Devil Dog or Devil – Nickname for Marines, from the German word "Teufelhunden", supposedly given by German troops at the Battle of Belleau Wood, though the correct grammatical form would be "Teufelshunde".
This is a list of acronyms, expressions, euphemisms, jargon, military slang, and sayings in common or formerly common use in the United States Marine Corps. Many of the words or phrases have varying levels of acceptance among different units or communities, and some also have varying levels of appropriateness (usually dependent on how senior the user is in rank). Many terms also have equivalents among other service branches that are not acceptable among Marines, but are comparable in meaning. Many acronyms and terms have come into common use from voice procedure use over communication channels, translated into the phonetic alphabet, or both. Many are or derive from nautical terms and other naval terminology. Most vehicles and aircraft have a formal acronym or an informal nickname; those are detailed in their own articles.
The scope of this list is to include words and phrases that are unique to or predominantly used by the Marine Corps or the United States Naval Service. Recent joint operations have allowed terms from other military services to leak into the USMC lexicon, but can be found with their originating service's slang list, see the "See also" section.
Marine wearing 782 gear
A [ edit ]
Aboard – All personnel being accounted for in a building, such as a classroom.
– All personnel being accounted for in a building, such as a classroom. Above my/your pay grade – Expression denying responsibility or authority (indicating that the issue should be brought to higher-ranking officials); alternatively, a semi-sarcastic way of telling someone that they're not authorized to receive certain information. [2]
– Expression denying responsibility or authority (indicating that the issue should be brought to higher-ranking officials); alternatively, a semi-sarcastic way of telling someone that they're not authorized to receive certain information. Acquire(d)/Tactically Acquire(d) – euphemism implying the item(s) in question were obtained either by theft or by otherwise non-traditional or creative methods.
Air Crew – Personnel that work on board any aircraft that can carry a crew (i.e. UH-1, CH-46, CH-53, V-22, etc.), and are normally charged with loading gear, passengers, and manning the door/ tail guns.
– Personnel that work on board any aircraft that can carry a crew (i.e. UH-1, CH-46, CH-53, V-22, etc.), and are normally charged with loading gear, passengers, and manning the door/ tail guns. Air Force pockets or Army gloves – An individual's hands being inside his or her pockets.
ALICE – All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment, a form of combat gear still in occasional use in some Marine activities, replaced by MOLLE and ILBE[3]
B [ edit ]
The first thing a recruit sees at boot camp
C [ edit ]
Charlies or Chucks – The service "C" uniform, consisting of the short-sleeve khaki shirt and green trousers.
or – The service "C" uniform, consisting of the short-sleeve khaki shirt and green trousers. Chaser – Pejorative for a Marine assigned prisoner escort duties, an escort for a single prisoner or detail of prisoners. [39]
– Pejorative for a Marine assigned prisoner escort duties, an escort for a single prisoner or detail of prisoners. Check Fire – Order to stop firing due to a safety condition, possible error or mistarget.
– Order to stop firing due to a safety condition, possible error or mistarget. Chest Candy – Used in reference to the ribbons and medals on a Marine's uniform.
D [ edit ]
Devil Nuts – A regional variation of devil dog and nickname for Marines. Popular with Marines serving at Marine Barracks Japan (Late 1990s era).
– A regional variation of devil dog and nickname for Marines. Popular with Marines serving at Marine Barracks Japan (Late 1990s era). Devil Pup – Nickname for a Marine's child(ren); a member of the Young Marines; a patronizing nickname for a junior Marine. Mostly used by senior Marines to reference junior Marines in a polite way, and commonly used around higher ups.
– Nickname for a Marine's child(ren); a member of the Young Marines; a patronizing nickname for a junior Marine. Mostly used by senior Marines to reference junior Marines in a polite way, and commonly used around higher ups. DGAF – Doesn't/Don't Give A Fuck. Generally coincides with one who is OFP.
– Doesn't/Don't Give A Fuck. Generally coincides with one who is OFP. DI – Drill Instructor, inappropriate to use the Army term "drill sergeant".
– Drill Instructor, inappropriate to use the Army term "drill sergeant". DI Hut – Office for drill instructors in a platoon's squad bay; doubles as sleeping quarters for the drill instructor on duty. See also house mouse.
– Office for drill instructors in a platoon's squad bay; doubles as sleeping quarters for the drill instructor on duty. See also house mouse. Dickskinner or Dickbeater – Human hand.
