
Teflon-coated: (U.S.) Excellent, especially a piece of equipment. Origin: Teflon-coated bullets, widely (but incorrectly) thought to pierce armor.
(U.K.) Nickname for someone who got themselves out of trouble (The shit didn't stick to their Teflon coating).
(Canada) Refers to the fact that untrained privates and officer cadets can't be demoted any further for doing something stupid. (If they mess this up, it doesn't matter since they're Teflon coated.)
Tekan: (Singapore) Physical training used as a minor corrective action by instructors, which usually are knock-it-downs; also refers to the process of taking down a peg a Soldier who has attitude. See cycled.
Telephone Colonel: (U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps) A lieutenant colonel.
Tender Vittles, Tender Ho's: (U.S. Navy) Derogatory term for women that make up crews of repair tenders or dry docks, based on a stereotype that they are promiscuous. Pejorative and offensive.
The World: (U.S.) Used in Vietnam by G.I.'s in reference to the United States.
The Day the Eagle Shits: (U.S.) Payday. Example: "I'm sorry I can't pay you back until the day the eagle shits."
Those people: (U.S.) Euphemism for "enemy forces" used by Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee during the American Civil War. The phrase is still widely used.
Thrashed: (U.S. Marine Corps) An extreme physical exercise routine ordered by DIs upon a recruit or Platoon for making a mistake which could last until complete exhaustion. Puddles of sweat are often the end result.
throttle-jockey: (U.S.) A jet aircraft pilot, particularly one with a penchant for speed.
Thumper: (U.S. Army and Marine Corps) Slang term for the M-79 or M-203 Grenade Launcher.
THS: (U.S. Army): "Too Hooah Syndrome." When a Soldier, especially a Platoon Leader or Noncommissioned Officer, holds himself and/or Soldiers to extreme standards of cleanliness, physical fitness, efficiency.
Thud: (U.S. Air Force) Nickname for the F-105 Thunderchief.
Tighten one's shot group: (U.S. Army) To focus. the attention of a distracted, disorganized or incompetent person, usually by applying a 'boot up the ass'.
Tighten it up: (U.S. Marine Corps) A term used to further piss off a unit during a hump.(Hump; walking with a pack approximately half your body weight from one location to another, not to be confused with the similar activities performed unto dog owners by their K9 companions.)
Titless Wave: (U.S. Navy) Derogatory term for a male clerk, or other non-combatant military occupational specialty, implying it is women's work.
Tits-Up: (U.K.)To be dead, lying on your back with your chest facing skyward, hence Tits-Up
Tommy Atkins or Tommy: A generic name for a Soldier in the British Army (now obsolete) .
Tom: (U.S. Navy) Nickname for the F-14 Tomcat.
Tooth Fairy: (U.S. Navy) a.k.a. "Fang Fairy". Slang for a Sailor in the DT (Dental Technician) rating. Self-explanatory.
Top: (U.S. Army and Marines) The First Sergeant or Master Sergeant (U.S. Marine Corps), senior enlisted man at company level.
Tore Up: (U.S. Army) A person, object or situation in disarray. Also, used as "Tore up from the floor up."
Towelhead: (U.S. and Europe) A pejorative slang term referring to an Arab person. (With the towel being their turbans)
Track Pad: 1. (Canada) boil-in-the-bag omelet from ration pack. Similar in size and (reputedly) texture to the rubber pads fitted to AV tracks 2. (Canada) the rubber pad insert fitted to steel armored vehicle tracks to prevent damage to asphalt or concrete road surfaces.
Travelling Around Drunk: (U.S. Navy) On detached duty, officially termed "Temporary Additional Duty".
Tread: (U.S. Army) An officer or NCO, especially one seen as oppressing enlisted personnel.
Trench monkey: (U.S.) A member of the Army infantry. Mostly used in a derogatory way by members of other services.
trigger puller: (U.S.) A Soldier or Marine who is regularly involved in actual combat. I wouldn't want to be out in the shit without the trigger pullers with U.S..
Triple Threat: (U.S. Army) A Soldier who has the Special Forces Tab, Ranger School Tab, and Airborne Tab (worn as an integral part of the SSI) and wears all three tabs on his uniform. Also known as the "Tower of Power" due to the extreme difficulty involved in the military schools, and the "Triple Canopy" as a reference to parachuting.
TROBA: (U.S. Air Force) When ABORT is improbable, but desired. Sometimes TROBA dances are initiated, to increase the chance of an aircraft RTB.
Tube stroker: A common nickname given to mortar-men by rival units to playfully mock the mortar-man job.
Turd Chaser: (U.S. Navy) Slang for a Sailor in the HT (Hull Technician) rating. So named because most of their job aboard ship consists of fixing sewage pipe blockages.
Turd Herder: (U.S. Navy) Slang for a Seabee in the UT (Utilitiesman) rating, tasked with building and maintaining camp water supply and sanitation systems. Turd herders only need to know three things - hot on the left, shit flows downhill, and quittin' time is 1500.
Turtle fuck(ing): (Navy Seabees) First originated by striking someones hard hat with another hard hat while he is wearing it. Derived from this; clunking of the two Kevlar helmets sounds like two empty shells hitting. Sometimes done deliberately among friends, but often as a joke to an unsuspecting trooper.
Twenty-nine Stumps: (U.S. Marine Corps) Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty-nine Palms, California. Often simply referred to as "the Stumps."
Two beer queer: (U.S.) A man who can't handle his liquor. Implies that he's ready to perform homosexual favors after his second beer.
Two digit midget: (U.S.) A G.I. who has less than 100 days 'in country' left before they rotate back to the U.S.A and/or before discharge. Coined during Vietnam War. See "short".

