An Unofficial Dictionary for Marines containing words, phrases and acronyms used by United States Marines through the ages

An
U N A B R I D G E D
Unofficial Dictionary for Marines

Compiled and Edited by Glenn B. Knight,
Veteran Sergeant of Marines, Retired Air Force Master Sergeant
Glenn@4merMarine.com
Corrections cheerfully accepted and appreciated.
Associate Editors
Our Official Comedy troupe is:
The Three Jarheads
If you can't find the word here, try here.

If you want to use these definitions please feel free to do so but give credit to the Unofficial Dictionary for Marines and, if you can, give the link which is OldCorps.org/USMC/dictionary.html. There are a number of web sites who have just stole great portions of this dictionary and are calling it their own. I can't do a thing about it except to call them the crooks that they are. A lot of people have put a lot of work into this project and they deserve some credit for their efforts since the dictionary is and always has been FREE.

UNDERLINED WORDS ARE LINKED

NUMBERS 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

-NUMBERS-

0 Dark 30.: Very early in the morning, pronounced oh, dark thirty. [Editor's Note: A lot of people have complained that a Marine would not call the numeral zero an "oh". That is possibly correct but it was pronounced in that unorthodox way when it was first used in the 1960s, possibly to add emphasis to the phrase.]
030SHIT.: Pronounced "Oh three, Oh shit." Military Occupational Specialty of a junior infantry officer.
: (Vietnam) The northernmost of four corps areas in South Vietnam. I Corps was the province of the U. S. Marines while II, III and IV Corps were U. S. Army areas. Pronounced eye-corps.
I Marine Expeditionary Force: A Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) of the primarily composed of the 1st Marine Division, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and 1st Marine Logistics Group. Among Marines, it is common to pronounce I MEF as "eye mef", "first mef", or "one mef". The 1st Marine Expeditionary Force is commanded by a Lieutenant General. (I stole this from Wikipedia so I left the links hot)
1st Civ. Div.: 1st Civilian Division. Civilian life. Before or after service in the Marine Corps. See COMCIVLANT.
1-MC.: The communication system aboard ship which allows orders and information to be passed immediately to all members of the crew. Usually a series of speakers throughout the entire ship.
1st Marine Division: Located at Camp Pendleton, CA it is a unit of the I Marine Expeditionary Force. It consists of the 1st, 5th, 7th and 11th Marine Regiments as well as supporting battalions of engineers, reconnassance and amphibians. Commanded by a major general.
II Marine Expeditionary Force: A Marine Air-Ground Task Force consisting of ground, air and logistics forces capable of projecting offensive combat power ashore while sustaining itself in combat without external assistance for a period of 60 days. The II Marine Expeditionary Force is commanded by a Lieutenant General, who serves as Commander, US Marine Corps Forces, Atlantic, providing Marine fighting formations and units to European Command, Central Command and Southern Command. Consits mainly of the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and the 2nd Marine Logistics Group. (Also stolen from Wikopedia)
2nd Marine Division: Located at Camp LeJeune, NC it is a unit of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. It consists of the 2nd, 6th, 8th and 10th Marine Regiments as well as supporting battalions of engineers, reconnassance and amphibians as well as the the Marine Corps' only Anti-Terrorism Battalion. Commanded by a major general.
III Marine Expeditionary Force: A Marine Air-Ground Task Force that is forward-deployed and able to deploy rapidly and conduct operations across the spectrum from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to amphibious assault and high intensity combat. III MEF maintains a forward presence in Japanand Asia to support the U.S. – Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security and other alliance relationships of the United States. III MEF also conducts combined operations and training throughout the region in support of the National Security Strategy for Theater Security Cooperation. Its major units are the 3rd Marine Division, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, 3rd Marine Logistics Group and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. (Thanks again to Wikopedia)
3rd Marine Division: Located on the island of Okinawa, Japan it is a unit of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. It consists of the 3rd, 4th and 12th Marine Regiments as well as the 3rd Reconnassance Battalion and a Combat Assault Battalion. Commanded by a major general.
4merMarine.com.: The web site that hosts this dictionary and the compiled quotes. It is in reality a misnomer because, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine." In order to be a former Marine, one must have been first a Marine and then be either dead or incarcerated--the editor qualifies only on the first point. Unfortunately all of that was just too complicated to put into a domain name. This is a private project and actively seeks your assistance in the form of corrections and additions (I am in particular need of current words and phrases). I would also not turn down financial help in the cost of the domain and the server--as a retired, disabled GI who is still paying the Retired Military Disability TAX, money is always tight. This is also permission to link to this dictionary or to use this dictionary in any way that is legal. It is here to enjoy at no charge. You can also access this dictionary through OldCorps.org.
4-striper.: A Navy or Coast Guard captain. The informal reference alludes to the four wide stripes worn on the cuffs of the blue uniform by captains.
5th Marine Division: The National Guard. Jokingly given the name due to the large population of Marines who got out and elected to serve in the National Guard.
8th and Eye.: Location of the Commandant's house, Marine Barracks, Washington, the Marine Corps Band and Drum and Bugle Corps as well as MCI. It is the ceremonial home of the Corps. It was the only public building not set afire when the British overran Washington, DC in the War of 1812, some say because of their stoic defense at Bladensburg Pike. From its address at 8th and I Streets SE, Washington, DC.
24/7.: 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Essentially always. Originally a reference to the perpetual card games on the fantail of a troop ship.
25-MC.: The communication system aboard ship which allows orders and information to be passed immediately to specific compartments and preselected crew members.
45.: .45 caliber weapon, usually an M1911A1.
72.: A 72-hour absence from duty. Granted by commanding officers and not charged as leave.
86.: To throw away or get rid of something. From the number of the form originally used to remove an item from a stock record.
90-Day Wonder.: Unflattering term for an OCS graduate. Refers to the early practice of training commissioned officers in three months rather than the four years in the Naval Academy or the 4 year part-time training in ROTC. Also, 90-day blunder.
96.: A 96-hour absence from duty. Granted by commanding officers for outstanding duty, unit successes or special holidays. Not charged as leave.
782 Gear.: Originally individual equipment owned by a unit and issued to a Marine while assigned to that unit. In boot camp that included a bucket, cleaning equipment, a poncho and a shelter half. The name is derived from the original form number used to issue the equipment (WWII and Korea). When the Federal Stock Number (FSN) system was created an effort was made to continue use of the number for unit individual issue equipment (For Example 8415-00-782-2888 medium field jacket liner). Present use refers to the Load Bearing Vest, cartridge belt and the equipment attached to the belt as well as other field equipment.
900 inch Range.: A rifle range of approximately 100 inches used to zero weapons prior to qualification.
1369.: (Vietnam) The MOS for an unlucky cocksucker.
1900.: Homosexual. From the paragraph in the Separations Manual in the 1970s and 1980s that discusses homosexuals.

Indicates additional reading on this topic.

Links to another web site with more info.