Reconnaissance community.[55]
Dummy Cord – Lanyard or tether used to secure a piece of equipment to an anchor to prevent losing it.
– Lanyard or tether used to secure a piece of equipment to an anchor to prevent losing it. Duty NCO or Duty – Sentry responsible for patrol and security of a specific area (usually a barracks or working space in garrison). See also fire watch and OOD
E [ edit ]
F [ edit ]
Fallen Angel – Marine Officer who failed out of flight school and is now in another MOS. When a helicopter is shot down.
– Marine Officer who failed out of flight school and is now in another MOS. FAP – Fleet Assistance Program, a program designed to assign Marines to extra duties outside his or her normal chain of command. Sometimes seen as a means for commands to "reassign" their lowest-performing or misbehaving Marines. This isn't always the case though, the unit could be over staffed, and sending Marines out on a FAP is necessary. In some grunt units, it is seen as a reward for having performed well, and giving the Marine a break from the brutal daily field training and barracks games they play.
AH-1W Cobras at a FARP during Op Iraqi Freedom
Field Cover – Campaign Cover, a broad-brimmed felt hat, originally with one straight crease down the middle, then with a Montana peak, worn on expeditionary missions from 1912 to 1942, and then again authorized in 1961 for wear at recruit depots by drill instructors and rifle ranges by marksmanship instructors. See also campaign cover, hat, & smokey bear/brown.
– Campaign Cover, a broad-brimmed felt hat, originally with one straight crease down the middle, then with a Montana peak, worn on expeditionary missions from 1912 to 1942, and then again authorized in 1961 for wear at recruit depots by drill instructors and rifle ranges by marksmanship instructors. See also campaign cover, hat, & smokey bear/brown. Field Meet – Organized sporting competition, often involving athletics or soldierly skills.
– Organized sporting competition, often involving athletics or soldierly skills. Field Music – Drummer, trumpeter, bugler, fifer; mostly an antiquated term.
– Drummer, trumpeter, bugler, fifer; mostly an antiquated term. Field-Strip – To disassemble a piece of ordnance or weapon to the major part groups for routine cleaning or lubricating; to strip cigarette butts to their filters before throwing away. Also to remove unwanted items from an MRE in order to save space.
– To disassemble a piece of ordnance or weapon to the major part groups for routine cleaning or lubricating; to strip cigarette butts to their filters before throwing away. Also to remove unwanted items from an MRE in order to save space. Fifty-cal – M2 Browning machine gun, from its .50 caliber ammunition. See also Ma Deuce.
G [ edit ]
Gouge – Information or news. See also word.
– Information or news. See also word. Grab-Ass – Horseplay, usually wrestling. [16]
– Horseplay, usually wrestling. Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps – Usually refers to Brevet Brigadier General Archibald Henderson.
– Usually refers to Brevet Brigadier General Archibald Henderson. Grape – A Marine's head, as in: "Keep on grab-assing and you're going to fall and bust your grape!"
– A Marine's head, as in: "Keep on grab-assing and you're going to fall and bust your grape!" Green Machine – 1980s–1990s, deployable hardened portable computer, sometimes accompanied by encrypted punch tape reader/writer: "Get that Green Machine off the truck and setup ASAP." Also used to refer to the Marine Corps as a whole.
– 1980s–1990s, deployable hardened portable computer, sometimes accompanied by encrypted punch tape reader/writer: "Get that Green Machine off the truck and setup ASAP." Also used to refer to the Marine Corps as a whole. Greens – service uniforms in reference to their color.
Grid Squares – Marked reference lines on a map; often used as a prank fool's errand where an unsuspecting Marine is asked to find a box of them when they do not physically exist.
