-
BA :
-
Vietnamese term for a married woman, a matron, equivalent to
Signora, Senhora, Frau, Madonna, Dame, Madame, or Mistress (Mrs);
compare CO, MAMA-SAN. [cf: grandam, nana, nanny, amah, ayah]
-
BABY BRIGADE :
-
slang designation for the armed youths fighting for various
causes around the world, such as the Hitler Youth of the Nazis,
the Red Guard of the Chinese Communists, the Khmer Rouge of
Cambodia, and the Young Lions of Iraq; being a sociopathic trend
increasing throughout the 20th century in violation of
international conventions and the LAWS OF WAR. Children, by
definition, are supposed to be protected by society because they
are the inheritors of society; it is implicit that the "tree will
grow as the twig is bent", and that without a future there is no
past ... not that war has exempted children, from Attila and
Genghis to Hitler and Stalin, Ho and Mao, but that children are
mankind's "last best hope" for a better world. Except that
children are now being recruited for combat (eg: sabotage,
infiltration, booby-trapping, etc) and combat support (eg:
intelligence, communication, transport, etc) by ruthless and
fanatical factions, because immature and adolescent youngsters
are more malleable; being mentally, physically, and emotionally
indoctrinated more easily and thoroughly than skeptical adults.
by contrast to modern ethnic cleansing and religious purges, the
Children's Crusade was supposed to be victorious by innocent
faith, not by suicidal zeitgeist nor psychopathic nihilism. See
WMD, APOCALYPSE, HOLOCAUST, OVERKILL, KNOCK INTO A COCKED HAT,
GENOCIDE, MASSACRE, TRIGGER-HAPPY, TURKEY SHOOT, KILL 'EM ALL,
WARMONGER, RETALIATION.
[nb: underage (or overage) enlistment in the Armed Forces of the
United States may violate Punitive Article 83: Fraudulent
Enlistment, Appointment, or Separation, and/or Punitive Article
84: Unlawful Enlistment, Appointment, or Separation, with False
Swearing subsumed; cf: assistant (eg: powder monkey, drummer boy)
and apprentice (eg: page, plebe, midshipman, CADET)]
[v: anti-Soviet "Edelweiss Pirates" in post-WWII East Germany]
-
BABY DOC :
-
affectionate title for an enlisted physician's assistant (PA);
see CORPSMEN, MEDIC, DOC, BAND-AID, BAC SI, Y SI, BONE CUTTER,
SAWBONES, ANGEL, ORDERLY.
[nb: the field occupations most often targeted in combat, because
their loss so immediately influences unit effectiveness and
morale, are the leader, signalman, machinegunner, and medic]
-
BABY-SAN / BABY-SAHN :
-
any Asian child; term borrowed from Japanese. Compare EM; see
MAMA-SAN, PAPA-SAN, STREET ARAB, CHILDREN'S BRIGADE.
-
BABY 007 :
-
dismissive reference to Army CID agent working undercover in a
unit to catch drug users or other anti-military activity; also
called "Junior G-Man". Term may also apply to USN NIS and USAF
OSI agents; and women are called "Jane Bond". See SECRET AGENT,
SPOOK, CLEAN, DEA, BUTTON, POLICE.
-
BACK CHANNEL :
-
indirect or informal communication, also called "backdoor", "side
door", "rumor mill", or "whisper web"; usually credited with
"getting things done" despite rank or RED TAPE, but also
responsible for BAYONETing unpopular men and impolitic ideas
(roorback). See SCUTTLEBUTT, GOUGE, POOP, THE WORD, GREEN GREASE,
GRIPEVINE, FALSE FLAG, DECEPTION, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH, RUMOR, HOT
LINE; compare BAYONET SHEET, FANG, NASTY-GRAM, NET, TELECON.
[nb: "The only thing that travels faster than misinformation is
bad news!"; "What Peter says about Paul says more about Peter
than it does about Paul" by Arthur Schopenhauer; the "narcissism
of small differences" by Sigmund Freud; "When you hear somebody
usin' words ag'in somebody, don't go by his words, for they won't
make no damn sense, [but] go by his tone, and you'll know if he's
mean and lying." by Forest Carter, The Education of Little
Tree (1976)]
-
BACKPACK :
-
informal usage for anything that's "man-portable" or relatively
"pocket" sized, from communications and surveillance equipment to
materiel and weapons, especially tactical NUKEs; also called
"suitcase". See RUCKSACK, BUG-OUT KIT, DUNNAGE, GRUNT, WEB GEAR,
RADIO, DUMMY STICK.
[nb: "rucksack" = back-sack; "knapsack" = bite/snap-up/eat, food
sack; "kit-bag" = soldier's small bag/knapsack; "haversack" =
single strap over one shoulder / musette]
-
BACKSEATER :
-
informal designation for the weapons or electronics officer in a
fighter aircraft; see GIB, RIO, RSO, EWO, BEAR, WSO (WIZZO);
compare FUF.
-
BACKSTOP :
-
substantiation or verification, either authentic or synthetic,
for a LEGEND or COVER, as to bolster a lie with more lies; see
TRADECRAFT. Also, any support, safeguard, or reinforcement, as
with reserves. [cf: backup, second-string]
-
BACKWASH :
-
the disturbance in the air left by a moving airplane or any of
its parts, especially that which flows to the rear of the
aircraft; properly known as WASH; compare PROP WASH. Also, the
flow, sweep, or breaking of water, especially that water thrown
backward by the motion of oars, propellers, and the like;
properly called WASH or "wake". Also, slang for the hinterland,
BOONDOCKS / BOONIES, backcountry, sticks, THULE, upcountry,
frontier, backwater, INDIAN COUNTRY, DOWN RANGE, SANDBOX. Also, a
condition or aftereffect, usually undesirable, that persists long
after its initiation or inception; see LAW OF UNINTENDED
CONSEQUENCES.
-
BAC SI :
-
(bock see) Vietnamese term for medic, corpsman, physician; see Y
SI, DOC, BABY DOC, BONE CUTTER, SAWBONES. [cf: Quan Y Vien
(military medical corpsman); Nguoi Giai Phau (surgeon)]
-
BADB :
-
(bov) in Irish mythology, a spirit who, delighting in war,
incited armies to fight and appeared to warriors about to be
defeated; see WHITE VC.
-
BAD BOY :
-
slang for a difficulty or problem that's fraught with harmful or
hazardous potential, whether a situation, person, or thing;
compare BAD GUYS, see DUD.
[aka: problem, difficulty, crisis, trouble, predicament, critical
situation, straits, obstacle, impediment, obstruction, barrier,
hindrance, dilemma, puzzle, quandary, perplexity, rough going,
tough job, hard sledding, stumbling block, hot water, deep water,
mess, muddle, snag, jam, pickle, bad actor, bad egg, bad apple,
good-for-nothing, no-goodnik, bad news, bad one / bad on',
bogeyman, badman / bad man, bad guy, baddie / baddy, badass,
troublemaker, mischief-maker, agitator, provoker, agent
provocateur, instigator, fomenter, inciter, rabble-rouser,
nuisance; cf: puppy (ie: presumptuous, conceited, inexperienced
youth)]
-
BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK :
-
a wry or sardonic comment made as an informal summary of the
current situation, or a casual assessment of the present
operational status, with the implication of impending difficulty
if not disaster; as derived from the Western novel and film of
the same name. Compare FRAG REPORT, SPOT REPORT, SITREP,
FUCKED-UP, FIDO, GUSTO, GUNG-HO, WETSU, A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE,
BITE THE DUST.