-A-
NUMBERS 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

A-1 Sky Raider.: (Vietnam Era) Single engine propeller driven aircraft also called Sandy or Spad
A-4 Sky Hawk.: (Vietnam Era) Single engine attack jet. Medium size (some say small) and subsonic. Called The Scooter or Heinemann's Hot Rod.
A/O: Area of Operations
A. J. Squared Away.: A Marine with everything in place and in order. The perfect Marine. The opposite of Joe Shit the Rag Man.
Abaft.: Aft of any given point on a ship.
ACE.: Air Combat Element.
ACE Medical.: Battalion Aid Station for USMC Aviation units in the field.
Acme Beer.: World War II era beer made in San Jose, California and sent to the South Pacific specifically for Marine units. It came in both a green and a brown bottle but only the brown colored bottles were fit to drink. The green bottles contained a liquid that smelled like a skunk.
Actual.: (Commtalk)Radio call sign for commander of a unit. If the unit call sign is "Brownbag" the unit commander will be "Brownbag Actual".
AD.: Active Duty.
Administrative Discharge.: A non-punitive discharge prior to completion of an enlistment. A way for the Marine Corps to move someone out without effecting post-service benefits.
Admiral.: The highest naval rank in peacetime (See Fleet Admiral). The rank insignia consists of four silver stars in a row. The admiral ranks did not appear in the U. S. Navy until the Civil War. Prior to that time a captain was the highest rank in that service. When placed in command of larger units he was sometimes designated a Flag Officer, but that was a billet, not a rank. The current admiral ranks (from junior to most senior) are: Rear Admiral (lower half), one star; Rear Admiral (upper half), two stars; Vice Admiral, three stars; Admiral, four stars and Fleet Admiral, five stars.
Admiral of the Navy.: A rank given to Admiral Dewey by an act of Congress in March 1899 to place him above all other admirals. See Fleet Admiral.
Adrift.: Floating aimlessly, usually without a rudder or compass. Missing in action. Setting ones self off from the norm.
AFRTS.: Pronounced A-farts. American Forces Radio and Television Service, provider of commercial type radio and television programming to ships and overseas stations. Depending on the politically correct form at the time American can be replaced with Armed and Service can be replaced with System.
AFSC.: Air Force Specialty Code. The Air Force equivalent of an MOS.
Aft.: Behind, from the naval term for the after section of the ship.
AFU.: All Fucked Up.
Air Force.: One of the five uniformed military branches. Also, in the Air Force, a unit consisting of multiple wings and given a numerical designation (e.g. 8th Air Force). Used from World War II until the 1970s.
Air Krulaks: Black, Goretex lined combat boots issued from 1997 until 2001. Named after the 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps from a popular sneaker named Air Jordans after a basketball player.
Air Start.: Blow job.
Air Strike.: See Close Air Support.
Air Wing.: An aviation unit equivalent to an infantry division.
Airdale.: Anyone serving in aviation.
Airman.: A Navy enlisted rank. See Seaman. Also an Air Force enlisted rank. See private first class. Or a generic term for anyone in the Air Force.
AK-47.: Soviet-manufactured Kalashnikov semi-automatic and fully automatic combat assault rifle, 7.62-mm; the basic weapon of the Communist forces.
ALCON.: All concerned. Used in radio traffic.
Ali Baba.: (Iraqi Freedom) An enemy combatant, a looter or any bad guy. (From "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves").
All Hands.: Everyone.
ALPHA.: (Commtalk) A. Sometimes spelled ALFA. Also the Marine green uniform with blouse and ribbons.
Alpha Mike Foxtrot.: Adios, Mother Fucker. Goodbye. A polite form is Adios My Friend.
Alpha Unit.: A Marine's spouse. (see Dependent Wife)
Allotment.: A specific amount deducted from a Marine's pay and sent to another entity.
AMF.: See Alpha Mike Foxtrot.
Ammo.: Ammunition.
Amtrac.: Slang for Amphibious Armored, Tracked, Personnel Carrier. (LVT/AAV).
Amtracker.: An Assault Amphibious Vehicle crewman.
Ammunition Supply Point.: The location, usually just behind the Forward Edge of Battle Area, where line units receive their ammunition resupply. In the movies, an ASP is usually called an "ammo dump."
AN-M8.: HC Smoke Hand Grenade. Weighing 25.5 oz it contains 19 oz of HC which emits a dense smoke for up to 2.5 minutes. It has a 2-second delay.
AN-M14.: Incendiary (Thermite) Hand Grenade. Weighing 32 oz and containing 26.5 oz of TH3 thermite mixture it is designed to start fires with its 40 seconds of 4,300 degrees F.
Anchor Clanker.: In the Navy, a Boatswain's Mate. Or anyone in the Navy.
Anchor Pool.: A betting pool, the winner of which has come closest to the time logged by the Officer of the Deck for dropping or weighing anchor.
ANGLICO.: Air Naval Gunfire LIaison COmpany. Composed of 4-man "fire control teams". A fire control officer (FICTO - usually a Lt, but due to the limited number of Lt's in the reserves, may be lead by a Captain in the Reserves). A "REAL TEAM", the officer shares the load of radios (UHF, VHF and HF) and batteries and rifle - just like the Lance Corporal. Usually parachute and SCUBA qualified. ANGLICO rarely works with Marine Corps units. You will find ANGLICO teams attached to and supporting U.S. Army (often to 82nd & 101st Airborne) and Foreign Forces giving these forces the capability to use U.S. Naval Gunfire and close air support from Navy and Marine Aircraft. Used in the Vietnam era and reduced from four to two companies in 1997 (both surviving companies were reserve units) and brought back for the Afghanistan operations.
Ant Hill.: An outpost with major communications assets apparent from the large number of antennae in the vicinity.
Arc Light.: (Vietnam)B-52 bombers dropping their entire load of bombs (typically 105-500 pound bombs) on suspected concentrations of enemy troops.
Arlington Ridge.: Location in Arlington VA north of the National Cemetery overlooking the Potomac River and Washington DC. It is the site of the Marine Corps Memorial, the sculpture of Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima in World War II.
Armed Services.: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. See Uniformed Services
Arty.: Artillery.
ARA.: Aerial Rocket Artillery. A Cobra AH-1G helicopter with four XM159C 19-rocket (2.75 inch) pods.
ARVN.: Army of the Republic of Vietnam.
As You Were.: Informal command to continue what you were doing or to indicate a correction to a previous order or comment.
ASAP.: As Soon As Possible.
ASP.: Ammunition Supply Point.
Ass Hanging Out.: Applied to someone who is either not squared away or whose ignorance is showing.
Ass Pack.: The little first aid kit worn on web gear, and located in the middle of the lower back. Usually contained two field pressure dressings, tourniquet, and some iodine. Sometimes, there was even geedunk in there.
Assault Line.: Marine attack formation with troops advancing abreast.
Assholes to Elbows.: Troops or people standing close together. Sometimes Asshole to Bellybutton meaning close together.
ASVAB.: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (skills test)--required to join the armed forces.
Aviation Cadet.: A student in military flight training. In some instances they have come from other officer procurement programs while at other times they were stand-alone commissioning and flight training programs. See Cadet.
Aviation designations: MH = Marine heavy helicopter squadron
HMLA = Marine light attack helicopter squadron
HMM = Marine medium helicopter squadron
HMT = Marine helicopter training squadron
LAAD = Low-altitude air defense
MACS = Marine air control squadron
MASD = Marine aviation support detachment
MASS = Marine air support squadron
MALS = Marine aviation logisitics squadron
MTACS = Marine tactical air command squadron
MWSS = Marine wing support squadron
MWCS = Marine wing communications squadron
MWHS = Marine wing headquarters squadron
VMAQ = Marine electronic warfare squadron
VMAT = Marine attack training squadron
VMA = Marine attack squadron
VMFA(AW) = Marine all-weather fighter attack squadron
VMGR = Marine aerial refueler squadron
VMGRT = Marine aerial refueler/transport squadron
VMFA = Marine fighter attack squadron
VMFAT = Marine fighter attack training squadron
VMU = Unmanned aerial vehicle squadron
Aye.: Yes. A naval expression.
Aye Aye.: I understand your order and will comply. A naval expression.
Azmuth.: Compass heading toward an objective or target.

Links to another web site with more info.

Indicates additional reading on this topic.