– Marked reference lines on a map; often used as a prank fool's errand where an unsuspecting Marine is asked to find a box of them when they do not physically exist. Grinder – parade ground or deck used primarily for drill or formations. [69]
– parade ground or deck used primarily for drill or formations. Ground Guide – A person who walks in front of a vehicle in order to detect and avoid obstacles and guide the driver to the proper spot.[70]
Grunt or Ground Pounder – Infantryman, formerly a pejorative that has taken more neutral tones.
or – Infantryman, formerly a pejorative that has taken more neutral tones. GT Score – Intelligence, from the General Technical score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery and the minimum scores that many Military Occupational Specialties require to qualify.[71]
Guide – Unit guidon-bearer; in recruit training, also the senior recruit and responsible for the actions of all recruits in a platoon. [72]
– Unit guidon-bearer; in recruit training, also the senior recruit and responsible for the actions of all recruits in a platoon. Gumby Suit – Two pieced wet weather gear consisting of a hooded jacket and overalls used until the mid-1990s when the Gore-Tex replaced it. So named because it is green in color and the wearers tended to look like the character Gumby. Those who have worn them can remember its distinctive rubber cloth odor. Gumby Suits can still be found for purchase at military surplus stores.
– Two pieced wet weather gear consisting of a hooded jacket and overalls used until the mid-1990s when the Gore-Tex replaced it. So named because it is green in color and the wearers tended to look like the character Gumby. Those who have worn them can remember its distinctive rubber cloth odor. can still be found for purchase at military surplus stores. Gun Bunny – Artilleryman. See also cannon cocker and red leg. Also refers to a Marine unit's armorers, as they spend long hours inside the armory conducting maintenance on weapons.
– Artilleryman. See also cannon cocker and red leg. Also refers to a Marine unit's armorers, as they spend long hours inside the armory conducting maintenance on weapons. Gun Club – slang term for the USMC at-large as in "I've been in this gun club longer than you." Use in presence of senior personnel is inappropriate. Use by civilians or members of other services is considered disrespectful.
– slang term for the USMC at-large as in "I've been in this gun club longer than you." Use in presence of senior personnel is inappropriate. Use by civilians or members of other services is considered disrespectful. Gundecking – to fake or falsify especially by writing up (as a series of official reports) as if meeting requirements but actually without having carried out the required procedures.
– to fake or falsify especially by writing up (as a series of official reports) as if meeting requirements but actually without having carried out the required procedures. Gun Doc – Nickname for a 2111 SART or 2131 TAST
– Nickname for a 2111 SART or 2131 TAST Gung ho – Chinese phrase meaning to "work together," it became the battle cry of the Marine Raiders.
– Chinese phrase meaning to "work together," it became the battle cry of the Marine Raiders. Gunner – shortened form of Marine Gunner, a nickname for an Infantry Weapons Officer; used informally to refer to all warrant officer ranks. A Gunner within Field Artillery is responsible for traversing the cannon tube during emplacement & fire missions. & is 1 of 2 jobs on a gun which requires qualification.
– shortened form of Marine Gunner, a nickname for an Infantry Weapons Officer; used informally to refer to all warrant officer ranks. A Gunner within Field Artillery is responsible for traversing the cannon tube during emplacement & fire missions. & is 1 of 2 jobs on a gun which requires qualification. Gunny – Nickname for Gunnery Sergeant, improper to call a Master Gunnery Sergeant this. [73]
– Nickname for Gunnery Sergeant, improper to call a Master Gunnery Sergeant this. Gyrene – Nickname for a Marine; combination of the words "GI" and "Marine".[74][75]
H [ edit ]
Why did medieval people drink so much beer?
Beer was a democratic beverage in that most people could afford it. Large noble households brewed their own beer, and the servants would drink it...
JOB – Junk On the Bunk , a formal inspection of gear that takes place in the squad bay where the gear is placed on the rack in a predesignated order. Also known as 'Things On the Springs'.
– , a formal inspection of gear that takes place in the squad bay where the gear is placed on the rack in a predesignated order. Also known as 'Things On the Springs'. John Wayne – P-38 can opener, a small folding blade used to open canned rations (such as K-rations or C-rations), so named because the actor was shown in a training film using it.
– P-38 can opener, a small folding blade used to open canned rations (such as K-rations or C-rations), so named because the actor was shown in a training film using it. Joker – Military journalist, from Private Joker from the movie Full Metal Jacket; also a derogatory term for a junior enlisted servicemember. Also used by aviators when they have only 60 minutes of fuel remaining.
– Military journalist, from Private Joker from the movie Full Metal Jacket; also a derogatory term for a junior enlisted servicemember. Also used by aviators when they have only 60 minutes of fuel remaining. JRTC – Joint Readiness Training Center, combat training center at Fort Polk Louisiana since 1993 (formerly at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas) that focuses on training Light Infantry Brigade sized units.