[nb: a screenplay of the same name by Don McGuire and Millard
Kaufman is based upon the story "Bad Day at Hondo" by Howard
Breslin, instead of the book by Michael Niall]
-
BADGE :
-
a special mark, emblem, blazon, token, or device representing
membership, achievement, authority, or other attribute; see
INSIGNIA, CREST, DUI, DI, BRASS, BEERCAN, CHARGE, GREEN TAB,
BRASS HAT, BAY, HEADGEAR, SCRAMBLED-EGGS, SPAGHETTI, PIP, CHOP,
RATING, RANK, BRANCH, ENSIGN, WIGWAG, BRACELET, CORD, TRASH,
PATCH, SANDWICH, SCROLL, HERSHEY BAR, FLASH, OVAL, TAB, Q-TAB,
TRIPLE CANOPY, JUNGLE EXPERT, RECONDO, BOLO BADGE, EOD, SAPPER,
PATHFINDER, WINGS, PARACHUTE, MFF, AIR ASSAULT, GLIDER, RIGGER,
PILOT, DOLPHIN, WATER WINGS, DIVER, SCUBA, HARD HAT, UDT, BUDS,
BUDWEISER, CIB, CMB, CAB, GONG, FRUIT SALAD, DEVICE, OLC, BATTLE
STAR, V-DEVICE, IMPACT AWARD, HERO, BATTLE CRY, TOAST, SIGNATURE.
[nb: an irregular display of regimental unit emblems appeared
before 1861, but distinctive corps badges seem to have been
originated by MG Philip Kearny, having confused officers on the
battlefield, directed that his officers of the 3rd Division III
Corps of the Union Army attach red flannel badges to their caps,
which fashion was shortly adopted by their enlisted men, and
later sustained by Kearny's successor (BG David Birney) following
his 1862 death; Kearny's practice seemingly inspired MG Joseph
Hooker, who then directed MG Daniel Butterfield to design the
standardized corps-level badge shapes (eg: disk, lozenge,
trefoil, triangle, square, pentagon, star, shield, acorn, heart,
arrow, crescent, Maltese Cross, Saint Andrew's Cross, etc) for
the Union Army of the Potomac, and after 21 March 1863, divisions
within each corps by consistent color (1st Div = red; 2nd Div =
white; 3rd Div = blue; 4th Div = green; 5th Div = orange), which
were also depicted on guidons; these corps badges were worn on
the left shirt front or at the top of the hat, but sometimes on
the side or front of the hat, and as the Civil War progressed,
these badges became more elaborate and stylized, some
embroidered, some enameled, often with numerals centered on the
motif. Except for BG P.G.T. Beauregard's armbands at Bull Run and
MG Thomas J. Jackson's hatbands in the Shenandoah Valley, the
Confederacy did not develop a system of unit insignia; it has
been asserted that the Washington Artillery at Bull Run in 1861
wore the first distinguishing unit badge in the form of red
flannel strips, but the traditional red trousers and red seam
stripes of the artillery branch casts doubt upon this confused
claim]
[nb: an insignia emblematic of the honors and lineage of a
military organization, unlike familial "coats of arms", may be
individually enhanced but not personally heritable; v: Heraldry] [nb: pagan Norsemen awarded metallic
bracelets in recognition of meritorious or valorous deeds]
-
BAD GUYS :
-
the enemy, consisting of armed resistance regardless of political
affiliation or economic persuasion; also known as "hostiles"
(hoss-tyles) or FOE. See NVA, VC, VIET QUOC, VIET MINH, NLF, PRG,
PLA, BO DOI, PAVN, CHARLIE, LONGHAIR, GOMER, LUKE THE GOOK,
CHICOM, PRC, NAZI, HERMAN THE GERMAN, USSR, IVAN, BULLSHITVIK,
NIP, MEATBALL, JAPE, NKPA, GOOK, SKINNY, ALI BABA, ISAAC THE
IRAQ, SCARAB THE ARAB, MUJ, HAJJI, RAGHEAD, SABOTAGE, GUERRILLA,
INSURGENT, TERRORIST, BANDIT, WOG, FOREIGN DEVIL, OPFOR, ORANGE
FORCE, PURPLE FORCE, RED FORCE; compare MARVIN THE ARVN.
[v: Names of Foreigners or Foes] [nb: the
dehumanization of one's enemy is usually a preliminary (if not a
prerequisite) to his extermination] [v: vernichtungsgedanken]
-
BAD-MOUTH :
-
to criticize or censure, often disloyally; a transliteration
derived from Mande through Gullah creole into English, meaning to
cast a spell or curse. Also, peevish, querulous, or splenetic
talk, as to speak negatively or pessimistically, hypercritically
or faultfindingly; to carp, complain, derogate, cavil, quibble,
grouse, crab, gripe, or bellyache. Also, to use vulgar, obscene,
scurrilous, or profane language, as a dirty- or foul-mouth, and
also spelled "badmouth" [cf: bigmouth, loudmouth, blabbermouth];
see TALK TRASH, SHOOT THE SHIT, BRAVO SIERRA, SCUTTLEBUTT, HOT
AIR, MOTOR MOUTH, VERBAL DIARRHEA, BLOW SMOKE, WOOF, CONFETTI,
RUMOR, BACK CHANNEL, BAYONET SHEET, NASTY-GRAM, FANG, HAWK, GIG,
CALL ON THE CARPET, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, FALSE FLAG, MIL-SPEAK,
EXPLETIVE, GODDAM, SMACK, OATH.
[nb: 'gee' and 'gee-whiz', used as an interjection or
exclamation, derive as euphemisms for the name "Jesus"; archaic
'zounds' derived as contraction of "God's wounds"; "blimey" or
"gorblimey", used as an interjection or exclamation, derive as a
reduction of "God blind me"; 'hooey', allegedly an Americanism
used as an interjection for nonsense or tripe, is actually a
corruption of the Russian vulgarity ("khuy") for penis, and is
commonly used alone (eg: dick, dickhead, dick-wad) or in phrases
(eg: dumber than dick; he doesn't know dick; don't dick around;
don't stir your tea with your dick; don't dip your dick in the
soup)] [cf: migration of "putz" from shine through ornament to
penis and dolt; as sexual lure] [v: lucky stiff]
[Swearing is either juvenile or crass, but MIL-PERS admire talent
and respect skill, so creative vulgarity and uncommon scurrility
is often appreciated. "The talk of him that sweareth much maketh
the hair stand upright." Ecclesiasticus 27:14 Apocrypha; "In
certain trying circumstances, urgent circumstances, desperate
circumstances, profanity furnishes a relief denied even to
prayer." by Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens); "Take not
God's name in vain; select a time when it will have effect." by
Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce; "Grant me some wild expressions,
Heavens, or I shall burst." by George Farquhar; "When angry,
count four; when very angry, swear." by Mark Twain (Samuel
Langhorne Clemens); "A whoreson jackanapes must take me up for
swearing; as if I borrowed mine oaths of him and might not spend
them at my pleasure. ... When a gentleman is disposed to swear,
it is not for any standers-by to curtail his oaths, ha?" by
William Shakespeare; "A footman may swear; but he cannot swear
like a lord. He can swear as often: but can he swear with equal
delicacy, propriety, and judgment?" by Jonathan Swift; "'Twas but
my tongue, 'twas not my soul that swore." by Euripides; "It comes
to pass oft that a terrible oath, with a swaggering accent
sharply twanged off, gives manhood more approbation than ever
proof itself would have earned him." by William Shakespeare]
-
BAD PAPER :
-
slang for a less-than-honorable DISCHARGE from military service.
[nb: during the 19th century, a "bobtail" discharge was slang for
both a curtailed term of service, and for a certificate with its
character cutoff so as to obscure or conceal the type of
discharge ... always "other than honorable"]
Also, forged or counterfeit currency; see BENSON SILK, MPC, LEGAL
TENDER. [v: fiat money]
-
BAD TIME :
-
obligation of extended service time added as repayment for
punishment period in military confinement; also called DEAD-TIME.
See CHL, PAIN, STOCKADE, BRIG, THE CASTLE, GUARDHOUSE, UCMJ.
-
BAGRAM AIR BASE :
-
an allied air facility for Coalition forces during Operation
Enduring Freedom (OEF); see GULF WAR, WAR ON TERROR. Also, a
military detention facility located near Charikar in Parvan,
Afghanistan, used for Islamic TERRORISTs; see CLUB FED.