--B-
NUMBERS 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

B00-500.: 500 cubic foot field space cooler or air conditioner. Requires a dedicated generator.
B1RD.: Humorous identification for a non-existent Air Force plane. See GU11.
Bird, Ball and Hook.: A disrespectful reference to the modern emblem of the Marines, the eagle, globe and anchor.
BA1100N.: Balloon.
BA 30/30.: Government issue green Ray-o-vac "C" cell battery.
Ba Mu'o'i Ba.: Brand name of a Vietnamese beer.
Baby Dicks.: Hot dogs contained in MREs.
Bad Conduct Discharge.: A discharge ranking between Honorable and Dishonorable. It is rumored that Walt Disney's Bad Conduct Discharge from the Marine Corps was framed and hung behind his desk--that its distinctive yellow color is seen in early introductions to "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" on ABC in the 1950s and 1960s. This is false--Walt Disney never served in ANY military service. . Also called a Big Chicken Dinner.
Bag.: To get as in, to bag some sleep.
Bag Drag.: Being transferred, shipping out or moving to new quarters. From the act of dragging the sea bag from place to place.
Bag Nasty.: A meal delivered in a paper bag, mostly during Marksmanship Training at boot camp but also at other times in the fleet. The reference is to the quality of the food contained in the bag.
BAH: Basic Allowance for Housing. A non-taxable stipend for personnel who do not reside on base but who rate housing.
BAM.: A pejorative term for a Woman Marine, reportedly meaning broad assed Marine. Never used much in the presence of female Marines out of fear of bodily harm. Women Marine recruits in the 1960s, when it was most used, were taught that the letters meant "Beautiful American Marine". Known to have been used as early as World War II. It thankfully fell out of use in the late 20th Century.
Bandoleer.: A cloth or canvas container of several rounds of amunition.
Bandolier.: A linked belt of machine gun ammo.
BAQ.: Basic Allowance for Quarters.
BAR.: Browning Automatic Rifle. The M1918A1 automatic rifle was first used in World War II until Vietnam. Marines, of course, didn't get it until after World War I. It was replaced by the SAW--with a 24 year gap between them.
Bar Fine.: An amount of money payed by bar girls in Subic Bay (Phillipines) to be allowed to leave the bar or walk the streets.
Barnett, George.: Twelfth Commandant of the Marine Corps. The Wisconsin native who was born on Dec. 9, 1859 became the first graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy to be appointed Commandant. He served as Major General Commandant from February 25, 1914 until June 30, 1920. He died April 27, 1930.
Barracks.: Buildings where single Marines live or a duty station where they serve.
Barracks Bitch: Marines who report to the FMF from Barracks Duty or any 0300 MOS who served on barracks duty before reporting to line companies in the fleet.
Barracks Cover.: A frame cap with a leather bill and a metal hoop frame for the cloth covering. It has a chin strap which is usually worn setting above the bill and is adorned with a large eagle, globe and anchor above the chin strap.
Barracks Rat.: A Marine who does nothing but stay home all day watching television and playing video games. The Marine equivalent to couch potato. Also a woman who hangs around a barracks, BEQ or BOQ for the purpose of giving or selling sexual favors.
Barrow, Robert H.: Twenty seventh Commandant of the Marine Corps serving from July 1, 1979 until June 30, 1983. He was born Fev. 5, 1922.
BAS.: Basic Allowance for Subsistence. Money paid in lieu of using military dining facilities. Also Battalion Aid Station.
Base Pay.: The amount a servicemember earns per month based on rank and years of service.
Basic School.: Basic training for new second lieutenants. Conducted at Quantico, VA.
Basket Leave.: An extended leave of absence from duty (beyond a 96 for example) that ends up not being charged as leave. Often leave papers were actually filled out and approved, to cover everybody's ass in case the leave taker got arrested, killed or detained somehow while on leave. They remained in someone's In Basket, thus "basket leave" until the leave taker returned. The papers were then destroyed and the leave was never recorded. Usually an illegal way for a CO to reward someone or for your buddy the company clerk, to do you a favor.
Basketball.: (Vietnam)A flare ship on station to drop illumination flares on command.
Baton.: See Field Marshall and Drum Major.
Battalion.: A unit containing multiple companies. It is typically commanded by a lieutenant colonel. Battalions are normally assigned to a regiment.
Battalion Aid Station.: A field medical unit. The first organized aid station a Marine will see when transported from the care of the front line corpsmen.
Battle Dressing.: A rectangular medical dressing carried into battle by each Marine.
Battle Jacket.: A service green uniform jacket with a faux belt and no skirt used from World War II until the mid-1960s. See Ike Jacket.
Battle Pin.: Necktie clip.
Battle Stations.: See General Quarters.
Battery.: An artillery unit equivalent to an infantry company. Usually six guns used in support of an infantry battalion.
Bayonet.: A knife-like weapon attached to the muzzle of a rifle used for hand-to-hand combat.
Bazooka.: A WWII period invention, it was the first of the modern rocket launched weapons and was made in 2.75" and 3.5" versions. They were used against tanks, vehicles and other profitable targets but they were plagued by electrical problems. They were replaced by the M72 LAW.
BB Stacker.: Anyone dealing directly with ordnance.
BC Glasses.: Marine Corps issue eyeglasses (officially F-9). Named Birth Control glasses by the troops due to their repulsive effect on the opposite sex.
BCD.: Bad Conduct Discharge.
BDU.: Battle Dress Uniform. The official name for cammies.
Beating A Dead Horse.: A naval term meaning to work off advance pay on board ship--the period before you start earning money again. See Dead Horse.
Beef, Grease, and Shrapnel.: C-Ration meal of Beefsteak, Potatoes and Gravy.
Belay.: Stop. Make fast, from the Naval practice of tying off a line with a belaying pin. Disregard, as in "Belay my last".
Bells.: A system of time on board ship. The routine day was broken into six watches of four-hours each. The watch on duty was responsible for maintaining the time so each half hour a bell would be rung beginning at 30 minutes into the watch with one bell and ending up at the end of the watch with eight bells. Watches began at 12, 4 and 8 so that at those times eight bells were struck.
Below Decks.: The decks below the main weather deck of a ship. They are numbered from the main weather deck which is 1. Deck 7 is therefore seven decks below the main deck. See Superstructure.
Bennie.: Shortened form of benefit. All services provided to or for soldiers, sailors, airmen or Marines are considered bennies.
BEQ.: Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (barracks).
Bestwick, Wilbur.: First Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps served from May 23, 1957 until Aug 31, 1959. He was born in Sabetha, KS on Nov 27, 1911 and died in San Francisco, CA on July 10, 1972.
Betel nut.: Narcotic seed nut chewed by Vietnamese villagers that turned their teeth and gums blood red.
Bib.: The portion of a Navy enlisted uniform that hangs from the back of the neck. In the wooden navy it was fashion for sailors to have long hair but it would get blown about by the winds and get stuck in the rigging or machinery. To counteract this sailors at sea would braid their hair and dip it in tar (used to seal the boards on the ship). When ashore on liberty (as opposed to a longer leave where they would wash the tar out of the hair) they would cut a bib out of sack cloth and tie it around their neck to keep from getting tar on their one good shirt. The bib eventually became an official part of the enlisted uniform.
Biddle, William.: Eleventh Commandant of the Marine Corps. The Pennsylvania native was born on Dec. 17, 1853 and died on Feb. 25, 1923. He served as Acting Commandant in the rank of Colonel from Dec. 1, 1910 until Feb. 2, 1911 when he was appointed Major General Commandant and served until Feb. 12, 1914. During his commandancy the term of office was set, by law at 4 years.
Big Chicken Dinner.: Bad Conduct Discharge.
Big Green Weenie.: See Green Weenie.
Big Nasty.: See Bag Nasty.
Bilge.: An acrid mix of sea water, petroleum products and other brackish material that settles to the bottom of a ship. Also, information that is of no value or garbage. Or to fail at something.
Bilge Rat.: The sailors who drain and maintain the bilge on ship or a Marine who was assigned to bilge duty as a form of non-judicial punishment.
Billet.: A specific job authorized within a unit structure.
Bingo.: In Naval and Marine Aviation a fuel level or condition requiring return to base or ship or aerial refueler.
Binjo Ditch.: Rudimentary sewage ditches found throughout the Orient.
Bird Colonel.: A full colonel.
Bird Farm.: An aircraft carrier.
Bird, Ball and Chain.: Eagle, Globe and Anchor (usually used by shorttimers).
Birdmen.: A pejorative term for airmen.
Bitchbox.: The 1-MC on board ship or any amplified system used to pass information widely.
Bladensburg Pike.: Location of the Marine line of defense on the edge of Washington DC when the British attacked in the War of 1812. The Marines were overrun by superior forces but they earned the respect of their enemy. Some say the British spared the Commandant's House at 8th and I Streets SE out of respect.
Black, Henry H.: Seventh Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps serving from June 1, 1975 until March 31, 1977. He was born Feb 9, 1929 in Imperial, PA.
Blanket Party.: Used most often to "encourage" a screw up to mend his ways. While sleeping his platoon mates would sneak up on him or her, cover them with a blanket and administer numerous blows to the writhing mass. Not authorized and punishable under the UCMJ. Also no often used.
Blivet.: Anything overstuffed or a rubber fuel bladder. Also a modified fuel tank used to haul small cargo outside the aircraft. (WWII)Two pounds of shit in a one pound bag. Called a Herkimer in World War II.
Block.: To tighten or straighten a fieldscarf (necktie).
Blood Groove.: A groove in a fighting knife or sword to allow for blood to flow from a wound so that the blade can be removed easier (a significant concern in close combat).
Blood Stripe.: A red stripe worn down the outside of the legs on dress blue uniforms. It is worn by noncommissioned officers, warrant officers and commissioned officers, traditionally to honor the high number of casualties among those ranks at the Battle of Chapultapec in the Mexican War.
Bloop or Bloopem.: (Vietnam) Unofficial field command to hit a target with an M79 grenade launcher.
Blooper.: M79 grenade launcher. At least one is assigned to each squad of infantry Marines.
Blouse.: The service or dress coat worn by Marines. Also the act of tucking pant legs into boots so that the fabric "bloused" over the boots (worn mostly by Army personnel and in utilities). Additionally, the art of tucking in a shirt with military creases so that it appeared tight over the entire belt line and causing a slight overhang between the two outside creases in the back.
Blowing Smoke.: Wasting time, talking for no purpose and to no effect.
Blown Away.: Killed.
BLT.: Battalion Landing Team, main body of infantrymen that make up a MEU.
Blue Blood.: Former enlisted Marine who crossed over and accepted a commission. See Mustang.
Blue Falcon.: Intended to mean Buddy Fucker. Someone who causes trouble for another.
Blue Peter.: The International Signal Flag for the letter P. It is a blue square with a white square within it. It signals that all hands are to return to ship as it is preparing to go to sea.
Blue Water Sailor.: One who sails on the deep seas, as opposed to members of the Coast Guard who are Shallow Water Sailors. See Brown Water Navy.
Blues.: The Dress Blue uniform.
Boat.: Any small vessel incapable of making regular independent voyages on the high seas. Traditionally, a submarine.
Body Armor.: Flack jacket.
BOHICA.: Bend Over, Here It Comes Again. Boo Coo.; (Vietnam) Derived from the French beaucoup meaning many or much.
Boondockers.: Shoes with high sides, manufactured to 1917 specifications and famous for having the heels come off. Discontinued in the latter part of the 20th Century.
Boondocks.: Anyplace out in the country.
Boondoggle.: Any situation in which the Marine gets more out of an assignment, job or situation than the Marine Corps. A good time at the Uncle's expense.
Boonies.: Boondocks.
Boonie Hat.: Field cover with a brim all the way around it. It became an issue item in 2001 when the no-iron cammies were introduced. May not be worn in garrison.
Boot.: A recruit, a rookie, a newbie. Applicable to all U. S. military services.
Boot Camp.: In the Marine Corps it is officially Recruit Training and it is conducted at Marine Corps Recruit Depots at Parris Island SC and San Diego CA. Parents, friends and other relatives of Marine Corps Recruits can find help and understanding among the members of myMarine.
Boots and Utes.: A uniform combination consisting of the utility uniform (the uniform worn in the field) and boots. Most often prescribed for physical training events.
Bogey.: An unidentified object, usually an aircraft, ship or other mobile weapons system.
BOQ.: Bachelor Officer Quarters.
Boucoup.: (Vietnam)Many, a large amount. From the Vietnamese French.
Bouncing Betty.: A US anti-personnel mine that pops into the air to waist level before exploding.
Box of Grid Squares.: One of the endless group of nonexistent items that new members of a unit would be sent looking for. This one was used mainly in artillery.
Boxsee.: Vietnamese word for doctor. Marines called their corpsmen by this name.
Boy.: A Civil War era rank just below private. Boys were "apprenticed" to the Marine Corps (and the Navy) to learn useful jobs. Many later enlisted or joined the Marine Corps Band. In the Navy they were put on ship and made "powder monkeys".
Brady, James.: Press Secretary to Ronald Reagan who was shot during an attempted assassination of the President. He suffered severe brain trauma. A journalist and author. His name was given to a law that requires a waiting list for the purchase of handguns and he became an advocate of hand gun control. Served in the Corps during Korea.
Brain Bucket.: Helmet of any type including combat kevlar and aviation headgear.
Brain Fart.: Discontinuity, lost of concentration, a senior moment.
Brain Housing Group.: The human head. Also melon or grape.
Brass.: Officers.
Brat.: See Military Brat.
BRAVO.: (Commtalk) B.
Bravo Zulu.: Well done. From the Allied Naval Signal Book (ACP-175 Series) adopted after the formation of NATO.
Bridge.: The compartment aboard ship, usually in the superstructure, where the captain controls the ship by issuing orders. It is the ship's at sea headquarters.
Brig.: A jail in the naval services usually operated by Marines. Also a small warship under sail during the 18th and 19th Centuries.
Brig Chaser.: A Marine, now normally an MP, assigned to guard a prisoner while being transported to a location outside the brig, often for a work detail.
Brig Rat.: A prisoner or someone who is frequently in trouble.
Brig Step.: A regular step as in marching but the distance between the front of one prisoner and the back of the one in front is reduced to about four inches so that they must all step together. It is a common method of controlling prisoners while moving them from place to place. It is an illegal step for anyone other than a prisoner.
Brigadier General.: First of the Flag Officer ranks of commissioned officers signified by a silver star on the collar of the uniform. The pay grade is O-7 and is the same in the Army and the Air Force. In the Navy and Coast Guard the rank is Read Admiral (lower half) and at some times the rank of Commodore has been used. The rank is additionally indicated on the sleeves of various uniforms by a two inch gold band topped by a one inch gold band and an insignia indicating the branch of the service to which the officer is assigned (most often a gold star indicating a line officer). Shoulder boards are mostly gold with a silver fouled anchor and one silver star.
Brigadier.: A rank in the Royal Marines equivalent to Brigadier General in the U. S. Marine Corps.
Bronze Star.: A personal decoration originally intended for valorous service. By the end of the 20th Century it was being given out for many non-combat acts, it even became known as the "officers' good conduct medal". The value of the award was deflated so much that a metal "V" device to be worn on the medal's suspension ribbon was issued to indicate valor--it succeeds only infrequently. The Bronze Star medal can also be awarded for superior service. After World War II it was given retroactivelly to every soldier who had been awarded the Combat Infantry Badge.
Brown Shoe Marine.: An old salt. Until Secretary of Defense MacNamara, under President Kennedy, forced all of the services to use the same shoes, Marines were issued brown shoes. In the early 1960s the shoe color changed to black but the old salts continued to wear their brown shoes as long as they could get away with it. The color of the dress shoe polish was actually "Cordovan" which was a dark brown with a red tint. In the Navy, any member of the aviation community is called Brown Shoe in reference to the aviator's brown flying boots.
Brown Shoe Navy.: Naval officers assigned to aviation billets from World War II through Vietnam were authorized Aviation Greens in addition to their standard Navy blue uniform. The cut was very similar to Marine greens except that there was no belt. Rank insignia was in black and they wore a khaki shirt and black necktie. The shoes were lighter brown than the standard Marine Corps issue of the time and they wore tan socks. The Naval Aviator wings were gold embroidered and the fore and aft cap had small solid gold wings on the port side and rank insignia on the starboard.
Brown Side Out.: (Vietnam Era) Helmet covers and shelter halves were green camo on one side and brown camo on the other. This was the instruction to place the brown camo on the outside. It was most often used to describe confusion in orders as the color would change frequently and ultimately someone would show up for formation in the wrong color.
Brown Water Navy.: Operations in rivers and other shallow water locations. See Shallow Water Sailor.
Brownbagger.: A person who carried lunch rather than eat at the mess hall (usually a Married Marine). Also a bar just outside the main gate to Camp Lejeune, NC.
Bucket of Steam.: A commodity used in a practical joke by “salty” Marines who would send inexperienced comrades on a mission to find one as part of an informal initiation rite. Taken from a similar tactic among sailors.
Buddy.: Best friend. It is said that a real buddy is someone who will go into town when you are restricted to base and get himself two blow jobs, then come back to base and give one of them to you.
Buddy Unit: (Iraq) Two Marines, usually half a fire team. Emerging as the basic urban combat fighting unit. The tactical movement of a buddy team is for one Marine to lay down covering fire while the other Marine moves forward to a covered position only feet in front of the position being vacated. Then they change duties. This eliminates the "fireteam forwaqrd" movement and places the squad leader even further from the action. Some tacticians are calling for squaq leaders to join the leading fire team as a third member and lead by example--his other fire teams following along a flank. When one member of a buddy unit is incapacitated he is left behind in forward movement and the other Marine joins a nearby buddy unit as a third member. The problem with this tactic is that it decentralizes the command structure requiring even the most junior Marine to make command decisions.
Bug Juice.: Colored, sweetened water served on ship or in mess halls. Also a bug repellant used in Vietnam.
Bug Out.: To leave quickly, usually as a unit. An individual would bug.
Bulkhead.: Wall, from the naval term for the water-tight structure between compartments on a ship.
Bull.: The center or highest scoring part of a target often called a Bulls Eye.
Bull Run.: The first major battle of the Civil War in which a battalion of inexperienced Marines from the Washington Navy Yard performed well beyond what should have been expected of them. With an average of 3 weeks since enlisting, the Marines were trained enroute to the battle by Major John G. Reynolds, the battalion commander, and his officers. They supported the 11th New York "Fire Zouaves" in the first attack during which the Zouaves broke and ran--never to be seen again on the battlefield-taking the Marines with them from the field. The Marines were rallied four times and entered the battle (a rate equal to the professional soldiers of the Federal Army) five times. On the fifth attack the field was swept by fresh Confederate troops (in blue uniforms) who had just been brought in by train from the Shenandoah Valley. General McDowell and his officers roundly praised the Marines for their skill and tenacity but Colonel Commandant John Harris, in his report to the Secretary of the Navy, wrote, "It is the first instance in history where any portion of its members turned their backs on the enemy." Ignoring fact, the Commandant attempted to hurt the career of Major Reynolds and established a lie in the annals of the Corps.
Bullshit.: A card game played by groups of Marines while standing in line, usually aboard ship. A player will draw five cards from a shuffeled deck and after reviewing the hand will announce the hand (it can be anything from "One Jack" to "Full Boat, Flush"). The next Marine in line will decide if the announced hand is what the player has and will either accept or proclaim "bullshit". If the hand is accepted the Marine can draw from one to five cards and announce the hand, but his hand must be better than the hand he accepted. This continues until someone calls "bullshit". There is no scoring as the game is usually played while standing up.
Bum Scoop.: Bad information. Often information passed on by Bum Scoop Ned.
Bumfucknowhere.: Often Bumfuck Egypt meaning in the middle of nowhere--very, very remote.
Bunker.: A covered and reinforced fighting hole.
Burrows, William Ward.: Second Marine Commandant. Appointed a major under the authority of the Act of July 11, 1798 which established the Marine Corps he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Commandant on May 1, 1800 under the authority of the Act of April 22, 1800. He was born in South Carolina on Jan. 16, 1758 and died in office on March 6, 1804.
Bush.: (Vietnam)Outside the perimeter wire. The boonies.
Bust Caps.: A firefight. The actual firing of a weapon.
Bust Heavies.: (Vietnam era)To work hard.
But.: The pits on a rifle range.
Butt.: A cigarette or a wooden cask or barrel in the wooden Navy.
Butt Kit.: Ash tray. Often a #10 tin can filled with dirt or sand.
Butter Bar.: Second lieutenant or ensign, from the gold color of their rank insignia. A pejorative term.
Bursting Bomb.: An ancient insignia used in the Marine Corps to designate a warrant officer with the MOS that entitles him or her to be called "gunner" and on the enlisted grade insignia of master gunnery sergeant.
Buy The Farm.: Killed.
Buzzard, Ball and Hook.: Another version of Bird, Ball and Chain.
By the Numbers.: In sequence. From the beginning. Used to indicate that the action would have to be done precisely as directed.
By your leave...: A phrase spoken by a junior when overcoming a senior prior to passing. Also a request to be allowed to depart. Usually followed by "sir" or "ma'm".