– Joint Readiness Training Center, combat training center at Fort Polk Louisiana since 1993 (formerly at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas) that focuses on training Light Infantry Brigade sized units. Jungle Bunny – Vietnam War-era phrase for infantry.
– Vietnam War-era phrase for infantry. Junk on [the] Bunk – Inspection where all uniforms and equipment to be displayed is laid on the Marine's rack.
K [ edit ]
L [ edit ]
Lad – term that came out of WW I for a young Marine.
– term that came out of WW I for a young Marine. Ladder Well – Stairway or ladder connecting different decks of a ship, so named because naval stairs tend to be so steep as to almost be vertical.
– Stairway or ladder connecting different decks of a ship, so named because naval stairs tend to be so steep as to almost be vertical. Laminated – Perceived semi-permanent state of issue for a normally temporary status.
– Perceived semi-permanent state of issue for a normally temporary status. Lance Colonel – Derivation of Lance Corporal denoting a junior Marine with extended time in service or grade. See also terminal lance.
– Derivation of Lance Corporal denoting a junior Marine with extended time in service or grade. See also terminal lance. Lance Coolie , Lance Criminal , or Lance Coconut – derogatory terms for Lance Corporal.
, , or – derogatory terms for Lance Corporal. Lance Corporal Underground or Lance Corporal Network – Joking reference to the rapid spread of information by non-NCOs (which superiors are ignorant of); also refers to the spread of foolish rumors that a more experienced Marine would immediately recognize as false.[79][80]
Landing Gear – Crossed rifles exposed on the rank insignia of Lance Corporals, Corporals, and Sergeants.
– Crossed rifles exposed on the rank insignia of Lance Corporals, Corporals, and Sergeants. Land of the big PX – Used in reference to CONUS by Marines deployed overseas.
– Used in reference to CONUS by Marines deployed overseas. Lawn Dart – Pejorative for various aircraft, possibly from the lawn dart effect. [81]
– Pejorative for various aircraft, possibly from the lawn dart effect. LBV – Load Bearing Vest, personal equipment used to keep the most commonly used items within easy reach utilizing the PALS, usually a component of MOLLE or ILBE.
– Load Bearing Vest, personal equipment used to keep the most commonly used items within easy reach utilizing the PALS, usually a component of MOLLE or ILBE. LCPLIC – Lance Corporal in Charge. A salty Lance Corporal.
Leatherneck – Nickname for Marine, so named for legends stating that stiff leather collars were once worn to protect the throat from sword-blows (also thought that high stocks were worn for discipline, to keep Marines' heads high and straight). The dress blue uniform still bears a high stock collar today. Also, Leatherneck Magazine.
– Nickname for Marine, so named for legends stating that stiff leather collars were once worn to protect the throat from sword-blows (also thought that high stocks were worn for discipline, to keep Marines' heads high and straight). The dress blue uniform still bears a high stock collar today. Also, Leatherneck Magazine. Leg – term for servicemembers who does not rate to wear the Parachutist Insignia, borrowed from the Army Airborne.
– term for servicemembers who does not rate to wear the Parachutist Insignia, borrowed from the Army Airborne. Leggings – Leg coverings made of canvas with eyelets and laces or buckles to secure the trouser legs over boots. [82]
– Leg coverings made of canvas with eyelets and laces or buckles to secure the trouser legs over boots. Liberty – Authorized free time ashore or off station, not counted as leave, known in the Army as a "pass".
– Authorized free time ashore or off station, not counted as leave, known in the Army as a "pass". Liberty List – List containing the names of Marines entitled to liberty and those employed by the guard during the liberty period (and thus not entitled to leave post).
– List containing the names of Marines entitled to liberty and those employed by the guard during the liberty period (and thus not entitled to leave post). Liberty Risk – A Marine with a high risk of getting into trouble on liberty.
– A Marine with a high risk of getting into trouble on liberty. Lifer – Career servicemember, as opposed to one who serves for a single enlistment.
– Career servicemember, as opposed to one who serves for a single enlistment. Lima Charlie or Lickin' Chicken – Loud and Clear, an expression meaning that the communication has been received and understood; originally exclusive to radio traffic.
or – Loud and Clear, an expression meaning that the communication has been received and understood; originally exclusive to radio traffic. Line Company – Lettered Marine companies or the aviation term for ground units, originally, an infantry company.
