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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Naval Air Station.

No Fucking Good.

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

(see Code Talkers.)

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.

The best. (origin) Vietnam

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

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.

The worst. (origin) Vietnam.

Combat engineers and construction forces known as Seabees.

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

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

Nuclear, Biological and Chemical.

Non-judicial punishment.

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

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

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

North Vietnamese Army. (origin) Vietnam.

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.

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. 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.)

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.