Links to another web site with more info.

Indicates additional reading on this topic.

-C-
NUMBERS 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

C-Rations.

Individual meals used in the field from World War II until Vietnam. They came in a box containing cans of food and a foil accessory pack. They were replaced by the Meal, Ready to Eat.

Cadet.

A student at the U. S. Military Academy, U. S. Air Force Academy, Reserve Officer Training Corps units as well as other officer procurement organizations. See Aviation Cadet.

Cadillac.

Marine Corps issued boots. The predominant form of transportation for recruits and infantry Marines.

Call Out

To challenge another to a fight. Formalized by the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program it is supervised by a martial arts trainer. The rules are complex.

Call Sign.

(Commtalk)The word identifier for a unit, aircraft or pilot. [NOTE: The editor is attempting to compile a list of Call Signs actually used in Vietnam. Please send your list to Callsigns@4merMarine.com.

CamelBac®.

A name brand version of a personal hydration system which allows the wearer to sip water through a tube from a bladder worn on the back.

Cammies.

The field uniform of the Marine Corps since the 1970s. The original design was stolen by the Army and then every other military service and in 2002 the “pixilated” design was introduced. The pixelated design itself includes tiny Marine Corps emblems and blends better into most natural settings.

Campaign Cover.

The hat worn by drill instructors. Sometimes called a Smoky Bear hat. The only official Marine headgear not called a cover.

Cannon Cocker.

A Marine in the artillery or a Navy gunner's mate.

Canoe U.

The U. S. Naval Academy.

CAO.

Casualty Assistance Officer.

CAP.

(aviation) Combat Air Patrol. (Vietnam)Combined Action Platoon, Marines and Vietnamese soldiers working together, generally as part of the "Pacification Program".

Cap.

(Vietnam)To fire at something or someone. See Busting Caps. From the act of busting the primer cap on a round of amunition.

Captain. (Navy)

The sixth grade of commissioned officer of the Navy or Coast Guard indicated by silver eagles worn on the collar points or by four broad gold stripes topped by a gold star or insignia of branch of service on the shoulder board or jacket sleeve. The pay grade is O-6 and in the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps is a colonel.

Captain. (Marine)

The third grade of commissioned officer and most senior of the company grade officers indicated by two silver bars on the collar of the uniform. The rank insignia for a Captain of Marines differs from every other service's rank insignia

(the tie-bars are are at the ends of the rank bars rather than somewhat inboard like a railroad track--no one seems to know why and most reference souces use it incorrectly--the photo shown here is correct). The pay grade is O-3 and is the same in the Army and the Air Force. In the Navy and Coast Guard the rank is lieutenant and is additionally indicated on the shoulder boards and sleeves of various uniforms by two broad gold bands topped by the insignia indicating the branch of the service to which the officer is assigned (most often a gold star indicating a line officer) or, in the Coast Guard, a gold shield.

Captain Jinx of the Horse Marines.

A popular square dance tune from the 19th Century. The captain is actually an Army officer but the tune was so popular that no application of fact could change the words.

Captain’s Mast.