-
BAILEY :
-
the area of an outer defensive enclosure for a fortification;
from the protected forecourt of a motte or keep; see OUTWORK,
EMPLACEMENT, DEFILADE, REVETMENT. [v: palisade, rampart, parapet]
[v: Military Earthworks Terms]
-
BAILEY BRIDGE :
-
M-2 prefabricated steel panel component bridges, usually
installed without heavy equipment, and able to be upgraded for
heavier traffic by reconfiguring panels (from single wide -
single high to double-double or triple-triple); dating from WWII,
as designed by Donald Bailey, and manufactured in San Luis
Obispo, California and Greenville, Alabama, where BAILEY BRIDGES
and Steadfast Bridges are divisions of BilToLast Products, Inc,
Fort Payne, Alabama. See AVLB, PONTOON BRIDGE, BRIDGE RATING,
ROUTE STEP, ROPE BRIDGE, TREADWAY BRIDGE.
[nb: a Waterman designed prefabricated sectional bridge was used
at the 1863 CIVIL WAR battle of Chancellorsville]
-
BAILOUT :
-
to quit, evacuate, escape, depart, abandon, or evade, especially
when leaving a vehicle, craft, or vessel during an emergency;
also called PUNCH-OUT; see CREW CHIEF, LOADMASTER, DROPMASTER,
JUMPMASTER, BEACHMASTER. Also, to lend necessary aid or resources
to rescue a vessel or vehicle, or to enable the survival of an
enterprise or undertaking; as a means of relief, this contranym
probably has naval origins. Also, an alternative, option, or
additional choice; see COUNTERMARCH, CHANGING TUNE, BEAT FEET,
CUT AND RUN, HAUL-ASS, ROUT, DEFEAT.
[nb: as a consequence of the Nazi BLITZKRIEG, the Allies
evacuated 338,226 escapees from the Dunkirk seashore by "little
ships" and other small craft from 26 May to 3 June 1940, leaving
more than 34,000 British and Canadian troops, and tens of
thousands of French, Dutch, and Belgian soldiers to become POWs
... "Wars are not won by evacuation." by Winston L.S. Churchill]
-
BAJARHAKO :
-
acronym for the ethnic unity group composed of Bahnar,
Jarai, Rhade, and Koho tribesmen, as predecessor of FULRO; the
Montagnard tribal association is also known as Dega.
-
BAH :
-
Basic Allowance for Housing, being supplemental pay for living
off-post / -base, living "on the economy"; formerly designated as
"Basic Allowance for Quarters" (BAQ). See SEPARATE RATS, QTRS.
-
BAHT :
-
the Thai basic monetary unit of currency; see LEGAL TENDER.
-
BALKANIZATION :
-
to divide a group or area into smaller and usually ineffectual
entities, typically quarrelsome or contending; also known as
"Balkanism"; as to factionalize, splinter, fragment, subdivide,
or disintegrate a population or territory. See DIVIDE AND
CONQUER.
-
BALL GAME :
-
slang for a combat operation (OPN), especially company-sized or
larger, as "putting our team on the field for the BALL GAME"; see
WAR GAMES, PLAY THE GAME, PLAY BALL, BATTER UP, TALLY-HO.
-
BALLS TO THE WALL :
-
slang expression for a total commitment without hesitation or
reserve, as all the way, full force, full bore, whole hog. See
SWEAT HOG, FAST MOVER, HARD CHARGER, HOT SHOT, SUPER-TROOPER,
HARD-ASS, BOY WONDER, DEEP DIP, GOLDEN BOY, ONIONS.
-
BAM :
-
the unofficial USMC acronym for their "sisters-in-arms", meaning
Broad-Assed Marines; as derived from the fact that only twelve
women could sit side-by-side on the "six-by" TRUCK benches, which
normally held fourteen fully-equipped males! The BAMs responded
to this characterization by dubbing the men: Hairy-Assed Marines
(HAM). Unlike the other women's auxiliaries, the Marine Corps
Women's Reserve does not have a cute acronym to identify it.
Before women were accepted into military service during WWII,
this acronym purportedly meant "Bad Assed Marine", referring to
troublemakers and malcontents. See WM, SKIRT, GI JANE, RUNTS 'n'
CUNTS, PIRATE'S DREAM.
-
BAMBOO CURTAIN :
-
a political and ideological barrier that impeded relations
between communist Asia, especially Red China (PRC), and the West
from the end of WWII to end of the VIETNAM WAR; compare STAR
WARS, MAGINOT LINE, SMEZ, BERLIN WALL, IRON CURTAIN, BAR LEV
LINE, CACTUS CURTAIN, McNAMARA'S WALL, McNAMARA LINE, CHINESE
WALL, DEW LINE, PHASE LINE.
[cf: Hadrian's Wall, Antonine Wall, Great Wall of China]
[nb: "The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the
men who defend it." by Genghis Khan]
-
BAMBOO TELEGRAPH :
-
rapid and accurate word-of-mouth communications, also called
"coconut telegraph", "lip radio", "moccasin telegraph", "tom-tom
telegraph", "smoke signal", "grapevine", "hearsay", "bush
telegraph", "brush telegraph", sagebrush telegraph"; see BACK
CHANNEL, SCUTTLEBUTT, GOUGE, POOP, THE WORD, GREEN GREASE,
GRIPEVINE, FALSE FLAG, DECEPTION, RUMOR, NET.
[nb: the Industrial Revolution coincided with the second
tour-de-force in communications: the invention of the telegraph.
Early experiments with electrical circuits were surpassed by
line-of-sight visual codes ("tachygraphy": swift + write,
shorthand) to convey messages quickly. Visual limitations
(eg: darkness, weather, etc) contributed to the decline of the
clockwork system, and the preference for the more consistent
electrical code system ("telegraphy": far + write). From 1816 to
1844, utilizing voltaic magnetism and galvanic deflection, many
telegraphic systems were devised before Samuel F.B. Morse was
credited with the "bi-signal" patent. Although LANDLINEs were
used to carry reliable and efficient signals, an experiment in
1843 attempted to transmit signal code directly through water
without using underwater cable. The first woman to be certified
as a telegrapher was Sarah G. Bagley in 1846. By 1853, the first
trans-Atlantic cable (insulated with GUTTA-PERCHA gum) was
operational. The presence of the telegraph during the Crimean War
(1853-6) brought meddling bureaucrats and incompetent supervisors
into annoyingly direct and interferingly immediate contact with
battlefield commanders. The 1864 connection from Great Britain to
India was extended to China in 1870 and Australia in 1871. By
1874, a mere thirty years after its inception, the "Victorian
InterNet" could transmit a message around the world in only four
minutes! The subsequent commercial codes, using abbreviations and
substitutions, were designed to save transmission time and money,
rather than to protect privacy. The telephone was accidentally
invented in 1876 while attempting to upgrade the duplex and
quadruplex modes of telegraphy with an experimental harmonic
multiplexer. In 1903, automatic telegraphy was married to a
typewriter to form the teleprinter. See CW, TWX, TELECON, BUG,
SALTING, ENCRYPT, UWT, RADIO, TELEPHONE, LANDLINE, COAX.]
-
BA MUOI BA :
-
(bah-mee-bah) Vietnamese "33" brand beer, being the number
thirty-three in Vietnamese (literally three - ten - three = 33);
also called "Tiger Piss". Sometimes misspelled "Ba Moui Ba" or
"Ba Moi Ba". See LA VAY.
[nb: brand name changed to "333" by SRV after the Second
Indochina War; cf: 33 beer from Rolling Rock]
-
BANANA BOLO :
-
an unmarked (STERILE) curved blade ("banana" shaped) jungle
knife, about 16" overall with an 11" blade, sharpened on the
inside edge around to the curved-tip for chopping, with an
unfinished wooden handle and housed in a canvas scabbard; it was
issued to U.S. Army advisory and recon team members instead of
the longer (16"BL) MACHETE; see BOLO, KNIFE.
