Meat Tags or Dog tag tattoos are tattoos that are usually featured on the torso of a soldier, and can be used for identification in case the deceased is otherwise unidentifiable. Other places becoming common for meat tags include the extremities such as arms and the neck.

Moto Run or Motivational Run

Moto Run or officially known as the Motivational Run that takes place during Basic Training during Family Day (the last full day before graduation). The run is performed by Recruits on Family Day (by company, then by platoon) yelling Marine Corps Cadences, past their families; circling the base and ending at the parade deck.

Marine Recruits preparing for the Moto Run

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The term ‘moto’ commonly used within the Marine Corps came from the word Motivation. The Marine Corps has a way of developing it’s own terms. Moto is just the USMC’s term for Motivation. Example:

“That explosion was moto (motivating)!”

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 reenter 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.

Abbreviation for marine mattress. Slang term for a woman or guy that only gives up the booty to marines.

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.

.30 cal. carbine rifle.

Heavy gun tank with a 120 mm main cannon of extremely long range.

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. (background) An infantry weapon in use between Korea and early Vietnam. It replaced the M1 and was replaced by the M16.

White phosphorous hand grenade replaced by the M34.

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. (background) 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.

Bipod for the M224 mortar.

Colored Smoke Hand Grenade. Emits either red, green or yellow smoke for up to 1.5 minutes. Color is marked on the canister.

Springfield bolt-action .30 caliber rifle which was replaced by the M1 in the mid- 1930s. The Marine Corps used them through much of World War II.

The automatic pistol, 45 caliber is a recoil operated, magazine-fed hand weapon. Used from World War I until the 1990s, it has been replaced by the M9.

Browning water-cooled machine gun.

Browning Automatic Rifle, known universally as the BAR/

Browning .30 caliber machine gun.

“Heavy barrel” .50 cal. machine gun developed just after WWI and still being used into the 21st Century.

Light weight, single-shot, breech-loaded, pump action (sliding barrel), shoulder-fired weapon attached to the M16A2 rifle.

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.

Cannon for the M224 mortar.

Hand grenade fuse.

SAW or Squad Automatic Weapon, it replaced the BAR. The SAW is a gas-operated, belt/magazine-fed, air-cooled, automatic, shoulder-fired weapon 5.56 mm. Typically, there are nine SAWs in a basic infantry platoon.

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.

Fragmentation hand grenade. Hand-thrown, with a 7-second delay from arming to explosion.

White phosphorous smoke hand grenade. This 27.2 oz weapon contains 12 oz of white phosphorous.

Shoulder fired, blowback operated .45 cal. submachine gun with 30-round magazine known as the “grease gun”. A favorite of garrison officers. Standard on-board weapon for most tank crews.

Dragon Weapon System. Man-portable, shoulder-fired, medium-range antitank weapon.

Main battle tank in Vietnam with a 90 mm main gun, coaxial mounted .30 cal machine gun and a cupola mounted .50 cal. machine gun with a crew of 4. The 850 horse Chrysler air-cooled diesel engine provided a cruising range of approximately 200 miles. It weighed 52 tons when combat loaded.

Air-cooled, belt-fed, gas-operated, fully automatic, shoulder-fired standard infantry machine gun 7.62 mm with bipod and replacement barrels.

Sight for the M224 mortar.

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.

Flame thrower tank with 260 gallon bottle of napalm, a coaxial mounted .30 caliber machine gun and a crew of three. It had a cruising range of 200 miles and weighed 50 tons when combat loaded.

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.

Larger, circular baseplate for the M224 mortar.

Shoulder-held, 40 mm, single shot grenade launcher with a range of 400 meters. Called a “blooper” from the sound it made when fired.

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.

Smaller, rectangular baseplate for the M224 mortar.

Baretta 9mm pistol with 15 round magazine which replaced the M19llA1 in the 1990s.

Marine Air Group. A unit in an air wing equivalent to an infantry regiment. Commanded by a colonel.