Non-judicial punishment exercised by a ship captain.

Carry On.

An informal order to continue what you were doing before being interrupted, usually by the appearance of a commissioned officer.

Casual Company (or Platoon).

A unit of Marines awaiting reassignment.

Cat 4.

Applicants who scored next to the lowest on the entrance exams. Under normal circumstances they would not be allowed to enlist but during times of war and when recruiting was difficult a number of them were allowed to join. In the 1960 the Pentagon was forced to accept some social engineering called Project 100,000 in which a great number of Cat 4 enlistees were taken in--the military has yet to recover. For classification purposes the category was further broken down to 4a, 4b or 4c which were defined by recruiters as "animal," "vegetable," or "mineral."

Cat 9.

A reference to someone as "beyond dumb" since Category 5 is the lowest of the scores on the entrance exams.

Catapult.

A device on aircraft carriers that hurls an aircraft into the air. Operated by a giant steam piston it shakes the entire ship when engaged.

Cates, Clifton B.

Nineteenth Commandant of the Marine Corps. A Tennessee native, he was born Aug 31, 1893 and died June 4, 1970. He served as Commandant from Jan 1, 1948 until Dec 31, 1951 in the rank of General.

Cattle Car.

A cargo trailer converted by adding bus doors to the right side, sealing the back doors and adding bench seating. It was pulled by a truck utilizing a fifth-wheel and it was employed at Parris Island and Quantico until the late 1960s to transport recruits and officer candidates. The editor is a PI Marine and is of the understanding that Hollywood Marine recruits at San Diego were and still are transported from place to place in limos.

CC.

Correctional Custody.

CAX.

Combined Arms Exercise. Exercises the MAGTF.

CG.

Commanding General.

CH-46 Sea Knight.

Twin engine helicopter capable of carrying a platoon of Marines.

Chain of Command.

The continuous chain of authority that links the most junior private to the Commander in Chief and vice versa. Many argue that the U. S. implementation of the chain of command is the most important strategy employed by our military forces. In other armies the loss of a commander would throw the entire organization into disorder while in the U. S. military, the next most senior person present just assumes command. It is taught that whenever two Marines are walking together, one is in charge.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

A general or admiral appointed by the President to serve as his senior military advisor. He works with the Secretary of Defense and has no direct authority over the individual services. He does, however, direct the Unified Commands as the direct superior to their Commanders (who were previously called Commander in Chief until the practice was ended by President Bush who wanted exclusive use of the title).

Challenge.

A word or phrase given by a sentry to someone approaching his or her post. The person approaching must give the password or the sentry will assume that the person approaching is an enemy or an unauthorized person. Also Challenge Coin--a coin shared by members of a specific organization which is used to identify a member of that group to another member of the group.

CHAMPUS.

Civilian Health And Medical Program of the Uniformed Services. (The military HMO)--now TRICARE.

Chaplain.

A religious leader commissioned into the Navy to provide religious services to and for members of the Naval establishment. They are addressed as Chaplain regardless of rank.

Chapman Jr., Leonard F.

Twenty fourth Commandant of the Marine Corps, serving from Jan. 1, 1968 until Dec. 31, 1971. He was born Nov. 3, 1913.

CHARLIE.

(Commtalk) C.

Charles.

(Commtalk) Correct.

Charlie.

(Vietnam)A Viet Communist soldier, abbreviated VC or Victor Charlie, thus Charlie.

Charlie Echo Code.

A numerical code devised by aviators during the Vietnam War after they were admonished for their frequent use of profanity and unkind references to staff and command personnel. The code was a three-digit number with each number having a specific meaning. It was used in the form “Charlie Echo 103”.

Charlie Sierra.

Chicken Shit.

Check.

Yes, affirmative or I agree.

Check your six.

Look behind you. From the aviation term, “your 6 o’clock” referring to the relative location of an aircraft with 12 o’clock being directly in front of the airplane.

Cheeseburgers.

See Sliders.

Cherry Boy.

A newcomer to the Orient.

Chesty.

Lieutenant General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, legendary former enlisted Marine (see Mustang) who commanded Marines during the Korean War. Many Drill Instructors require their recruits to recite, “Good night General Puller, wherever you are.” Upon retiring at night. Also a favorite name for a bulldog who is the mascot of a Marine unit.

Marine PFC Chevron.

A basic element of the enlisted rank structure. Until the late 19th Century chevrons were worn in the European tradition with the point facing down--except in the Marine Corps where they have always pointed up. Now the normal position for a chevron in the United States military is with the point up.

Chi-Com.

(Vietnam) Chinese Communist.

Chicken Shit.

Stupid and petty stuff usually directed by someone of more rank or authority.

Chief of Naval Operations.

Abbreviated CNO, this is the highest ranking Naval Officer, reporting to the Secretary of the Navy. He sits as a regular member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and is eligible to serve as Chairman. He holds the rank of admiral. The Commandant of the Marine Corps does not report to the CNO.

Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

The highest ranking officer in the Air Force, reporting to the Secretary of the Air Force. He sits as a regular member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and is eligible to serve as Chairman. He holds the rank of general.

Chief of Staff of the Army.

The highest ranking officer in the Army, reporting to the Secretary of the Army. Prior to the Civil War an officer in this position was often called General-in-Chief. It was last applied to Winfield Scott, commander of U. S. troops in the Mexican War. He sits as a regular member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and is eligible to serve as Chairman. He holds the rank of general.

Chief of the Boat.

The senior chief petty officer on a submarine.

Chief Petty Officer.

A Navy and Coast Guard enlisted rank consisting of three inverted chevrons with an inverted rocker on top and a Navy eagle sitting on the rocker. See Gunnery Sergeant of Marines.

Chief Warrant Officer.

A Warrant Officer who has been commissioned. The top four grades of Warrant Officer (W-2 through W-5) are commissioned officers. (See Gunner and Lipstick Lieutenant)

Chieu-Hoi.

(Vietnam) Unconditional surrender by an enemy soldier or force.

China Marines.

Marines of the 4th Marine Regiment assigned to China in the first half of the 20th Century. Also called Horse Marines.

Chit.

Any piece of paper authorizing something (light duty chit, leave chit, etc.) within the Naval establishment.

Chop Chop.

Quickly or in a hurry. Derived from Chinese by the old China Marines.

Chopper.

Helicopter.

Chosin Reservoir.

The fiercest and most costly battle in the Korean War was a retreat under fire in 30 below temperatures against a well-trained, much larger force. Chesty Puller and all of the Marines were professional in all aspects of the operation. They won the respect of everyone from General MacArthur to the newest Army private who fought with them. See Puller, Lewis B.

Chow Hall.

Place where meals are served, sometimes called a Mess. See Mess Deck.

Chuck.

(Vietnam) A reference to white Marines by black Marines.

CID.

Criminal Investigation Division. A unit of the Military Police charged with criminal investigations, polygraph examinations and other detective work. They are both commissioned and non-commissioned officers but wear civilian clothing and their rank is indicated as Investigator. They work closely with Naval Criminal Investigation Service (formerly NIS).

Cinderella Liberty.

Liberty that expires at midnight. Used mostly in foreign ports where the captain is concerned for the safety of his crew or as a subliminal form of punishment.

Class VI.

A military liquor store. From the priority level assigned to the shippment of such supplies during World War II. Class I was for medical supplies and amunition, Class II for food and the lowest priority, Class VI, included liquor for troop consumption. Often written Class 6.

Class A.

The green service uniform with ribbons. Term use until about the 1980s, replaced by "Alphas".

Claymore.

Directional anti-personnel mine with plastic explosive propelling ball bearings. Often used in perimeter defense.

Cleary, Robert E.

Tenth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps having served from June 28, 1983 until June 26, 1987. He was born in Tewksbury, MA on June 2, 1931.

Click.

An inexact distance derived from artillery sightings in which each click of site elevation would move the impact point depending on a number of diverse options. Usually taken to mean either a mile or a kilometer. Used mostly since Vietnam. Another legend has it that when the GP (jeep) vehicle was first introduced the odometer would click every one fifth of a mile and that soldiers soon learned to judge distance by the click so that they could pay attention to road hazards and enemy positions. Take your pick.

Close Air Support.

A concept developed by Marines during the Bananna Wars of the 1930s, copied by the Germans in World War II and perfected by the Marines ever since. Aircraft strafe enemy positions or formations only yards from the Marine front line. Marine aviators are most proficient at it but flying sailors also do an acceptable job. The Navy calls it, "Moving mud to help out the grunts."

Cluster Fuck.

(Vietnam) A mission, operation or activity gone bad. Confusion.

Circle Jerk.

See Cluster Fuck.

CMC.

Commandant of the Marine Corps. The senior officer in the Marine Corps although under the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Unified Command systems of organization it is possible to have a Marine whose billet outranks the Commandant (Gen. Peter Pace, when Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was in a position that out ranks the Commandant). Also, in the Navy, Command Master Chief Petty Officer.

CO.

Commanding Officer. Also, concientious objector.

Coast Guard.

One of the five armed services and the only one not in the Department of Defense. In peacetime they are part of the Department of Homeland Security because of their missions which include water search and rescue, drug interdiction and waterway safety. Prior to being transferred to Homeland Secirity they were part of the Department of Transportation. They were originally part of the Treasury Department because one of the major components that became the Coast Guard, the Revenue Cutter Service, was in that Department. The other major components that became the Coast Guard in the early 20th Century were the coastal U. S. Life Saving Service and the Lighthouse Service.

Coastie.

A member of the Coast Guard.

Coaxial Machinegun.

A machinegun mounted exactly alongside a tank cannon enabling the tank's gunner to use the same fire control system for both weapons.

COC.

Combat Operations Center. Sometimes called the Center of Confusion.

Code Talkers.

Navajo Marines who were recruited during World War II to serve as field radio operators. They would take the orders of the various commanders and translate them into Navajo and sending the information to another Code Talker who would translate it back into English. It is the only field code never broken by the Japanese.

