1. Lieutenant General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller, legendary former enlisted Marine 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. 2. Also a favorite name for the bulldog mascot of a Marine unit. 3. Marine PFC. (see Mustang)

1. A basic element of the enlisted rank structure. 2. A military uniform stripe (background) Until the late 19th Century chevrons were worn in the European tradition with the point facing down. Now the normal position for a chevron in the United States military is with the point up.

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

Short for Chinese Communist. (origin) Vietnam

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.

The highest ranking general 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.

The highest ranking general in the Army, reporting to the Secretary of the Army. He sits as a regular member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and is eligible to serve as Chairman. (background) 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.

The senior chief petty officer on a submarine.

A Navy/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.

A commissioned Warrant Officer. The top four grades of Warrant Officer (W-2 through W-5) are commissioned officers.

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

Marines of the 4th Marine Regiment assigned to China in the first half of the 20th Century. (synonym) Horse Marines.

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

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

Helicopter.

The fiercest and most costly battle in the Korean War. 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.)

Place where meals are served (synonym) Mess, Mess Hall, Dining Hall, Mess Deck.

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

Criminal Investigation Division. Military Police unit charged with criminal investigations, polygraph examinations, etc. Commissioned and non-commissioned officers who wear civilian clothing. CIDs are not identified by rank; instead they are called Investigator. They work closely with Naval Criminal Investigation Service (NCIS — formerly NIS).

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

see Cluster Fuck.

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

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

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

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.

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. Roughly either a mile or a kilometer. Used mostly since Vietnam. (background) 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.

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. 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.”

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

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, Deputy Chairman of the Join Chiefs of Staff, is in a position that out ranks the Commandant). Also, in the Navy, Command Master Chief Petty Officer.

1. Commanding Officer. 2. Conscientious objector.

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. (background) Prior to being transferred to Homeland Security, 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 component that became the Coast Guard in the early 20th Century was the coastal US Life Saving Service.

A member of the Coast Guard.

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

Combat Operations Center. (synonym) Center of Confusion.

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.

The sixth grade of commissioned officer and senior field grade officer indicated by a silver eagle 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. Navy and Coast Guard call the rank captain.

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 the official colors of the Marine Corps.

1. 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. 2. Also the flag of a specific unit upon which the battle streamers are mounted.

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.)

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

The highest ranking Admiral in the Coast Guard, reporting to the Secretary of the Treasury in peace time and the Secretary of the Navy in wartime.

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.

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

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.)

The President of the United States (POTUS). 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 the POTUS can serve in this position.

A general officer in charge of a unit with authority to dispense justice appropriate to his or her rank.

A person in charge of a unit with authority to dispense justice appropriate to his or her rank.

Not wearing skivvies.

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

Officers who have been designated as “officers and gentlemen” by the Congress on the advice of the President. The commissioned ranks are: Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General and General. (background) 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.

Field telephone wire.

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

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.

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

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

(see Cumshaw.)

Heavy duty barbed wire.

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.

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. (synonym) Obstacle Course.

No such thing. (see Medal of Honor.)

Someone who objects to combat on religious grounds. (background) 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 slackers or traitors and deserve respect for making difficult decisions before getting someone hurt or killed in combat.

A Navy enlisted rank. (see Seaman.)

A slave freed by Union forces during the Civil War. (background) While these slaves were in the South they were legally free. 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. 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.

Continental United States.

Everything is OK.

To get, as in “cop some Zs”.

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

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

The first of the noncommissioned officer ranks. 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.

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

An enlisted member of the Navy Medical Corps trained in field medical aid. (During WWII they were Pharmacist Mates.) They usually wear Marine Corps uniforms with Navy rank and insignia. 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) (see Doc.)

1. 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. 2. Also refers to something new as in, “it was still in Cosmolene”.

Liberty destination in Jacksonville, NC for Marines from Camp Lejeune, Camp Geiger and MCAS New River. (background) 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.

Caps, hats and other things worn on the head. Marines wear covers, regardless of what the headgear actually is. 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.

One who steers a boat or has charge of its crew. (pronunciation: cox-SUN.)

Command Post. Unit headquarters.

Sailor.

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

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

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

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.

Pejorative for the The Corps.

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

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.

(see Deployment.)

The mouth.

A present or gratuity, often a piece of 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. (origin) 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.

Garrison cover. (see Pisscutter.)

The tank commander’s hatch.

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

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

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.

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.

Military term for taking a dump. (origin) Came from the command Air Assault soldiers use to order the helicopter crew chief to drop the cargo load carried underneath the chopper.

Major Marine base and seaport on the China Sea in southern I Corps. (origin) Vietnam

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.

Physical Training exercises expected of every Marine.

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 officers. Seldom used as precedence among officers.

For enlisted personnel, this is the third level used to determine precedence among individuals of the same rank. The first level is earliest date of rank (DOR) and the second level is earliest date of enlistment (DOE).

The date a promotion warrant or order is signed.

