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 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.
I Corps.
(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 first three digits in the original Marine Corps Supply Classification for "Individual Equipment" (WWII and Korea). When the Federal Stock Number (FSN) system was created "Individual Equipment" fell into the 84XX group. Present use refers to the Load Bearing Vest, cartridge belt and the equipment attached to the belt as well as other field equipment. This history is often confused with the 734 Book that supply types used for the issue or turn-in of  equipment, most warehousemen carried a 734 Book in their back pocket at all times.
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".


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-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.


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-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.


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-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.


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-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.
To be deployed at sea, usually on a MEU as in "six month float"
Flotsam.
Floating wreckage of a ship or its cargo; floating debris; unimportant miscellaneous material.
Fluff-n-buff.
Cammies that were dried and not pressed (fluff dry) and boots that were brushed but not spit polished (buffed), or the person wearing such an outfit. This was especially noticeable during inspections.
Flying Coffin
An informal name applied to a number of aircraft including the C-119 and the CH-46.
FMF.
Fleet Marine Force. Sometimes Fighting Mother Fuckers.
FNG.
Fucking New Guy.
FO.
Forward Observer. Usually an artillery officer or pilot assigned to infantry units to coordinate artillery support or air strikes in support of the Mud Marines.
FOB
Forward Operating Base
Fore.
In front. From the naval term.
Forecastle.
Pronounced fok' sil. An open deck on board most ships at the bow, usually where the anchors were secured. Generally a place for off duty sailors to gather, tell sea stories and smoke.
Formed.
Reference to a unit of Marines who are under the control of someone and are standing, walking, marching, sitting or even lying in a prescribed manner. It is said that whenever two Marines are walking together, one is in command and the other is formed.
Former Marine.
An acceptable term for a Marine who is not currently serving, but make no mistake, that person is a Marine and always will be a Marine. The editor prefers to be called a veteran Marine.
Fortitudine.
The original motto of the Marine Corps, Latin for fortitude. It has been replaced by Semper Fidelis.
Forty five.
See 45.
Forward Edge of the Battle Area.
The "front line" or the spot where the battle is active.
Four-deuce.
A 4.2 inch mortar.
Four Holer.
(Vietnam)A field head consisting of a shack constructed over four 55 gallon drums cut in half to expedite removal of fecal material. There was no privacy.
Foxhole.
An Army term for a fighting hole.
FOXTROT.
(Commtalk) F.
FPL.
Final Protective Line. The point at which a position is about to be overrun--it signals a switch to survival instincts.
Frag.
(Vietnam) To kill a person of superior rank, usually by throwing a fragmentation grenade into the room or area where he or she is located (such as a hootch or a head). Also to bombard with excess for the purpose of causing a problem or creating a distraction. Additionally, a fragmentary order giving subordinate commanders the information they require to conduct their portion of an operation.
Free Fire Zone.
(Vietnam) Most of the area along the DMZ that is a "no man's land" where standing orders allow for anyone seen in that area to be fired upon. Toward the end of Vietnam it became necessary to radio in a sighting and request permission to fire (widely ignored by the troops on the line).
French Fourragere.
The government of France honored the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments and the 6th Machinegun Battalion with the Fourragere for their fighting skills during World War I. Those units still wear the award today.
Frog.
Nickname for the CH-46 helicopter which sits with the rear portion of the craft lower than the front, squatting like a frog (some people spell it Phrog). Also, the green scarf worn wrapped around a Marine's neck in winter or a device attached to the duty belt upon which a sword is attached.
Front Leaning Rest Position.
The position for pushups. Often just "the position".
Frontierland
The 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC in the 1960s before the new brick barracks were built.  The 2nd Battalion was called the Twilight Zone and the 3rd Battalion was called Disneyland. The 4th Battalion was then officially the Woman Marine Battalion.
Frozen Chosin.
See Chosin Reservoir.
FTA.
Fuck the Army.
FTN.
Fuck the Navy.
FUBAB.
Fucked Up Beyond All Belief.
FUBAR.
Fucked Up Beyond All Recognition. Another version is Fucked Up Beyond All Repair.
Fuck You Bird.
A bird indiginous to Southeast Asia whose call sounds exactly like, "fuck you".
Fuller, Ben H.
Fifteenth Commandant of the Marine Corps. The Michigan native who was born Feb. 27, 1870 graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy and was appointed Major General Commandant on the death of Wendell Neville, July 9, 1930 and served until Feb. 28, 1934. He died June 8, 1937.
Funeral Pace.
The pace of march for funerals, approximately half of quick time.


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-G-
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
G-1.
Division or Wing Personnel.
G-2.
Division or Wing Intelligence. Also a common reference to a person's intelligence.
G-3.
Division or Wing Operations and Training.
G-4.
Division or Wing Logistics (which includes supply, operations, facilities and food service).
G-ride
A civilian style vehicle with government license plates.
G-Spot.
The building containing the majority of the division staff organizations (designated G-1, G-2, G-3 etc.) at Camp Pendleton, CA.
GAF.
Give A Fuck.
Gaggle.
An unorganized group doing nothing.
Gale, Anthony.
Fourth Commandant of the Marine Corps. Born in Ireland on Sept 17, 1782, as a young Marine officer serving in the Ganges he had been struck by a Navy junior officer whom he "called out" and shot. The action was received as honorable by then Commandant William Burrows. Following the death of Commandant Wharton in 1818 the position was filled in an acting capacity by Adjutant and Inspector, Brevet Major Samuel Miller and then by Brevet Major Archibald Henderson. Gale's short tenure as Lieutenant Colonel Commandant was punctuated with the dislike of the Secretary of the Navy who charged him in a court martial. The specifications included, "being intoxicated in common dram shops and other places of low repute." He pleaded not guilty by reason of temporary insanity but was found guilty and sentenced to dismissal from the service. He died about 1843 and his place of burial is unknown. He also remains the only Commandant for whom no likeness exists.
Galley.
Kitchen.
Gangway.
An order to clear space for an approaching senior officer (See Make A Hole). Also a ladder or ramp used to board and debark a ship.
Garbage Burner.
Unofficial name given to the M67A2 Flame Thrower Tank since it was used most in Vietnam to burn garbage dumps.
Garrison.
Any place with civilized comforts, such as showers and cots, can be found. Not in the boonies.
Garrison Cover.
A uniform cover invented in the 20th Century it consists of a cap running for and aft on the head displaying on the front left the eagle globe and anchor and on the right the rank insignia of commissioned and warrant officers. No rank is worn on the cap by enlisted personnel. Also called Pisscutter or Cunt Cap.
Gas Chamber.
A building used for the training of recruits and Marines in the actions to be taken during a Nuclear, Biological or Chemical attack. Various gasses are used in training and all of them are noxious but none are fatal.
Gear.
Things. Personal things such as clothing and equipment or unit things such as 782 gear. Essentially all things.
Gear Adrift.
Anything not properly stowed, tied down or otherwise secured.
Geedunk.
A snack bar on ship. Any place that candy and pogey bait are sold.
Geeters.
(Vietnam) Money.
General.
Highest rank in the Marine Corps. The Commandant of the Marine Corps is a general. The pay grade is O-10 and is designated by four silver stars worn on collar points. The rank is the same in the Army and Air Force. In the Navy the rank is admiral and is additionally designated by a two inch gold band and four one inch gold bands topped by a star on the jacket sleeves. The shoulder boards are mostly gold with a silver fouled anchor and four silver stars..
General and Commander in Chief.
Official wartime rank of George Washington in 1775. He actually served in the rank of lieutenant general
General in Chief.
Rank given to Winfield Scott after the Spanish-American War.
General of the Air Force.
A wartime rank. The rank insignia is five silver stars in a circle worn on collar points. Only "Hap" Arnold has held this rank. He was promoted to General of the Army in 1944 and in 1949 was made General of the Air Force.
General of the Armies.
A rank given to General John Pershing in 1919 to place him above all other general officers. Unlike Generals of the Army, Pershing did retire. He was offered the option to wear five stars but turned it down. See Iron Mike.
General of the Armies of the United States.
George Washington. A rank created on March 15, 1978 by Congress for General Washington to make it clear that he was the senior officer of the military services. Prior to that day he was in the grade of Lieutenant General.
General of the Army.
A wartime rank. The rank insignia is five silver stars in a circle worn on collar points. Generals of the Army do not retire. This rank has been held by George Marshall, Douglas McArthur, Dwight Eisenhower and "Hap" Arnold, all with dates of rank of Dec. 1944. Omar Bradley was promoted to this rank in Sept. 1950. The rank was originally intended to be called Field Marshall but was changed by then Chief of Staff of the Army General George Marshall who refused to be Field Marshall Marshall.
General Officers.
Commissioned Officers in the ranks of: brigadier general, major general, lieutenant general and general. Also called Flag Officers because federal law authorizes a flag to be flown whenever a general officer is present or on board. Naval and Coast Guard equivalent is Admirals.
General Orders.
There are eleven general orders and every Marine must memorize them:
  1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view.
  2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
  3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
  4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.
  5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.
  6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers and noncommissioned officers of the guard only.
  7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty.
  8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
  9. To call the corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.
  10. To salute all officers and all colors and standards not cased.
  11. To be especially watchful at night, and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.
General Quarters.
The highest condition of alert on board ship it pulls the crew from their normal work assignments to a warfighting stance. In wooden ships with rigging, a portion of the Marine Detachment would report to the rigging as sharpshooters while others would report to a gun crew. In the modern Navy, the Marines usually manned one or more guns (which were usually painted with an eagle globe and anchor and generally were known to have the highest accuracy of all gun crews). Since 1998 there have been no Marines assigned as part of the ship’s crew of any U.S. Navy ship.
Get A Hat.
To leave.
Get Some.
(Vietnam)To kill enemy. Also to have sex.
Ghost Turds.
Blanket lint, much like drier lint, that accumulates on the deck as if by magic.
GI.
Government Issue. A member of the military services. Originally the stamp on buckets indicating galvanized iron.
GI Bill.
Originally GI Bill of Rights. Financial assistance provided to people who have or are serving in the military for educational and home purchasing purposes. Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
GI Can.
Galvanized Iron Can. Garbage can. Shit can.
GI Shower.
Given to someone who usually is in need of a shower but who refuses. The offender is forced into the shower (sometimes blindfolded) where others scrub him or her with scrub brushes or steel wool. The intent is to encourage him or her to maintain minimal standards of cleanliness and the outcome is often painful and even bloody. It is an illegal assault and can be punished under the UCMJ. It happens rarely.
Gitmo.
Guantanimo Bay, Cuba.
GMT.
See Zulu Time.
Go Juice.
Fuel, gasoline, diesel, JP, etc.
Goat Heads.
Thorns indigenous to California. On field exercises they stick to everything and are a major nuisance.
Goat Locker.
Navy Chief Petty Officer's quarters. From the Naval tradition that goats brought on board for milk were under the charge of the chiefs. Probably the origin of the phrase Old Goat. See Menopause Manor.
Goat Rope.
Similar to a Cluster Fuck except that this activity comes from the Head Shed.
Gobbler.
(Okinawa or Japan) A female in a Turkey Bar who provides oral sex for a fee.
Gofasters.
Sneakers.
Good Conduct Medal.
An individual award given to an enlisted Marine for three consecutive years of undetected crime while on active duty.
Good Cookie.
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. The Air Force in 2006 stopped issuing Good Conduct Medals saying that good conduct was normal conduct and it made no sense to reward normal behavior. Marines have a slightly different approach to the concept.
Good to go.
A phrase delivered with the usual Marine exuberance meaning I am ready or the piece of equipment is ready or that despite what may appear to be obstacles, the mission will be completed.
Gook
(Not PC)A crude term for anyone of oriental extraction--particularly an enemy (North Korean, North Vietnamese). The term began during the Korean war as the Korean character for American is pronounced "me-gook". Children in particular would point to the American GIs and say "me-gook" and the gesture was misinterpreted.  The GIs quickly began calling Koreans "gooks" and the term was revived in Vietnam to mean all asian peoples.
Gooner
Alternate form of Gook
Gortex
A semi-permeable material designed to keep the wearer warm and dry by allowing excessive body moisture to escape through the material while keeping rain and other moisture out.
Gouge, The.
A take off on "scoop" it suggest that this information is from a reliable source.
Gourd.
The human head.
Grade.
The relative position of a person to other persons of similar rank. See pay grade.
Grape.
A person's head.
Grass.
Marajuana. See also Mary Jane, Iceplant.
Gray Jr., Alfred M.
Twenty ninth Commandant of the Marine Corps serving from July 1, 1987 until June 30, 1991. The New Jersey native was born June 22, 1928.
Grease.
(Vietnam) To kill.
Green Belt
A Marine with the mid-level of martial arts training in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
Green Eye.
Starlight Scope. The first generation of night vision equipment.     First used in Vietnam, it was very large and very heavy.
Green Machine.
A derogatory term used by Marines to mean the Marine Corps. Also used regularly by the Army to proudly describe the Army.
Green Side Out.
The steel pot helmets before Kevlar came with a cover that had green camoflage on one side and brown on the other. The decision of which color was to be worn to a formation was often left to a second lieutenant who couldn't make up his or her mind resulting in frequent changes and confusion. The term came to mean the leadership was confused as usual.
Green Weenie.
Sometimes the Big Green Weenie. It's what the Marine Corps uses to screw you with.
Greene, Wallace M.
Twenty third Commandant of the Marine Corps serving from Jan. 1, 1964 until Dec. 31, 1967. The Naval Academy graduate was born Dec. 27, 1907 and died March 8, 2003. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Greenwich Mean Time.
See Zulu Time.
Grid Square.
A standard grid square on a military map is 1000 meters by 1000 meters. Also called a click.
Grinder.
A large field, usually paved, upon which formations and parades are held. See Parade Deck.
Grog.
An alcoholic beverage issued to sailors and Marines aboard ship until the Civil War. The recipe varied but was most commonly half rum and half water. See Splice the Main Brace.
Ground Guide.
A person who walks in front of a tank in congested areas like tank parks to guide the tank by the use of recognized and standardized hand signals.
Ground Pounder.
An infantryman, a grunt.
Group
A sub-division of an Air Wing. Equivalent to a regiment in infantry terms.
Group Tighteners.
1) Another nonexistant search & fetch item for rookies, a-la bucket of steam, 2) A placebo drop of solvent or oil placed on the sights of the weapon of an unsuspecting marksmanship trainee, placed there by a range instructor as a last resort to instill confidence and get the idiot qualified, 3) Adult beverages employed by competition marksmen to either relax after a day of dealing with recruits or to combat match butterflies prior to competing. See Recruit Punishment.
Grunt.
Originally a pejorative term for Infantry Marines but now a source of pride.
GU11.
The Navy version of the Air Force B1RD.
Guide.
The person responsible for the unit guidon and upon whom the unit forms when in formation.
Guidon.
The official pennant of a platoon or company. At battalion or squadron level or above the unit has official colors and they parade in relation to the national flag.
Gun.
Artillery or other weaponry in which the barrel does not contain rifling (lands and grooves) used to spin a projectile for greater accuracy.
Gun Bunny.
Pejorative term for someone in the field artillery.
Gung Ho.
Eager and ready to accomplish whatever task necessary.
Gungy.
Gung Ho, but usually to express "in an inexperienced, just-out-of-recruit-training" way.
Gunner.
A Marine warrant officer in the MOS 0306 Infantry Weapons Officer. The name is often given to all warrant officers but that is not correct. A person of this rank will replace the insignia of rank on his right collar with a bursting bomb insignia. See also “lipstick lieutenant”. The name was also often given to an enlisted machine gunner (MOS 0331).
Gunnery Sergeant of Marines.
A noncommissioned officer in pay grade E-7 who wears three chevrons and two rockers with crossed rifles between them on both sleeves or collar points as appropriate. In the Army that pay grade is a sergeant first class (essentially the same insignia in different colors without the crossed rifles) and in the Air Force it is master sergeant (the insignia of a technical sergeant with one chevron above the five rockers. In the Navy and Coast Guard it is chief petty officer (three inverted chevrons with an inverted rocker above, upon which is perched an American eagle).
Gunny.
A term of respect for a gunnery sergeant but not generally used by junior Marines. See Company Gunny.
GWOT.
Global War on Terrorism.
Gyrene.
A diminutive form of Marine. Seldom used by Marines.