1st Lt (left) and Chief Warrant Officer 3 (right) insignias
M [ edit ]
Marjah Marines – Marines who served in the Battle For Marjah in 2010; may be from a number of units including 1st BTN 6th Marines, 3rd BTN 6th Marines, and 3rd BTN 10th Marines.
– Marines who served in the Battle For Marjah in 2010; may be from a number of units including 1st BTN 6th Marines, 3rd BTN 6th Marines, and 3rd BTN 10th Marines. M – A prefix to the model number of a specific nomenclature of equipment, generally considered to denote "model" or "mark". Also us in the phonetic alphabet for "Mike".
– A prefix to the model number of a specific nomenclature of equipment, generally considered to denote "model" or "mark". Also us in the phonetic alphabet for "Mike". Ma'am – Proper method of addressing female officers.
– Proper method of addressing female officers. Mac Marine – Nickname for Marine, popular during World War II, also the career planner popular on posters of the 1960s.
– Nickname for Marine, popular during World War II, also the career planner popular on posters of the 1960s. Mad Max – term for a military vehicle that is irregular in appearance due to repairs, modifications or the presence of extra equipment in reference to the ramshackle appearance of vehicles the Mad Max movie franchise. See also hillbilly armor.
– term for a military vehicle that is irregular in appearance due to repairs, modifications or the presence of extra equipment in reference to the ramshackle appearance of vehicles the Mad Max movie franchise. See also hillbilly armor. Magic show – Communion rite
– Communion rite Maggie's Drawers – Red flag attached to a pole, used to signal a miss on the rifle range, replaced by a red disk.
– Red flag attached to a pole, used to signal a miss on the rifle range, replaced by a red disk. MAGTF – Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
– Marine Air-Ground Task Force. MAGTFery – i.e., "Mag-taf-ery." Anything associated with MAGTF-type operations, or the unique structure of the Marine Corps MAGTF.
Major – A Captain in command of a ship's Marine detachment. This title is used in order to avoid confusion with the ship's commanding officer, who is referred to as "Captain" even if he/she holds a lower rank.
– A Captain in command of a ship's Marine detachment. This title is used in order to avoid confusion with the ship's commanding officer, who is referred to as "Captain" even if he/she holds a lower rank. Mama-san – Term of endearment for an elder Japanese woman, often a maid, cook, or tailor/seamstress performing services for Marines; from the Japanese honorific " san ".
– Term of endearment for an elder Japanese woman, often a maid, cook, or tailor/seamstress performing services for Marines; from the Japanese honorific " ". MARINE – Muscles Are Required, Intelligence Non-Essential, My Ass Really Is Navy Equipment, Mad Assholes Riding In Navy Equipment, pejorative backronyms used by other branches.
– Muscles Are Required, Intelligence Non-Essential, My Ass Really Is Navy Equipment, Mad Assholes Riding In Navy Equipment, pejorative backronyms used by other branches. Marine – The following nicknames are usually acceptable: leatherneck, devil dog, sea soldier, warrior, hard charger, motivator; the following are acceptable from other Marines: jarhead, gyrene; the following are grievous insults: soldier, seabag.
– The following nicknames are usually acceptable: leatherneck, devil dog, sea soldier, warrior, hard charger, motivator; the following are acceptable from other Marines: jarhead, gyrene; the following are grievous insults: soldier, seabag. Marine house – Security Guard term for living quarters for Marines, on or off embassy grounds.
– Security Guard term for living quarters for Marines, on or off embassy grounds. MARFORLANT – Marine Forces, Atlantic.
MOLLE – MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, type of load-bearing equipment utilizing the PALS, replaced ALICE and replaced by ILBE.
– MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, type of load-bearing equipment utilizing the PALS, replaced ALICE and replaced by ILBE. Molly Marine – Nickname associated with World War II era female Marines. Also the name of the award given to the top ranking female Marine in her recruit platoon.
– Nickname associated with World War II era female Marines. Also the name of the award given to the top ranking female Marine in her recruit platoon. Monkey Suit – Slang for the MARPAT uniform, otherwise known as digital cammies.
– Slang for the MARPAT uniform, otherwise known as digital cammies. Moonbeam – flashlight.
N [ edit ]
O [ edit ]
OTV – Outer Tactical Vest, militarized version of Interceptor body armor, a common type of ballistic vest; being replaced by the MTV.