Colonel.

The sixth grade of commissioned officer and senior field grade officer indicated by a silver eagle (always facing forward) on the collar of the uniform. Air Force and Marine colonels wear two eagles while Army colonels wear the eagle only on the left collar while the insignia of their branch of service is worn on the other. The pay grade is O-6 and in the Navy and Coast Guard the rank is captain.

Colors.

The time of day when the national flag is hoisted or lowered from the flagpole. All personnel stop and render appropriate honors during this period. Also the flag of a specific unit upon which the battle streamers are mounted.

Color Sergeant.

By regulation the most senior sergeant (E-5) in the Marine Corps. He or she is assigned to 8th and Eye and has charge of he official colors of the Marine Corps.

COMCIVLANT.

Navy version of 1st Civ. Div. COMmander, CIVilians, AtLANTic.

Commandant's Own.

Name given to the United States Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps.

Combat Correspondents.

Marines who report war news from the front and who assist the news media in reporting about Marines in combat. They are trained at the Defense Information School. See United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association.

Commandant of the Coast Guard.

The highest ranking officer in the Coast Guard reporting to the Secretary of Homeland Security in peace time and the Secretary of the Navy in wartime. He holds the rank of admiral.

Commandant of the Marine Corps.

The highest ranking person in the Marine Corps. The first CMC was a captain and the rank has increased until today he holds the rank of general. He is appointed by the President and reports to the Secretary of the Navy. He sits as a regular member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and is eligible to serve as Chairman.

Commander in Chief.

The President of the United States. Prior to 2002 it was also used to indicate the senior officer in a unified command. In June of 2002 the Secretary of Defense decreed that the only CinC in the U.S. would be the POTUS

Commander.

One who is in charge of a military unit or, in the Navy and Coast Guard a rank equivalent to a Marine lieutenant colonel. See lieutenant colonel.

Commanding General.

A general officer in charge of a unit with the authorities granted under the UCMJ to dispense justice appropriate to his or her rank.

Commanding Officer.

A person in charge of a unit with the authorities granted under the UCMJ to dispense justice appropriate to his or her rank.

Commando.

Not wearing skivvies.

Commissary.

Grocery store on base run by DeCA (Defense Commissary Agency).

Commissioned Officer.

Officers who have been designated as “officers and gentlemen” by the Congress on the advice of the President. Noncommissioned officers are rated and warrant officers are granted warrants to their grade. Enlisted Marines are fond of making note that their parents made them gentlemen, it did not require an act of Congress. The commissioned ranks are: second lieutenant, first lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, brigadier general, major general, lieutenant general and general.

Commo Wire.

Field telephone wire.

Company.

A unit containing more than one platoon. They are typically commanded by a captain. Companies are assigned within Battalions.

Company Grade.

A commissioned officer in the first three grades. In the Navy and Coast Guard they are ensign, lieutenant (junior grade) and lieutenant. In the Army, Air Force or Marine Corps they are first and second lieutenants and captain. Traditionally, particularly in the Naval services, these officers may be addressed as mister, but a smart Marine doesn’t follow this tradition.

Company Gunny.

Usually a gunnery sergeant in a company who is charged with training. It is a billet and not a rank.

ComRats.

Commuted Rations. Payment in lieu of eating in the mess hall, usually paid to married Marines.

Comshaw.

See Cumshaw.

Concertina.

Coiled ribbons of metal with both edges razor sharp. Used to deter access to an area.

Conscientious objector.

Someone who objects to combat on religious grounds. They can serve in non-combatant positions (including service on the battlefield as a corpsman or other unarmed person) or they can serve in non-military public service assignments. They are usually not slackards or traitors and deserve respect for making dificult decisions before getting someone hurt or killed in combat.

Confederate States Marine Corps.

Many of the officers of the CSM were formerly officers or noncommissioned officers in the U. S. Marine Corps who resigned to "go south". Their headquarters were at the fort at Drewry's Bluff on the James River keeping the U. S. Navy from firing on Richmond, the Confederate capital.

Confidence Course.

A series of large scale obstacles that a Marine must overcome, particularly in boot camp. It is generally not a timed event and is most often an individual effort to overcome fears of height and to develop confidence in recruits. See Obstacle Course.

Congressional Medal of Honor.

No such thing. See Medal of Honor.

Constructionman.

A Navy enlisted rank. See Seaman.

Contraband.

(Civil War) A slave freed by Union forces. Their status was unique in that, while they were in the South they were legally free but in reality slaves. When they passed into the hands of Union forces they were still slaves (the Emancipation Proclamation did not free slaves in the Union). Many of them enlisted into the Army or Navy, but because of their status could serve only in menial positions. A male contraband could, for instance, enlist in the Navy and serve in the rank of Boy being paid $8 per month (about half the pay of Seamen or Landsmen) Many sailors of the time were free blacks and were treated like any other shipmate, but they would not associate with contrabands. It was only after the Civil War that the Navy was segregated. There were no blacks in either the U. S. or C. S. Marines during the Civil War.

CONUS.

Continental United States.

Conway, James T.

34th Commandant of the Marine Corps. Began his tenure in November 2006.

Cool Beans.

Everything is OK.

Cop.

To get, as in "cop some Zs".

Corfam_®.

A material used to make dress shoes and boots that has a high gloss finish. See Spit Shine. A registered product of the DuPont Company.

Corp.

An abbreviation for the word corporation which is frequently used incorrectly in place of the word Corps.

Corporal of Marines.

The first of the noncommissioned officer ranks is indicated by two chevrons and crossed rifles below them worn on both sleeves. The pay grade is E-4 and is equivalent to corporal in the Army, senior airman in the Air Force and petty officer third class in the Navy and Coast Guard..

Corps.

A military unit containing multiple Divisions or a unique, specified military organization given the designation.

Corpsman.

An enlisted member of the Navy Medical Corps trained in field medical aid. (During WWII they were Pharmacist Mates.) They usually wear Marine Corps unifoms with Navy rank and insignia. See Doc. Until they are promoted to Chief Petty Officer they wear subdued insignia of rank on the right collar of field uniforms and a shield with a Caduceus on the left collar. On service uniforms they wear their rank insignia on the left arm only. Their rank structure is:

HR - Hospital Recruit (E-1)
HA - Hospital Apprentice (E-2)
HN - Hospitalman (E-3)
HM3 - Hospital Corpsman Third Class (E-4)
HM2 - Hospital Corpsman Second Class (E-5)
HM1 - Hospital Corpsman First Class (E-6)
HMC - Chief Hospital Corpsman (E-7)
HMCS - Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (E-8)
HMCM - Master Chief Hospital Corpsman (E-9)

Cosmolene^®.

A protective fluid placed on rifles and other metal objects which hardens and keeps the item from rusting or corroding. It must be removed before the item can be used. Also refers to something new as in, "it was still in cosmolene".

Court Street.

Liberty destination in Jacksonville NC for Marines from Camp Lejeune, Camp Geiger and MCAS New River. Until the 1980s the street was populated with bars, pawn shops and the bus station. The town cleaned it up and turned it into a "mall" sending the liberty crowd to the "second front", a range of bars along US 17.

Cover.

Caps, hats and other things worn on the head. Marines wear covers, regardless of what the headgear actually is (except for the Campaign Cover which is often called "The Hat"). A Marine's cover is always removed when indoors unless that Marine is armed. Also, in ranks, to align directly behind the Marine in front of you.

Coxswain.

One who steers a boat or has charge of its crew. Pronounced cox-SUN.

CP.

Command Post. Unit headquarters.

Cracker Jack.

Sailor.

Crawford, Leland D.

Ninth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps having served from Aut. 16, 1979 until June 27, 1983. He was born in Sharon, WV on Feb. 16, 1930.

Crew-Served Weapon.

Any weapon which requires more than one Marine to fire. Most artillery pieces, tanks and large machine guns fit in this category.

Crossing the Line.

An allegorical ceremony performed aboard ship whenever the ship crosses a navigational line such as the equator or into another ocean. Very colorful and usually involves an initiation of those who have never crossed the line before.

Crotch, The.

The Corps (pejorative form).

Crow.

General reference to the Naval Eagle in the rank insignia of U. S. Navy petty officers.

Crucible.

A 54-hour training event in which Marine recruits are physically and mentally challenged by lack of sleep, minimal food, forced marches, teamwork exercises and leadership opportunities. It is the final major training event of boot camp and is designed to pull together everything they have been taught previously and survive a real challenge. Parents of recruits or potential recruits should be told that while it will be difficult for their child, it is safe and well supervised. It culminates in the Warrior Breakfast and signals a change in their drill instructors from task masters to mentors.

Cruise.

See Deployment.

Crumb Catcher.

The mouth.

Cumshaw.

A present or gratuity, often a piece of needed equipment that appears when needed (while at the same time a similar item disappears from another unit). A cumshaw artist is generally prized within a unit for his or her ability to provide-and few questions are asked. From the old Chinese term “kam sia” meaning grateful thanks. The term was used at the start of World War II to describe payoffs by Honolulu's Hotel Street prostitutes to local police officials.

Cunt Cap.

Garrison cover. See Pisscutter.

Cupola.

The tank commander's hatch.

CUPP.

(Vietnam) Combined Unit Pacification Program. Units consisting of Marines and South Vietnamese soldiers.

Cushman Jr., Robert E.

Twenty fifth Commandant of the Marine Corps, serving from Jan. 1, 1972 until June 30, 1975. The Naval Academy graduate was born Dec. 24, 1914 and dies Jan. 2, 1985.

Links to another web site with more info.

Indicates additional reading on this topic.