A red flag, waved from the rifle pits to indicate a complete miss of the target during qualification firing.

One of the lowest forms of life. Also a Marine who spends most of his or her time trying to obtain a discharge.

Marine Air Ground Task Force. A unit with both air and ground elements but not MEU or MEB.

A non-existent navigational aid used in a practical joke by “salty” Marines and sailors. (background) 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

When entering or leaving port, or when rendering special honors, the ship’s compliment will get in full dress uniforms and stand along the rails or in the rigging at the position of attention.

The prescribed movements involving the use of weapons, including swords, in parades and ceremonies.

Marine Detachment.

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.

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.

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).

The magazine for professional Marines.

Does not exist. (see Marines” Hymn)

National organization of Marines and former Marines, with local detachments throughout the country.

A small unit of Marines assigned as part of the ship’s complement 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)

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.

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.

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.

The official song of the United States Marine Corps.

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 from the White House lawn to Air Force One or to Camp David, MD.

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.

The United States Marine Band, “The President’s Own”, is located at Marine Barracks 8th and Eye Street, 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.

see Military Brat.

Infantry training provided to every Marine not assigned an Infantry MOS. (see School of Infantry)

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 Air Reserve Training Detachment.

(see Grass)

Eighth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps serving from April 1, 1977 through August 15, 1979. He was born on May 22, 1930 in Cleveland, OH.

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.

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. None of the other services has a similar technical rank at that grade.

Army and Air Force enlisted ranks. (see 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. 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.

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 M16A 2.

A prostitute or other person who spends a lot of time in the prone or supine position giving sexual gratification to Marines.

Sleeping.

Marine Air Wing. In Marine Aviation, a unit equivalent to an infantry division. Commanded by a major general.

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. He 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.

The international distress signal, particularly during voice communication. see SOS and Police Flag.

Marine Corps Air Station.

Marine Corps Air Station.

Marine Corps Base.

Marine Corps Base, Hawaii.

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.

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.

Marine Corps Institute. Correspondence school for Marine Corps leadership and technical training.

Staff Sergeant of Marines. (see Ribbon Creek.)

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.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot. There is one at Parris Island, SC and one in San Diego CA.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot. There are two in the Marine Corps, one at Parris Island, SC and the other in San Diego, CA. (see Hollywood Marines.)

Marine Combat Training. Infantry training provided to every Marine who is not assigned the Infantry MOS. (see School of Infantry)

Marine Corps Exchange.

Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

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).

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.

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.

Marine Expeditionary Force.

(see Goat Locker, from the Royal Navy term.)

Maximum Effective Range. The distance at which a weapons system can be expected to regularly hit a target.

An awards and promotions formation. 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.

Naval term for Dining room.

Dining Hall.

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 Noncommissioned Officers, Noncommissioned officers, or sometimes it is open to all ranks.

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.

Missing In Action.

Cold weather boots worn by Marines.

Midnight Rations. Food served from midnight to reveille for those getting off or going on duty during the middle of the night.

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 , 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.

Midnight until 0400. (see Watch.)

M422-A-1. A small, Jeep-like vehicle made specifically for the Marine Corps by American Motors Corporation during the Vietnam War.

Millimeter.

Millimeters or minutes as appropriate.

The child of someone in the military. Originally 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 parent(s) in many and unique places has afforded them.

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.

The career field and job of a Marine.

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.

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.

Illuminating Hand Grenade. The burning magnesium emits 55,000 candlepower for about 25 seconds.

40 mm machine gun. An air-cooled, blow-back operated, belt-fed heavy machine gun.

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.

Very small. (see Skoshi)

Medal of Honor. It is not Congressional Medal of Honor. There are three separate designs: Army, Navy and Air Force. The criteria is the same for all. It is the most senior award that can be given to a military person.

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’.”

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.

A statue of a Woman Marine located in New Orleans, LA. The first statue of a woman in military service in the United States.