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-H-
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
H & I.
Harassment and interdiction artillery fire designed to limit and alter enemy movement.
H-34.
Sikorsky UH-34 resupply and medevac helicopter used in Vietnam.
Hagee, Michael W.
33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps who served from January 2003 until November 2006.
Haj or Haji or Haçi.
(Iraqi Freedom) An Iraqi citizen. A local (usually a good guy). Also Haggie, from the Johnny Quest cartoon who has a sidekick named Haggie (supposedly meaning friend).
Halozone.
Water purification tablet.
HAM.
Hairy Assed Marine. A female response to BAM.
Ham and Motherfuckers.
(Vietnam) The most reviled C-ration meal which was so bad you couldn't even give it away to the locals. The meal included apricots. Sometimes called the dead man's meal because it was said that if you ate apricots before going into battle you would be hit.
Hamlet.
(Vietnam) A village of less than 100 residents.
Harper's Ferry.
The location of John Brown's ill fated uprising in 1859 and of his capture by U. S. Marines under the command of Army Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee. The Marines were led by Lt Israel Greene who later resigned his commission to join the Confederate States Marines. Marine Private Luke Quinn was killed when he breached a hole in the firehouse door and was shot by John Brown and can, arguably, be considered the first casualty of the Civil War.
Harris, John.
Sixth Commandant of the Marine Corps. Born in Chester County, PA on May 20, 1790 he became Colonel Commandant on the death of long-serving Archibald Henderson and served through the Civil War. His leadership is overshadowed by his personal battles with other senior Marine officers, one of which resulted in his report to the Secretary of the Navy after the First Battle of Bull Run in which he ignored the accolades of senior Army commanders on the field and reported that it was "the first instance in history where any portion of its members [The Marine battalion] turned their backs on the enemy." The erroneous report has stained the reputation of the Corps for eternity. He died, in office, on May 12, 1864.
Hashmark.
Stripes worn on forearm of dress and service uniforms by enlisted Marines, each denotes 4 yrs of service.
HASP.
(Vietnam era)Hawaiian Armed Services Police.
Hat.
Informally suitable term for the Campaign Cover worn by Drill Instructors. Also an infomally suitable name for Drill Instructors. Also, to leave as in "get a hat."
Havelock.
The civilian community outside the main gate of MCAS Cherry Point, NC. Also a cloth hanging from the back of a cap or hat to protect the neck (a la the French Foreign Legion). Once part of the U. S. Navy uniform hat it now exists only on the female dress hat in a much smaller form.
HE.
High Explosive.
Head.
Latrine or toilet, from the naval term. In the sailing navy the forecastle (pronounced folk-sill) was the most forward deck open to the weather and was the place sailors were allowed to gather to relax and entertain each other. One corner of the forecastle, with a wide scupper, was where sailors went to the bathroom. As the forecastle was in the front or "head" of the ship, a sailor on the way to relieve himself would declare that he was on the way to the head.
Head Shed.
Often Hed Shed. Headquarters or Command Post where all of the leaders are gathered. A great place for a Marine to stay away from.
Heat Tab.
Fuel for a C-Ration Stove. A tablet of blue Trioxin, which caused fumes which irritated the eyes and respiratory tract if ventilation holes weren't large enough. In that case, a whole heat tab had to be used. With a properly vented stove, only half a Trioxin heat tab was needed to heat the meal and then the other half could be used to heat water for coffee or cocoa. A small chunk of C-4 explosive could also be substituted for the Trioxin tablet for faster heating. It would burn hotter and was much better for heating water.
Helo.
Helicopter.
Henderson, Archibald.
Fifth Commandant of the Marine Corps, known as the "Grand Old Man of the Corps" he served the longest in the position--38 years. The Virginia native was born on Jan. 21, 1783 and served as Acting Commandant from Sept. 16, 1818 until Gale's appointment on March 3, 1819. He was named Lieutenant Colonel Commandant at the conclusion of Gale's court martial which cashiered him from the service, Oct. 17, 1820. During Henderson's tenure he led the Marines in the Indian Wars in Florida, reportedly tacking a note to the door of the Commandant's House saying, "Gone to fight the Indians, be back when the war is over". He also became the first Colonel Commandant and was awarded a Brevet promotion to Brigadier General. As medals has not yet been introduced into the U. S. military, bravery, meritorious and exceptional service were recognized by honorary, or brevet, promotions. In the social setting of Washington he was known as General Henderson but he always signed official documents as Colonel Commandant.
Henderson Hall.
A building in Arlington Va close to the Pentagon used to house enlisted Marines assigned to HQMC at the Pentagon and other administrative functions. The building was named for Brevet Brigadier General, Colonel Commandant Archibald Henderson, the Grand Old Man of the Corps.
Herkimer.
See Blivet.
Herringbone.
A World War II fabric in a field green color that was used to make utility uniforms. The herringbone pattern was phased out during Korea and by Vietnam was only worn by real salts. The last Marines to be issued herringbone utilities were female Marines in boot camp at Parris Island in 1964 (the editor's wife was one of those Marines).
Heywood, Charles.
Ninth Commandant of the Marine Corps. Born in Maine Oct. 3, 1839 he became Colonel Commandant on Jan. 30, 1891 and served in the position until Oct. 2, 1903. On March 3, 1899 the billet of Commandant was again raised to Brigadier General and on July 1, 1902 a law was passed promoting the incumbent to Major General Commandant but requiring that his replacement be a Brigadier General. He died on Feb. 26, 1915.
High and Tight.
The traditional Marine haircut.
Hiyoko.
To bug out in a big hurry.
HMFIC.
Head Mother Fucker In Charge. An Eubonic version is HMFWIC for Head Mother Fucker What's In Charge.
Holcomb, Thomas.
Seventeenth Commandant of the Marine Corps. Born in Delaware Aug. 5, 1879 he was named Major General Commandant on Dec. 1, 1936. On Jan. 20, 1942 a new law provided for the Commandant to be a Lieutenant General and provided that the title be "Commandant of the Marine Corps", dropping the reference to rank. He retired from the Marine Corps on Dec. 31, 1943 and the next day was promoted to General on the retired list (See Tombstone Brigadier General), the first Marine to hold that rank. He died May 24, 1965. Following his retirement he served as Ambassador to South Africa.
Hole.
Window, from the naval term porthole. See “make a hole”.
Hollywood Marine.
Marines trained at MCRD San Diego, CA. It is rumored among Parris Island Marines that Hollywood Marines are issued sun glasses in boot camp. There are no female Hollywood Marines since all female Marines go through boot camp in the 4th Recruit Training Battalion (formerly WM Battalion) at MCRD Parris Island, SC.
Honcho.
The person in charge which is not necessarily the person assigned to be in charge. See HMFIC.
Honey Bucket.
Any bucket used to clean out a toilet, usually carried in pairs on a stick by Oriental women and men.
Hooch.
Hard liquor, usually contraband, often home made.
Hook Up.
To get in touch with.
Hootch.
(Vietnam) Living quarters, originally occupied by enlisted Marines, the word later become a general term for wherever a Marine was living. The civilian word crib is essentially the same.
Horse Blanket.
A thick wool blanket or the heavy wool overcoat once issued to all Marines and seldom worn.
Horse Marines.
See China Marines.
Hospital Corners.
A method of making a rack where the top blanket is squared off at the corners leaving one 45 degree angle on each corner. The procedure allows the blanket to be tucked under making it straight and tight.
Hostess House.
An on-base hotel for guests of Marines.
Hotel Street.
(WWII)The vice district of Honolulu, Hawaii which contained 20 brothels and around 200 prostitutes. Customers would pay $3 for 3 minutes and the women (mostly imported from the mainland) would service up to 100 customers per day (martial law rules imposed a curfew during the hours of darkness).
House Mouse.
A recruit (or low ranking Marine in the fleet) who provides assistance to the drill instructor (or unit leaders) in the form of keeping the drill instructor hut (or NCO quarters) tidy and other minor tasks and chores. It is an informal position and the person is selected by the drill instructor often receives one of the promotions given at the conclusion of basic training. Some units in the fleet also use the term to mean a junior member of an organization assigned duties such as coffee mess and other domestic chores.
Housewife.
(Civil War through WW II) Sewing kit.
HQ.
Headquarters.
HQMC.
Headquarters Marine Corps. Located in the Pentagon. Previously at the Navy Annex on a plot of land where the Air Force Monument will be built (The original site for the AF Monument was on Arlington Ridge adjacent to the Marine Corps Memorial but Marines and their friends fought that placement as inappropriate.)
Huey.
UH1E, the designation of a helicopter used extensively in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam period.
Hump.
A field march or extended hike. To work hard. Also, to fornicate.
HUSS.
(Korea & Vietnam) An early Marine aircraft designation often used to mean helicopter so that when someone would request a helicopter they woud say "get me a huss." Later it came regularly to mean do me a favor or help me out as in "Cut me a huss."

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-I-
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
I.M.R.
Individual Memorandum of Receipt. The form used to issue 782 Gear.
I & I.
Inspector and Instructor. The active duty cadre assigned to a Marine Corps reserve unit.
I Corps.
(Vietnam)The most northern of four Corps areas into which South Vietnam was divided. I Corps was Marine territory while the Army controlled II, III and IV Corps.
IBGB.
(Vietnam) Itty Bitty Gook Boats. Small Vietnamese fishing junks in the DaNang area. Early in the 1960s they were prevalent but by the end of the decade they were nearly extinct.
ICB
Infantry Combat Boots
Iceplant
(Vietnam) See Grass.
ID 10 Tango
Some times India Delta 10 Tango or, without the phoenetics, ID10T and without the numbers IDIOT.  One is sometimes asked to locate the ID 10 Tango Form.
IED
(Iraq) Improvised Explosive Device.
IG.
Inspector General.
Ike Jacket.
The term was not authorized in the Marine Corps and when used would subject a Marine to a reprimand. Marines remembered General Eisenhower's comment that he would have no Marines in Europe (having forgotten that his reserve force in Northern Ireland was Marine and paying no attention to the OSS personnel in the theater). A uniform jacket of similar design was authorized just after World War II and continued into the early 1960s. It was a forest green fabric with a faux belt and no skirt below the belt. See Battle Jacket.
Illumination.
Night artillery fire used to illuminate an area using a phosphorous filament suspended by a parachute.
Improvise, Adapt and Overcome.
An unofficial mantra of the Marine Corps based on the fact that the Corps generally received Army hand-me-downs and the troops were poorly equipped. Despite this, the Marine Corps has been successful mostly because of the creativity of its people and their success-based attitude.
In Country.
(Vietnam) Serving (or having served) in Vietnam. (Iraq) Serving (or having served) in Iraq. Often used to refer to any current combat zone.
In the Fleet.
See Fleet.
Incentive Training.
Physical exercise used as a punishment to instill motivation, particularly in a Marine recruit during boot camp. Also called quarterdecking or being pitted (as outside it is usually conducted in a special sand pit designed for the purpose)
Incindiary.
An artillery shell that burns upon impact, usually stuffed with white phosphorous.
Incoming.
An alert that something is coming at you, often enemy fire or artillery.
Indian Territory.
(Vietnam) Enemy held areas.
Infantry Training Battalion.
See School of Infantry.
Initial Strength Test.
A physical test given early in the training of a recruit to determine if the recruit meets minimum fitness standards and to set a baseline for measuring progress.
Ink Stick.
Pen (a writing instrument).
Irish Pennant.
A string hanging randomly from a Marine’s uniform. Longer ones are sometimes called rappelling ropes or cables. A squared away Marine will be free of Irish pennants, particularly at an inspection.  Appears to have originated after World War II and referred originallly to the green-colored service or class A uniform due to the  connection between the Irish and the color green.
Iron Mike.
A statue of a World War I Marine at Quantico, VA with a copy on Parris Island, SC. The original was made by the government of France to thank the Americans for their aid in World War I. When it was presented to General Pershing he noticed that the Doughboy holding aloft an M1911 A1 pistol had a Marine Corps emblem on his helmet. Pershing refused to accept the sculpture and it was given to the Marines.
IT.
Incentive Training.
ITB.
Infantry Training Battalion. See School of Infantry
ITR.
Infantry Training Regiment. The old name for Infantry Training Battalion.


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-J-
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
Jack.
A flag at the bow of a ship or sometimes a sailor, from the Royal Navy term for sailor--Jack Tar. The Jack of a United States ship has a blue field and 50 white stars and is flown from the bow while in port. During courts martial or courts of inquiry on board the Jack is flown from the yardarm.
Jacksonville.
The civilian community adjacent to Camp Lejeune, NC.
JAG.
Judge Advocate General. The head of the legal branch of the military services. Military lawyers are generally called "JAGs" in reference to serving in the JAG's organization.
Jarhead.
A pejorative term for a Marine. One account suggests that it refers to the Marine high and tight haircut which is cut almost to the skin at the ears with a bit more as it goes up the head giving the appearance of a jar. Another legend says that during World War II the Mason Jar Company stopped making jars and made the helmets for Marines.
Jerry Can.
A five-gallon metal can designed for transporting gasoline and other volatile liquids. See Donkey Dick.
Jetsam.
The part of a ship, its equipment, or cargo that is cast overboard to lighten the load in time of distress and that sinks or is washed ashore.
JG.
Refers to a Navy lieutenant junior grade.
Jody.
Traditionally the civilian who moves in on your girl while you are serving in the Marine Corps.
Joe.
Coffee. Josephus Daniels (18 May 1862-15 January 1948) was appointed Secretary of the Navy by President Woodrow Wilson in 1913. Among his reforms of the Navy were inaugurating the practice of making 100 Sailors from the Fleet eligible for entrance into the Naval Academy, the introduction of women into the service, and the abolishment of the officers' wine mess. From that time on, the strongest drink aboard Navy ships could only be coffee and over the years, a cup of coffee became known as "a cup of Joe".
Joe Shit The Rag Man.
The generic screw up or an un-squared away Marine.
John Wayne.
The tool included in each case of C-Rations used to open the cans. See P-38.
John Wayne Crackerbox Junior.
A name used by SSgt. Ed Johnson (the editor’s senior drill instructor) in 1962 to refer to any male person. According to SSgt. Johnson, he had a sister named Suzy Rottencrotch--which was a reference to any female person.
Join the Navy and Ride the WAVES.
An impolite term used to deride women sailors who are known as WAVES
Joint Chiefs of Staff.
A Department of Defense organization consisting of the Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Air Force, the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Their chairman is appointed by the President. While each member retains control of their specific service, the JCS commands the Unified Commands.
Jones, James L.
Thirty second Commandant of the Marine Corps served from July 1, 1999 January 2003. He made history by becoming the first Commandant to remain on active duty after the conclusion of his term in office. He served as Commander of U. S. Forces Europe and Supreme Allied Commander of NATO (the first Marine in the two-headed position) until his retirement in 2006. The Missouri native was born Dec. 19, 1943.
Jungle Boots.
(Vietnam era)Boots designed to meet the peculiar climate of Vietnam. Made from standard field boots the upper leather was replaced with a breathable canvas that would dry while being worn and the sole was reinforced with a steel shank in response to the Punji Sticks.
Jungle Bunny.
(Korean War Period) Grunt, infantryman.
Junior Drill Instructor.
See Drill Instructor.
Junk on the bunk.
An inspection of a Marine’s uniforms and equipment in which everything is laid out in a specified order on the bunk bed. Also called “things on the springs” or “sea bag inspection”.