– Outer Tactical Vest, militarized version of Interceptor body armor, a common type of ballistic vest; being replaced by the MTV. Outside – Civilian life after discharge. See also real world.
– Civilian life after discharge. See also real world. Overhead – Ceiling.
– Ceiling. Over the Hill – Excessively old, or a Marine so long in the service they have become institutionalized.
P [ edit ]
padre conducting mass conducting mass
Poguey or Pogey Rope – The French Fourragère authorized for wear by members of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments.
or – The French Fourragère authorized for wear by members of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments. Police – To pick up items (such as litter or expended ammunition casings), to return an area to a natural state, or to correct another Marine.
– To pick up items (such as litter or expended ammunition casings), to return an area to a natural state, or to correct another Marine. Poncho Liner – Insulating blanket used to warm the individual wearing a rain poncho, often used as a stand-alone blanket.
– Insulating blanket used to warm the individual wearing a rain poncho, often used as a stand-alone blanket. Poolee – Name given to newly enlisted or preparing to enlist individuals. They are part of a pool of hopeful Marines, managed by the Marine Recruiters at the local recruiting offices. Poolees meet nearly every weekend at the recruiting office to exercise, practice drill, learn Marine Corps history and the like. Being in the pool is a good opportunity to keep new and hopeful enlistees from getting into trouble. Poolees at a well managed program are more often than not more successful at Boot Camp because of their preparations.
– Name given to newly enlisted or preparing to enlist individuals. They are part of a pool of hopeful Marines, managed by the Marine Recruiters at the local recruiting offices. Poolees meet nearly every weekend at the recruiting office to exercise, practice drill, learn Marine Corps history and the like. Being in the pool is a good opportunity to keep new and hopeful enlistees from getting into trouble. Poolees at a well managed program are more often than not more successful at Boot Camp because of their preparations. Pop Smoke – To leave quickly or hastily; from the method of throwing a smoke grenade to mark a landing zone or conceal a retreat.
– To leave quickly or hastily; from the method of throwing a smoke grenade to mark a landing zone or conceal a retreat. Port – Naval term for "left side of ship" when on board a ship and facing forward, opposite of starboard. "Port" is the same with respect to a ship regardless of where a person is located or which way a person is facing, whereas "left" might be ambiguous.
What happens if you drink water all day everyday?
When you drink too much water, your kidneys can't get rid of the excess water. The sodium content of your blood becomes diluted. This is called...
– Naval term for "left side of ship" when on board a ship and facing forward, opposite of starboard. "Port" is the same with respect to a ship regardless of where a person is located or which way a person is facing, whereas "left" might be ambiguous. Portholes – military issue eyeglasses, or the wearer of glasses. See also BCGs & RPGs.
– military issue eyeglasses, or the wearer of glasses. See also BCGs & RPGs. Pot Shack – Place where cooking utensils are washed.
– Place where cooking utensils are washed. Possible – Slang term for the highest score possible in a marksmanship exercise as in "shooting a possible"; used on the rifle range during Recruit Training to denote the shooter possibly achieving a perfect score in a given round of firing.
– Slang term for the highest score possible in a marksmanship exercise as in "shooting a possible"; used on the rifle range during Recruit Training to denote the shooter possibly achieving a perfect score in a given round of firing. Pos – Radio lingo for position; pronounced as "paws"
– Radio lingo for position; pronounced as "paws" Powder Monkey – Name used within Field Artillery for the Marine whose job it is to prepare the powder/propellant needed for a specific fire mission. Although every crew member is trained to perform each job, the responsibility of preparing powder increments for non-fixed ammunition normally falls upon the most junior member of a gun crew.
– Name used within Field Artillery for the Marine whose job it is to prepare the powder/propellant needed for a specific fire mission. Although every crew member is trained to perform each job, the responsibility of preparing powder increments for non-fixed ammunition normally falls upon the most junior member of a gun crew. PowerPoint Ranger – Pejorative for Marines (usually officers) who have spent too much time in an office and are known for giving PowerPoint presentations.
– Pejorative for Marines (usually officers) who have spent too much time in an office and are known for giving PowerPoint presentations. Prick – Slang for any equipment bearing the "PRC" JETDS designator, usually man-portable radios.