1. The crimson color of the Blood Stripe on the dress uniform of Marine commissioned and noncommissioned officers. 2. The color of the lipstick worn by early Women Marines.

A section of Camp Lejeune, NC where black Marines were trained during World War II. Prior to that time there were no black Marines.

Flashlight.

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.

An ancient field weapon that fires a projectile in a high arch to reach an impact point.

Military Occupational Specialty.

Motor Transport. Present and former motor transport personnel can join the USMC Motor Transport Association.

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.

Military Police. At one time an additional duty, now a professional MOS with both guard and law enforcement responsibilities.

Military Pay Certificates. Script issued instead of dollars to Marines in Japan (following WWII) and Vietnam (during that conflict).

A Viet Communist soldier. Usually called Charlie. (origin) Vietnam

Meal, Ready to Eat. Often called Meal that Refuses to Exit. (see C-Rations.)

Marine Security Guard. (see Embassy Marine)

MEU Service Support Group, Combat Service Support Element of a MEU.

A term used by Marine aviation personnel to identify infantry Marines. Origin) World War II and Korea.

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. It started with a pull-cord just like your power lawnmower. I t has four-wheel drive and steering and could be driven by a Gyrene lying prone for a low profile. It could literally carry 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.

A vehicle designed to use multiple types of fuel including gasoline, diesel or jet fuel. (see Deuce-and-a-Half.)

Thirtieth Commandant of the Marine Corps serving from July 1, 1991 until June 30, 1995. The native Georgian was born July 16, 1935.

A commissioned officer who served previously as an enlisted person.

Term used to describe sharp and quick rifle drill, as would be seen when viewing the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team.

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.

Naval Air Station.

(see Code Talkers.)

Artillery support from ships at sea. Infantrymen have varying opinions of its effectiveness and aim.

Combat engineers and construction forces known as Seabees.

Nuclear, Biological and Chemical.

Nuclear, Biological and Chemical. (see Gas Chamber.)

Naval Criminal Investigation Service. The detective force for the Naval services. It consists of commissioned, warrant and noncommissioned officers as well as civilians. They wear civilian clothing and are given the title of Special Agent.

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.)

Noncommissioned officer in charge. The senior enlisted Marine in detachments and guard units, particularly when there is no commissioned officer assigned. (see HMFIC)

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.

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.

No Fucking Good.

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.

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.

As used in “The Whole Nine Yards”, it refers to a complete belt of machine gun ammo which is 27 feet long.

Non-judicial punishment.

The 1859 Field and Staff Officer sword. A badge of office worn on parade or in formal situations by NCOs.

Enlisted persons serving in positions of responsibility. Their ranks usually contain corporal or sergeant in them (although a lance corporal is not an NCO).

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.

A Marine who did not qualify as an expert, sharpshooter or marksman on the rifle range. Non-quals do not graduate from boot camp.

1. An answer meaning “understood” when receiving a list of instructions. 2. An indication that something was written down.

NeoPrene” Mat. A sealed-cell sleeping mat which contains no Neoprene” and keeps dampness from permeating the sleeping bag.

A newbie or green troop. It”s actually the pronunciation of the acronym NUG or New Ugly Guy.

The best. (origin) Vietnam

The worst. (origin) Vietnam.

Ignorant or untrainable. Used often by drill instructors to describe recruits.

Alignment of troops designed to save space in a mess hall. Usually aligned with left side against a wall.

North Vietnamese Army. (origin) Vietnam.

Lieutenant of Marines. (see Mameluke Sword)

A series of physical barriers over which a Marine must cross in a race against time. (see Confidence Course)

The civilian community outside the main gate of Camp Pendleton, CA.

Officer Candidates School.

Olive drab. Official color of utility and fatigue uniforms worn prior to the introduction of BDUs or cammies. (background) The term was replaced by Sage Green and then simply Green.

A non-judicial hearing for minor offenses at which NJP (non-judicial punnishment) may be issued by a commanding officer.