-D-
NUMBERS 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

Da Nang.: (Vietnam) Major Marine base and seaport on the China Sea in southern I Corps.
Dailey, Joseph W.: Fifth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps from Aug 1, 1969 until Jan 31, 1973, he was born Feb 17, 1917 in Black Mountain, Arkansas.
Daily Seven.: Physical Training exercises expected of every Marine.
Dap.: A complicated and unique hand shake devised by African American Marines in Vietnam as a demonstration of racial pride. Quickly picked up by non African Americans and eventually a common form of greeting. It came back to the United States with many of the veterans and became widespread for more than a decade.
Date of Enlistment.: For enlisted personnel this is the third level used to determine precedence among individuals of the same rank. The senior of two persons of the same rank is determined by the earliest date of rank while among two or more where rank and date of rank are identical, the one with the earliest date of enlistment is senior.
Date of Commissioning.: For commissioned officers this date serves the same purpose as Date of Enlistment does for enlisted personnel although it is seldom used as precedence among officers is much more structured.
Date of Promotion.: The day on which a promotion warrant or order is signed.
Date of Rank.: The day on which a promotion is effective. Usually the date of rank is prior to the date of promotion (sometimes by days, sometimes by weeks, sometimes by years depending on the requirements of the promoting authority). Date of rank is used to establish precedence for promotion to the next higher rank and to establish seniority among individuals of the same rank (See General of the Armies).
DD Form 4.: The enlistment contract. All promises made by recruiters MUST be listed on the Form 4 or they are not real.
DD Form 214.: The certificate of service issued upon discharge. It lists all pertinent service information such as rank, date of rank, awards, special education and nature of service (honorable, bad conduct, dishonorable).
Dead Horse.: In the sailing navy, the period of time a sailor worked to pay off advance pay. See Beating a Dead Horse.
Deck.: Floor, from the naval term.
Deck Ape.: Anyone in the Deck Force on board ship (those sailors who chip paint, swab decks, mend canvas and create ornamental rope work). Generally a Boatswain's Mate or Boatswain's Mate striker.
Deep Six.: To throw something overboard or away. Originally the call of a sailor to the bridge that the depth of the water is more than six but not quite seven fathoms.
DEERS.: Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (used to register dependents for CHAMPUS and numerous other programs).
Defilade.: A cut or low spot in the ground used for cover by tanks and personnel.
Delayed Enlistment Program.: A recruiting procedure which allows a person to enlist in the inactive reserve prior to being ordered to active duty. It legally binds the person to enlistment and gives him or her seniority when ordered to active duty. See Poolee.
DELTA.: (Commtalk) D.
Delta Delta.: Dependent Daughter (see Dependent Wife)
Delta Hotel.: Dependent Husband (see Dependent Wife)
Delta Sierra.: Dumb Shit. Also Dependent Son (see Dependent Wife)
Delta Whiskey.: Dependent Wife. From the radio phonetics used by Military Police for the abbreviation DW. (see Alpha Unit)
DEP.: Delayed Enlistment Program.
Department of the Navy.: The unit, under the Department of Defense, that manages the Navy and Marine Corps. There are also Departments of the Army and Air Force.
Dependent.: Usually the spouse and children of military people. Others can be dependents if they meet the dependency criteria of the service.
Deployment.: Leaving the normally assigned duty area, usually as a unit, to serve temporarily in another area, normally on board ship. See Float.
DEROS.: Date of Estimated Return from Overseas.
Desertion.: Unauthorized absence (AWOL) of more than 30 days.
Deuce and a Half.: A two and a half ton truck. Also known as a Six By (it had six wheels on each side and each was a drive wheel). See Multi-fueler.
Deuce Gear.: See 782 gear.
Devil Doc.: Nickname for Navy hospital corpsmen assigned to Marine Corps field units.
Devil Dog.: A Marine. The name “Teufel Hunden” was given to the Marines by their German enemies in World War I, probably as an insult since hunden translates more correctly as "bitch". It has come to be considered a sign of respect for the dogged determination of Marines.
DI.: Abbreviation for drill instructor. Also a mid-20th Century movie about a drill instructor at Parris Island, SC starring Jack Webb.
Di Di.: Pronounced D-D. From the Vietnamese term Di Di Mau which was loosely translated to mean "move quickly".
Dick Cheese.: Term used for someone of little of no value as a person or a member of a unit or team.
Dick Holster.: Mouth. Usually used in reference to Women Marines.
Dick Skinners.: Hands.
Didie Bop.: To move in such a manner as to be extremely cool. (Vietnam) Diddy; to move on, usually quickly.
Diggies: Digitalized patern camouflage uniform fabric.
Dink.: (Vietnam) Enemy or, generically, Vietnamese.
Dinky Dau.: A Vietnamese term translated by Americans to mean crazy.
Dinged.: (Vietnam) Wounded.
Disneyland: The 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC in the 1960. So named because it was the only one with the new brick, three deck barracks. The 1st Battalion was called Frontierland and the 2nd Battalion was called the Twilight Zone. The 4th Battalion was then officially called Woman Marine Battalion.
Ditty Dot.: Radio operator, from Morse Code, dit and dot.
Division.: A unit containing multiple (usually three) regiments plus supporting units, commanded by a major general.
Dixie Cup.: Headgear worn by enlisted sailors through the grade of E-6 (first class petty officer). See White Hat.
Dixie Station.: One of two positions typically occupied by an aircraft carrier off the coast of Vietnam. Dixie was the southern station and was charged with troop support.
DMZ.: Demilitarized Zone. In Vietnam, a section of Vietnam between the Marines of I Corps and North Vietnam. In Korea, the line drawn at the 38th Parallel. Any point between two belligerent camps.
DO.: Duty Officer. The Marine equivalent to Officer of the Day.
Doc.: A term reserved for Navy enlisted medical corpsmen assigned to duty with Marine Corps combat units. These sailors are generally given the same respect that one Marine gives to another Marine. In fact, Navy corpsmen who earn service medals during duty with the Marine Corps are authorized to wear a miniature eagle, globe and anchor on their ribbon-something not even authorized for Marines.
Doctor.: A commissioned officer in the Navy with a degree in medicine, dentistry, pshchology or other allied profession, usually referred to by their military rank.
Dog Robber.: An aide to a general officer whose duties are so varied as to defy explanation.
Dog Tags.: Originally metal disks embossed with personal information that could be left with a body on the field of battle for identification. Eventually it evolved into a rounded rectangle with a small indentation on one side so that it could be set on the teeth of a deceased soldier and kicked into the head so that the enemy could not strip the dead soldier of his identity (this info confirmed with HQMC Casualty Branch). See also Toe Chain. Current versions do not have the notch.
Dog Watch.: The normal watch from 1600 until 2000. It is broken into two smaller watches (first dog and second dog) so that everyone has the opportunity to eat the evening meal and to change the rotation of the watches where there are only two groups of watch standers (mostly from the days of smaller wooden ships).
Doggies.: A pejorative term for soldiers.
Dogs.: Feet.
Donkey Dick.: Long, flexible metal spout for attaching to Jerry Cans.
Dope.: Sight adjustments made to a Marine's rifle to make its firing more accurate. Usually in reference to marksmanship training or qualification. Also, any adjustment made to improve the outcome of any event.
Dope on a Rope.: See Spy Rigging.
Double Easy-8.: Term used for the field telephone used in World War II and Korea. Actually the official term was Telephone, Field, EE-8. After telling a young Marine to go get a "Double Easy-8 a few times, it was inevitable that sooner or later he would be sent to find a "TR- Double-E. After a time he would be laughed at for searching for a "tree."
Double Time.: A marching pace which is double “quick time” in which the arms are bent at the elbow and the troops run in step.
DOW: Died of Wounds. Someone who died of combat inflicted injuries after being treated at an aid station or higher echelon medical unit. One who dies prior to that point are designated KIA.
Dragon Antitank Weapon.: See M47.
Dress Blues.: The famous blue uniform of the Marines with a standing colar. The uniform is similar to the one worn by Marines in the Civil War. The "sky blue" infantry trousers are adorned by a red "blood stripe" down the outside seams on commissioned and non-commissioned officers. This uniform is worn with medals (without medals it was at one time called Undress Blues). Current usage refers to Blue Dress A (with medals), Blue Dress B (with ribbons), Blue Dress C (sky blue trousers with khaki shirt, field scarf and ribbons) and Blue Dress C (short sleved khaki shirt and ribbons).
Dress Blues, Tennis Shoes, and a Light Coat of Oil.: A flip response to the question, "what is the uniform" or "what will you be wearing".
Drill Hawk: An extreme "high and tight" haricut formerly popular with Drill Instructors.
Drill Injector.: Pseudo humorous replacement for Drill Instructor, sometimes acceptable in informal speech.
Drill Instructor.: A noncommissioned officer charged with the training of Marine recruits and the making of Marines. Each recruit platoon usually has three drill instructors, a senior drill instructor and two junior drill instructors.
Drill Instructor’s Hut.: The office and duty quarters of the drill instructors, it is located within the recruit squad bay.
Drill Sergeant.: An Army recruit instructor similar to a Marine Drill Instructor. The first batch of modern Army Drill Sergeants were trained at the Drill Instructor School at MCRD Parris Island, SC.
Drilling Holes in the Sky.: Flying. Usually flying without a mission often simply to obtain the necessary monthly flying time to be eligible for flight pay.
Drooping Turns.: Helicopter pilot term for "I'm getting tired" or when a helicopter is unable to maintain the necessary rotor RPM for whatever reason.
Drownproofing.: Survival swimming taught to every recruit.
Drum Major.: The musician in charge of a band or musical unit. Usually elaborately dressed and carrying a baton which is used to signal changes in march and to provide a tempo to the music. Usually holding the rank of a staff noncommissioned officer. Until just after the Civil War bandsmen were unarmed and considered non-combatants except for the Drum Major who carried a sword. Marine Corps bands and Drum and Bugle Corps today remain unarmed outside of combat areas and the Drum Major wears minature swords on the elaborate sash.
Dry Fire.: Simulated rifle fire used to teach correct positions for firing on the rifle range. A shooter would be in position and a buddy would slam the bolt to the rear when he or she heard the pin forced front.
Dubbing.: (From WWI to Vietnam) A concoction issued with boots and boondockers intended to clean them since the footware was made with the rough side out (much like the modern Desert Boot). By the late 1950s is was not being used as Marines were using bottles to force shoe polish into the nap so that the boots and boondockers could be spit shined. This all came to an end when Defense Secretary McNamara forced Marines to give up their comfortable "Marine Corps last" footware and replaced it with the Army Munson last which was much less comfortable but cheaper.
Duty.: At work (on duty) or having special requirements after normal working hours. Units will have a Duty Officer, Duty NCO or Duty Driver.
DVA.: Not the abbreviation for Department of Veterans Affairs. See VA.