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-K-
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
K-44.
Chinese Communist battle rifle.
K-bar.
A fighting knife used most particularly by reconnaissance Marines. It has also been issued to other Marines, such as air crew, from time to time. Also called a Kaybar.
K-rations.
World War II individual field rations. Universally detested for their lack of taste and rubbery consistency they were replaced by C-rations.
Kaibosh.
To cancel or cause something to stop.
KBay.
MCAS(Helicopter) Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. Now MCBH.
KC-130.
US Air Force 4-engine cargo plane with a rear ramp. Can carry a combat-ready Marine rifle platoon.
KIA.
Killed in Action.
Kelley, Paul X.
Twenty eighth Commandant of the Marine Corps serving from July 1, 1983 until June 30, 1987. The Massachusetts native was born Nov. 11, 1928.
Kevlar
A bullet resistant material used in flack vests and helmets. Often refers to the Kevlar combat helmet. 
Kin Ville.
The small town outside of Camp Hansen in the Northern part of Okinawa.
King Neptune.
The mythological God of the Sea. He always presides, with his court, at Line-Crossing Ceremonies.
Kiwi®.
The preferred brand of shoe polish for Marines since World War II. Also the national bird of New Zealand, and a nickname for a New Zealander. A registered trade mark of the Sara Lee Corporation.
Kiwi Injection.
A good, sharp, quick kick in the ass.
Klick.
See Click.
KP.
Kitchen Police. Duty assigned to junior enlisted Marines, sometimes as punishment.
Krulak, Charles C.
Thirty first Commandant of the Marine Corps serving from July 1, 1995 until June 30, 1999. The Virginia native and Naval Academy graduate was born Mar. 4, 1942.
Kuni.
MCAS Iwakuni, Iwakuni Japan


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-L-
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
Ladder or Ladderway.
Stairs.
Lance Corporal.
The rank between private first class and corporal. It is not a noncommissioned officer rank and the insignia is a single chevron with crossed rifles beneath it worn on each sleeve of the uniform. The pay grade is E-3 and is equivalent to a private first class in the Army (who wears a single chevron and a rocker) and an airman first class in the Air Force (who wears two inverted chevrons with a star in a circle covering the points of the chevrons). In the Navy and Coast Guard the rank is seaman (three angular stripes in a box on the left sleeve only).
Landing Party Manual.
The complete book of what to do and when to do it that guided the Marine Corps through most of the 20th Century. Now obsolete, copies are prized by professional Marines for the wealth of information and simple approach to leadership, morale, discipline, warfighting and professionalism.
LAW.
Light Antitank Weapon. It was contained in a collapsible, disposable fiberglass tube.
LBE.
Load Bearing Equipment. Often "web gear" worn by infantry personnel to hold packs and tools and weapons and first aid kits and whatever is worn by the person in the field.
LBFM.
Little Brown Fucking Machine. A pejorative term for South Pacific island girls Marines encounter while on liberty.
LBV.
Load Bearing Vest. A vest that holds magazines of ammunition, grenades and a cartridge belt to which are attached other equipment such as first aid kit, canteens and cup. See 782 Gear.
LCVP.
Small landing craft used to transport Marines from ship to shore.
Lead Turd.
Bad idea or an idea that is going nowhere fast.
Leatherneck.
A Marine. The phrase comes from the early days of the Marine Corps when enlisted men were given strips of leather to wear around their necks. The popular concept has it that the leather was to protect the neck from a saber slash. Truth is that it was to keep the Marines from slouching in uniform by forcing them to keep their head up.
Leatherneck Magazine.
A magazine published for Marines by the Marine Corps Association.
Leatherneck Square.
(Vietnam) The area south of the DMZ with the following     outposts as its corners: Con Tien (NW), Cam Lo Hill (SW), Cua Viet (SE) and Gia Linh (NE). Later in the war the Marines built "Ocean View" to the east of Gia Lihn along the ocean for better control of enemy troop movement.
Leave.
An authorized absence from duty. Marines earn 30 days of leave each year and are encouraged to take the time off.
Lee, Lewis G.
Thirteenth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps having served from June 30, 1995 until June 30, 1999. He was born Jan. 19, 1950 in North Carolina.
Leggings.
(First World War - Korea) Canvas. leather or cloth bindings, strapped, buckled, tied or wrapped to the ankles for support and to keep out mud, snow and water. By the Korean War the Army had abandoned the use of them but the Marine Corps retained them for their distinctive look. When a dispatch from a Chinese Communist general was found in which he said ordered his troops not to engage the "yellow legs" and to seek out the less fierce Army units, the U. N. command ordered the Marines to stop wearing the leggings.
Lejeune, John Archer.
Thirteenth Commandant of the Marine Corps. Legendary World War I commander he was the first Marine to command Army troops. Born in Louisiana on Jan 10, 1867 he died on Nov. 20, 1942. He was first appointed Major General Commandant on July 1, 1920 and was the first Commandant to be reappointed, serving until March 4, 1929. He was also a graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy.
LES.
Leave and Earnings Statement.
Letterhead BG.
See Tombstone Brigadier General.
Liberty.
An authorized absence from duty. Usually the time when not at work or on duty. Liberty is granted by the local commander and may be as long as 96 consecutive hours. It does not count as leave.
Liberty Hound.
A Marine who is thought to be over consumed with liberty.
Lick 'em and Stick 'em.
Placing paper patches over holes in targets from the butts. The papers were coated with water-activated glue and had to be licked before sticking on the target.  Also: Lick and Stick, Taste and Paste.
Lid.
Another acceptable word for cover.
Lieutenant Colonel.
The fifth grade of commissioned officer indicated by a silver oak leaf on the collar of the uniform. The pay grade is O-5 and is the same in the Army and the Air Force. In the Navy and the Coast Guard the rank is commander and is additionally indicated with three broad gold bands topped by an insignia representing a branch (usually a gold star in the Navy and a gold shield in the Coast Guard) on shoulder boards or cuffs.
Lieutenant Commander.
The Navy and Coast Guard rank equivalent to a Marine major. See major.
Lieutenant General.
Third of the flag officer ranks indicated by three silver stars on the collar of the uniform. The pay grade is O-9 and is the same in the Army and the Air Force. In the Navy and Coast Guard the rank is vice admiral and is additionally indicated with a two inch gold band topped with three one inch gold bands and a gold star in the Navy and gold shield in the Coast Guard on coat cuffs. Mostly gold shoulder boards sport a silver fouled anchor and three silver stars.
Lifer.
A person apparently intending to serve on active duty until retirement. One with extensive experience. See Refil.
Line.
All rope and cord used on board ship is called a line.
Line Crossing Ceremony.
Held when a ship crosses the Equator. King Neptune and his court preside as Polliwogs are turned into Shellbacks. Similar ceremonies are held when a ship crosses other international lines.
Line of Communication.
(Dominican Republic) A series of roads leading from San Ysidro Airport west to the American Embassy in San Domingo, Dominican Republic and passing the Presidential Palace. The eastern half was controlled by the Army's 82nd Airborne Division while the western half was Marine occupied. In the Army half, troops were hiding behind walls, firing at ghosts and on high alert. In the Marine sector, the Marines were being housed and fed by the locals who were doing laundry for them while the Marines maintained control of the street from the cabana chairs on the front porches.
Line Officer.
A Navy officer who is “with a ship of the line” which is every officer not a staff officer such as supply, medical, judge advocate, chaplain, etc.
Lipstick.
In the mid-20th Century the lipstick worn by Women Marines was all the same shade-Montezuma Red. The color survives in the color of the cord on the female enlisted Marine’s garrison cap.
Lipstick Lieutenant.
A pejorative term for a Marine warrant officer. The term is derived from the fact that the insignia for warrant officers are the first and second lieutenants’ gold and silver bars with stripes of red. Well liked warrant officers are informally addressed as gunner, all others are addressed as Mister or warrant officer.
Liquid Asshole.
Beer.
Lister Bag.
(Vietnam) A long canvas bag suspended on a tripod or from a tree limb containing drinking water. The canvas would "sweat" and provide natural cooling for the water.
Loader.
The tank crewman on a gun tank responsible for operating the .30 cal. machine gun and loading the 90 mm cannon.
Lock and Load.
The firing line command to put the weapon's safety to the on position and load the weapon with ammunition and await further orders from the range officer. In combat an informal command to prepare to fight.
LP.
(Vietnam) Listening Post usually set up at night to provide warning of an enemy attack.
LPC.
Leather Personnel Carriers. Shoes or boots.
LPH.
Landing Platform, Helicopter. World War II aircraft carriers converted to accomodate squadrons of helicopters which could transport Marines behind enemy lines while others attacked from the beachhead.
LPM.
See Landing Party Manual.
LSD.
Landing Ship, Dock. A ship designed by Admiral John Sidney McCain specifically for amphibious operations. Its center is a floodable dock where Marines and their equipment can be loaded into landing craft which can then be floated out the aft door and onto the beach.
LST.
Landing Ship, Tank. A ship designed to run its bow onto a beach with its bow doors open and discharge Marines and their equipment directly into battle.
Lubriplate®.
A commercial lubricant used to protect the wear points of weapons.
LVTP-7.
Amphibious Tractor (Amtrack) transported Marines from an LST or LPD to and over the beachhead, if necessary. Called Large Vulnerable Target, they were renamed AAVP-7 "Tuna Boats".
LZ. Helicopter Landing Zone. A field position usually designated with a name (LZ Lark, LZ Betty, LX Mouse).


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-M-
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
M-NU.
A fluid used by Marines to renew emblems and metal rank which are showing metal through the black coloring. Originally dark brown since Marine Corps emblems were that color until about 1960 when emblems and shoes became black. The name stands for eMblem-reNU.
M1.
The U.S. rifle caliber .30 [30-06], M1, is an air-cooled, gas-operated, clip-fed, semiautomatic shoulder weapon. The primary infantry weapon of World War II and Korea. It replaced the Springfield M1903 and was replaced by the M14.
M1/M2.
.30 cal. carbine rifle.
M2.
"Heavy barrel" .50 cal. machine gun developed just after WWI and still being used into the 21st Century.
M3A1.
Shoulder fired, blowback operated .45 cal. submachinegun with 30-round magazine known as the "grease gun". A favorite of garrison officers. Standard on-board weapon for most tank crews.
M7.
Larger, circular baseplate for the M224 mortar.
M7A3 CS.
Riot Control Hand Grenade. This 19 oz weapon contains 9.5 oz of CS that when ignited gives off a thick cloud of irritating agent for approximately 60 seconds.
M8.
Smaller, rectangular baseplate for the M224 mortar.
M9.
Baretta 9mm pistol with 15 round magazine which replaced the M19llA1 in the 1990s.
M14
M14.
The U.S. rifle, caliber 7.62 mm [308 Winchester], M14, is an air-cooled, gas-operated, magazine-fed, shoulder weapon. It is designed primarily for semiautomatic fire. An infantry weapon in use between Korea and early Vietnam. It replaced the M1 and was replaced by the M16.
M15.
White phosphorous hand grenade replaced by the M34.
M16.
The U.S. rifle, caliber 5.56 mm [223 Remington], M16, is a lightweight air cooled, gas operated, magazine fed, shoulder weapon. It is capable of both semiautomatic and full automatic fire. The basic infantry rifle that replaced the M14 at the start of the Vietnam War. It was designed by Eugene Stoner for the Armalite Company and was produced by Colt. See Mattel.
M18.
Colored Smoke Hand Grenade. Emits either red, green or yellow smoke for up to 1.5 minutes. Color is marked on the canister.
M25A2 CS.
Riot Control Hand Grenade weighing 7.5 oz with 3.5 oz of CS gas with a unique arming system unlike any other grenade in the inventory. The use and effect is the same as the M7A3.
M26.
Fragmentation hand grenade. Hand-thrown with a 7-second delay from arming to explosion.
M34.
White phosphorous smoke hand grenade. This 27.2 oz weapon contains 12 oz of white phosphorous.
M47.
Dragon Weapon System. Man-portable, shoulder-fired, medium range antitank weapon.
M48A3.
Main battle tank in Vietnam with a 90 mm main gun, coaxial mounted .30 cal machine gun and a coupola mounted .50 cal. machine gun with a crew of 4. The 850 horse Chrysler air-cooled diesel engine provided a crusing range of approximately 200 miles. It weighed 52 tons combat loaded.
M60.
Air cooled, belt fed, gas-operated, fully automatic, shoulder-fired standard infantry machine gun 7.62 mm with bipod and replacement barrels.
M64.
Sight for the M224 mortar.
M67.
Fragmentation hand grenade. This 14 oz hand weapon contains 6.5 oz of composition B. The average Marine can throw it 40 meters and it has a casualty producing radius of 15 meters.
M67A2.
Flame thrower tank with 260 gallon bottle of napalm, a coaxial mounted .30 cal. machine gun and a crew of three. It had a cruising range of 200 miles and weighed 50 tons combat loaded.
M69.
Training and practice grenades. The training version has all inert or expended parts, the only removable item is the pin. The practice grenade is the same as the training grenade except that it uses an active M228 fuse to indicate delay times and add realism to training.
M79.
Shoulder-held, 40 mm, single shot grenade launcher with a range of 400 meters. Called a "blooper" from the sound it made when fired.
M103.
Heavy gun tank with a 120 mm main cannon of extremely long range.
M170.
Bipod for the M224 mortar.
M203.
Light weight, single-shot, breech-loaded, pump action (sliding barrel), shoulder-fired weapon attached to the M16A2 rifle.
M224.
60 mm Mortar consisting of the M225 cannon, the M170 bipod and the M64 sight as well as two types of base plates, the circular M7 and the rectangular M8.
M225.
Cannon for the M224 mortar.
M228.
Hand grenade fuse.
M249.
SAW or Squad Automatic Weapon, it replaced the BAR. The SAW is a gas-operated, belt/magazine-fed, aircooled, automatic, shoulder-fired weapon 5.56 mm. Typically there are nine SAWs in a basic infantry platoon.
M1903.
Springfield bolt-action .30 cal rifle which was replaced by the M1 in the mid 1930s. The Marine Corps used them through much of World War II.
M1911A1.
The automatic pistol, caliber 45 is a recoil operated, magazine fed hand weapon. Used from World War I until the 1990s, it has been replaced by the M9.
M1917A1
Browning water cooled machine gun.
M1918.
Browning Automatic Rifle, known universally as the BAR.
M1919A4.
Browning .30 cal. machine gun.
Maggot.
One of the lowest forms of life. Also a Marine who spends most of his or her time trying to obtain a discharge.
MAG.
Marine Air Group. A unit in an air wing equivalent to an infantry regiment. Commanded by a colonel.
MAGTF.
Marine Air Ground Task Force. A unit with both air and ground elements but not MEU or MEB.
Maggie’s Drawers.
A red flag waved from the rifle pits to indicate a complete miss of the target during qualification firing.
Mail Buoy.
A non-existent navigational aid used in a practical joke by "salty" Marines and sailors. Allegedly, the mail buoy or sea buoy was a device to which passing ships or aircraft would attach packets of mail. Inexperienced Marines or sailors were assigned to "guard duty" and told to be on the look out for the buoy. It was part of an informal initiation rite.
Main Bottle.
360 gallon bottle of napalm on the M67A2 flame thrower tank. A cluster of nine air bottles surrounded the main bottle to provide air for combustion.
Mainside.
The main portion of a base or installation where the headquarters are located along with the Marine Corps Exchange and theater. As opposed to “in the field” or the boonies.
Major.
The fourth grade of commissioned officer and first of the field grades is indicated by a gold oak leaf on the collar points. The pay grade is O-4 and is the same in the Army and Air Force. In the Navy and Coast Guard the rank is lieutenant commander and is additionally indicated with two broad bands of gold with one narrow band between them topped with an insignia representing the branch to which the officer is assigned (most often a gold star in the Navy) or a gold shield in the Coast Guard.
Major General.
Second of the flag officer ranks indicated by two silver stars on the collar points of the uniform. The pay grade is O-8 and is the same in the Army and the Air Force. In the Navy and Coast Guard the rank is rear admiral (upper half) and is additionally indicated with a two inch gold band and two one inch gold bands and a gold star (Navy) or gold shield (Coast Guard) above on the coat cuffs. The shoulder board is the same as rear admiral (lower half) except that there are two silver stars rather than one.
Make a hole.
A phrase used to move a group of people not in formation out of the way of a formed unit or a person senior in rank.
Malingerer.
A Marine or recruit who spends too much time at sick call or makes other excuses to get out of training or duty. It is a punishable offense under the UCMJ.
Maltreatment.
A problem in Marine Corps recruit training in the middle of the 20th Century, now resolved. Recruit training, while difficult and demanding, is not life threatening. Each of the very few accidents is thoroughly investigated and reviewed. See Ribbon Creek.
Mameluke Sword.
The sword worn on parade and formal occasions by Marine commissioned and warrant officers. The first Mameluke sword was presented to Marine Lieutenant Presley N. O’Bannon by Prince Hamet Bey the Pasha of Tripoli in 1805 during which the United States flag was flown for the first time in the Old World.
Manning the Rails.
When entering or leaving port or when rendering special honors the ship's compliment will dress in full dress uniforms and stand along the rails or in the rigging at the position of attention.
Manual of Arms.
The prescribed movements involving the use of weapons, including swords, in parades and ceremonies.
MarDet.
Marine Detachment.
Marine Band.
The United States Marine Band, "The President's Own," is located at Marine Barracks 8th and I, Washington, DC. It is the official band of the Marine Corps. Other bands exist at division, air wing and depot levels throughout the Marine Corps.
Marine Brat.
See Military Brat.
Marine Combat Training.
Infantry training provided to every Marine not assigned an Infantry MOS. See School of Infantry.
Marine Corps Association.
At Guantanamo Bay, Cuba 25 April 1913, Marines of the Second Provisional Brigade formed the Marine Corps Association. John A. Lejeune, then a lieutenant colonel, headed its first executive committee. The purpose of the MCA was defined then and continues to drive the Association. To disseminate knowledge of the military art and science among members.
  • To provide for professional advancement.
  • To foster the spirit and preserve the traditions of the Marine Corps.
  • To increase the efficiency of the Marine Corps and to further the interest of the military and Naval Services in all ways not inconsistent with the good of the general government.
Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
Any event from a buffet dinner to a mess night held on or close to November 10th each year to commemorate the birthday of the United States Marine Corps in 1775. To qualify it must have a decorated cake so that the first two pieces go to the oldest and youngest Marine present and the reading of the Commandant’s Birthday Order and the Birthday Order of Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune.
Marine Corps Exchange.
The correct name of the PX. On Navy bases you will find a Navy Exchange and on Army and Air Force installations they will have Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).
Marine Corps Gazette.
The magazine for professional Marines.
Marine Corps Hymn.
Does not exist. See Marines’ Hymn.
Marine Corps League.
National organization of Marines and former Marines with local detachments throughout the country.
Marine Detachment.
A small unit of Marines assigned as part of the ship's compliment to provide guard duties, operate the brig, provide orderlies to the senior Navy officers and man one or more of the guns on board. See Seagoing Marine.
Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB).
Consisting of a Regimental Landing Team, Marine Air Group and a services support group the MEB is commanded by a brigadier general and is a self-sufficient fighting element.
Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF).
Built around a complete Division-Wing team with combat support and combat service support groups, the MEF consists of about 53,000 Marines and sailors.
Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
The smallest of the expeditionary organizations is built around a Battalion Landing Team and a Composite Air Squadron. It consists of approximately 2,500 Marines.
Marine Regs.
A term used in the Navy to refer to Navy medical or dental personnel who opt to wear Marine Corps uniforms while serving with Marine Corps units. They agree to meet Marine Corps uniform regulations including grooming and physical standards.
Marine House.
Used often in embassy duty to designate the residence for Marines located in a civilian neighborhood overseas or on the grounds of an embassy. Sometimes generally used for any free-standing barracks for Marines.
Marines Hymn.
The official song of the United States Marine Corps.
From the Halls of Montezuma, to the Shores of Tripoli
We fight out country's battles in the air, on land and sea
First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean
We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine.

