How to Decipher Army Lingo

With a number of friends, and my husband in the military, I couldn’t help but learn the lingo used by our Armed Forces. Mid-conversation you might just drop an abbreviation and get a blank look from someone outside the military. The idea for this article came to me, after an Associated Content reader wrote to me, after reading my article of care packages for soldiers. She has a boyfriend in Iraq, and was unfamiliar with some of the commonly used terms.
Please note: Terms can/will change from branch to branch of the military. Some terms are official and some are just terms the soldiers themselves make up. Occasionally, swear words are used.

ETA – Estimated Time of Arrival

ASAP – As Soon As Possible

POG – People Other Than Grunts

Poggie Bait – Slang for junk food and snacks

IED – Improvised Explosive Device

Grunt – Light infantry soldier/foot soldier

JODI- Since Jodi is a unisex name, its used as the name of the person who is “taking care” of your spouse while you are away. Soldiers use this term to rag on each other. I.e. Hey, I hear Jodi was at your house, taking care of your wife.” The term indicates your spouse is cheating.

Jodi Call – A call a soldier gets from his/her spouse telling them that its over, because of Jodi. (See above)

Dear John Letter – A break up letter, with today’s technology can be via email or via snail mail.

LZ – Landing Zone

FNG – Fucking New Guy

Leave – The allotted time the military gives you to visit home.

AWOL – Absent Without Leave. This is a big No-No in the military. Going AWOL will not only get you arrested, but you can even go to jail for it.

MPS – Military Police Officers – Those who arrest a solider when they get into trouble. i.e. AWOL

JAG – Judge Advocate General – Military Lawyers

Provost Marshal – Much like the Chief of Police on the base. If you get arrested by an MP, you usually go to the Provost Marshal.

Article 15 – Written punishment causing extra duty and loss of pay.

Profile – Documented medical limitations.

Chow – Meal

PX – Post Exchange – This is where you can purchase small goods/clothing and supplies.

Commissary – Supermarket found on base.

Butterbar – 2nd lieutenant – Used because the actual rank is a brownish/gold bar that looks like a stick of butter.

K-Rations – Term for the old military meals that were originally dehydrated.

MRE – Meals Ready Eat – Though no longer dehydrated, they are vacuumed sealed with a shelf life of 2-5 years, depending on the meal. These meals are packed with calories, upwards 2000-3000 calories per meal.

Cat Hole – A hole you dig to use an a bathroom in the field.

Camo – Short for camouflage.

BDU – Battle Dress Uniform -Woodland color camo – Green/black/brown/light brown

DCU – Desert Combat Uniform – Desert colored camo

ACU – Army Combat Uniform – Digital camo – This design is brand new, used by both the Marines and the Army.

LBE – Load Bearing Equipment consists of pistol belt, ammo pouches, canteens, 1st aid pouch and compass
pouch.

XO – Executive Officer – ranking

TMC – Troop Medical Clinic

Outside the Wire – Term used for going on combat missions off base.

Inside the Wire – Term used for never leaving the base.

Down Time – Actual time off.

LOD – Line of Duty which usually pertains to injuries sustained while on the job. i.e. missions, guard duty

Civvies – Meaning civilians, either clothing or personnel.

SAW – Squad Automatic Weapon

M16/M4 – The main military rifle.

M203 – Grenade launcher attached to the M16/M4

M240 Bravo/M60 – Heavy machine gun

M2/.50 caliber machine gun – Also known as Ma Deuse

IBA – Individual Battle Armor – This is the bullet proof vest and gear.

Birds – Airplanes

Halos – Helicopters

Language is ever changing, even in the military. Hopefully, this can give you a little insight to terminology used by Armed Forces.