Links to another web site with more info.

Indicates additional reading on this topic.

-E-
NUMBERS 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

E-tool.: Entrenching tool. A small folding shovel with a multitude of field uses. In World War I it was one of a series of tools shared among a squad and used to dig the trenches in which the majority of the war was fought. The early versions did not fold up and had a "T" handle.
Eagle Globe and Anchor.: The emblem of the United States Marine Corps adopted in 1868 under Brigadier General Commandant Jacob Zeilen following the Civil War. Prior to that time the Marines wore the Army infantry horn with a red field in the center and the letter “M” in Old English script.
EAS.: End of Active Service.
Eat the Apple, Fuck the Corps.: A phrase used by Marines to express their displeasure with the Marine Corps. Usually mouthed by someone about to leave the Corps or by a Marine who has endured a perceived injustice.
ECHO.: (Commtalk) E.
EE-8.: See Double Easy-8.
EGA.: An abbreviation for Eagle Globe and Anchor. Generally not used.
El Presidente.: (Dominican Republic)Brand name of a Dominican Republic beer in 1965 when the Marines landed in that country.
El Espanol.: (Dominican Republic)The hotel in the Dominican Republic that was headquarters for the 6th Regimental Landing Team (including BLT 3/6) in 1965.
Elliott, George.: Tenth Commandant of the Marine Corps. Born in Alabama on Nov. 30, 1856, he lived until Nov. 4, 1931. Appointed Brigadier General Commandant to replace Major General Commandant Heywood, the law was changed on May 13, 1908 establishing the position of Major General Commandant to which he was promoted.
Elvis Has Left the Building: Said to a fellow Marine it tells them that their collar is turned up (a la Elvisesque) without bringing undue attention to the problem.
Embassy Marine.: Officially a Marine Security Guard (MSG). A Marine assigned to a State Department billet, usually at a United States embassy overseas.
Enlist.: The act of joining the military services by individuals who are not Warrant or Commissioned Officers.
Enlisted Marine.: Marines in the rank of private, private first class and lance corporal. While all sergeants are also enlisted they are categorized as NCOs.
EPW.: Enemy Prisoner of War.
EST.: Essential Subjects Training.
Ex Marine.: No such thing. Once a Marine, always a Marine. See Former Marine.
Exchange.: See Marine Corps Exchange.
Eye Corps.: (Vietnam) See I Corps.
Eye Fuck.: To look or stare at, usually in a curious manner.

Links to another web site with more info.

Indicates additional reading on this topic.

-F-
NUMBERS 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

F-4 Phantom.: Twin engine jet fighter/bomber used by Marines for ground support. Made by McDonnell Douglas.
Falcon Code.: A variation of the Charlie Echo Code.
Fantail.: An open deck at the rear of a ship, usually where trash was dumped overboard.
Fartsack.: Sleeping bag or mattress cover.
Fathom.: A unit of measurement which is essentially the distance between the fingers of outstreached arms. Originally "faedm" an Anglo Saxon word meaning hug or embrace, fadems were marked on a rope by a knot so that when thrown overboard attached to an anchor a sailor would count off the knots or fathoms to the bottom.
(Source: "Salty Talk", Naval History, U. S. Naval Institute, October 2002)
FEBA.: Forward Edge of the Battle Area.
Feather Merchant.: A person short or of slight build or a person in a comfortable or easy assignment such as headquarters duty or some staff billet. Often used for all civilians working for the military.
Fiddler's Green.: Historically a sailor's idea of heaven. Many petty officer clubs on Navy installations are given this name.
Field Day.: A day set aside for the thorough cleaning of barracks or offices.
Field Expedient.: The art of getting the job done despite the limitations. See Tootsie Roll for a good example.
Field Grade.: A commissioned officer in the grade of major, lieutenant colonel or colonel.
Field Marshall.: A rank in many foreign military forces, usually the highest ranking officer of the service. They are generally identified by the highly decorated baton that they carry on official occasions. Vaguely equivalent to Commandant of the Marine Corps or Chief of Naval Operations or one of the Chiefs of Staff. Not used in the military services of the United States because during World War II, when it was proposed, the Chief of Staff of the Army was General George Marshall who refused to be Field Marshall Marshall. The rank in the U. S. Army became General of the Army.
Field Marshall’s Baton.: See Field Marshall.
Field Medical Service School.: Often called Devil Doc University, it is where Navy corpsmen and dental technicians are trained for field duty with operational Marine Corps field units.
Field Meet.: An organized series of sporting competitions pitting one unit against another. Organized grab ass.
Field of Fire.: The radius that an automatic weapon can cover in an arc from port to starboard.
Field Strip.: Take apart or disassemble as in field strip a rifle or a cigarette.
Fieldscarf.: A necktie worn on a Marine uniform.
Fighting Hole.: Called a Fox Hole by the Army and Hollywood it is an entrenched position for one or more Marines in a static warfare situation.
FIIGMO.: Fuck It, I Got My Orders. Often written FIGMO. Someone who has received permanent change of station orders or is ending their term of service. Either way they are Short Timers and don't much care about anything but leaving.
Final Strength Test.: A physical fitness test given near the end of recruit training to determine if a recruit has improved sufficiently based upon the results of the Initial Strength Test.
Fire In The Hole.: An alert that an explosive device is about to be detonated. If you hear this you probably missed all of the other warnings and are about to be blown away.
Fire Team.: The basic infantry fighting unit consisting of four Marines with various weapons and support. Fire teams are combined into squads. In urban combat the fire team is being frequently broken into Buddy Units, further de-centralizing field control.
Firebase.: An artillery support position.
Fireman.: A Navy enlisted rank. See Seaman.
Firewatch.: A recruit's first introductin to guard duty. At least one recruit in each platoon remains awake and alert each night for safety and security purposes. When boot camp structures were made of wood the posting was absolutely necessary but since the fireproof buildings were constructed starting in the 1960s the job has reamined as both tradition and training.
Firewatch Medal.: National Defense Service Medal. A medal awarded during times of war to every person in the military with 60 days of service. It is therefore awarded to each new Marine at graduation. The theory being that in order to qualify for the NDSM all that was required is one tour of duty as a Firewatch.
First Lieutenant.: The second grade of commissioned officer, indicated by a silver bar on the collar of the uniform. The pay grade is O-2 and is the same in the Army and Air Force. In the Navy and Coast Guard the rank is lieutenant (junior grade) and is additionally indicated on shoulder boards or coat cuffs by one wide and one narrow gold stripe topped by an insignia indicating a branch (usually a gold star in the Navy or a gold shield in the Coast Guard indicating a line officer). In the Navy it refers to the Deck Division officer or person in charge of general seamanship.
First of foot and right of the line.: Honor bestowed on the U. S. Marine Corps by the Secretary of the Navy on Aug. 9, 1876. It means that Marines take the place of honor in any Naval formation.
First Sergeant of Marines.: The senior noncommissioned officer in a company or squadron indicated by three chevrons and three rockers with a diamond (lozenge) between chevrons and rockers, worn on each sleeve or collar point as appropriate. The pay grade is E-8 and is the same in the Army. In the Air Force the rank is senior master sergeant which is a technical sergeant insignia with two chevrons above it. In the Navy and Coast Guard the rank is senior chief petty officer which is a chief petty officer with a star above the eagle. First sergeant in the Air Force is a billet and is indicated by a lozenge between chevrons and rockers on any insignia between master sergeant and chief master sergeant.
First Shirt.: First Sergeant.
First to Fight.: Marines have been in the forefront of every American war since the founding of the Corps. They entered the Revolution in 1775, even before the Declaration of Independence was signed! Marines have carried out more than 300 landings on foreign shores. They have served everywhere, from the Arctic to tropics; their record for readiness reflects pride, responsibility, and challenge.
FitRep.: Fitness Report written on Marines in the rank of sergeant and above which measures his or her fitness for command. It is the written report of a Marine's career.
Flack Jacket.: Body Armor.
Flag Allotment.: A detachment of Marines assigned for security and ceremonial purposes to certain Navy Admirals.
Flag Officer.: Any of the general or admiral ranks or any officer whose billet authorizes him or her to fly a personal flag (almost never applied in the present). Prior to the Civil War and the introduction of the rank of admiral Navy captains in charge of squadrons or fleets were called flag officers as a point of courtesy.
Flare Ship.: (Vietnam) C-47 twin prop cargo plane with flares suspended from parachutes to provide night time illumination of a battle area. Sometimes called "Spooky" or "Puff the Magic Dragon".
Fleet.: A group of ships usually under the command of a flag officer. Also, "In the Fleet" a term used to indicate the Marine Corps beyond boot camp and technical school. It is "in the fleet" that a Marine does his or her job.
Fleet Admiral.: A wartime rank given to full admirals who command a fleet. The rank insignia consists of five silver stars in a circle. Fleet Admirals do not retire. This rank has been held by Admirals Leahy, King and Nimitz who were promoted in Dec. 1944. Admiral "Bull" Halsey received the rank a year later.
Fleet Hospital.: Naval field hospital.
Flight Line.: The place on an airfield where the airplanes are parked. Also a mythical item which newbies to a unit are sent in quest of.
Flight Surgeon.: A physician and Navy Medical Officer who specializes in aviation medicine for both the Navy and Marine Corps.
Float.