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze, from dawn to setting sun
We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun
In the snow of far off northern lands, and in sunny tropic scenes
You will find us always on the job, The United States Marines

Here's health to you and to our Corps, which we are proud to serve
In many a strife we've fought for life, and never lost our nerve
If the Army and the Navy, ever gazed on heaven's scenes
They would find the streets are guarded by, The United States Marines
Hear the Marines' Hymn played by the United States Marine Band. (Windows Media Player required)
Marine One.
The call sign of the Marine aircraft in which the President of the United States is either passenger or pilot. Usually one of the specially built helicopters assigned to Andrews Air Force Base, Md. for Presidential Support. Most often used to transport the President fromt he White House lawn to Air Force One or to Camp David, Md.
MARTD.
Marine Air Reserve Training Detachment.
Mary Jane.
See Grass.
Massaro, John E.
Eighth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps serving from April 1, 1977 through Aug. 15, 1979. He was born on May 22, 1930 in Cleveland, OH.
Master at Arms.
A ship’s policeman. Usually a senior petty officer charged with keeping order aboard ship or in a Navy organization. When necessary he would call upon Marines to assist in his duties.
Master Gunnery Sergeant of Marines.
The senior enlisted technician in any MOS. His or her insignia is three chevrons and four rockers with a bursting bomb between chevrons and rockers. The pay grade E-9 is shared with sergeant major and none of the other services has a similar technical rank at that grade.
Master Sergeant.
Army and Air Force enlisted ranks. See Master Sergeant of Marines.
Master Sergeant of Marines.
Three chevrons and three rockers with crossed rifles between chevrons and rockers. The pay grade E-8 is shared with First Sergeant of Marines and in the Army the rank and insignia are the same without the crossed rifles. In the Air Force the rank is senior master sergeant who wears a technical sergeant insignia with one chevron above. Navy and Coast Guard equivalents are senior chief petty officer who wears the chief petty officer insignia with one star above the eagle.
Mattel.
A 20th Century toy company erroneously reported to have been the original manufacturer of the M16 rifle (See M16). The rifle was detested by soldiers at the start of the Vietnam war as it was prone to sand and dirt induced jams and the stocks broke with very little impact. The problems were resolved and was produced for years. It has been replaced by the M16A2.
Mattress.
A prostitute or other person who spends a lot of time in the prone or supine position giving sexual gratification to Marines.
Mattress Pressing.
Sleeping.
MAW.
Marine Air Wing. In Marine Aviation, a unit equivalent to an infantry division. Commanded by a major general.
Maxwell, Smith.
The most senior enlisted Marine on the battlefield at Bull Run, during the Civil War. He had been busted from sergeant to private the previous December for drinking on duty and was made Quartermaster Sergeant for the battle, then was rated Sergeant until December when he was again "reduced to the ranks" and a few days later discharged for completion of his 4 years of service.
Mayday.
The international distress signal, particularly during voice communication. See SOS and Police Flag.
MCAS.
Marine Corps Air Station.
MCB.
Marine Corps Base.
MCBH.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
MCMAP
Marine Corps Marial Arts Program.
MCRD.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot. There is one at Parris Island SC and one at San Diego CA.
McCawley, Charles.
Eighth Commandant of the Marine Corps. Born in Pennsylvania on Jan. 29, 1827 he was named Colonel Commandant on the resignation of Brigadier General Jacob Zeilin on Oct. 31, 1876. The law making the Commandant a brigadier general had been repealed during Zeilin's term. McCawley resigned Jan. 29, 1891 and died on Oct. 13 of that year.
McHugh, Thomas J.
Third Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps having served from June 29, 1962 until July 16, 1965. He was born Dec 23, 1919 in New York City and died in 1999.
MCI.
Marine Corps Institute. Correspondence school for Marine Corps leadership and technical training.
McKeon, Matthew.
Staff Sergeant of Marines. See Ribbon Creek.
McMichael, Alford L.
Fourteenth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and the first black to serve in that position began his duties on July 1, 1999 and is still serving. He was born in Hot Springs, AR.
MCAS.
Marine Corps Air Station.
MCRD.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot. There are two in the Marine Corps, one at Parris Island, SC and the other at San Diego, CA. See Hollywood Marines.
MCT.
Marine Combat Training. Infantry training provided to every Marine who is not assigned the Infantry MOS. See School of Infantry.
MCX.
Marine Corps Exchange.
MEB.
Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
Medal of Honor.
The nation’s highest award for bravery. It is not the Congressional Medal of Honor. More correctly it is the Army, Navy or Air Force Medal of Honor. (Navy version shown) .
Medevac.
Evacuation of wounded usually by helicopter. First used in the Korean War and perfected in Vietnam it is now a standard medical term used worldwide.
Medical Battalion.
A Navy medical unit which provides additional support to Marine operational units in the field and to Marine units who do not have corpsmen assigned to them.
MEF.
Marine Expeditionary Force.
Menopause Manor.
See Goat Locker, from the Royal Navy term.
MER.
Maximum Effective Range. The distance at which a weapon system can be expected to regularly hit a target.
Meritorious Mast.
A formation during which awards and promotions are made. From the navy tradition of gathering the crew around the main mast of the ship to deliver punishment and rewards. In the modern Marine Corps it is a written recognition of work well done and is of greater value than a Letter of Appreciation or a Certificate of Commendation.
Mess Deck.
Dining room, from the naval term.
Mess Hall.
Dining Hall.
Mess Night.
A formal dinner and ceremony having strict rules, toasts and responses. The uniform is always evening dress unless the unit is in a forward area where the appropriate field uniform is acceptable. It is a unique evening of fraternity open only to Marines or specifically invited guests (spouses are seldom, if ever allowed to attend). Separate events are held for Commissioned and Warrant Officers, Staff Non-commissioned Officers, Non-commissioned officers or, sometimes it is open to All Ranks.
MEU.
Marine Expeditionary Unit.The smallest of the expeditionary organizations is built around a Battalion Landing Team and a Composite Air Squadron. It consists of approximately 2,500 Marines.
MIA.
Missing In Action.
Mickey Mouse Boots.
Cold weather boots worn by Marines.
Midrats.
Midnight Rations. Food served from midnight to reveille for those getting off or going on duty during the middle of the night.
Midshipman.
A student at the U. S. Naval Academy and in Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps units. Prior to the establishment of the Naval Academy in 1847 it was an entry-level rank to commissioning as a Naval officer. Appointments as midshipman were given, by politicians, to boys as young as 9 years of age who would be assigned to serve on board a ship for the purposes of learning seamanship and leadership. When they felt prepared they would apply to a Naval School in Boston, New York, Baltimore or Norfolk where they would study in preparation for an examination. Successful completion of the examination made the midshipman a Passed Midshipman and he was eligible for promotion to lieutenant.
Midwatch.
Midnight until 0400. See Watch.
Mighty Mite.
M422-A-1. A small Jeep-like vehicle made specifically for the Marine Corps by American Motors Corporation during the Vietnam War.
Mike Mike.
Milimeter.
Mikes.
Milimeters or minutes as appropriate.
Military Brat.
The child of someone in the military. Originaly a put-down, it is now a term embraced by most Military Brats. They take pride in the informal education that living with their military dad or mom (or both) in many and unique places has aforded them.
Military Creases.
On uniform shirts, vertical creases ironed into the uniform--two on the front running through the shirt pocket buttons and three evenly spaced on the back. Some Army and Air Force types had them sewn in while Marines always had them ironed in.
Military Occupational Specialty.
The career field and job of a Marine.
Miller, Samuel.
Adjutant and Inspector of the Marine Corps and a Brevet Major, he served as Acting Commandant of the Marine Corps from the 2nd to the 15th of Sept. 1818. He was replaced as Acting Commandant by Brevet Major Archibald Henderson who served from Sept 16, 1818 until March 2, 1819 when Anthony Gale was appointed Commandant.
Missing Man Formation.
A flight of, usually five, aircraft in a fly-over formation. When the flight reaches the honor point, one of the aircraft peels off into a steep climb leaving his or her position vacant. It is a formal salute rendered to POW and MIA as well as to deceased military people--usually aviators.
Mk1.
Illuminating Hand Grenade. The burning magnesium emits 55,000 candlepower for about 25 seconds.
Mk19 Mod 3.
40 mm Machine gun. An air-cooled, blow back operated, belt fed heavy machine gun.
Mo Skosh.
Very small. See Skoshi.
MOH.
Medal of Honor. It is not Congressional Medal of Honor. There are three separate designs: Army, Navy and Air Force; but the criteria is the same for all. It is the most senior award that can be given to a military person.
MOJO.
Originally a concoction of hard liquors designed for the sole purpose of getting drunk. Also used to mean a swaggering approach or smooth talking individual, as in "He's got his MOJO goin'."
MOLLE.
Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment. A system which replaced the traditional harness, belt and pack system to allow the Marine to "wear" rather than "carry" his or her equipment.
Molly Marine.
A statue of a Woman Marine located in New Orleans, LA. The first statue of a woman in military service in the United States.
Montford Point.
A section of Camp Lejeune, NC at which black Marines were trained during World War II. Prior to that time there were no black Marines.
Montezuma Red.
The crimson color of the Blood Stripe on the dress uniform of Marine commissioned and noncommissioned officers. Also the color of the lipstick worn by early Women Marines.
Moose.
An indigenous female in Korea or Vietnam who served as a mistress to a Marine while in the country. They would maintain an off-base home environment and sex for a small payment and black market supplies.
Moonbeam.
Flashlight.
Mortar.
An ancient field weapon that fires a projectile in a high arch to reach an impact point.
MOS.
Military Occupational Specialty.
Motor T.
Motor Transport. Present and former motor transport personnel can join the USMC Motor Transport Association.
Mount Up.
A cavalry term meaning to mount your horse and prepare to move out. In the infantry it is often said "mount out" and means to go into battle or begin a march or some similar event.
MP.
Military Police. At one time an additional duty, now a professional MOS with both guard and law enforcement responsibilities.
MPC.
Military Pay Certificates. Script issued instead of dollars to Marines in Japan (following WWII) and Vietnam (during that conflict).
Mr. Charles.
(Vietnam) A Viet Communist soldier. Usually called Charlie.
MRE.
Meal, Ready to Eat. Often called Meal that Refuses to Exit. See C-Rations.
MSG.
Marine Security Guard. See Embassy Marine.
MSSG.
MEU Service Support Group, Combat Service Support Element of a MEU.
Mud Marines.
(World War II and Korea)A term used by Marine aviation personnel to identify infantry Marines.
Mule.
Designated an M274 and used around the Vietnam period it was little more than a platform on wheels, with a two-cylinder opposed Tecumseh engine started with a pull-cord just like your power lawnmower. It has four-wheel drive and steering and could be driven by a Gyrene lying prone for a low profile. And it could carry, literally, a ton of supplies or be mounted with M60 mortars, small cannon or the 105mm recoilless rifle. The mule was retired due to the faulty design of the tires and lack of proper protection for the driver.
Multi-fueler.
A vehicle designed to use multiple types of fuel including gasoline, diesel or jet fuel. See Deuce and a Half.
Mundy Jr., Carl E.
Thirtieth Commandant of the Marine Corps serving from July 1, 1991 until June 30, 1995. The native Georgian was born July 16, 1935.
Mustang.
A commissioned officer who served previously as an enlisted person.
myMarine
A Yahoo group open to parents, friends, relatives and sweethearts of Marine recruits. It is an on-line support group run by people who have been in the same position. They provide honest, un-filtered, supportive advice during the 13 weeks that are Marine Boot Camp. It is free and moderated.

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-N-
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
Napalm.
Highly volatile gasoline in a jelly form used for burning out caves during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Also used by the Air Force to defoliate large areas of forests or jungles.
NAPS
Naval Academy Preparatory School where sailors and Marines are sent from the fleet to prepare them for a Fleet Appointment to the U. S. Naval Academy. Your editor was a NAPSter in 1963-1964 and we are looking for other Marines from that class.
NAS.
Naval Air Station.
NBC.
Nuclear, Biological and Chemical.
Navajo Code Talkers.
See Code Talkers.
Naval Gunfire.
Artillery support from ships at sea. Infantrymen have varrying opinions of its effectiveness and aim.
Navy Construction Battalion.
Combat engineers and construction forces known as Seabees.
NBC.
Nuclear, Biological and Chemical. See Gas Chamber.
NCIS.
Naval Criminal Investigation Service. The detective force for the Naval services it consists of commissioned, warrant and non-commissioned officers as well as civilians. They wear civilian clothing and are goven the rank of Special Agent.
NCO.
Noncommissioned officer. In the Marine Corps all ranks (except lance corporal) containing the word corporal or sergeant. They are: corporal, sergeant, staff sergeant, gunnery sergeant, master sergeant or first sergeant, sergeant major or master gunnery sergeant and sergeant major of the Marine Corps. See Enlisted Marine, Staff NCO and Officer.
NCOIC.
Noncommissioned officer in charge. The senior enlisted Marine in detachments and guard units, particularly when there is no commissioned officer assigned. See HMFIC.
Neville, Wendell.
Fourteenth Commandant of the Marine Corps and recipient of the Medal of Honor. Born May 12, 1870 in Virginia he lived until July 8, 1930. A Naval Academy graduate he was appointed Major General Commandant on March 5, 1929 and died in office.
Newbie.
A new member of a unit, usually one with little military experience who is the object of numerous practical jokes. One usually remains a newbie until the next newbie signs in.
NFG.
No Fucking Good.
Nicholas, Samuel.
First "Commandant" of the Marine Corps. Born in 1744 in Pennsylvania he was commissioned a "Captain of Marines" by the Continental Congress on Nov. 28, 1775 and was promoted to major on June 25, 1776. While the resolution of Congress on Nov. 10, 1775 provided for a colonel to command two battalions of Marines, Nicholas was the senior officer when the organization ceases to exist in 1781 and is therefore considered to be the first Commandant. He died Aug. 27, 1790.
Nicholson, Augustus S.
Acting Commandant from May 13 until June 9, 1864. Major, Adjutant and Inspector of the Corps. Serving between the death of Harris and the appointment of Zeilin.
Nine Yards.
As used in "The Whole Nine Yards" it refers to a complete belt of machine gun ammo which is 27 feet long.
Nit Noy
(Vietnam). The "small shit".  Unimportant. Perhaps of Thai derevation.
NJP.
Non-judicial punishment.
Noncommissioned Officer.
Enlisted persons serving in positions of responsibility. Their ranks usually contain corporal or sergeant in them (although a lance corporal is not an NCO).
Noncommissioned Officer Sword.
The 1859 Field and Staff Officer sword. A badge of office worn on parade or in formal situations by NCOs.
Non-judicial Punishment.
Punishment under the UCMJ that does not require a courts martial. It is for minor infractions and is usually administered by the Marine’s commanding officer or ship’s captain.
Non-qual.
A Marine who did not qualify as an expert, sharpshooter or marksman on the rifle range. Non-quals do not graduate from boot camp.
Noted.
An answer meaning "understood" when receiving a list of instructions. Also an indication that something was written down.
NP Mat.
NeoPrene Mat. A sealed cell sleeping mat which contains no Neoprene and keeps dampness from permeating your sleeping bag.
Number One.
(Vietnam) The best.
Number Ten.
(Vietnam) The worst.
Numbnuts.
Ignorant or untrainable. Used often by drill instructors to describe recruits.
NVA.
(Vietnam) North Vietnamese Army.