[v: gollock, kukri; cf: secateurs, pruners, loppers, shears,
scissors] [v: Knife Terms]
-
BANANA CLIP :
-
a long curved magazine, holding 30 rounds, being standard on the
AK-47, and adopted for the M-16 midway through the VIETNAM WAR;
compare CLIP, C-CLIP; see CARTRIDGE, BANDOLEER, MAG.
-
BANANA WARS :
-
a catch-phrase for small wars, especially in the early 20th
century, of interventionist expeditions in response to political
pressure from commercial or religious entities, often without
military objectives or exit strategies. These violent squabbles
ranged the world, including Tripoli, Panama, Samoa, the
Philippines, China, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua,
Mexico, El Salvador, Lebanon, Grenada, Somalia, and Bosnia. Such
GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY extracted concessions and redeemed
investments on behalf of private commitments by the application
of public resources. War is never exclusively military, with
American troops being dispatched as "social workers in uniform"
in recent times, but they were previously sent forth as "global
policemen" when international relations were more autonomous. See
ROOSEVELT COROLLARY, JUST CAUSE, WAR.
-
BAND-AID :
-
slang for a lightly armored TRACKed vehicle, such as the M-577
command APC, that's used as an ambulance on the battlefield,
while also serving as a limited treatment facility (AID STATION)
for minor injuries and wounds; also called "Band-Aid Box"; see
CRACKER BOX, MEDEVAC, DUSTOFF, AIR AMBULANCE, LUGGAGE TAG,
TRIAGE. Also, a metonym for an enlisted medical aidman and
CORPSMEN, who's also called "shank mechanic", "pill pusher", and
MEDIC; see DOC, BABY DOC, BAC SI, Y SI, BONE CUTTER, ANGEL,
ORDERLY. Also, any temporary, limited, or makeshift solution or
resolution; a "jackleg repair" or "quick fix" that's named after
the trademarked (1924) adhesive bandage used for minor cuts and
abrasions; see COURSE OF ACTION, PLAN B, RUN IT UP THE FLAGPOLE,
WIGGLE ROOM, WHITE ELEPHANT, BELL THE CAT, WANGLE, MIND CANDY,
RAIN ON PARADE. Also, the small adhesive bandage itself, invented
1921, that's used for minor cuts and abrasions; see ASA, APC, MED
BAG, SICK CALL; compare COMPRESS.
-
BANDIT :
-
a positively identified enemy aircraft; in Naval aviation, if the
target is confirmed, the call skips the preliminary BANDIT, and
issues a TALLY-HO immediately. Compare BOGIE, VISUAL, BATTER UP;
see TALLY-HO, SCRAM, SPLASH, BAD GUYS. Also, slang for the
symbolic representation of enemy targets successfully destroyed
by an aircraft, usually in the form of silhouettes or flags
painted onto the fuselage near the cockpit, which unofficial
depictions are illegal, but mysteriously and anonymously
materialize out of unit pride; see SPLASH, TROPHY, BRAGGING
RIGHTS, TOP DOG, KILL RING, KILL CREDIT.
-
BANDOLEER :
-
a CARTRIDGE belt worn across the chest or over one shoulder; an
AMMO belt. Originally a wide leather belt with loops for each
additional SHELL, but has evolved into a belt of pouches
containing clipped ammunition, ready for stripping into empty
magazines (MAG).
-
BANGALORE TORPEDO :
-
a tube filled with explosives, used to clear BARBED WIRE
entanglements or to detonate land mines; also called "land
torpedo" or "snake". See CONCERTINA, RAZOR WIRE.
-
BANK :
-
the lateral inclination of an aircraft, especially during a turn;
see AEROBATICS, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT. Also, a long pile, heap,
mass, or bank-like border constructed of SANDBAGs. Also, a slope
or acclivity. Also, a broad sea floor elevation around which the
water is relatively shallow, but not a hazard to surface
navigation; compare ROCKS 'n' SHOALS, BREAKWATER. Also, the
inclination of an angled road or track, also called "cant". Also,
a number of similar objects or devices arranged in a line or tier
so as to be able to act together. Also, a store or reserve, as of
money or blood [v: American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)];
see DUMP, DEPOT.
-
BANQUETTE :
-
a ledge or platform along the inside of a parapet for use as a
"firing step", being higher than the floor or PASSAGEWAY, as
derived from "bench"; compare CATWALK, see DEFILADE, BERM, HESCO
BARRIER, T-WALL [cf: escarp, scarp/escarpment, counterscarp].
Also, a raised sidewalk; see DUCKBOARDS.
-
BANSHEE :
-
F-2 fighter jet, NICKNAMEd "Banjo"
-
BAQ :
-
Basic Allowance for Quarters, being supplemental pay for living
off-post / -base, living "on the economy"; since redesignated as
"Basic Allowance for Housing" (BAH). See SEPARATE RATS, QTRS.
-
BAR :
-
Browning Automatic Rifle; a heavy .30cal magazine-fed shoulder
fired weapon, used extensively in WWII and Korea, but didn't
perform as well as British Bren. The M-14 rifle sought to combine
the BAR firepower with M-1 portablilty. The M-60 machinegun
replaced both the BAR and the Browning light machinegun (LMG).
The BAR stock had to be cut-down for ARVN troops to use it; see
RIFLE, CAR, MG, MAG, MUZZLE, KICK, FIREPOWER, FLASH SUPPRESSOR.
Also, any rectilinear insignia symbolizing status or achievement;
see CANDY BAR, BOLO, HERSHEY BAR, BUTTER BAR, BROWN BAR, LOOEY,
AIMING STAKES, RAILROAD TRACKS. Also, short for barrier, as an
obstacle, hindrance, or obstruction; to be behind bars, or
protected by a mosquito bar [nb: the word "canopy" originally
meant net, as a gauze mosquito barrier; cf: sparver]. Also, short
for crowbar; see HOOLIGAN. Also, a horizontal band on an heraldic
shield. Also, a standard of attainment, a level of measure, a
qualifying line of demarcation; a delimiter. Also, a counter or
establishment for the serving of food or beverages to customers,
as a club or concession; see ANNEX, SLOP CHUTE, CANTEEN, HOT
SPOT.
[cf: barrelhouse, cocktail lounge, saloon, roadhouse, speakeasy,
blind pig / blind tiger, pub, ginmill, public house, tavern,
cantina, bar, barroom, grogshop, watering hole, honky-tonk, dive,
brasserie, bistro, taproom, beer joint, beer parlor, alehouse,
rathskeller, cabaret, nightclub, drinkery]
-
BARBED WIRE :
-
twisted wire strands with spaced projections, used as a barrier
or fencing, first patented in 1874; also spelled "barbwire" or
"barbed-wire", and sometimes called tanglefoot, devil's rope,
bobbed- / bobwire (short), warwire, or tactical wire (tac-wire).
Originating at the siege of Vicksburg as smooth entanglement wire
recovered from destroyed communication lines, BARBED WIRE was
identical to livestock fencing until after the SPANISH-AMERICAN
WAR, then widely used as anti-intrusion wire at checkpoints,
DEPOTs, STOCKADEs, CHOKE POINTs, MLRs and FRONT LINES, finally
evolving into RAZOR WIRE. Except for temporary positions (eg:
LAAGER), a BARBED WIRE barrier is an inadequate defense, so it is
usually combined with AP and AT MINEs, or other devices. See
CONCERTINA, BANGALORE TORPEDO.
-
BARBETTE :
-
a platform or mound of earth in a fortification, from which guns
may be fired over the parapet; also called "gun mount", "firing
pit", "gun pit", or EMPLACEMENT; see ARTY, MORTAR. Also, an
armored cylinder for protecting the lower part of a TURRET on a
WARSHIP; as derived from "beard"; compare CASEMATE, SPONSON,
SPLINTER SHIELD. [v: Military Earthworks Terms]
-
BARBICAN :
-
the OUTWORK for an entrance to a fortification, especially at a
bridge or gate; see REDOUBT, SENTRY BOX, GUARDHOUSE. [v: Military Earthworks Terms]
-
BAR-B-Q :
-
(forthcoming); informal spelling of barbecue or barbeque; burnt
offering, immolate, self-immolation; DRAGON LADY
-
BARCAP :
-
Barrier Combat Air Patrol; also spelled "Bar-CAP" or "Bar CAP".