– Slang for any equipment bearing the "PRC" JETDS designator, usually man-portable radios. Pro & Cons – Contraction of "Proficiency and Conduct marks", a numeric system for evaluating enlisted Marines. Usually written or spoken consecutively, with the first being Proficiency and the second being Conduct, e.g. 4.5/4.8. Hypothetically, the scale is from 0.0 to 5.0, but a perfect 5.0 is so rare that a Marine who receives it is called a "water-walker" (in reference to Mark 6:48) and the worst marks awarded almost never fall below 2.0 .
– Contraction of "Proficiency and Conduct marks", a numeric system for evaluating enlisted Marines. Usually written or spoken consecutively, with the first being Proficiency and the second being Conduct, e.g. 4.5/4.8. Hypothetically, the scale is from 0.0 to 5.0, but a perfect 5.0 is so rare that a Marine who receives it is called a "water-walker" (in reference to Mark 6:48) and the worst marks awarded almost never fall below 2.0 . Property Cage – Place where organizational property is stored, often a warehouse.
– Place where organizational property is stored, often a warehouse. PT – Physical Training, physical exercise to build or maintain strength, agility, and flexibility.
– Physical Training, physical exercise to build or maintain strength, agility, and flexibility. Pucker Factor – High level of anxiety experienced by those in tight situations, usually aircrew.
– High level of anxiety experienced by those in tight situations, usually aircrew. Pull Butts – To mark and score targets on a shooting range from behind a berm. See also butts & pits.
– To mark and score targets on a shooting range from behind a berm. See also butts & pits. PX – Post eXchange; more properly the Marine Corps Exchange.
Q [ edit ]
QRF – Quick Reaction Force, a highly mobile stand-by force designed to add firepower in precise places as the commander decides on a changing battlefield, often used for MEDEVAC purposes.
– Quick Reaction Force, a highly mobile stand-by force designed to add firepower in precise places as the commander decides on a changing battlefield, often used for MEDEVAC purposes. Quarter Deck – A location of prominence in a barracks or office; in recruit training, this area by the drill instructor's office is usually off-limits to recruits except during ceremonial discipline; the term comes from the quarter deck of a
ship defined as "the part of the upper deck abaft the mainmast, including the poop deck when there is one. Usually reserved for ship's officers, guests, and passengers."
Quarterdecking – Incentive training at recruit training by means of repetitive and constant physical exercises, so named because it is usually a recruit's only opportunity to visit the quarter deck. See also pitting.
– Incentive training at recruit training by means of repetitive and constant physical exercises, so named because it is usually a recruit's only opportunity to visit the quarter deck. See also pitting. Quarters – Housing, whether bachelor (barracks) or family (government-leased apartments or houses); or periodic, muster of a ship's company.
– Housing, whether bachelor (barracks) or family (government-leased apartments or houses); or periodic, muster of a ship's company. Quatrefoil – Four-pointed embroidered pattern stitched on to the top of a Marine officer's barracks cover, from the tradition of wearing it to be identified as friendly to Marine sharpshooters during boarding actions in the era of wooden sailing ships.
R [ edit ]
4th Force Reconnaissance Company insignia, colloquially known as a "Recon Jack"
S [ edit ]
recruits wearing skivvies
Skipper – Informal term of respect for a Marine captain (who is equivalent in rank to a Navy Lieutenant) who is in command of an infantry company or US Navy Commanding Officer of a ship or aviation squadron.
T [ edit ]
U [ edit ]
UA – Unauthorized Absence, the naval version of the term AWOL.
– Unauthorized Absence, the naval version of the term AWOL. UCMJ – Uniform Code of Military Justice (Public Law 506, 81st Congress) 1951, the system of military law, both judicial and non-judicial.
– Uniform Code of Military Justice (Public Law 506, 81st Congress) 1951, the system of military law, both judicial and non-judicial. UD – Unit Diary, the computerized system that maintains all administrative records for a unit. Also, Uniform of the Day (or UDs) – prescribed uniform for the day; more generally associated with 'Charlies'
– Unit Diary, the computerized system that maintains all administrative records for a unit. Also, Uniform of the Day (or UDs) – prescribed uniform for the day; more generally associated with 'Charlies' Un-fuck – To correct a deficiency, usually on a person.
– To correct a deficiency, usually on a person. Under Arms – Status of having a weapon, sidearm, "MP" or "SP" brassard, or wearing equipment pertaining to an arm such as a sword sling, pistol belt, or cartridge belt as part of guard duty; Marines under arms do not remove covers indoors.