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-O-
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
O'Bannon, Presley N.
Lieutenant of Marines. See Mameluke Sword.
Obstacle Course.
A series of physical barriers over which a Marine must cross in a race against time. See Confidence Course.
Oceanside.
The civilian community outside the main gate of Camp Pendleton, CA.
OCS.
Officer Candidates School
OD.
Olive drab. Official color of utility and fatigue uniforms worn prior to the introduction of BDUs or cammies. The term was replaced by Sage Green and then simply Green.
Office Hours.
A non-judicial hearing for minor offences at which NJP (non-judicial punnishment) may be issued by a commanding officer.
Office Pogue.
An office clerk. See Remington Raider.
Officer.
General use refers to commissioned officers and warrant officers. Noncommissioned officers are also officers but are generally referred to as NCOs or specific rank.
Officers’ Country.
The area aboard ship where the commissioned officer living compartments are located. Off limits to all enlisted personnel unless on official duty.
Officer Candidates School.
A training program for motivated college graduates who have been screened by the Marine Corps for the qualities necessary to become a leader of Marines. Upon graduation they are commissioned Second Lieutenant of Marines. The selection process begins with the Recruiting Command's Officer Selection Officer.
Oh Dark Thirty.
See 0 Dark Thirty.
OIC.
Officer in Charge. A commissioned or warrant officer placed in charge of a group of Marines or a project. This person is not a commander and does not have the UCMJ authority vested in a commander.
OIF.
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sometimes called the Second Gulf War.
OIF II.
Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The Iraqi War after the "mission accomplished" announcement of the "end of major hostilities."
Oki.
Okinawa. An island south of Japan owned by the U. S. Government until the 1970s when it was turned over to Japan. Still a major Marine Corps installation, it was used during Vietnam as a staging point for troops going into and out of Vietnam.
OldCorps.org.
One of the websites that hosts this dictionary.  You can get a vanity email address like AnythingYouWant@OldCorps.org which will autoforward to your current address.  The only cost for this lifetime address is a one time donation to help defray the cost of this dictionary.  Contact GBK(insert at sign here)OldCorps.org for more information.
Old Goat.
See Goat Locker.
Old Hat.
Stale or unchanged information. Information that is already known.
On Station.
Usually refers to a ship being at its assigned position on the ocean. Also sometimes used to mean on duty.
Ontos.
A Vietnam era fighting vehicle that looked like a small tank with six externally mounted 105mm recoilless rifles attached. Ammunition and a loader were carried inside but he had to get out to load the tubes. When all six rifles were fired at the same time the Ontos would stand up on its hind section. The word is reportedly Greek for "thing".
Ooohraah.
A sound made by a Marine to indicate agreement or to provide encouragement.
OP.
Observation Post.
Op Tempo.
Operational Tempo; how frequently a unit deploys or goes to the field.
Order of the Golden Dragon.
Awarded for crossing the International Date Line. See Line Crossing Ceremony.
Orderly Sergeant.
The highest ranking enlisted rank in the Marine Corps during the Civil War. Most of the ships' Marine Detachments were commanded by Orderly Sergeants. Not presently in use.
Oscar.
The name of the dummy used for man overboard drills. Also, the flag that is hoisted when there is a man overboard (the flag for the letter O).
OSO.
Officer Selection Officer.
Out.
(Commtalk) I am finished talking and do not expect a reply from you. Thus, "over and out" is a self contradiction.
Outfuckingstanding.
A Marine expletive meaning very good.
Over.
(Commtalk)I am finished talking, I am now expecting you to talk.
Over and Out.
(Commtalk)Does not exist--an oximoron.
Over the Hill.
Unauthorized absence.
Overhead.
Ceiling, from the naval term.
Overstreat, Harold G.
Twelfth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps serving from June 28, 1991 until June 29, 1995. He was born in December of 1944 in Houston, TX.


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-P-
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
P-38.
The tool contained in every case of C-Rations used as a can opener. It is so versatile that Marines used it as a phillips and slot screw driver,p38 rudimentary box opener, scraper and even push tool. Generally worn with the Dog Tags around the neck. Often called a  John Wayne. Made obsolete with the introduction of the Meal, Ready to Eat (MRE). A larger version, P-51 was used by messcooks on the larger field ration cans. A similar device in use by the Australian and New Zealand Armies has a spoon at one end and is called a Field Ration Eating Device (FRED) which the troops call the Fucking Ridiculous Eating Device.
Pace, Peter
First Marine named Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and, thus, first Marine to out rank the Commandant of the Marine Corps. He served only one tour when it was traditional to serve two since he ran afoul of Congress and was not renominated for political reasons.   On the day he retired he dropped by the Vietnam War Memorial—The Wall.  He walked to the wall like every one of us and cried. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out three 3X5 cards. Each had the name of a Marine who had died in Vietnam while under the command of Lieutenant Pace. Under each name was this inscription,"These are yours, not mine. With love and respect." And it was signed "Your platoon leader, Pete Pace." Attached to the card was one of his insignia of rank, the four stars of a full general.
Page 11.
The page in the service record book containing a chronological listing of favorable and unfavorable actions. The entries can range from listing a DUI to records of courts martial to warnings about the length of the grass at your assigned quarters. Positive entries include everything from a thank you letter from a community agency to a Medal of Honor. Page 11 entries stay with a Marine FOREVER.
Parade Deck.
See Grinder.
ParkerizeTM.
A chemical process using phosphorus to put a strong coating on a weapon. Considered far superior to "bluing".
Parris Island SC
Location of the Marine Corps' east coast Recruit Depot. Named for its previous owner it has been a Naval facility since the Civil War and a Marine Corps activity since 1915. It is the only training site for female Marines. Parents, friends and other relatives of Marine Corps Recruits can find help and understanding among the members of myMarine.
Passageway.
A hallway or corridor from the naval usage.
Password.
A pre-determined word or phrase given in response to the challenge of a sentry. Literally, a word needed in order to pass.
Pate, Randolph McCall.
Twenty first Commandant of the Marine Corps. He was born Feb. 11, 1898 and served as Commandant from Jan. 1, 1956 until Dec. 31, 1959. He died on July 31, 1961.
Pay Grade.
A relational term consisting of the letter E, O or W and the level of pay assigned to that grade. Below is a chart comparing Pay Grade to Rank in the Marine Corps.
E-1 Private W-1 Warrant Officer O-1 Second Lieutenant
E-2 Private First Class W-2 Chief Warrant Officer O-2 First Lieutenant
E-3 Lance Corporal W-3 Chief Warrant Officer O-3 Captain
E-4 Corporal W-4 Chief Warrant Officer O-4 Major
E-5 Sergeant W-5 Chief Warrant Officer O-5 Lieutenant Colonel
E-6 Staff Sergeant O-6 Colonel
E-7 Gunnery Sergeant O-7 Brigadier General
E-8 Master Sergeant or First Sergeant O-8 Major General
E-9 Master Gunnery Sergeant or Sergeant Major O-9 Lieutenant General
O-10 General
PC.
Politically Correct. Used herein to identify things that are not Politically Correct as in the next entry.
PCFSMFSOB.
(Not PC)Piss, cunt, fuck, shit, mother fucker, son of a bitch. An expletive said quickly while angry or in pain. (Vietnam era)
PCP.
A special unit in Marine boot camp to which recruits who are unable to maintain minimal physical conditioning are sent. Their entire day is spent in physical conditioning and once they meet the standard they are placed back into training with a platoon which is at the point where they were taken out of regular training.
PCS.
Permanent Change of Station. Leaving one unit to be assigned to another, it generally involves travel pay and household goods shipments and a total disruption of life.
PEBD.
Pay Entry Base Date. The date from which pay longevity is computed. Usually the first enlistment or commissioning date.
Permanent Party.
A person assigned to a base, station or ship on Permanent Change of Station orders as opposed to someone assigned temporarily.
Permissive TDY.
Permissive Temporary Duty is granted for temporary duty away from the normal assigned duties but no additional pay is given. PTAD is granted for "recruiter assistance" duty. Also Permissive TDy.
Petty Officer.
A Navy and Coast Guard series of ranks vaguely equivalent to noncommissioned officers. The insignia consists of from one to three inverted chevrons with a Navy Eagle perched on top. Between the eagle and the chevrons is a graphic which indicates the specialty of that particular petty officer.
PF.
(Vietnam) Popular Forces. Vietnam's National Guard--farmers during the day and soldiers at night. Usually untrained and dangerous.
PFT.
Physical Fitness Test. A biannual test to ensure that Marines are within the Marine Corps' physical standards. The test includes a timed three-mile run, pull-ups (for men), bent arm hang (for women) and crunches (up to 100 in a two minute period). The Marine's height to weight ratio is also measured and must fall within established standards. A Physical Fitness Calculator is located Here.
Phantom.
Nickname of the F-4B jet fighter aircraft flown by Marines in Vietnam.
Pharmacist Mate.
Navy Corpsman rank in WWII and Korea. See Corpsman.
Philippine Haricut.
A slit throat.
Phrog.
See Frog.
Pig Board.
A bulletin board set up in a common area (mostly in boot camp) to which photos of wives and girlfriends (mostly school photos and beach photos) are posted. Sometimes awards are given for quality posts. In some units the photos are pornographic and entirely against regulations. They are considered sexual harassment.
Pinning On.
A tradition among enlisted Marines in which anyone senior in rank to a newly promoted Marine is allowed to punch the new rank insignia, thereby pinning them on. Also Tacking On. In the mid to late 20th Century it became a custom for Recon Marines to have their jump wings literally pinned on their naked chests in violent and bloody rite of passage. The barbaric hazing was soon rooted out as a cultural anomoly and is hopefully an historic footnote.
Piss 'n Puke.
(Seagoing Marines) Confinement to the brig on bread and water. Apparently Piss 'n Punk is used in some quarters.
Pisscutter.
A Marine’s garrison cover. Sometimes pisscover. The word was used extensively in the middle 20th Century, presently out of vogue due to a serious lack of political correctness. The etymology of the word is not known. One possible explanation comes from Kate Gladstone who says, "I have heard 'pisscutter' used by (elderly male) non-Marines to describe anything which has a sharp, spiffy-looking fold or edge or crease - e.g., a particularly well-made hat-brim, or an admirably crisp crease in a pair of pants." In the novel Shogun by James Clavell the word is used to refer to a harbor that was particularly difficult to navigate.
Pissing Contest.
An argument, usually without purpose or value.
Pith Helmet.
A khaki colored fiber helmet used extensively for the jungle environment. Worn by Marines throughout the 20th Century in boot camp, in war, in the fleet and presently worn by primary marksmanship instructors.
Pitting.
To pit. A boot camp verb meaning to give Incentive Training (IT) to a recruit in order to improve his or her motivation or as punishment for a minor infraction of rules. Sand pits are built in many places throughout the Marine Corps Recruit Depots at Parris Island, SC and San Diego, CA into which recruits can be taken by drill instructors to administer IT. See also Quarterdecking.
Pits.
A place behind a mound on a firing range where targets are pulled and marked and repaired before being hoisted to be fired upon again.
Pizza Box.
The marksmanship badge worn by those who qualify at the Marksman level--the lowest of three levels of weapons proficiency.
Platoon.
A unit consisting of four squads. It is assigned to a company and is generally commanded by a lieutenant. It is the basic working unit in boot camp where its leaders are drill instructors.
PLC.
Platoon Leaders' Course. An innovative officer training program in which participants take part in officer training during the summers of their college years and upon graduation from college are commissioned Second Lieutenants of Marines. There are no classes or committments during the school year. The program also has two career specific tracks--aviation and legal.
PM.
Preventive Maintenance. First level (echelon) maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
Podunk.
Any small town or someone's home town unless they are from a big city.
Pogey Bait.
Candy or other junk food. See Geedunk.
Pogey Rope.
A pejorative term for the French Fourragere.
Pogue.
A headquarters or office person with no understanding of the real Marine Corps.
Point.
Lead Marine in a patrol. Lead element in a company.
Police.
To clean up or pick up an area such as policing the firing line for brass.
Police Flag.
Sometimes called the Distress Flag it is the national flag flown upside down. It was only used when an extreme situation confronted the captain on board ship. It is never used ashore.
Pollywog.
See Shellback.
Poncho.
A multi-purpose rectangle of rubberized canvas with a hole in the middle so that the head can be inserted. It was used to fend off rain, as a tent or to carry bodies, among many other uses.
Poncho Liner.
A camoflaged, quilted, light weight nylon blanket that ties to the inside of a poncho. It was usually the only blanket carried by troops in Vietnam.
Portholes.
Eyeglasses. Originally holes in the sides of ships to provide light and sometimes ventilation.
Poolee.
An unofficial rank assigned by Marine recruiters to newly enlisted recruits in the delayed entry program and awaiting depatrure to recruit training. Some recruiters have regular, mandatory, formations in which rudimentary drill and physical training are conducted.
Poop.
Information, as in straight poop, bad poop or poop from the group.
Pop Ups.
(Vietnam) Aluminum hand held tubes holding a flare and a small parachute for field illumination.
Port.
Left, from the naval term. Originally larboard the term was changed in the late 18th Century to keep from confusing it with starboard, which means right. The port side of a ship will be illuminated with a red light.
Port and Starboard Liberty.
A situation where half of a unit is always on duty while the other half is on liberty (off duty and usually off base getting drunk).
POS.
Piece of Shit.
Post.
As a noun it is a place where a Marine is assigned such as a senrty post or an embassy. Used extensively by the Army to designate bases not named forts. As a verb, a command in marching for specific officers to take their assigned positions or the act of placing a sentry on post or assigning a Marine to an embassy.
Postbox Rear Admiral.
See Tombstone Brigadier General.
POTUS.
President of the United States. Originally used by Secret Service, the phrase was picked up by Department of Defense and other government agencies around the 1990s.
Pounding your pud.
Standing around doing nothing. Wasting time. From the coloquial expression for masterbating.
POV.
Privately Owned Vehicle.
Powder Monkey.
A Civil War era sailor in the rank of Boy whose job it was to keep gun crews supplied with gunpowder and shot during battle. At other times they served in other menial ways earning little more than a cot and food.
Precedence.
A formal list of commissioned officers in the Naval Service and their position of authority realtive to each other.
President's Own.
Name given to the United States Marine Corps Band, the official band for the President of the United States, called "The President's Own".
Prick25.
(Vietnam). Radio Set AN/PRC-25 (RT-505)(NSN 5820-01-857-0934) Man portable, nautical radio - one tube. Was the predecessor of the PRC-77.
Prime Mover.
A truck.
Private.
A Private Marine. The first enlisted rank in the Marine Corps which is identified by having no insignia of rank. The pay grade is E-1 and is equivalent to an Army private who also wears no rank insignia. An airman basic in the Air Force also wears no rank insignia. In the Navy and Coast Guard a seaman recruit wears a single slash in a box on the left sleeve only.
Private First Class.
The second enlisted rank in the Marine Corps is designated by a single chevron on each sleeve. The pay grade is E-2 and is equivalent to an Army private (the Army has two ranks of privates) who also wears a single chevron. In the Air Force an airman wears an inverted single stripe with a star in a circle which covers the point of the chevron. Navy and Coast Guard seaman apprentices wear two slashes in a box on the left sleeve only.
Pros and Cons.
Proficiency and conduct marks given to Marines to the rank of sergeant by their supervisors. They are part of the formula used for promotion. Each is between 0 (totally unsat, probably not breathing) and 4 (God, on a good day).
Provisional Rifle Company.
A company of Marines made up of non-infantry (non-MOS 0300) personnel to augment or relieve infantry units. A temporary solution to a potentially serious problem.
PT.
Physical Training.
PT Gear.
The clothing worn for PT. It is a prescribed uniform consisting of t-shirt and shorts or sweats and usually green on green unless a unit t-shirt has been authorized..
PTSD.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Previously called Shell Shock (WW I) or Battle Fatigue (WW II) it is the first line of legal defense when a Vietnam Vet goes biserk and kills a lot of innocent civilians. It manifests mostly as dreams recalling battlefield situations or in response to sharp sounds or scenario. Those with PTSD respond as though they were in combat--not acceptable in polite society.
Pucker Factor.
A measure of the stress in any situation. A high pucker factor means high stress.
Pucket, Clinton A.
Sixth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, serving in that position from Feb 1, 1973 through May 31, 1975. He was born March 6, 1926 in Waurika, OK and died in 2002.
Puff the Magic Dragon.
(Vietnam) Later Spooky: a newer version of the venerable C-47, the AC-47 was equipped with three side firing 7.62 mm miniguns.   Initially used in troop support for suppression of enemy troops.  It was later equipped with 40 mm Bofors and then a 105 recoilless rifle for use on the Ho Chi Minh trail for supply interdiction. Crew members report that when the Bofors were fired, the ship actually flew sideways.
Pugil Sticks.
Padded training sticks used to simulate bayonet fighting.
Puller, Lewis B.
Lieutenant General of Marines. The icon of a Marine whose exploits, on and off the battlefield, are the genesis of many legends. His command of a Marine regiment at the Chosin Reservoir in Korea earned him the love of his men and an entire Corps. For decades, Marine Drill Instructors would have their recruits recite, "Good night General Puller, wherever you are" before retiring for the night. See Chosin Reservoir.
Punji Sticks.
(Vietnam)Bamboo sticks sharpened and often laced with poison which were placed in holes and covered so that a Marine would step in the hole and have the sticks impaled in his foot or leg.
Pussy Patch.
Medicated patch given to those who get seasick. Also a high and tight that is so extreme as to suggest a female with a bikini wax.
Puzzle Palace.
Specifically the Pentagon or often any headquarters.
PX.
Post Exchange, an Army term. Now the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). See Marine Corps Exchange.