U

Uniform: (U.S.) NATO phonetic alphabet for the letter 'U'. Stands for "Unidentified". Can be an unidentified object, person, vehicle, etc. Example: "We have a Uniform dead ahead, someone move in and check it."
(U.K.) Means "Undercover", usually means a camouflaged object, vehicle or person, or a covert operative behind enemy lines. Can jokingly refer to an enemy mistakenly firing at his own people. Example: "We gotta' retrieve that Uniform without them noticing.", or "Look at that Uniform there, is he blind?!"
Un-ass: (U.S. Army) Meaning to get out of an area. As in, "Un-ass my AO." Originally Used to mean simply, "Get off your butt." Also, to dismount rapidly from a vehicle, "We un-assed the APC."
Uncle Sam's Canoe Club: (U.S.) The United States Navy.
Uncle Sam's Confused Group: (U.S.) The United States U.S. Coast Guard.
Uncle Sam's Misguided Children: (U.S.) Ironic term for the United States Marine Corps. Sometimes also the "University of Science, Music, and Culture", "U Suckers Missed Christmas", and "U Signed the Motherfuckin' Contract".
Unfuck: (U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps) To bring something or someone into proper order and accord with SOP.
Universal rounds: (Singapore Army) A fictional type of training ammunition used during platoon- or section-level infantry training when the requisitioning and firing of blanks or live rounds would be unacceptably wasteful, troublesome or hazardous. Refers to the practice of aiming one's rifle at the target and yelling "Bang!".
Unsat: (used by United States Army, Navy, and Air Force) Unsatisfactory.
US: (U.K., WWII, until 1944) Un Serviceable. Since this acronym was also used to identify a major ally, this particular usage became politically unacceptable but unofficially continued in use.

V

Vampire Liberty: (U.S. Navy) A day off one gets for donating a pint of blood.
Vandoo or Van Doo: (Canada) Nickname for the Royal 22e Régiment, based on the English perception of the French pronunciation for "22" (Vingt-deux); said to have led the Germans to believe the regiment was named Voodoo Regiment during WWI or WWII.
Vasco: (RN) Navigator of a private or capital ship; probably derived from Vasco da Gama.
VFR direct: (U.S.) To circumvent normal chains of communication or command; for example, "I can't believe the butterbar went VFR direct to the Old Man!" From "Visual Flight Rules", meaning to take the most direct route; said to also be a jocular acronym for "Visually Follow Railroads."
Vice: (U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps) "Versus" or "as opposed to". For example: "I'd prefer a night operation vice day". Though this usage (as a preposition) is dated in broader contexts, it is widespread in the US military.
Viper: (U.S. Air Force) What F-16 Pilots affectionately call the F-16 Fighting Falcon. (An allusion to the fighter from Battlestar Galactica)
Volun-told: (U.S., Canada) A supposedly optional event, award, assignment, or activity in which a person (or persons) are required to attend either by persons-in-charge nominating them or their peers expecting them to be there. The individual often has no say in the matter, and non-attendance is frowned upon.