The date a promotion is effective. Usually the date of rank is prior to the date of promotion (sometimes by days, weeks or 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).

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).

The enlistment contract. All promises made by recruiters MUST be listed on the Form 4 or they are not enforceable.

In the sailing Navy, the period of time a sailor worked to pay off advance pay. (see Beating a Dead Horse.)

Naval term for floor.

Anyone in the Deck Force (those sailors who chip paint, swab decks, mend canvas and create ornamental rope work) onboard ship. Generally a Boatswain’s Mate or Boatswain’s Mate striker.

To throw something overboard or away. (origin) Call a sailor made to the bridge that the depth of the water is more than six but not quite seven fathoms.

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (used to register dependents for CHAMPUS/TRICARE and numerous other programs).

A cut or low spot in the ground used for cover by tanks and personnel.

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 them seniority when ordered to active duty. (see Poolee.)

(Commtalk) The letter “D”.

Dependent Daughter (see Dependent Wife)

Dependent Husband (see Dependent Wife)

Dumb Shit. Also Dependent Son (see Dependent Wife)

Dependent Wife. (see Alpha Unit)

Delayed Enlistment Program.

The unit, under the Department of Defense, that manages the Navy and Marine Corps. There are also Departments of the Army and Air Force.

Military member”s spouse and children. Others can be dependents if they meet the dependency criteria of the service.

Leaving the normally assigned duty area, usually as a unit, to serve temporarily in another area, normally on board ship. (see Float.)

Date of Estimated Return from Overseas.

Absent without official leave (AWOL) for more than 30 days.

A two and a half ton truck. (synonym) Six-By (it had six wheels on each side and each was a drive wheel). (see Multi-fueler)

(see 782 gear. )

Nickname for Navy hospital corpsmen assigned to Marine Corps field units.

A Marine. (background) 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.

Abbreviation for drill instructor. Also a mid-20th Century movie about a drill instructor at Parris Island, SC starring Jack Webb.

From the Vietnamese term Di Di Mau which was loosely translated to mean “move quickly”. (pronunciation: “D-D”.)

Someone of little or no value as a person or a unit/team member.

Mouth. Usually used in reference to Women Marines.

Hands.

To move in such a manner as to be extremely cool. Diddy; to move on, usually quickly.

Wounded. (Origin) Vietnam

Enemy or, generically, Vietnamese.

A Vietnamese term translated by Americans to mean crazy.

Radio operator, from Morse Code, dit and dot.

A unit containing multiple (usually three) regiments plus supporting units, commanded by a major general.

Headgear worn by enlisted sailors through the grade of E-6 (first class petty officer). (see White Hat.)

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.

Demilitarized Zone. Area where the presence of soldiers or weapons are prohibited. 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.

Duty Officer. The Marine equivalent to Officer of the Day.

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; this is something not even authorized for Marines.

A commissioned officer in the Navy with a degree in medicine, dentistry, psychology or other allied profession, usually referred to by their military rank.

An aide to a general officer whose duties are so varied, they defy explanation.

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). Current versions do not have the notch. (see also Toe Chain.)

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. They change the rotation of the watches where there are only two groups of watch standers (mostly from the days of smaller wooden ships).

Pejorative term for soldiers.

Feet.

Long, flexible metal spout for attaching to Jerry Cans.

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.

(see Spy Rigging.)

Term used for the field telephone used in World War II and Korea. (background) 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.”

A marching pace which is double “quick time”, in which the arms are bent at the elbow and the troops run in step.

(see M47.)

The famous blue uniform of the Marines with a standing collar. 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 D (short sleeved khaki shirt and ribbons).

A flip response to the question, “what is the uniform?” or “what will you be wearing?”

Pseudo-humorous replacement for Drill Instructor, sometimes acceptable in informal speech.

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.

The office and duty quarters of the drill instructors, it is located within the recruit squad bay.

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.

Flying. Usually flying without a mission often simply to obtain the necessary monthly flying time to be eligible for flight pay.

Helicopter pilot term for “I’m getting tired” or when a helicopter is unable to maintain the necessary rotor RPM for whatever reason.

Survival swimming taught to every recruit.

The musician in charge of a band or musical unit. Usually elaborately dressed and carrying a baton, used to signal changes in march and to provide tempo. Usually a staff noncommissioned officer.

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.

(From WWI to Vietnam) A concoction issued with boots and boondockers intended to clean them, since the footwear was made with the rough side out (much like the modern Desert Boot). By the late 1950s, it was not being used; 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” footwear and replaced it with the Army Munson last which was much less comfortable, but cheaper.

At work (on duty) or having special requirements after normal working hours. Units will have a Duty Officer, Duty NCO or Duty Driver.

Mistaken abbreviation for Department of Veterans Affairs.

The emblem of the United States Marine Corps adopted in 1868 under Brigadier General Commandant Jacob Zeilen following the Civil War. Prior to that, the Marines wore the Army infantry horn with a red field in the center and the letter “M” in Old English script.