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-Q-
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
Q-Hut.
See Quonset Hut.
Quad 50s.
(Vietnam) An anti-aircraft weapon employed by the Army. The Geneva Convention limits anti-personnel weapons to 30 cal. so these four 50 cal rifles could only be used on aircraft and other equipment. Right!
Quantico.
Marine Corps Base south of Washington, DC. The home of Marine Corps University and most training for commissioned officers. Also headquarters of the Marine Corps Association and Leatherneck Magazine.
Quarterdeck.
The location of the officer of the deck aboard ship. The ceremonial seat of authority in any shore-based unit. Where one goes to report in to a new command. A section of the recruit squad bay set aside for physical punishment of errant recruits--usually involving PT.
Quarterdecking.
To be taken to the quarterdeck for Incentive Training by the drill instructor. Outside it is called Pitting.
Quartermaster Sergeant.
The second ranking enlisted grade in the Marine Corps during the Civil War. Not presently used.
Quarters.
Living space.
Quatrefoil.
A four-pointed decoration on the top of a warrant or commissioned officer’s dress and service caps. Tradition tells that the design was first used on sailing ships so that Marine sharpshooters in the rigging did not shoot their own officers on the deck.
Quick Time.
The normal pace in marching, approximately 120 steps per minute.
Quonset Hut.
A temporary building created in 1941 by Peter Dejongh and Otto Brandenburger and manufactured for the Navy at their facility in Quonset, RI. The ubiquitous buildings were little more than semi-circular steel ribs with courugated sheet metal attached to them. They were used for everything from troop quarters to supply sheds to airplane hangars. For many years both Marine Corps Recruit Depots at Parris Island, SC and San Diego, CA used them until more permanent structures could be built. Many Old Corps Marines were trained in quonset huts.


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-R-
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
R and R.
Rest and Recuperation. A respite from combat.
Rack.
Bed, usually bunk beds.
Raghead.
(Gulf War, Iraqi Freedom)(Not PC) Any Arab person. Refers to the common headdress of the region.
Railroad Tracks.
Slang for the rank insignia of a Marine, Army or Air Force captain or a Navy or Coast Guard lieutenant.
Rank.
The military authority of an individual within the structure of the organization. Rank is represented by insignia showing relative authority. Rank increases in relationship to pay grade but is distinctly different. For instance a Major of Marines should not be referred to as an O-4 and a Sergeant Major of Marines is never an E-9. See Pay Grade.
Ranking.
Seniority within a rank or within a unit. Factors involved are date of rank, date of enlistment or commissioning. It is similar to precedence.
Rat Fucked.
To be seriously torn apart or rifled through. Originating in Vietnam when cases of C-Rations (Rats) would be gone through in the process of transporting them to the front.
Rate.
Any of the ranks within the Navy or Coast Guard enlisted structure.
Rauber, Francis D.
Second Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, he served from Sept 1, 1959 until June 28, 1961. He was born July 10, 1901 in Rochester, NY and died Feb 19, 1991.
Razor Wire.
Similar to barbed wire or concertina with a sharp edge on one side and spikes every inch or so.
Re-up.
Reenlist or volunteer to serve another tour.
Recon.
To patrol looking for enemy movements and facilities in order to gain information. Generally, contact is avoided if at all possible.
RECON.
Marine Recon conducts amphibious and ground reconnaissance operations, surveillance, battlespace shaping, and limited scale raids in support of a Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Division, Marine Expeditionary Unit, and other Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTF'S) or a Combined/Joint Task Force.
Recruit.
A person enlisted into the Marine Corps in anticipation of attending boot camp or a person undergoing training in boot camp. A recruit must earn the title "Marine" by successfully completing boot camp. Some people are given rank (usually PFC or LCpl) on enlistment and are paid at that rank but during boot camp they wear no rank and are called "Recruit" like everyone else in training. Only upon graduation are they allowed to wear the insignia of their rank.
Recruit Punishment.
Unofficial punishments given to recruits by drill instructors for minor infractions of the rules. While at the time some of them may sound cruel they are, in fact, essentially harmless and are good tools for teaching a lesson. Some of them are:
Duck Walk.
Walking with the knees bent 180 degrees.
Extended Port.
The recruit is ordered to port arms and then directed to extend the arms until the elbows are not bent. In this position the weapon becomes heavy and the arms ache. (Ca. 1962)
Funeral Services.
A recruit at attention does not move for anything unless an order is given. Some times a bug or, at Parris Island, a sand flea may cause a recruit to flinch or smack at the pest. On seeing this a drill instructor would order that the pest be given an honorable funeral. Sometimes they were then later ordered to dig it up and reinter it somewhere else. (Ca. 1955, from the movie "The DI" starring Jack Webb)
Group Tighteners.
The entire purpose of the first portion of weapons training is to fire and make tight groups on the target. From there it is simple to adjust the sights and account for wind to bring the group onto the bull's eye. After the first day of live firing a drill instructor might ask if anyone would like to be issued "group tighteners". On lining up the hapless recruits received some form of painful reminder to tighten their groups. (Ca. 1962)
Watching TV.
A series of uncomfortable positions that the recruit is put into. (Ca. 1962)
  • Channel 1. The recruit lies on the tile or wood deck on his or her stomach and elevates on the toes and the elbows.
  • Channel 4. The recruit backs to the edge of his or her rack grabbing the outside bars with both hands while moving the feet far enough forward to keep the rear end off the bed and suspended in air.
  • Rear Leaning Rest Position.  The recruit rests the back of his or her head on the metal bottom of the rack while keeping th eback of the heels on the deck all while maintaining the position of attention.
Recruiter Assistance.
A temporary duty assignment of up to 30-days to assist local recruiters by making presentations to school groups, leading poolee training and general office duties. Offered to recent boot camp graduates by recruiters if the recruiter believes the new Marine can be of help to him or her. Also available to all Marines when mutually agreed upon and approved. This is not an automatic assignment.
Recycle.
A boot camp term meaning that a recruit is removed from his or her platoon and placed in another platoon in order to repeat some portion of training. It usually occurs because the recruit did not successfully complete a required training item or in order to improve the recruit’s physical conditioning or, in some cases, because the recruit’s attitude is bad. This is a traumatic event for the recruit and means that they will spend more time in training but it is not the end of the world and often turns out to be a good thing.
Refil.
A lifer. At times when commanders consider the calling of a career person a lifer, they will direct that it not be used. In those instances the term Refil is often substituted to the same effect.
Regiment.
A unit consisting of from 4 to 6 battalions. It is generally commanded by a colonel. A number of regiments will make up a division.
REMF.
Rear Echelon Mother Fucker. A staff person.
Remington Raider.
Office personnel from the reference to the Remington typewriter which was widely used. (Typewriter is the term for a mechanical device used prior to computers to create printed pages containing words and phrases generated by the operator--often known as a typist.)
Repeat.
A word removed from the vocabulary of artillery and mortar personnel. Using the term casually can cause un-wanted action. "Say again" is the acceptable replacement phrase.
Request Mast.
Every Marine’s right to be heard. At every step up the chain of command any Marine may request to see the next person in authority all the way to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. When a request mast is asked for the Marine does not have to explain why, but he or she must make the request at every step up the ladder. If a Marine requests mast to the CMC he or she had better have a good reason.
Retread.
Has a number of uses in the military, usually referring to a person who makes a change. A person who gets out of the military and then comes back in would be referred to in this way as would someone who retrains from one MOS to another.
Retreat.
A bugle call sounded when the U. S. flag is being lowered at the end of the day.
Retriever.
A special tank designed as a sort of "wrecker" for tanks. What they are able to do is almost a miracle.
Reveille.
A signal to awaken, get out of bed and begin the day. Often a bugle call, in boot camp more often the yells and screams of Drill Instructors and the sounds of GI cans crashing to the deck.
RF.
(Vietnam) Regional Forces. Sort of like an Army reserve ranking between the ARVN and the PF.
RHIP.
Rank Has Its Privileges. Also, among lower ranking enlisted Marines, Rand Has Its Pricks.
Ribbon Creek.
A small river that flows through Parris Island in an area once used for field training. In 1956 six recruits died while on a training exercise here. Staff Sergeant Matthew McKeon, their Senior Drill Instructor, was court martialed and found guilty of negligence and drinking on duty. The investigations that followed highlighted the general practices of maltreatment of recruits and caused extensive revisions in the training program.
Riki Tik.
Quickly. From an oriental phrase. Use mostly in the form Mo Riki Tik.
Ring Knocker.
A graduate of the Naval Academy, Military Academy or Air Force Academy. "Absentmindedly" tapping the ring on a bar brings attention to it so that everyone is aware that the officer is an academy grad.
RLT.
Regimental Landing Team. A regiment of Marines consisting of three battalions and supporting artillery, tanks, amtracks, heavy weapons and etc. A self-supporting force and a concept unique to the Marine Corps.
RM.
Royal Marines.
Rock.
Idiot, as in "That rock is really stupid."
Rock, The.
Okinawa, Japan.
Rock and Roll.
An alliteration of lock and load it means to begin an action, to start. In Vietnam it also meant to set the M16A1 to full-automatic fire (full-automatic fire used up ammunition so fast that later models were modified to fire only three-round blasts with each pull of the trigger on automatic).
Rocks and Shoals.
The system of Naval justice prior to the introduction of the UCMJ.
Rodeo
Sexual orgy.
Roger.
(Commtalk) Yes.
ROK Marines.
The fiercest of the fighters in the Republic of Korea.
Rollers.
Hot dogs, frankfurters, from the Naval term.
RON.
Remain Overnight.
Rope.
All rope used on a ship is called line. A former name for a female drill instructor. Until they were authorized to wear the campaign cover, female Marine drill instructors were designated with a crimson agulet worn on the left shoulder.
Rotorhead.
Helicopter pilot.
Rottencrotch, Suzy.
See Suzy Rottencrotch
Route Step.
A normal pace in marching in which it is not necessary to march in step. Used mainly in the field when moving from place to place as a unit.
Royal Marines.
British Marines in the service of the Queen.
RPG.
Rocket Propelled Grenade. A shoulder-fired infantry weapon.
RTR.
Recruit Training Regiment. The headquarters unit of the Recruit Training Battalions. The RTR at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, SC currently (2005) has four battalions (including the 4th RTBn which is the only boot camp unit for female Marines) while the RTR at MCRD San Diego CA has three battalions.
Rubber Lady.
Air mattress. Sometimes called a Rubber Whore.
Russell, John H.
Sixteenth Commandant of the Marine Corps and fifth consecutive Commandant to graduate from the U. S. Naval Academy. The Californian was born Nov. 14, 1872 and was named Major General Commandant March 1, 1934. He served until Nov. 30, 1936 and died March 6, 1947.