See CAP, UMBRELLA, HIGH 'n' DRY, RACETRACK; compare ABNCP.
-
BAR LEV LINE :
-
a chain of heavy fortifications and gigantic earthworks along the
Suez Canal, built during 1968-71 to defend the cease-fire line in
the Sinai after the Six-Day War, and to pre-position essential
materiel for defense; also spelled "Bar-Lev Line", named after
General Chaim Bar-Lev, the Israeli Chief of Staff. Compare STAR
WARS, MAGINOT LINE, SMEZ, BERLIN WALL, IRON CURTAIN, BAMBOO
CURTAIN, CACTUS CURTAIN, McNAMARA'S WALL, McNAMARA LINE, CHINESE
WALL, DEW LINE, PHASE LINE.
[cf: Hadrian's Wall, Antonine Wall, Great Wall of China]
[nb: "The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the
men who defend it." by Genghis Khan]
-
BARNSTORMER :
-
an aerial demonstration team, or a member thereof, performing
exhibition flights for the public, beginning in the interwar
period with "Three Men on a Flying Trapeze", from the original
stunt fliers who toured rural areas. See AEROBATICS, BIRD, PILOT,
BLUE ANGELS, THUNDERBIRDS, SKYBLAZERS, SILVER EAGLES; compare
DREAMLAND, HAWC, TOP GUN, RED FLAG.
[v: An Aerobatics and Aviation Lexicon]
-
BARRACK :
-
building or casern for lodging soldiers in garrison, usually
"barracks", but also known as Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ);
see BILLET, BLDG, QTRS, GUARDHOUSE, TEAMHOUSE, BUTLER BUILDING,
SEA HUT, QUONSET HUT, JAMESWAY HUT, HOOCH, SUDS ROW, GI PARTY,
DAYROOM, MESSHALL, ORDERLY ROOM.
[nb: the Portuguese word for slave pens or barracks ("baracoons")
is probably the origin of the racial slur 'coon', referring to
BLACK people]
-
BARRACK BAG :
-
(forthcoming);
colors, dates, sizes; cf: DUFFEL BAG
at the RECEPTION STATION or induction center, new MIL-PERS were
issued one barrack bag and one haversack during WWI, then two
barrack bags at the beginning of WWII, and later one barrack and
one duffel bag with their basic issue of uniforms and blankets;
during Vietnam-era, the barrack bag was primarily a "laundry bag"
[nb: "rucksack" = back-sack; "knapsack" = bite/snap-up/eat, food
sack; "kit-bag" = soldier's small bag/knapsack; "haversack" =
single strap over one shoulder / musette] [cf: bundle,
bindle/bindlea, swag, bluey, dilly bag, tucker-bag, bag, pouch,
tote, sack, pack, grip, gripsack, overnighter, weekender,
carpetbag, suitcase, portmanteau, Gladstone bag, traveling case,
garment bag, Val-Pack, luggage; v: "scrip" wayfarer's bag or
wallet; "viaticum" traveler's money and necessities]
-
BARRACKS LAWYER :
-
any disgruntled or maladjusted soldier who constantly complains
and persistently quibbles; also called "bunk room lawyer",
"guardhouse lawyer", or SEA LAWYER. See YARDBIRD.
-
BARREL ROLL :
-
air operations during 1964 against the NVA in Laos by USAF and
VNAF.
-
BASE :
-
a military operations and logistics installation, usually
fortified, such as Naval Air Station (NAS) or Air Force Base
(AFB); see PUZZLE PALACE, PINK PALACE, MADHOUSE, STRONGPOINT,
FSB, FOB, AOB, MOB, MCB, NOB, SFOB, ADVANCED BASE, BASE CAMP,
POST, FORT, COMPOUND, GARRISON, RESERVATION, SHADOW OF THE
FLAGPOLE, LITTLE AMERICA. [nb: Vietnamese term: Can Cu]
-
BASE CAMP :
-
a semipermanent field headquarters (HQ); a logistical
and administrative center for a unit, usually within that unit's
tactical area of responsibility (TAOR). A unit may operate in or
away from its BASE CAMP. BASE CAMPS usually contain all or part
of a given unit's service support elements. See LSA, FOB, FSB,
STRONGPOINT, CP, JUMP CP, AOB, MOB, ADVANCED BASE, COMPOUND,
BIVOUAC, PERIMETER, RESERVATION, LITTLE AMERICA.
-
BASE PIECE :
-
the artillery (ARTY) gun located closest to the Battery (BTY)
COMMAND ELEMENT or Fire Direction Center (FDC), so usually being
the first to shoot a FIRE MISSION; see HOWITZER.
-
BASHING :
-
the heuristic or punitive beating administered to Allied
prisoners of war by enemy guards with a culture of corporal
discipline, such as Imperial Japan; such "abuse" was considered
"normal" treatment in that milieu or society, inasmuch as they
administered the same treatment to themselves. The term BASHING
was applied to this practice by British POWs, who had a similar
background in the English public schools, and was then adopted by
Australian, American, Dutch, Belgium, and other Western
servicemen. See PAIN, TORTURE.
-
BASIC :
-
informal designation of basic training, basic military training,
Basic Entry Training, Basic Combat Training (BCT), or boot camp;
see CRUIT, BOOT, MAGGOT, YARDBIRD, SMACK, TRAIN, OSUT, AIT, ACT,
MOS.
[nb: Vietnamese term: Huan Luyen Can Ban] [nb: it's a well
established fact that a good Drill Sergeant will take the raw
material of a civilian and turn him into a soldier in the same
way that he would take a tangled mess of steel wool and knit it
into a tank!]
-
BASKET :
-
informal for wastebasket or wastepaper basket, being any open
trash receptacle; see FILE 13.
Also, informal for basket stretcher, which is also known as a
Stoke's litter; devised in 1942 by the 10th Mountain Division as
a field expedient for evacuating injured persons during winter
weather conditions by using chicken wire and a mummy-style
sleeping bag; see LITTER, STRETCHER.
[nb: wickerwork baskets of reed or osier, due to being
lightweight and disposable, were widely used before WWII to
transport corpses to morgues and mortuaries]
-
BASKETBALL :
-
a pyrotechnic illumination FLARE dropped from any aerial
platform, such as a FLARESHIP or TANKER. Also, designated
CODENAME for the GLOBEMASTER C-124 TANKER that performed
air-to-air refueling on YANKEE STATION.
-
BASKET HEAD :
-
any Asian, especially a peasant or farm laborer, due to their
prevalent wearing of a straw hat (eg: NON LA) patterned in a
traditional or tribal style; a neutral or unbiased reference to
an oriental, also expressed as "straw hat" or "rice stick". See
INDIG, BUDDHAHEAD, LITTLE BROWN BROTHER, DESEGREGATION; compare
LITTLE PEOPLE, DINK, GOOK, SLOPE, RICE BALL, ZIP, SLANT-EYE.
-
BASS :
-
shooter's mnemonic for Breathe, Aim, Slack, Squeeze in target
acquisition and GUN CONTROL; see SIGHT PICTURE, ZERO, PEEP SIGHT,
DRY FIRE, KICK, FIREPOWER, TRAIN. [v: Firearms
Glossary]
-
BASTARD :
-
originally a separate unit, often specialized, but evolved to
include any unit separated into its coherent parts for
reinforcement or augmentation. In WWII, BASTARDs included
airborne and ranger units, while in Vietnam they were cavalry and
artillery units, assigned and reassigned wherever needed, usually
with less support and higher casualties than "parented" units.