An office clerk. see Remington Raider.)

General use refers to commissioned officers and warrant officers. Non-commissioned officers are also officers but are generally referred to as NCOs or specific rank.

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.

The area aboard ship where the commissioned officer living compartments are located. Off limits to all enlisted personnel unless on official duty.

(see “0 Dark Thirty”)

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.

Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sometimes called the Second Gulf War.

Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The Iraqi War after the “mission accomplished” announcement of the “end of major hostilities.”

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.

(see Goat Locker.)

Stale or unchanged information. Information that is already known.

Usually refers to a ship being at its assigned position on the ocean. Also sometimes used to mean on duty.

The motto of the Marine Corps League.

1. a newbie or green troop. (background) Refers to the pitiful cueball-ish hair cut that new recruits get during basic training.

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. (origin) The word is reportedly Greek for “thing”.

A sound made by a Marine to indicate agreement or to provide encouragement.

Observation Post.

Military term used for a routine urinalysis test.

Operational Tempo; how frequently a unit deploys or goes to the field.

Awarded for crossing the International Date Line. (see Line Crossing Ceremony.)

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.

1. The name of the dummy used for man overboard drills. Also, the flag that is hoisted when there is a man overboard. 2. The flag for the letter O.

Officer Selection Officer.

(Commtalk) “I am signing off. Do not reply.” Thus, “over and out” is a contradiction.

A Marine expletive meaning very good.

(Commtalk) “I am finished talking, it”s your turn to talk.”

(Commtalk)Does not exist–an oxymoron. Similar to saying “I am signing off, do not reply, it”s your turn to talk.”

Unauthorized absence.

Naval term for ceiling.

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.

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, rudimentary box opener, scraper and even push tool. Generally worn with the Dog Tags around the neck. (see John Wayne)

The page in the service record book containing a chronological listing of a Marine”s favorable and unfavorable actions. The entries include: listing a DUI, records of courts martial, and 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.

(see Grinder)

A chemical process using phosphorus to put a strong coating on a weapon. Considered far superior to “bluing”.

Location of the Marine Corps’ east coast Recruit Depot. (background) 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.

Naval term for a hallway or corridor.

A pre-determined word or phrase given in response to the challenge of a sentry. Literally, a word needed in order to pass.

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

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

Politically Correct. Used herein to identify things that are not Politically Correct as in the next entry.

(Not PC) Piss, cunt, fuck, shit, mother fucker, son of a bitch. An expletive said quickly while angry or in pain. (Vietnam era)

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

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

Pay Entry Base Date. The date from which pay longevity is computed. Usually the first enlistment or commissioning date

A person assigned to a base, station or ship on Permanent Change of Station orders as opposed to someone assigned temporarily.

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, and is also Permissive TDY.

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. There is a graphic between the eagle and the chevrons which indicates the specialty of that particular petty officer.

Popular Forces. Vietnam’s National Guard–farmers during the day and soldiers at night. Usually untrained and dangerous. (origin) Vietnam

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. (what is the link?)

Nickname of the F-4B jet fighter aircraft flown by Marines in Vietnam.

Navy Corpsman rank in WWII and Korea. (see Corpsman)

A slit throat.

(see Frog.)

A bulletin board set up in a common area (mostly in boot camp) where photos of wives and girlfriends (mostly school photos and beach photos) are posted. Sometimes awards are given for quality posts.

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. 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 anomaly and is hopefully a historic footnote. (synonym) Tacking On.

(Seagoing Marines) Confinement to the brig on bread and water. (synonym) Apparently, Piss ‘n Punk is used in some quarters.

A Marine”s garrison cover. 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. (synonym) Sometimes pisscover.

An argument, usually without purpose or value.

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.

A place behind a mound on a firing range where targets are pulled, marked and repaired before being hoisted, to be fired upon again.

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. drill instructors take recruits there to administer IT. (see also Quarterdecking)

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.