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-S-
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
S-1.
The administrative section of a battalion. Administrative personnel are usually given 01 MOSs.
S-2.
The intelligence section of a battalion. The 02 MOS is assigned to intelligence personnel.
S-3.
The operations and training section of a battalion.
S-4.
The logistics and supply section of a battalion.
Sage Green.
One of the names for the color of utility uniforms. See also OD.
Sally.
Nickname for the air mattresses at one time provided to Marines for field use.
Sally Port.
A gate or passage into a fortified place.
Salty.
Referring to someone or something with a lot of experience, particularly at sea. A salty Marine is one who has been around a while. A salty uniform is more faded and obviously used but still sharp. Salty language is language salted with profanities or obscenities.
Sam Browne.
A leather duty belt worn by commissioned and warrant officers consisting of a belt around the waist with a second belt running from left hip over the right shoulder back to the left hip. It would give added support for the wearing of a sword. Worn only for special occasions such as parades and formal events.
San Diego CA.
Location of the Marine Corps' west coast Recruit Depot it is located in San Diego adjacent to the airport. See Hollywood Marine. Parents, friends and other relatives of Marine Corps Recruits can find help and understanding among the members of myMarine.
Sand Crab.
A sideways-walking beach scavenger. It refers to a civil service employee or a civilian contractor on board ship.
Sand Fleas.
Parris Island pests which delight in climbing on recruits attempting to stand at attention.
Sandy.
A-1 aircraft.
Sarge.
An army diminutive of sergeant and a good way to get your ass kicked when talking to a Sergeant of Marines.
SAW.
M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. The automatic weapon for each fire team. It replaced the BAR after Vietnam.
Say Again.
Repeat. Particularly important when talking to an artillery or mortar unit on the radio. Repeat has specific consequences. By someone not paying attention the phrase, "Say again, all after 'good morning'." could be used but the consequences may be painful.
Scarlet and Gold.
The official colors of the U. S. Marine Corps as ordered by Major General Commandant John A. Lejeune in 1921.
School of Infantry.
The MOS school for the Infantry career field. SOI East is at Camp Lejeune, NC and SOI West is at Camp Pendleton, CA. Every Marine graduating from boot camp at either Parris Island, SC or San Diego, CA goes next to SOI. New Marines who have not been assigned an 0300 (Infantry MOS) report to Marine Combat Training for four weeks of intensive training in combat weapons and techniques because "Every Marine is a Rifleman." After MCT they are sent to their MOS school. New Infantry Marines report to the School of Infantry's Infantry Training Battalion for MOS training. In addition, SOI operates an Advanced Infantry Training company to teach NCOs basic combat leadership skills as well as a Staff Non-Commissioned Officer's Academy.
School Circle.
An informal circle, sitting or standing around a Drill Instructor or other instructor for the purpose of receiving training.
Scoop.
Information, usually unofficial but often correct. See Bum Scoop.
Screw the Pooch.
To make a major mistake, particularly one that will have serious ramifications.
Scribe.
A recruit who takes notes and makes lists for the platoon and the drill instructors. This is an informal position selected by the drill instructors.
Scrimshaw.
Intricate drawings and etchings, usually on whalebone. Sailors would spend many of the boring hours at sea creating these masterpieces of art.
SCUM.
The only English language word that can be made from the letters U-S-MC.
Scumbag.
See Shitbird or Maggot.
Scuttlebutt.
A keg of water on board ship around which sailors would gather and swap tales and gossip. Present use is as unverified information passed informally as well as a water fountain or bubbler.
Scuz Brush.
The cleaning brush included in the PX issue used for cleaning floors and porcelin objects. As with all other items in the PX issue, the recruit pays for this item from his or her first pay.
SDO.
Staff (or Squadron) Duty Officer. The representative of the commander during non-duty hours.
Sea Bat.
A mythical creature used in a practical joke by salty Marines and sailors against inexperienced compatriots, usually aboard ship. There are a number of permutations of this joke, some quite nasty. One is that a newbie is shown a helmet laying on the deck and is told that someone has captured a sea bat. He is then told to position himself with one hand on each side of the helmet so that when the helmet is lifted he can capture the bat with his hands. The "bat" turns out to be a pile of feces or some other nasty substance.
Sea Buoy.
See Mail Buoy.
Sea Dip.
An effect of over tightening the hoop in a Frame Cover, causing the sides to curve downward. A sign of saltiness sometimes considered fashionable among enlisted Marines. Never done by any officer other than a Mustang, and then only with great subtlety.
Sea Lawyer.
Someone who appears to know all the angles and methods to escape punishment or who provides legal advice while not a lawyer.
Sea Snake.
A legendary creature for which newer crew members would be sent to find or which would be used to intimidate inexperienced members of the ship's compliment. During Vietnam, however, great masses of white churning fish would follow the illuminated hull of the USS Repose (hospital ship) as she plied her course at Yankee Station.
Sea Story.
A tale. Often containing a small grain of truth somewhere.
Seabag.
A large canvas bag into which sailors and Marines stuff their entire issue of uniforms and personal items when being transferred. In the Army it is a duffel bag.
Seabag Drag.
See Bag Drag.
Seabees.
Navy Combat Construction Battalions.
Seagoing Bellhop.
Derogatory term for Marines.
Seagoing Marine.
The first mission of the Marine Corps. A Marine, trained at Sea School and assigned to the Marine Detachment on board ship. While most Marines at some time in their career will spend time on ship, only those Marines assigned as members of the ship’s compliment earn this title. The insignia of a seagoing Marine is a gold seahorse superimposed on a gold anchor within a crimson lozenge. In 1998 all Marine Detachments on board ships were disbanded, thus ending a tradition that dated to 1775 and the first duty of the Marine Corps. See USS Marine Association.
SEAL.
Sea, Air, Land. The guerilla and reconnaissance force of the U. S. Navy, specially trained for covert operations.
Seaman.
An enlisted sailor in the pay grade E-3, equivalent to a Marine lance corporal. The non-rated grades wear slash marks on the upper left arm only. Seaman is a "deck force" rate and is indicated with white slashes. Airman is an "aviation" rate and is indicated with green slashes. Fireman is a mechanical rate and is indicated with red slashes. Constructionman is for members of Navy Construction Battalions (Sea Bees) and the slashes are blue.
Seaman Apprentice.
An enlisted sailor in the pay grade E-2, equivalent to a Marine private first class. See Seaman.
Seaman Recruit.
An enlisted sailor in the pay grade E-1, equivalent to a Marine private. See Seaman.
Secretary of the Navy.
The civilian appointee of the President responsible for the efficient management of the Navy and Marine Corps. Abbreviated SecNav.
Second Lieutenant.
The first grade of commissioned officer indicated by a gold bar on the collar of the uniform. The pay grade is O-1 and is the same in the Army and the Air Force. In the Navy and Coast Guard the rank is ensign and is additionally indicated with a broad gold stripe topped by a gold star (or insignia of staff branch) in the Navy or a gold shield in the Coast Guard worn on shoulder boards or jacket cuffs. Sometimes pejorativelly called a "butter bar."
Secure.
To stop work or to lock up for safe keeping.
Semper Fidelis.
Latin for “always faithful”. The current motto of the U. S. Marine Corps. Often expressed informally as Semper Fi.
Semper Gumby.
An unofficial motto of the Marines in a mixed Latin/cartoon dialect meaning “always flexible”.
Senior Drill Instructor.
See Drill Instructor.
Sergeant Major of Marines.
The senior enlisted person in a battalion, regiment, group, wing or higher. His or her insignia consists of three chevrons and four rockers with a star between the chevrons and rockers. The pay grade is E-9 and it is shared with the rank of master gunnery sergeant. In the Army the rank is the same but the insignia contains one less rocker. In the Air Force the rank is chief master sergeant and the insignia is a technical sergeant insignia with three chevrons on top. In the Navy and Coast Guard the insignia is worn on the left arm only and consists of a chief petty officer insignia with two stars above the eagle.
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.
This is a billet and not a rank. He or she is the senior enlisted advisor to the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the insignia is the same as a sergeant major except that, between the chevrons and rockers is an eagle globe and anchor flanked by stars. The pay grade is E-9 and is shared with sergeants major and master gunnery sergeants. The other services have equivalent billets. The Sergeant Major of the Army’s insignia replaces the star with the Army eagle flanked by two stars. The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force wears a chief master sergeant rank except that the silver star is contained within a wreath. The Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and the Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard wear chief petty officer insignia with three stars above the eagle.
Sergeant of Marines.
The second step in the noncommissioned officer ranks is indicated by three chevrons with crossed rifles. The pay grade is E-5 and is equivalent in the Army to a sergeant who wears three chevrons. In the Air Force a staff sergeant wears four inverted chevrons with the top three covered at the angle by a blue field and a silver star. In the Navy and Coast Guard the rank is petty officer second class and is indicated by two inverted chevrons under a Navy eagle, on the left arm only.
Sewer Pipe Sailor.
A member of the submarine service (pejorative).
SGLI.
Servicemen's Group Life Insurance. GI Life Insurance.
Shallow Water Sailors.
Coast Guardsmen. There is a Navy joke that inquires of a Coastie of short stature, how he was able to enlist. When asked what is meant by that the response is, "You guys in the Coast Guard have to be 6 feet tall so that when your ship sinks you can walk ashore."
Shanker Mechanic.
A Navy doctor.
Shellback.
Anyone who has crossed the Equator and gone through the initiation. All others are Polliwogs.
Shelter Half.
Half of a pup tent. Each Marine carried one half so that two Marines could buddy up, snap or button their shelter halves together and make a pup tent.
Shepherd Jr., Lemuel C.
Twentieth Commandant of the Marine Corps from Jan 1, 1952 until Dec 31, 1955 in the rank of general. He was born in Virginia on Feb 10, 1897 and died on Aug 6, 1990.
Ship.
A large vessel equipped for deep-water operation. A sailing vessel furnished with a bowsprit and three masts (a mainmast, a foremast, and a mizzenmast), each of which is composed of a lower mast, a topmast, and a topgallant mast, and square-rigged on all masts.
Ship's Compliment.
The sailors and Marines who make up the permanent party of a ship, as opposed to those who are assigned for a single cruise or action. See Seagoing Marine.
Shield, The.
Subdued metal collar device with a Caduceus on a shield worn by Medical corpsmen, below the rank of chief petty officer, while in field uniform. The shield is worn on the left collar while a rank insignia is worn on the right collar.
Ship Over.
Reenlist.
Shit Bird.
A screw-up. Someone who regularly gets into trouble.
Shit Pot.
Toilet or a large group as in "A whole shit-pot full of Army pukes."
Shit Sandwich.
A bad or barely tolerable event. Usually a mission or activity that has gone bad.
Shitcan.
A trash can or to remove a person from his or her position.
Shithook.
A pejorative term for the CH-47 Chinook helicopter.
Shitter.
Nickname given to CH-53 helicopters due to the huge amounts of exhaust smoke that they "shit" out of their exhausts. See Super Shitter.
Shock Troop.
(Vietnam) A form of address between Marines, mostly in-country.
Short.
Close to ETS or PCS. An attitude involving lack of interest and inattention. Someone who is short is known as a Shorttimer.
Short Arm Inspection.
A physical inspection of the genitals usually by a corpsman, often in formation following Cinderella Liberty in a foreign port. It was intended to identify the early signs of sexually transmitted diseases early enough to be treated properly.
Short Round.
An artillery shell that falls short of its intended target, often because of defective gunpowder or a miscalculation. Also a diminutive person.
Short Timer.
Anyone nearing the end of an enlistment or an assignment.
Shoup, David M.
Medal of Honor recipient and twenty second Commandant of the Marine Corps serving from Jan 1, 1960 until Dec 31, 1963. He was born Dec 30, 1904 and dies Jan 13, 1983.
Sick Bay.
The location on ship where sick and injured people are treated.
Sick Bay Commando.
Someone who is frequently at sick call. A malingerer.
Sick Call.
A designated time and place for people to report themselves as sick and unable to perform their duties.
Sierra Hotel.
Shit Hot meaning the best or in prime form.
Sight Picture.
Aligning the rear and front sights of a weapon so that the bull rests directly upon the sight blade. Firing alignment.
Signal Bridge.
A small open deck in the superstructure of a ship, usually above the bridge, for the hoisting of flags and pennants which were used to signal to other ships and to shore installations from ship.
Six.
Usually, Your Six, meaning your back. From the clock system of identifying an object when 12 is to your front, 6 is to your rear.
Six, Six and a Kick.
The ultimate General Courts Martial punishment consisting of 6 months forfeiture of pay, 6 months confinement at hard labor and a dishonorable discharge.
Six, The.
A full colonel from the pay grade (O-6).
Six By.
Originally a truck with six-wheel drive, a deuce and a half. Now any multi-wheeled, multi-drive vehicle.
Skinny.
Information, usually accurate. When it is known to be accurate it is often called Straight Skinny.
Skipper.
A term of respect for a company grade officer (usually a captain). Not used much in the modern Marine Corps.
Skippie.
A non too bright Marine.
Skittles™
Motrin™. The name is used supposedly because Navy Corpsmen handed out the pain killers like candy.
Skivvies.
Underwear. More specifically, white baggy boxer shorts.
Skivvy Honcho.
Lothario or ladies man.
Skivvy House.
Brothel. Whore House.
Skoshi.
A small space or time, from Japanese. Sometimes Mo Skosh.
SKS.
Simonov Soviet or Chinese made semiautomatic 7.62 x 39 mm rifle. Standard Viet Com infantry rifle with a distinctive sound and high accuracy.
Slack.
To treat with a reduced level of emphasis. To give someone slack. To ease off.
Slick.
(Vietnam) A Huey helicopter with the seats and armament removed (or never installed) so that a larger number of combat troops could be transported. To distinguish them from "gun" ships.
Sliders.
Hamburgers, from the Naval reference to the amount of fat and grease on them, allowing them to slide down the throat. "With Lids" refers to cheeseburgers.
Slit Trench.
See Straddle Trench.
Slop Chute.
A bar for lower enlisted grades having few amenities and serving only low content beer-no hard liquor.
Small Arms.
Weapons of small calabre and usually requiring only one person to operate as opposed to crew-served weapons. This is not a precise term as some crew-served weapons, such as smaller machine guns are usually called small arms.
Small Boat and Barge School.
The U. S. Naval Academy.
SMAW.
Shoulder Launched Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon. A missile firing weapon which fires an 83 mm dual mode encased rocket which detonates in either a fast mode against a hard target or a slow mode against a soft target.
Smoker.
Boxing matches pitting unit champion boxers against on another.
Smoking Lamp.
When the smoking lamp is lit it is all right to smoke; when it is out, smoking is prohibited. From the naval phrase. Fire is the most dangerous threat at sea so, particularly on wooden ships, it was necessary to strictly control the use of fire and smoking materials. A lamp was hung on the forecastle, where sailors were allowed to sit and relax, and the sailors knew they could smoke their pipes if the lamp was lit. If it was not lit, smoking was not allowed.
SNAFU.
Situation Normal, All Fucked Up.
Snake.
A pejorative term used in the 1960s in reference to Women Marines.
Snake Pit.
(Not PC)Living quarters of female enlisted Marines (BAMs or WMs).
Snap and Pop.
Term used to describe sharp and quick rifle drill, as would be seen when viewing the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team.
Snap In.
Practice, especially on a rifle range.
SNCO.
Staff Noncommissioned Officer. An NCO in the rank of staff sergeant, gunnery sergeant, master sergeant or first sergeant, sergeant major or master gunnery sergeant and sergeant major of the Marine Corps. While officially Enlisted Marines they are set apart much like Commissioned Officers are set apart from enlisted Marines.
Snoopin' and Poopin'.
(Vietnam) Patrolling or walking in the bush.
Snot Locker.
The nose. Used mostly as in "I'm gonna hit you in the snot locker."
Snuffy.
A low ranking enlisted Marine.
SOC.
Special Operations Capable. A designation usually placed after the title of a Marine unit and usually within parenthesis (SOC). See Marine Expeditionary Unit as an example of an organization that can be given this additional designation.
SOI.
School of Infantry
Soldier.
A member of a military force that trains for and fights in wars. General reference is to a member of the Army while in fact soldiering is practiced by Marines, certain sailors and some airmen.
Sommers, David W.
Eleventh Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps serving from June 27, 1987 through June 27, 1991. He was born on Feb. 18, 1943 in St. Louis, MO.
SOP.
Standard Operating Procedure.
SOS.
An international distress signal used mostly with morse code communications. See Mayday. Also, Shit on a Shingle, a breakfast meal consisting of creamed chipped beef served on toast.
Soup Cooler.
The mouth.
Soup Sandwich.
Not squared away. Not sharp or crisp.
SP.
Shore Patrol. Duties performed by both Navy petty officers and Marine noncommissioned officers, usually as an additional duty, to police sailors and Marines on liberty in a foreign or domestic port. Not a professional MOS but now often performed by MPs. See MP.
Spad.
A-1 aircraft.
SPAR.
Semper Paratus, Always Ready. The motto of the U. S. Coast Guard and the group name for a woman in the Coast Guard. Also a wooden or metal pole such as a boom, yard or bowsprit used to support sails. See Women Marines.
Special Sea and Anchor Detail.
A shipboard situation in which everyone has a special job on entering and leaving a port. This may include Manning the Rails.
Spider Hole.
(Vietnam) An enemy fighting hole, always well hidden.
Spit Shine.
An unauthorized reference to “high gloss footwear”. It came by its name honestly as it had been customary to use saliva when shining leather shoes and boots before Corfam became the norm.
Splash.
To drive an Amtrac off the back of an amphibious ship.
Splib.
(Vietnam era)A derogatory term for black people. Sometimes spelled Spliv.
Splice the Main Brace.
(Civil War) A Naval term indicating that the crew should muster for their regular issue of Grog. The issue of Grog on U. S. flag vessels ended during the Civil War. It is still practiced in the Royal Navy. The main brace is the line (not rope) that holds the main sail in place. It was always a target of battle and after the battle the first duty of most sailors was to take care of the main brace and splice it if it was torn. On completion of that arduous task it was customary to take a drink of strong spirits to also strengthen the men.
Split Tail.
A female.
Spouse.
Wife or husband, usually preceded with "Dependent". (see Dependent Wife)
Spy Rigging.
A rope designed to be hung from a helicopter to which Marines have been attached for the purpose of inserting them into or extracting them from dense jungle or other places where helicopters can not land. Sometimes called Dope on a Rope.
Spooky.
(Vietnam)A gunship (See Puff the Magic Dragon).
Squad.
A unit consisting of a three fire teams. It is assigned to a platoon and is usually led by a sergeant or staff sergeant.
Squad Bay.
The living quarters for a recruit platoon it consists of a large open space where bunk beds are set up, a head, a drill instructor’s hut and a small meeting area. Also, any open living space for Marines.
Squared Away.
In good shape, everything in place, prepared.
Squid.
A pejorative term for sailors.
SRB.
Service Record Book.
SSAN.
Social Security Account Number. Attack Nuclear Submarine
SSN.
Social Security Number. Nuclear Submarine.
SSS.
Shit, shower and shave or Skin So Soft, a skin moisturizer by Avon that also repels bugs. Skin So Soft works so well that it is part of the initial PX issue in boot camp (the cost of which comes out of the recruit's first pay).
Stacking Swivel.
A clip near the muzzle of most military rifles allowing for the stacking of weapons when in a garrison setting. Often a euphemism for the neck. A drill instructor might, for instance, threaten to grab a recruit by the stacking swivel if he or she were particularly upset with the recruit.
Staff Sergeant of Marines.
The first staff noncommissioned officer rank is indicated by three chevrons with a single rocker connecting them and crossed rifles in between chevrons and rocker. The pay grade is E-6 and the Army equivalent is also a staff sergeant who wears the same insignia except for the color and without the crossed rifles. In the Air Force the rank is technical sergeant which is indicated by five inverted chevrons with the top three partially covered with a blue circle containing a star. Navy and Coast Guard equivalents are petty officer first class and their insignia of three inverted chevrons topped with a Navy eagle is worn on the left arm only.
Stanchion.
On board ship, any pole or pillar used to support the overhead.
Stand Fast.
A command to stay where you are and not move until told otherwise.
Starboard.
Right, from the naval term. The starboard side of a ship will be illuminated with a green light.
Starchies.
Highly starched utilities.
Starlight Scope.
Night vision equipment. See Green Eye.
Stateside.
The United States of America. In Vietnam it was also referred to as "The World" as in "Back in the world."
Stealth.
Approaching invisibility usually through the application of technology.
Steel Beach.
A party on board a ship.
Stick.
An individual row or line of Marines lined up to disembark a vehicle (aircraft or ship). Most famously used by paratroopers preparing to jump from a well maintained and fully functional aircraft.
Stow.
To put away in its assigned place and neatly. Or to stop as in the Navy phrase "stow that bilge" meaning stop talking garbage.
Straight Skinny.
See Skinny.
Straddle Trench.
A field head or latrine dug quickly with an entrenching tool just wide enough so that the grunt can squat with one foot on either side of the trench. Also a Slit Trench.
Strength Test.
See Initial Strength Test and Final Strength Test.
Striker.
A sailor in training for a rate is said to be striking. Someone learning to be a fire control technician is called a fire control striker. A midshipman at the U. S. Naval Academy is said to be an admiral striker.
Stroke Book.
Pornographic magazine or pulp-paper book.
Stumps, The.
Marine Corps Air-Ground Coordination Center, Twenty Nine Palms, California. The largest Marine Corps base right in the middle of the desert. It is said that a Marine can not go UA there because he or she can walk for three days and still be seen from mainside.
Suck.
A mouth
Summer Creases
Wrinkles in uniforms (mostly utility uniforms) from sum 'mer here, sum 'mer there.
Super Shitter.
Nickname reserved specifically for the CH-53E Super Sea Stallion helicopter. See Shitter.
Superstructure.
All of that portion of a ship above the main deck. The decks are numbered up from the first deck above the main weather deck, the 01 level. Therefore the 05 level is five decks above the main weather deck. The bridge is located in the superstructure.
Suppression Fire.
Fire directed at an enemy position to keep that position from using their own weapons. Often applied to allow portions of a unit to reposition without being hit by enemy fire.
Survey.
Dispose of or evaluate for value to the mission.
Suzy Rottencrotch.
Every Marine's girlfriend, most of who are shacked up with Jody while the Marine is off defending his country.
Swabbie.
Sailor.
Swagger Stick.
A short (usually under 2') decorated stick carried by some Marine commissioned and noncommissioned officers. They have been outlawed at times by the Marine Corps and were introduced by the British Royal Marines whose leaders use them extensively.
Swamp Lagoon.
A pejorative term for Camp Lejeune NC.
Sweet, Herbert J.
Fourth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, he served from July 17, 1965 until July 31, 1969. Born Oct 8, 1919 in Hartford, CT he died in October of 1997.
Swinging Dick.
A male individual. Used most often in the phrase, "every swinging dick" meaning all present.
Swoop.
Term for the travel of a Marine on liberty to his or her hometown, usually ridiculously far from where they are assigned.
Swoop Circle.
The place on base where swoop drivers met up with swoop passengers. At Camp Lejeune it was the handball courts (formerly the outdoor theater) on mainside across from the 8th Marines gym.