End of Active Service.

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.

(Commtalk) The letter “E”.

(see Double Easy-8).

An abbreviation for Eagle, Globe and Anchor. Generally not used.

The hotel in the Dominican Republic that was headquarters for the 6th Regimental Landing Team (including BLT 3/6) in 1965.

Dominican Republic beer in 1965, when the Marines landed there. (origin) Dominican Republic

Tenth Commandant of the Marine Corps. Born in Alabama on Nov. 30, 1856, he died on 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.

Officially a Marine Security Guard (MSG). A Marine assigned to a State Department billet, usually at a United States embassy overseas.

The act of joining the military services by individuals who are not Warrant or Commissioned Officers.

Marines in the rank of private, private first class and lance corporal. Although sergeants are also enlisted, they are categorized as NCOs.

Enemy Prisoner of War.

Essential Subjects Training.

Entrenching tool. A small folding shovel with a multitude of field uses. (background) 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.

(see Marine Corps Exchange.)

No such thing. Once a Marine, always a Marine. (see Former Marine.)

(see I Corps.)

To look or stare, usually in a curious manner.

Twin engine jet fighter/bomber, used by Marines for ground support. Made by McDonnell Douglas.

A variation of the Charlie Echo Code.

An open deck at the rear of a ship, usually where trash was dumped overboard.

Sleeping bag or mattress cover.

A unit of measurement which is essentially the distance between the fingers of outstretched arms. (background) Originally “faedm” an Anglo Saxon word meaning hug or embrace, faedms were marked on a rope by a knot; 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)

A person of short or slight build, or a person in a comfortable or easy assignment such as headquarters duty or a staff billet. Often used for all civilians working for the military.

Forward Edge of the Battle Area.

Historically, a sailor’s idea of heaven. Many petty officer clubs on Navy installations are given this name.

A day set aside for the thorough cleaning of barracks or offices.

The art of getting the job done despite the limitations. (see Tootsie Roll)

A commissioned officer in the grade of major, lieutenant colonel or colonel.

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.

an ornamental piece Field Marshalls carry on official occasions.

Where Navy corpsmen and dental technicians are trained for field duty with operational Marine Corps field units. (synonym) Devil Doc University

An organized series of sporting competitions pitting one unit against another. Organized grab ass.

The radius that an automatic weapon can cover in an arc from port to starboard.

Take apart or disassemble as in field strip a rifle or a cigarette.

A necktie worn on a Marine uniform.

Called a Fox Hole by the Army, it is an entrenched position for one or more Marines in a static warfare situation.

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.

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.

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.

The basic infantry fighting unit consisting of four Marines with various weapons and support. Fire teams are combined into squads.

An artillery support position.

A Navy enlisted rank. (see Seaman.)

A recruit’s first introduction 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; since the fireproof buildings were constructed starting in the 1960s, the job has remained as both tradition and training.

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 is, in order to qualify for the NDSM, only one tour of duty is required as a Firewatch.

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.

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.

The senior noncommissioned officer in a company or squadron indicated by three chevrons and rockers with a diamond (lozenge) between chevrons and rockers. The pay grade is E-8 and is the same in the Army. In the Navy and Coast Guard, the rank is senior 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.

Nickname for First Sergeant.

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.

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.

Body Armor.

A detachment of Marines assigned to certain Navy Admirals for security and ceremonial purposes.

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). (background) Prior to the Civil War and the introduction of the Navy admiral rank, captains in charge of squadrons or fleets were called flag officers as a point of courtesy.

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”.

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.

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. (background) 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.

Naval field hospital.

The place where airplanes are parked on the airfield. Newbies are sent to find this intangible line.

A physician and Navy Medical Officer who specializes in aviation medicine for the Navy and the Marine Corps.

To be deployed at sea, usually on a MEU as in “six month float”.

Floating wreckage of a ship or its cargo; floating debris; unimportant miscellaneous material.

1. Cammies that were dried and not pressed (fluff dry) and boots that were brushed but not spit polished (buffed). 2. A Marine who wore a poorly prepared uniform. Especially noticeable during inspections.

Fleet Marine Force. (synonym) Fighting Mother Fuckers.

Fucking New Guy.

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.

In front. From the Naval term.

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. (pronunciation: fok’ sil.)

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.

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 original motto of the Marine Corps, Latin for fortitude. It has been replaced by Semper Fidelis.

(see 45.)

The “front line” or the spot where the battle is active.

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. (origin) Vietnam

A 4.2 inch mortar.

An Army term for a fighting hole.

(Commtalk) the letter “F.”

Final Protective Line. The point at which a position is about to be overrun–it signals a switch to survival instincts.

To kill a superior, usually by throwing a fragmentation grenade into the room or area where he or she is located (such as a hootch or a head). 2. Bombard with excess for the purpose of causing a problem or creating a distraction. 3. A fragmentary order giving subordinate commanders the information they require to conduct their portion of an operation. (origin) 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). (origin) Vietnam

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.