The Airborne-Ranger Companies activated for the KOREAN WAR are an
example of BASTARDs used as CANNON FODDER; which is contrasted by
the 6th Army ALAMO SCOUTS and Vietnam LRRPs. The military sense
of this term, unlike civilian interpretations of "illegitimate",
"spurious", "abhorent", or "abnormal", hearkens to its origin of
"unacknowledged offspring" [nb: "nullius filius" means 'son of
nobody']; such BASTARDs are usually proud of their difference,
despite having to achieve twice as much for half the recognition.
See AIRBORNE, RANGER, SF, FORCE RECON, RAIDER, MERRILL'S
MARAUDERS, MARS, BLACK DEVIL, OSS, FLYING TIGERS, PURPLE HEART
BATTALION.
-
BAT / BATT :
-
this slang term is an informal and unofficial truncation of
battalion (BN), and does not refer to an artillery battery (BTY);
it has also been misused in the plural (bats / batts) to
misrepresent battalions (BNs) or batteries (BTYs).
-
BATA BOOTS :
-
sterile footwear with a human footprint direct molded-sole for
leaving indistinct or untraceable tracks, as used by special
operations troops disguising their presence; contract
manufactured by Bata Boot Company. Compare HO CHI MINH SANDALS,
JUNGLE BOOTS; see FOOTWEAR.
-
BATAAN DEATH MARCH :
-
see DEATH MARCH.
-
BAT MAN :
-
contraction of BATtle MANagement center, being a command and
surveillance station located at Battle Mountain Air Force Base
(NV) for the remote control and processing of unmanned aircraft
through satellite links around the world; see UAV, DRONE, BOT.
Also, (forthcoming); a fictional character featured in comics; a
super-hero wearing a disguise and utility belt, operating as the
"Dynamic Duo" with partner called BOY WONDER; also spelled
"Bat-Man" and "Batman"; see POLICE.
-
BATON :
-
a rod or wand, staff or truncheon that serves as a mark of office
or authority; see SWAGGER STICK. Also, a narrow diagonal stripe
that does not touch the edges of the shield; a couped bendlet.
[v: Heraldry]
-
BATRACHOMYOMACHIA :
-
the title of a mock-heroic Greek epic that was probably composed
by Pigres of Caria in the 5th century BC, which describes, in
Homeric style, a battle between mice and frogs in which Zeus and
Athena join; the name has since been used to imply a trivial or
meaningless battle, as a tempest in a teapot or a storm in a
teacup (batrachomyomachy). [v: "The Frogs" by Aristophanes, and
"Much Ado About Nothing" by William Shakespeare (1600); cf: swarm
of frogs as the second plague against the Egyptians in Exodus
8:3: "The river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall
go up and come into thine house, and into thy bedchamber, and
upon thy bed, and into the house of thy secants, and upon thy
people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneading troughs."]
[nb: "Battle of the Frogs and Mice with the Remarks of Zoilus" by
Thomas Parnell (1717) was imitative but merely an attack on the
authors John Dennis and Lewis Theobald, who'd offended the
coterie of Pope, Fielding, et al, with their scholarship]
-
BATS 'n' HATS :
-
rhyming slang for the uniform (batons and helmets) to be worn
when the CONSTABULARY or military police (MP) is responding with
"less than lethal force" to riot or civil unrest, such as at
prisons or embassies; see RIOT ACT, MUTINEER, PROVOCATEUR,
PROTESTOR, POLICE.
[cf: truncheon, billy, night stick, espantoon, cudgel, bludgeon,
shillelagh/shillealah, knobkerrie, cosh, bastinado, singlestick,
waddy, club, blackjack, slapjack, SANDBAG] [v: pygmachy]
-
BATTAILOUS :
-
an archaism meaning ready for battle, being warlike; see GOOD TO
GO, COMBAT LOADED, MISSION READY, UNLIMBER, LOCK 'n' LOAD, OP
TEMPO, JUMP-START, FAT, SADDLE-UP, MOVE OUT. [cf: battalia]
-
BATTEN :
-
a thin flat length of wood or metal used in construction or
reinforcement, often used to bolster or secure; compare DUNNAGE.
Also, a thin or narrow strip of lumber attached to sailcloth to
keep it flat or taut. Also, to cover a HATCH or other opening so
as to make it watertight. Also, a flexible strip of wood used for
fairing the lines of a HULL on the floor of a mold loft during
shipbuilding.
-
BATTER UP :
-
slang from WWII for US Naval ships positively identifying an
enemy vessel or other target; see PLAY BALL, PLAY THE GAME;
compare BANDIT.
-
BATTLE :
-
to force or accomplish by fighting, as to struggle, contend,
contest, skirmish, scrimmage, scrummage, conflict, affray,
FIREFIGHT, combat, AMBUSH, STALKING HORSE, CONTACT, SPOILING
ATTACK, MEETING ENGAGEMENT, PITCHED BATTLE, CLOSE QUARTERS
BATTLE, REVOLUTION, PYRRHIC VICTORY, FIGHT LIKE KILKENNY CATS,
BITTER END, SNOWBALL, BELL THE CAT, TAR BABY, BATRACHOMYOMACHIA,
and so forth, now called "war fighting"; see BLOODY SHIRT, JUST
WAR, CROSS THE RUBICON, FIGHTING WORDS, PLAY THE GAME, COLLATERAL
DAMAGE, FIGHTING MAD. Also, a hostile encounter between opposing
military forces, affected by numbers, weapons, orders, equipment,
time, supplies, terrain, weather, and policies; see GOOD TO GO,
COMBAT LOADED, MISSION READY, UNLIMBER, LOCK 'n' LOAD, OP TEMPO,
FAT, SADDLE-UP, MOVE OUT, BATTAILOUS. Also, the place, act, or
incidence of such hostile encounter, as a battlefield, combat
zone, KILL ZONE; compare CONTACT, SHOOTING WAR, LOW-INTENSITY
CONFLICT, FIREWORKS, COLD WAR, FLOWER WAR, VICTORY, DEFEAT.
[cf: battalia] [nb: Frederick the Great's mule attended many
battles but learned nothing about war from them!; the difference
between the OLD MAN and the TOP KICK is the same in war as it is
in sex: officers need to talk about it in great detail for a long
time before it happens, but sergeants need to talk about it in
great detail for a long time after it happens!]
-
BATTLE CRY :
-
the rousing shout or emblematic call of troops going into combat,
such as a morale-boosting slogan or onomatopoeic war whoop (eg:
the proverbial "Rebel yell"); also spelled "battlecry", being a
shout, out-cry, bellow, howl, yell, ululation, baying, scream,
cry, shriek, holler, hollo, or AHOY. Just as significant
campaigns are incorporated into the uniform [v: shoulder cord] or
insignia [v: Guadalcanal on 1st Mar Div SSI] of the affected
units, so inspired phrases become part of the insignia and
history of affected units, creating a mark of distinction,
officially known as a "special designation". Statements made
during controversy or combat (eg: "liberty or death", "only one
life to give", "not yet begun to fight") are more akin to 'famous
last words' than to a BATTLE CRY, but are often invoked when
preparing for battle. See CREST, PATCH, SIGNATURE, TOAST, GUSTO,
HOOAH, OORAH, GUNG-HO, ESPRIT DE CORPS, WETSU, DIEHARD, ROOT HOG
OR DIE, WAKE UP, WAR PARTY, WARMONGER, MERCENARY, RE-UP, KILL 'EM
ALL, VIETNAM IS FOREVER, WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS, STRANGER IN A
STRANGE LAND, THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME.
[nb: the term 'slogan' is derived from the Scottish words (sluagh
+ gairm) meaning "army cry" or "war cry"; cf: misnomer
"slughorn"] [nb: Imperial Japanese "banzai" (ten-thousand years;
not "bonsai" gardening) similar to Chinese "wàn-sue"] [cf:
warison; v: clarion call] [nb: the "thin red line" was applied to
the British ("Redcoats") in the Crimean War because they did not
form into a defensive square when engaged, making their line
weak, which impugned their military prowess; likewise, the
Scottish bagpipers accompanying British troops in WWI were
labeled "ladies from hell" for wearing kilts into battle while
playing an instrument instead of carrying a weapon ... each
attribution was initially offensive, but both were later adopted
as distinctions] [v: Names of Foreigners or
Foes]
-
BATTLE DRESS :
-
a military field uniform and accouterments, generally camouflaged
and stripped of all ornamentation; see FATIGUES, UTILITIES,
CAMMIES, BDU, ACU, DIGITALS, DRESS.