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-T-
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
Tacking On.
See Pinning On.
TAD.
Temporary Additional Duty. An assignment in addition to the normal billet, usually "at no additional cost to the government". Also, Traveling Around Drunk.
Tail End Charlie.
The last person or element in a line or column.
Tan Belt.
A Marine with the lowest level of martial arts training.
Tango Uniform.
Tits Up.
Technical Sergeant.
A World War II and Korea period rank, the insignia of which was three chevrons and two horizontal bars. It was part of a dual rank system which had technicians and command ranks. In the 1960s the rank became gunnery sergeant and the crossed rifles were added. Also a current Air Force rank upon which the insignia of the top three enlisted grades are constructed. See Staff Sergeant of Marines.
Terminal Leave.
Leave from which a Marine is not expected to return to duty, such as just prior to retirement or separation. Usually taken to get a jump on civilian life or to use up any unpaid leave remaining on the books.
Tet.
(Vietnam) Lunar new year celebration which in 1968 marked the start of an offensive by the North Vietnamese Army to oust the Americans from Vietnam. While fighting was fierce is was a failure for the Communist forces.
TDY.
Temporary Duty. A temporary assignment other than the normal billet, often at another location and frequently with additional pay during the period. Used since the 1980s, prior to that the term was TAD.
TH3.
Thermite. See AN-M14.
The President's Own.
The United States Marine Band.
ThrashLight.
(Vietman) Illumination of a combat zone by dropping 55-gal. barrels of napalm from CH-53 helicopters. Go to: this site for more info.
Three Jarheads, The
Three veteran Marines who have formed a comedy group. They are included here because they use this dictionary for some of their material and to check terms.  Check them out at www.thethreejarheads.us  or www.myspace.com/thethreejarheads.
Three Ss.
Shit, shower and shave.
Three up and three down.
A reference to a First Sergeant or a Master Sergeant (three stripes up and three rockers down).
Tie-Tie.
A length of cord with two clips every 10 inches issued to recruits. The recruit would cut between the clips and use the resulting length of cord to tie laundry to a line to dry. Clothes clips were not used in boot camp in the mid-20th Century.
Tiger Piss.
(Vietnam) Tiger brand beer or more generally any beer.
Tight Jawed.
Pissed off, angry.
TINS.
This Is No Shit. Sort of the "Once upon a time" of Sea Stories.
Tits Up.
Dead, broken, inoperative. A politically correct version is Toes Up. See Tango Uniform.
TLA.
Temporary Living Allowance.
TMO.
Traffic Management Office. Where one goes to arrange for the shipment of household goods, vehicles or other items on a permanent change of station.
To the Colors.
A bugle call sounded in the morning as the U. S. flag is being raised. See Retreat.
Toe Chain.
The smaller of two chains holding the dog tags. It could be draped on the big toe to identify a casualty while the tag on the larger chain went to Graves Registration.
Toilet Seat.
Pejorative term for the "Marksman" Shooting Badge. It is the lowest of three levels of marksmanship qualification and the badge is shaped like a square target. Qualifications for the Marksman Shooting Badge would earn an "Expert" rating in the other services.
Tombstone Brigadier General.
Following World War I Congress passed a law that, upon retirement, advanced a Navy commander who had been decorated during the war one grade on the retired list. It was intended as a one-time fix for a decorated officer who's career was compromised by an accident which kept him from promotion. The law, which applied only to the Naval Service, however, remained in effect until 1967 when it was repealed. Marines who retired and had received personal decorations were routinely promoted to the next rank the day after retirement. The effect was most noticed with colonels who, the day following retirement became flag officers.
Tootsie Roll.
A candy that was air dropped to the Marines who were cut off at the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. It kept many of the Marines from starving to death as all of the other food they had required heating due to the 30 degrees below zero temperatures. Tootsie Rolls could be put inside clothing, close to the skin, and it would thaw out enough so that it could be eaten. In addition, as their trucks and jeeps were being shot up by the Chinese the Marines would repair the holes by placing a chewed up Tootsie Roll into the hole where it would immediately freeze and create a weld.
Top.
(WWII through Vietnam)First Sergeant, informal reference not currently in use. At present, if it is used at all it refers to a Master Sergeant (who is in the same pay grade as a First Sergeant but serves in a more technical capacity). While not the top enlisted grade, a first sergeant is the senior enlisted grade authorized in a company, the level at which most Marines spend their time. Sometimes used as "top kick" (mostly a WWII usage).
Topside.
The deck or floor(s) above, from the naval term. Also used to refer to the upper levels of the chain of command.
Toys for Tots.
A nationwide project to collect toys and distribute them at Christmas to children of need. It began within the Marine Corps Reserve and is now assisted by the Marine Corps League. It has been placed within its own corporation, the Toys for Tots Foundation.
Track Lube.
A tanker's term for Infantrymen.
TRAP Team
Tactical Recovery of Aircraft Personnel Team. A TRAP Team from the 24th MEU rescued Air Force Captain Scott O'Grady from Bosnia on June 8, 1995.
Triangle.
The civilian community outside MCB Quantico, VA.
TRICARE.
Managed health care program for the military, dependents and retirees. Replaced CHAMPUS.
Trops.
Tropical Uniform consisting of Khaki Long Sleeve Shirt, Trousers, Cover & Tie. Worn until the mid-70's.
Truck.
The top of a flagpole containing either a ball or an eagle and a pulley for the flag lanyard so that the flag can be hoisted and lowered.
Tun Tavern.
A tavern in Philadelphia where the first Marines were recruited for service in 1775. It was also the home of the Grand Lodge of Masons in Pennsylvania.
Tuna Boat Driver.
A pejorative term used by tankers in reference to Amtrac drivers.
Turkey Bar.
(Okinawa and Japan) A local bar where oral sex is performed for a fee. In the 1960s some of the bars even advertised being Turkey Bars on their signs. The bar girls are called gobblers.
Turn to.
Naval command to begin work.
Twilight Cruise.
Transfer to a cushy duty station for a Marine's last assignment prior to retirement.
Twilight Zone
The 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC in the 1960s before the new brick barracks were built.  The 1st Battalion was Frontierland and the 3rd Battalion was Disneyland.  The 4th Battalion was officially Woman Marine Battalion.
Twinkie.
(Korean War Period) Marine aviation personnel.


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-U-
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
UA.
Unauthorized Absence. The Marine equivalent of AWOL (Absent Without Leave).
UD.
Undesireable Discharge. Ranks between General and Bad Conduct Discharge. Also, Uniform of the Day
UCMJ.
Uniform Code of Military Justice. When it was introduced in the 1940s to replace the "Rocks and Shoals" system of Naval justice it was jokingly said to be a way to bring the guilty bastards in and give them a fair trial.
Utilities.
(WWII to Vietnam) The Marine fighting and field uniform. During Vietnam the Jungle Utilities (the Army called them fatigues) were introduced and eventually became "cammies" which replaced utilities.
Uncle Sam's Canoe Club.
The U. S. Naval Academy (Canoe U) or more broadly, the U. S. Navy.
Uncle Sam's Misguided Children.
An alternate meaning for the acronym USMC.
Uncommon valor was a common virtue.
Refers to the victories in World War II, especially at Iwo Jima, the largest all-Marine battle in history. Admiral Nimitz's ringing characterization of Marines fighting on Iwo Jima was applied to the entire Marine Corps in World War II: "Uncommon valor was a common virtue."
Uncover.
To remove the headgear. A Marine never wears headgear indoors unless under arms.
Under Arms.
Equipped with a pistol, rifle or sword, an indication that the Marine is on duty. It is the only time that a Marine may remain covered indoors.
Undress Blues.
A term that identified the dress blue uniform worn with ribbons rather than medals. The term is not used anymore.
Unfuckingbelievable.
A Marine expletive similar to YGTBSM.
Unified Commands.
Units under the control of the Joint Chiefs of Staff containing elements from all of the U. S. armed forces. They are normally commanded by a four star general or admiral and are given the title Commander-in-Chief.
Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The system of justice for the military services. It is a federal law enacted by Congress. It replaced the “Rocks and Shoals” system of justice practiced previously in the Naval service.
Uniformed Services.
The five armed services (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) plus the commissioned corps of the U. S. Public Health Service and the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey.
Unit One.
The Field Medical Kit carried by Navy Hospital Corpsmen.
United States Marine Corps Combat Correspondents Association.
An association of Marines and former Marines who were involved in the Public Affairs, Photographic or Motion Picture career fields or former Marines now working in journalism or public relations.
Unsat.
Unsatisfactory.
Utility Uniform.
The field uniform of Marines prior to the adoption of cammies, it was an olive drab shirt and trousers with the khaki Marine belt and combat boots.

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-V-
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
VA.
Veterans Affairs, a federal cabinet department, formerly the Veterans Administration. DVA is not appropriate.
Vandegrift, Alexander A.
Eighteenth Commandant of the Marine Corps and recipient of the Medal of Honor. The hero of Guadalcanal was a Virginia native born March 13, 1887 and as a lieutenant general on Jan. 1, 1944 he was appointed Commandant of the Marine Corps. A March 21, 1945 law permitted the President to appoint the Commandant to the rank of general, which he did effective that date. An Act of Aug 7 1947 fixed the rank of the Commandant at general.
VBED
(Iraq) Vehicle Borne Explosive Device.
VC.
Vietcong, Viet Communist, (usually pronounced Vietcong). See Charlie.
Victor Charlie.
(Vietnam) Radio talk for Vietcong or Vietcom.
Ville.
(Vietnam) A hamlet or larger village.
vonClausewitz, Carl.
(1780-1831) Author of the definitive "On War" which is still cited today in military strategy. Many historians believe that the final, key chapters of the book were written after his death by his wife.
Vietnam Wall.
The monument in Washington DC that lists the names of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who died during the Vietnam War.


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-W-
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
WAAC.
Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, predecessor to the WAC and without military status. See Woman Marine.
WAC.
Women's Army Corps. See Woman Marine.
WAF.
Woman (or Women) in the Air Force. See Woman Marine.
WAG.
Wild Assed Guess.
Warrant Officer.
An officer who ranks below a second lieutenant but above all enlisted personnel. See Chief Warrant Officer. Most warrant officers are former enlisted. They wear the insignia of first and second lieutenants with various red stripes painted on the insignia.
Warrior Breakfast.
The meal served to recruits upon completion of the grueling 54 hour crucible. For many it is the first good meal in two days.
WASP.
Women's Air Force Service Pilots, while not a Marine unit is still worthy of comment. These were civilian female pilots during World War II who ferried planes from construction plants to free male pilots for combat. They were a courageious and patriotic group who have finally been granted veteran status. Originally they were the Women's Auxilliary Ferrying Squadron--WAFS---and the Women's Flying Training Detachment, dually created Sep 1942 within the Air Transport Command.
Wasted.
Extremely drunk or, in Vietnam, killed.
Water Buffalo.
A water tank on wheels.
Wave Cage.
(Not PC) Living quarters of female enlisted Navy personnel.
WAVES.
Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services. The component unit in which women served the Navy. See Woman Marine.
Web Gear
The battle gear worn over the utility uniform to hold canteens, magazine holders, etc. Normally unit owned and issued.
Webb, Jack.
Hollywood producer and actor, best knows as Sgt. Joe Friday from the television series Dragnet in the mid-20th Century. He was lead actor in a movie from the 1950s called "DI" about a Marine Drill Instructor at Parris Island SC. His production company was Mark VII.
Well Deck.
A lower deck on some ships that can be flooded to embark and debark Marines on board amphibious tractors and boats.
Wetting Down.
A party held to celebrate a promotion (in the past it involved copious amounts of alcoholic beverage).
Whale Shit.
According to many Drill Instructors, the only thing lower on God's green earth than a recruit.
Wharton, Franklin.
Third Commandant of the Marine Corps. A Pennsylvania native born on July 23, 1767 he was named LtCol Commandant on March 7, 1804 and served until his death on Sept 1, 1818.
Whiskey 95.
A type of transfer from an overseas assignment in which the Marine is within 3-months of discharge. Rather than assign them to a unit for such a short time the Marine is assigned to a holding unit at Camp Pendleton, CA or Camp Lejeune, NC.
White Hat.
An enlisted sailor, from the headgear worn with the enlisted uniform. See Dixie Cup.
WIA.
Wounded in Action.
Widow Maker.
Unofficial and uncomplementary name for the CH-53 helicopter.
Wigged Out.
Crazy, flipped out or, in Vietnamese, "Dinky Dau".
WILCO.
(Commtalk) Will Comply. Often used after Roger.
Willie Peter (WP).
White phosphorus, an incendiary material that burns hot and is not extinguished with water. Used in WP hand grenades and long range artillery rounds.
Willie Peter Bag.
A waterproofed canvas bag originally designed to keep a rolled up sleeping bag dry.
Wilson, Louis.
Medal of Honor recipient and twenty sixth Commandant of the Marine Corps. He served as Commandant from July 1, 1975 until June 30, 1979. He was born Feb. 11, 1920. At the 203rd Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Camp Lejeune, NC in 1978 he gave this memorable toast:
The wonderful love of a beautiful maid,
The love of a staunch true man,
The love of a baby, unafraid,
Have existed since time began.

But the greatest of loves, The quintessence of loves.
even greater than that of a mother,
Is the tender, passionate, infinite love,
of one drunken Marine for another.
"Semper Fidelis"
Wing.
Usually Air Wing, an aviation unit equivalent to an infantry division.
Wing Wiper.
A pejorative term for a Marine assigned to an aviation unit.
Winger.
A Marine assigned to an Air Wing. See Wing Wiper.
Wire, The.
(Vietnam) The perimeter of a position so named because most perimeters were marked with concertina or barbed wire.
Woman Marine.
Former term for a female Marine. No longer in use because women are integrated into the Corps and are identified, like all, as Marines. Similar groups in the other services were WAC for Women’s Army Corps; WAAC for Women’s Army Air Corps; WAF for Women in the Air Force; WAVES for Women Available for Volunteer Emergency Services in the Navy and SPAR for Semper Paratus Always Ready for the Coast Guard.
Woman Marine Battalion
The predecessor to 4th Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC.  In the mid-20th Century all female Marines assigned to Parris Island were assigned to this battalion even though many of them actually worked in other battalions.  WM Battalion was then also charged with basic training for all female Marines.
WM.
Abbreviation for Woman Marine, acceptable for use from 1948 when women were first accepted into the regular Marine Corps until the late 1990s when it was decreed that they will be Marines (without prefix).
Wookie Monster.
Woman Marine.
Word, The.
Information supposedly received from a reliable source. Also, scoop, poop, skinny.
World, The.
(Vietnam) The United States of America.
WR.
Abbreviation for Woman Reserve, used from the time women were first allowed to join the Marine Corps Reserve, Feb. 13, 1943, until 1947 when they were allowed to join the active Marine Corps.
WTFO.
What the fuck, over. A statement of disbelief or question using radio communication terminology.


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-X-
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
X-Ray.
A watertight condition on board ship in which certain hatches and portholes must remain closed to insure the integrity of the individual compartments.
XO.
Executive Officer. Second in command.


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-Y-
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
Yankee Station.
One of the two positions typically occupied by an aircraft carrier off the coast of Vietnam. Yankee was the northern station responsible for disruption of commerce and logistics.
YATYAS.
You Ain't Tracks, You Ain't Shit. The rallying cry of Amtrackers. Used in similar form for most other jobs as in "You Ain't Ordnance, You Ain't Shit" or "You Ain't Artillery, You Ain't Shit".
Yeoman.
A clerk in the Navy.
Yeomanette.
Nickname given to women in the Navy during World War II due to the fact that the only authorized rate was yeoman.
Yemassee SC.
A small town west of Parris Island along the Atlantic Southern railroad main-line. For many Marines from WWI to Vietnam this was their first day in the Corps and the first barracks they slept in while waiting transportation by "Cattle Car or bus.
Zips
(World War II thru early Vietnam). Orientals. Locals in the war zone. From the derisive term zipperhead.
YGTBSM.
You've Got To Be Shitting Me. A Marine's expression of disbelief.
Young Marines.
A program for young people from 8-18 sponsored and run by the Marine Corps League.


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-Z-
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
Zap.
To shoot or hit with a bullet.
Zeilin, Jacob.
Seventh Commandant of the Marine Corps. A Philadelphian born July 16, 1806 he had fought Mexicans in California and was a company commander at the First Battle of Bull Run before becoming Colonel Commandant on June 10, 1864 following the death of Harris. He became the first Brigadier General Commandant and was responsible for the creation and adoption of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem of the U. S. Marine Corps.
Zero.
To set the sights of a weapon so that a proper sight picture will obtain a bull on the rifle range. Any officer. Taken from the pay grades (O-1 to O-10). Also a Japanese aircraft in World War II.
Zip.
(Vietnam) Vietnamese.
Zipper Head.
(Vietnam) Any Oriental person.
Zippo.
(World War II to present) A cigarette lighter made in Bradford, PA and prized by all military personnel because of their rugged construction and ability to stay lit in a typhoon. Also a derogatory term for a flame-thrower tank.
Zoomie.
A pejorative term for Marines assigned to an aviation unit or all members of the Air Force.
Zulu Time.
Greenwich Mean Time. The current time at the Royal Observatory on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich England. Used as a time standard worldwide. During World War II the world was divided into 24 time zones and each was assigned a letter (minus I and O), Z was assigned to Greenwich and the zone to the east was A.


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