W

WAFU: (Royal Navy) Member of the Fleet Air Arm. Originates from carrier deck crews wearing surcoats with WAFU to denote them as 'Weapon and Fuel Users'. Used in a more derogatory fashion by the RN surface fleet as "Wet And Fucking Useless". Used internally within the Fleet Air Arm for "Women All Fancy Us".
WAG Fuel load: (U.S. Air Force) "Wild Ass Guess" Fuel load. Typically used by Job Control ("JC" or "Control") with heavy transport aircraft i.e., (Lockheed C-5 "Galaxy") to describe the estimated fuel load if none is given by flight operations (i.e., 10,000 "WAG"). The "WAG" fuel load assures the aircraft has at least the minimum fuel required to rapidly deploy if necessary.
walking pajamas: (U.S. Air Force, possibly other branches) Flight suit.
walking mattress: (U.S.) Derogatory term used to describe a woman Marine, a.k.a. WM
Wall-to-wall counseling: (U.S.) Used to describe the assault of a subordinate in response to poor performance and/or insubordination.
Walt: (U.K.) Short for Walter Mitty. Fantasists who lie about their military service, frequently pretending to be members or former members of elite units such as the SAS or SBS, or to have taken part in military operations or committed acts on the battlefield which never occurred.
Wank Chariot: (U.K.) Sleeping bag.
waste of money: (U.S.) Derogatory term used to describe a woman Marine, a.k.a. WM
Warthog: (U.S.) The A-10 Thunderbolt II.
wavy navy: (U.K. and Commonwealth) Pre-1952 referring to the naval reserve of the Royal Navy and its empire/dominion counterparts (Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, Royal Australian Naval Reserve, Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve, etc.). Historically, the Reserve officers wore rank stripes that were wavy, denoting reserve status. from a regular Navy officer.
Wayang: (Singapore) to work hard or exercise discipline only in front of authority. The derivation of this term is from the Malay/Indonesian word for a shadow puppet show. A soldier who makes a habit of wayang-ing is a Wayang King; compare Spotlight Ranger.
Weather Guesser: (U.S. Navy) Slang for a Sailor in the AG (Aerographers Mate) rating. Weather forecasters. Self-explanatory.
Weaponette: (pl: Weaponettes) Pejorative term for a submarine's Weapons Department members as used by Navy/Ops or Engineering, usually when they want their stolen tools back
weekend warrior: 1. (U.S.) A National Guard member or reservist.

2. (Canada) A Canadian Armed Forces reservist 3. (U.K.) British Territorial Army- since pressed into service in overseas war zones alongside regular troops

Wet Mattress: (U.S.M.C) pejorative slang for "Woman Marine" (as female Marines are formerly referred to as "W.M.s")
...when "Centurion" was a rank, not a tank: A long time ago. Falling out of usage as the Soldiers who can actually remember Centurion tanks retire from service.
What the piss trainee: (U.S.) A phrase yelled by Military Training Instructors (MTIs) in the U.S. Air Force when a trainee messes up. Ex. "What The Piss Trainee/Airman" or "What The Fricken Piss Airman"
Whiskey Charlie: (Germany) NATO phonetic alphabet for "water-closet" (Toilet) - not used that much.
Whiskey Delta: (U.S.) NATO phonetic alphabet for "Weak Dick". Derogatory term used to describe someone who is not up to the task.
Widowmaker: (U.S.M.C) The V-22 Osprey tiltrotor assault aircraft. So named for it's likelihood of crashing during early development and testing phases.
WOFTAM: (Australia) Waste of fucking time & money - usually refers to a useless soldier
Whiskey Locker: (U.S. Marine Corps) A closet in MCRD squad bays used to store hygiene gear and to hold private "Motivational Speeches" See thrashings.
whiskey Pete: (U.S.) White Phosphorus.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot or WTF: (U.S., U.K.) , What the Fuck (NATO phonetic alphabet) .
whites: 1. (Canada) Coverall-like camouflage used during winter season, usually of uni-white appearance. Worn over the combat uniform, they blend in the snow.

2. Naval white dress uniform. 3. (Canada) Ceremonial white webbing and accoutrements.

whoop: (U.S. Army) Same meaning as "Hooah," although it is considered to be the war cry of the U.S. Army Rangers.
wife: (Singapore) A Soldier's rifle.
Willy Peter: (U.S.) White Phosphorus also (U.S.M.C) the green, rubberized water proof bag issued to Marines to store moisture sensitive equipment.
wimp: (U.S. Army). Weak, Incompetent, Malingering Pussy. Ranger School slang, circa Ranger 5. 1969.
Winchester: (U.S. Air Force) Out of a particular type of ammunition (e.g., "Negative, we are Winchester Hellfire.") or all ammunition (if no type is specified).
wing king: (U.S. Air Force) An informal term for the Wing Commander.
wing weenie: (U.S. Air Force) A pejorative term for a staffer at Wing Headquarters.
wing wiper: (U.S. Air Force) A pejorative term for non-pilot/air crew and enlisted/maintenance Air Force personnel.
Wire Biter: A name given to wire-rates such as Electronics Technicians.
wire dawg (U.S. Air Force): Telephone maintenance.
The Wizard: Aka "The Sandman", a psychological therapist who helps post traumatic or stressed military patients overcome psychological difficulties.
WOG: 1. (Canada) Same as "pog". A person (or personnel) in a combat service support trade, not a front-line Soldier. "Without gun" is Usually a derogatory term used by combat arms Soldiers.