– Status of having a weapon, sidearm, "MP" or "SP" brassard, or wearing equipment pertaining to an arm such as a sword sling, pistol belt, or cartridge belt as part of guard duty; Marines under arms do not remove covers indoors. Under Canvas – Living under temporary sheltering, such as a tent.
Under Way – To depart or to start a process for an objective.
– To depart or to start a process for an objective. UNQ – Unqualified, usually in reference to training events. Pronounced "unk."
– Unqualified, usually in reference to training events. Pronounced "unk." Unsat – Abbreviation of unsatisfactory.
– Abbreviation of unsatisfactory. USMC – Acronym for United States Marine Corps. Also used as a pejorative backronym: Uncle Sam's Misguided Children, U Signed the Motherfucking Contract, U Suckers Missed Christmas, Unlimited Shit and Mass Confusion, University of Science, Music and Culture, Uncomplicated Shit Made Complicated, Under Seabee Management Constantly.
Utilities – field and work uniforms (currently the MCCUU), formerly called dungarees, inappropriately called the Army term BDU.
– field and work uniforms (currently the MCCUU), formerly called dungarees, inappropriately called the Army term BDU. UVA – Uniformed Victim's Advocate – older, more experienced, male and female Marines who have received specialized training to confidentially assist uniformed victims of sexual assault, both male and female, to receive proper medical attention and access to all the necessary resources.
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Whiskey Locker – Supply locker/closet.
– Supply locker/closet. WP or Willie Pete[r] – White Phosphorus munition, whether in grenade, mortar, artillery, or aerial bomb form, so named from the pre-1956 phonetic alphabet letters "William" and "Peter."
or – White Phosphorus munition, whether in grenade, mortar, artillery, or aerial bomb form, so named from the pre-1956 phonetic alphabet letters "William" and "Peter." Wilco – Voice procedure term shortened from "Will Comply".
– Voice procedure term shortened from "Will Comply". Willie Pete Bag – Waterproof bag.
– Waterproof bag. Wing Wiper – Aviation person, usually a maintenance person and not a pilot.
– Aviation person, usually a maintenance person and not a pilot. Winger – Aviation Marine.
– Aviation Marine. WIR – DRMO; Washed-out In Repair; waste incidental to reprocessing; collection of items or equipment for turn-in that may be re-used by someone else at a later time, preferably at a savings to the government.
– DRMO; Washed-out In Repair; waste incidental to reprocessing; collection of items or equipment for turn-in that may be re-used by someone else at a later time, preferably at a savings to the government. The Wire – Defensive perimeter of a firm base, crossing it denotes the end of relative safety
– Defensive perimeter of a firm base, crossing it denotes the end of relative safety Wook – a female marine
– a female marine Wooly Pully – Green wool sweater worn with the service uniform (or blue with the dress uniform) over the khaki shirt.
– Green wool sweater worn with the service uniform (or blue with the dress uniform) over the khaki shirt. Word – General term for instructions, orders, and information that is required for all members of a unit to know; or the act of passing information to a collected group of servicemembers. See also gouge.
– General term for instructions, orders, and information that is required for all members of a unit to know; or the act of passing information to a collected group of servicemembers. See also gouge. WM – Unofficial acronym that stands for a Woman Marine. Generally considered to be pejorative.
– Unofficial acronym that stands for a Woman Marine. Generally considered to be pejorative. Work your Bolt – resort to special measures, either by energy or guile, in order to attain a particular end; from the action of racking a rifle's bolt to clear a stoppage.
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YATYAS or YAT YAS – "You ain't tracks, You ain't shit", an amtrac slogan or term for AAV Marines. [98]
or – "You ain't tracks, You ain't shit", an amtrac slogan or term for AAV Marines. Yellow leg – Marine, nickname given by North Korean Army in reference to Korean War-era discolored, yellow-looking leggings. [99] [100]
– Marine, nickname given by North Korean Army in reference to Korean War-era discolored, yellow-looking leggings. You-who – When an NCO or Higher wants the attention of a Junior/Boot and does not know his name
– When an NCO or Higher wants the attention of a Junior/Boot and does not know his name Yut or Yut Yut – Stands for "Yelling Unnecessarily Things." A motivational saying similar to Oorah.
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References [ edit ]
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
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