One thing I love about the US Military is the slang. One thing you notice if you're around military people is that their language is peppered with acronyms, jargon and slang to a degree that most people are not. Some of these I had heard before but some I had not. I've culled a few of my favorites from the list on Wikipedia:
bullet sponge
(US) An infantryman, most commonly the point man of an infantry fire team (who is usually the first member of the team to engage, or be engaged by, the enemy).
Chair Force
(US) the US Air Force, referring to the fact that many Air Force personnel spend their time "flying a desk", i.e. doing office work of various sorts.
Charts and darts
(US) Manual field artillery firing calculations
Desert queen
(US)A promiscous woman that sleeps around while at a deployed location.
Hudson High
The United States Military Academy at West Point, which overlooks the Hudson River. Pejorative.
90-Day Wonder
Newly-commissioned (O-1) graduate of Officers' Candidate School or DIRCOM (Direct Commissioning) program. Derogatory.
O Dark O Clock, O Dark 30 Hours
(Navy and Marines) Early morning or any time before sun up.
Puddle Pirate
(US) A Member of the United States Coast Guard, so called because of the mistaken belief that they never sail into deep water.
Sierra Hotel
The NATO phonetic alphabet abbreviation for Shit Hot. It is considered high praise and is the pilot's favorite and all-purpose expression of approval. For example, "That Sierra Hotel pilot just shot down six MiGs and an ICBM!" This is the "polite" military way to say that something is very impressive, and has fallen into use outside the military.
"...Since Jesus was a Corporal"
(US Army and Marines) For a very long time. e.g.:"I haven't had a chicken with salsa MRE since Jesus was a Corporal."
Six, six and a kick
(US) Six months confinement, six months loss of pay, reduction in grade to E-1, Bad Conduct Discharge; the most severe penalty that can be awarded by a special court martial.
Sniper Check
(US) A salute improperly rendered to an officer in a field environment, where salutes are not normally rendered.
Tango Uniform
NATO phonetic alphabet for "Tits Up"
(US Army & USMC) Not in optimal condition. (e.g. The HUMVEE went Tango Uniform before we even arrived.)
Uncle Sam's Canoe Club
The United States Navy
bullet sponge
(US) An infantryman, most commonly the point man of an infantry fire team (who is usually the first member of the team to engage, or be engaged by, the enemy).
Chair Force
(US) the US Air Force, referring to the fact that many Air Force personnel spend their time "flying a desk", i.e. doing office work of various sorts.
Charts and darts
(US) Manual field artillery firing calculations
Desert queen
(US)A promiscous woman that sleeps around while at a deployed location.
Hudson High
The United States Military Academy at West Point, which overlooks the Hudson River. Pejorative.
90-Day Wonder
Newly-commissioned (O-1) graduate of Officers' Candidate School or DIRCOM (Direct Commissioning) program. Derogatory.
O Dark O Clock, O Dark 30 Hours
(Navy and Marines) Early morning or any time before sun up.
Puddle Pirate
(US) A Member of the United States Coast Guard, so called because of the mistaken belief that they never sail into deep water.
Sierra Hotel
The NATO phonetic alphabet abbreviation for Shit Hot. It is considered high praise and is the pilot's favorite and all-purpose expression of approval. For example, "That Sierra Hotel pilot just shot down six MiGs and an ICBM!" This is the "polite" military way to say that something is very impressive, and has fallen into use outside the military.
"...Since Jesus was a Corporal"
(US Army and Marines) For a very long time. e.g.:"I haven't had a chicken with salsa MRE since Jesus was a Corporal."
Six, six and a kick
(US) Six months confinement, six months loss of pay, reduction in grade to E-1, Bad Conduct Discharge; the most severe penalty that can be awarded by a special court martial.
Sniper Check
(US) A salute improperly rendered to an officer in a field environment, where salutes are not normally rendered.
Tango Uniform
NATO phonetic alphabet for "Tits Up"
(US Army & USMC) Not in optimal condition. (e.g. The HUMVEE went Tango Uniform before we even arrived.)
Uncle Sam's Canoe Club
The United States Navy
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