2. (U.K.) In Victorian times, a derogatory term for alien or dark-skinned inhabitants of the British Empire. It is probably a shortened version of the term golliwog, although the backronym 'Worthy Oriental Gentleman' is sometimes attributed to it. 3. (U.S. Navy) A "pollywog", or a person who has not yet crossed the equator aboard a ship. Only used in the weeks leading up to "wog day", or the Crossing the Line Ceremony (see Shellback).

wog stopper: (British Army) A Large Caliber Round - usually 7.62 or above.
woobie: (U.S. Army) Slang for the poncho-liner that is used as a "blankey" instead of its proper use when you sleep. Often regarded as the "softest thing the Army issues". It is called a woobie because "you woobie cold without it" Also called a 'woobie' because that was the name of Kenny's security blanket in the 80's movie 'Mr. Mom'
Wookie: (U.S. Marine Corps) Term used to describe a female Marine. Uncommon
woodentop: (U.K.) Nickname for Soldiers from the British Army Household Division. Consists of The Welsh, Scots, Irish, Coldstream and Grenadier Guards Foot Battalions, The Life Guards and Blues and Royals Cavalry Regiments and the Royal Horse Artillery.
woollie pullie: (U.K. and U.S.M.C) Woollen Pullover, the old-style thick military sweater.
WTFO: (U.S.) "What the fuck, over?" A question often implying disbelief, confusion, or discontent. The only proper response is "What the fuck, out.".

X

Xoxing Logs: (U.S. Navy) (pronounced "zoxing," derived from the trademarked Corporate name "Xerox") Entering engineering log data eerily similar to the previous. hour's log data.
XO: Executive Officer (2nd in command)

Y

Yank: American soldier
Yankee Air Pirate: (U.S. Air Force) Term used by Jane Fonda referring to U.S. aircrew in some communist propaganda during the Vietnam war. U.S. aircrew loved the term so much they had Yankee Air Pirate patches made and other unofficial patches singing their praises to Jane Fonda ie. the F-4 phantom Fuck You Jane Fonda patch.
Yankee Sky Pirate: (U.S. Air Force) Enlisted aircrew. The phrase parodies Communist propaganda.
Yard birds: Chickens; also Soldiers standing around with no discernible purpose. Also, US Navy slang for shipyard personnel.
Yomp: (Royal Marines) To march at fast pace while carrying a full bergen and rifle.
Y-Tours: The Bundeswehr (Bundeswehr licence plate codes start with Y)
You-Pick-a-Stan: (U.S.A.) A word to cover the eight countries that end in -stan, like Turkmenistan.
Yut-cut: A military standard haircut.
Yuuuuttt!: A term used by Marines as a way to say yes but with motivation.

Z

Zebra: (U.S. Air Force) Refers to Senior Non-commissioned Officers (due to the number of stripes on their rank insignia)
Zero dark thirty: (U.S.) A humorous way to declare an unknown time in the wee hours of the morning. Used by military personnel to describe an unwanted time to be awake or awaken. Usually pronounced "oh" dark thirty.
Zero Day: (U.S. Army) The day in which a Basic Combat Training company picks up Soldiers. Also called "Pick-Up Day" by instructors or "Shark Attack" by trainees.
zero-three: (U.S. Marine Corps) Refers to Marine Corps haircut - zero inches on the sides and three inches on the top.
zero trade: (Canada) Combat arms or combat troops. The Military Occupation Code for personnel in combat zones (infantry, artillery, armored, combat engineers, and linemen) begin with zero. Not pejorative.
Zipperhead

1. (Canada) Armored Soldier (Tank crew) . Refers to the common injury among tankers of hitting their head on the hatch or other part of the tank, and having it stitched up, which look rather like zippers. 2. (U.S.) Derogatory term for Vietnamese in general and Viet Cong specifically. 3. (U.S.) Term for Soldiers who part their hair in the middle, front to back; assumed to be dope fiends.

Zipper-suited Sun God: (U.S. Air Force) a pilot. Pejorative.
Zippo raid: (U.S.) Refers to the igniting of straw huts in suspected Viet Cong villages during the Vietnam War.
Zonk: (U.S.) Refers to being released for the day at the morning's accountability formation.
Zoom Bag: (U.S. Air Force) Flight suit.
Zoomie: 1. (Canada and U.S.) Refers to any U.S. Air Force jet aircraft pilot, usually a fighter jet or attack jet pilot, Member of the Air Force, akin to "Jarhead" for Marines, "Squid" for Navy, or "Grunt" for Army. Also, a student or graduate of the United States Air Force Academy.

2. (U.S. Navy) Particles of ionizing radiation (are also referred to in this manner by nuclear-trained Sailors).

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See also

Further reading