-
BATTLEFIELD :
-
the place where fighting has occurred, or is presently occurring,
as distinguished from the general hostile area (COMBAT ZONE)
where fighting may occur at some point in time; that contended
area of actively hostile opposition, also called "battleground".
See CONFLICT, KILL ZONE, FIREFIGHT, CONTACT, BATTLE, FEBA, MLR,
FLOT, FRONT LINE, INDIAN COUNTRY, DOWN RANGE, FIELD ALLOWANCE.
[nb: Vietnamese term: Chien Truong]
-
BATTLE JACKET :
-
a close-fitting, waist-length woolen jacket with snugly fitting
cuffs and waist, collar and epaulets, worn as part of the service
uniform during WWII; also known as "combat jacket", "Ike jacket"
or "Eisenhower jacket"; see FLIGHT JACKET, FIELD JACKET, DRESS.
Also, any of various imitations or adaptations of this jacket in
civilian sportswear or paramilitary attire.
-
BATTLE LANTERN :
-
a battery-operated emergency light, usually mounted in a fixed
position on an interior BULKHEAD, PASSAGEWAY, or LADDERWELL to
afford tactical (red or amber) illumination in vessels and
buildings during power outages; also called "battle lamp". Such
BATTLE LANTERNs are typically encased for protection against
physical damage to ensure its proper function during an
emergency, and to prevent harmful interaction with the
environment.
-
BATTLE RATTLE :
-
rhyming slang denoting the condition of being completely equipped
for combat operations; most commonly expressed as FULL BATTLE
RATTLE. See COMBAT LOADED, CROSS-LOADING, MISSION READY,
UNLIMBER, LOCK 'n' LOAD, BATTAILOUS, OP TEMPO, FAT, GOOD TO GO,
SADDLE-UP, MOVE OUT, WEB GEAR, BATTLE DRESS.
-
BATTLE ROYAL :
-
a violent fight, often confused and noisy, involving more than
two combatants, as a donnybrook, melee, free-for-all, rumpus,
knock-down-drag-out, rough-and-tumble, slugfest, brawl, fracas,
affray, brannigan, rencounter, rhubarb, pandemonium; this phrase
originated with cockfighting (alectryomachy), where a certain
number of game birds are pitted together and left until there is
only one survivor [cf: Welsh Main, v: WHITE FEATHER]. See KING OF
THE HILL, DOGFIGHT, FIREFIGHT, EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF, CUTTHROAT,
RAMPAGE, FIGHTING MAD, CQB, BATTLE, WAR.
-
BATTLE STAR :
-
informal reference to a "service star", being a DEVICE attached
to the ribbon portion of a "service medal" (commonly called
CAMPAIGN MEDAL) which indicates service during one or more
campaigns authorized for that award; see OLC, V-DEVICE, GONG,
FRUIT SALAD, TRASH. [v: Heraldry]
-
BATTLE WAGON :
-
informal NavSpeak for a battleship; see WARSHIP. Also, slang for
any powerful and formidable vehicle, craft, or vessel, from TANK
to FLYING FORTRESS; an implacable juggernaut or a devastating
"engine of war".
-
BAY :
-
a compartment or section, as a "bomb bay" or CARGO BAY. Also,
an alcove or recess, as a "sick bay" or "bunk bay". Also, an
honorary crown or garland, as a "laurel wreath". Also, inset land
or inlet water, as a cove or bight. Also, to resist or repel, as
"to hold at bay".
-
BAYONET :
-
a knife-like weapon attached to the muzzle of a firearm for close
combat; derived from 17th century plug-bayonet invented in
Bayonne France to convert single-shot muskets into pikes. The
Chinese "fire lance", utilized as both a flamethrower and as a
prototype shotgun, also included a fixed point for use as a pike.
See KNIFE, ON GUARD, BUTT STROKE, AT CLOSE QUARTERS, CQB, CAB.
[v: Knife Terms] [nb: the "spirit of the
bayonet" is "to kill!" ... not only was the word "kill" banned
from the training and indoctrination (TRADOC) vocabulary (see
SMACK) during the VIETNAM WAR, but bayonet, pugil stick, and
hand-to-hand close combat training have since been eliminated
from soldierly preparation. Although the "little corporal"
Napoleon claimed that three hostile newspapers are to be feared
more than thousands of BAYONETs, Voltaire said, as both social
and political philosophy, that "You can do anything with a
BAYONET, except sit on it!". An old military maxim states: "Deny
your soldiers a proper bayonet and you will find a foreign one at
your throat."]
Also, figurative use for a ruthless attack or murderous
treatment, as to be executed by a BOARD, or bloodied by a
committee; see BACK CHANNEL. Also, a locking pin or flange.
-
BAYONET SHEET :
-
slang for an effectiveness or efficiency report (ER); usually
considered official fiction, it is frequently a way of ridding
the military of unpopular officers and NCOs, regardless of their
true skills (roorback). See FITREP, EER, NCOER, OER, UP OR OUT;
compare BACK CHANNEL, FANG, NASTY-GRAM.
[nb: "Your enemies stab you in the back, but your friends stab
you in the front!"; "Your enemies cut your throat with a smile,
but your friends cut your throat with regret."; "What Peter says
about Paul says more about Peter than it does about Paul" by
Arthur Schopenhauer; the "narcissism of small differences" by
Sigmund Freud; "When you hear somebody usin' words ag'in
somebody, don't go by his words, for they won't make no damn
sense, [but] go by his tone, and you'll know if he's mean and
lying." by Forest Carter, The Education of Little Tree
(1976)]
-
BAZOOKA :
-
informal term for a tube-shaped rocket launcher that fired a
2.36" or 3.5" MISSILE capable of penetrating the armor-plating
on a TANK; it was replaced by the M-18 57mm shoulder-fired,
air-cooled, single-loading Recoilless Rifle (RR) during WWII.
The BAZOOKA rocket launcher resembled an unlikely looking musical
instrument so named and played by comedian Bob Burns in
vaudeville from the 1930s.
-
BCD :
-
Bad Conduct Discharge, which is sardonically known as the "Big
Chicken Dinner"; see DISCHARGE. [nb: during the 19th century, a
"bobtail" discharge was slang for both a curtailed term of
service, and for a certificate with its character cutoff so as to
obscure or conceal the type of discharge ... always "other than
honorable"]
-
BCG :
-
Birth Control Glasses; see BIRTH CONTROL DEVICE, DOUBLE-O.
-
BCT :
-
Basic Combat Training; also called basic, basic training, basic
military training, Basic Entry Training, or boot camp; see CRUIT,
BOOT, MAGGOT, SMACK, YARDBIRD, TRAIN, OSUT, AIT, ACT, MOS. [nb:
it's a well established fact that a good Drill Sergeant will take
the raw material of a civilian and turn him into a soldier in the
same way that he would take a tangled mess of steel wool and knit
it into a tank!]
Also, Brigade Combat Team, being an infantry brigade (BDE) that's
reinforced with integral artillery (ARTY), air cavalry (ACAV) or
armored cavalry (ACR), and engineers (ENGR); compare SBCT, RCT,
see FIRE BRIGADE. [nb: Vietnamese term: Lu Doan Chien Thuat]
-
BDA :
-
Bomb Damage Assessment, later redesignated as "Battle Damage
Assessment" to include all forms of tactical destruction; being a
standard I&R or recon team mission after a FIRE MISSION or
airstrike. See RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE), SOFT TARGET, HARD
TARGET, OBJ, COLLATERAL DAMAGE.
-
BDE :
-
brigade; a military unit subordinate to a division (DIV) that
consists of a headquarters (HQ) and two or more regiments (RGT),
squadrons (SQDN), groups (GP), or battalions (BN), and is
commanded by a colonel (COL). Although three brigades typically
comprise a division, separate brigades of medical, supply,
maintenance, and transportation can operate autonomously under
corps or theater command. The 11th, 196th, 198th, and 199th
Infantry Brigades and the 173rd Airborne Brigade operated
independently in Vietnam. See BCT, FIRE BRIGADE; compare BRIG.
[nb: Vietnamese term: Lu Doan, Chien Doan]
-
BDQ :
-
Biet Dong Quan, or Vietnamese Rangers, being the elite infantry
of the Vietnamese Army; also called Biet Cach, Biet Kich, Biet
Dong Doi. Vietnamese Ranger trainees were taught how to operate
in forest, mountain, and mud [Rung - Nui - Sin Lay (RNSL)] in a
course at Duc My in Nha Trang.
(history forthcoming); maroon beret
See BORDER DEFENSE RANGER, STRIKER, MIKE FORCE, CIDG, RF/PF,
LRRP, LRSP, RECONDO, RANGER, AIRBORNE, AIRBORNE RANGER, SPECIAL
OPERATIONS, COUNTERPART.
-
BDU :
-
Battle Dress Uniform, being an all-purpose camo-patterned cloth
uniform worn as the standard work or duty dress as well as worn
in combat; a post-Vietnam uniform similar in appearance to
woodland Jungle FATIGUES, which replaced the normal olive drab
(OD) FATIGUES or utility work uniform, and was also issued in
desert and urban patterns. BDUs were replaced in 2004 by the Army
Combat Uniform (ACU), and wear is no longer authorized after 30
April 2008. See CHOCOLATE CHIP, DRESS.
-
BEACHHEAD :
-
the secure initial position of an amphibious assault,
used for further advancement and resupply, a foothold or WAY
POINT; see PHASE LINE, AIMPOINT, compare AIRHEAD, BRIDGEHEAD.
[cf: esplanade]
-
BEACHMASTER :
-
a Navy CHIEF (CPO) or Warrant Officer (WO) responsible for the
proper placement and movement of men, supplies, equipment, and
vehicles on and off a BEACHHEAD; which duties may include
evacuation of the wounded (WIA), clearance for safe travel lanes,
and erection of a temporary WHARF. Also spelled "beach master";
compare LOADMASTER, CREW CHIEF, JUMPMASTER; see SHORE PARTY.
-
BEAM :
-
the maximum width of a ship; see ATHWART. Also, a narrowly
focused radio signal for navigation; see VOR, VECTOR, MEACONING,
CWI.
-
BEAN-COUNTER :
-
any niggling administrator or finicky quartermaster (QM), also
known as a "nitpicker" or "nose-picker"; who makes the military
more CHICKEN SHIT for everyone by their meticulous adherence to
obstructive RED TAPE and picayune FORMs, under the guise of being
essential and indispensable, but especially those anal-retentive
supply geeks, obsessive-compulsive finance hacks, and perverse
admin drudges! See REMF, HOMESTEADER, PUKE, CLERKS 'n' JERKS,
PENCIL PUSHER, ACETATE COMMANDO, CHAIRBORNE, TICKET-PUNCHER,
TAP-DANCER, CYA, WONK, WALLAH, MILICRAT, ORIFICE. [v: "spill the
beans"] [cf: apparatchik, nomenklatura, nabob, nibs]
[nb: "Algerism", an eponym for the politico who was probably the
worst Secretary of War in American history, became the national
byword for bureaucratic sloath, cronyism, and incompetence,
becoming a synonym for venality and ineptitude; after Russell A.
Alger, attorney and capitalist, Michigan governor and U.S.
Senator, CIVIL WAR Major General and Spanish American War
Secretary of War]
-
BEANER :
-
disparaging metonymic slang for any person of Hispanic or
Pre-Columbian ancestry, civilian or otherwise, inhabiting the
Americas (especially Latin-, Central-, or Meso-America), that's
used as a generalization for convenient description or
identification; also called Latino, Chicano, "spic", or
"wetback" [after name of 1954 Eisenhower project to restrict
illegal immigration]. See SEMINOLE WAR, MEXICAN WAR, INDIAN WARS,
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR, BANANA WARS, LITTLE BROWN BROTHER, INDIG,
DESEGREGATION, CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG.
-
BEANS :
-
any food or meal (not just "whistle-berries"), as "beans and
bullets" for troops; with the source of supply or point of
distribution called a "beanery", and any out-dated, bland, and
otherwise unpalatable provender being called "has beans". See
CHOW, THREE SQUARES, CHOKE, SQUARE MEAL, CHOWING DOWN, C-RATIONS,
HAM 'n' MOTHERS, MRE, PIR, LRRP-RATIONS, SOUP, GI JOE, BUG JUICE,
WASH, SLOP, DOG, SLIDER, SOS, WAD, SOLDIER'S BREAKFAST, IRON
RATIONS, SINKER, PANCAKE, SANDWICH, PITA, RATIONS, MERMITE,
EVAPORATOR, MESS, GALLEY, COOKIE, LIP SMACKING, FORAGE.
[v: beanfeast, wayzgoose]
[nb: since the era of the CIVIL WAR, American troops have
mockingly mislabeled salt pork as "Cincinnati chicken" just as
ground or smothered entrees are now called "mystery meat"]
[nb: priorities of combat: GRUNTS want "beans, bullets, beer";
REMFs want "bucks, broads, bars"; and CMDRs want "brags, bimbos,
bribes"] [cf: "battels" (probably a corruption of the obsolete
'battle', to feed) meaning the expense of board and provisions,
or the board and provisions themselves; housing and meals,
shelter and rations] [v: field cookware includes MESS KIT,
CANTEEN CUP, billy/billy-pot/billy-can] [nb: it requires more
time and fuel to cook at higher altitudes because the boiling
point (212F/100C) of water is more difficult to attain as the
atmospheric pressure decreases, leaving the food desiccated and
partially cooked, so a small sealed container is needed to
increase the pressure (which also increases the boiling point)
for efficient food and beverage preparation, enabling a higher
temperature to be reached before boiling occurs (water at 15psi
boils at 252F/125C); although pressure cookers (aka: waterless
cooker) reduce cooking time by a factor of three, they also
prevent the escape of air and liquids below a preset temperature,
which conserves their contents from evaporation ... one of the
earliest models was called a "steam digester", invented by
physicist Denis Papin in 1679; commercial kitchens use large
volume "pressure canners" ... WARNING: as with boiling, the use
of contaminated water in pressure cooking will not cleanse its
impurities, since distillation requires evaporation (and
condensing) to achieve potability] [nb: high-muckety-muck and
high-muck-a-muck are corrupt Americanisms from Chinook jargon
("hayo makamak") meaning plenty to eat or much food, from the
layer of whale meat between blubber and flesh]
-
BEAR :
-
NICKNAME for the Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) in the backseat
of an assault aircraft; see GIB, RIO, RSO, WSO (WIZZO); compare
FUF.
-
BEARD THE LION :
-
to be impudently confrontational or personally challenging toward
a fearsome opponent, as when face to face; from the longer phrase
"to beard the lion in his den", which entails trespass or
transgression when bringing the fight into his territory. The
'beard', which is a symbol of strength and wisdom (v: female
rulers who've worn ornamental beards of office) in many cultures,
is also representative of TRUTH and HONOR, in the same way as the
FACE, and has been sworn by in OATHs of veracity as a sign of
good faith ... in fact, Muslims often swear by the beard of the
Prophet. Yanking or even shearing a man's beard is an extreme
affront and deadly insult ... much worse than tweaking someone's
nose ... and represents bold opposition. See BELL THE CAT, FIGHT
LIKE KILKENNY CATS, RAT RACE, WHITE ELEPHANT, PAPER TIGER, YELLOW
DOG, AT CLOSE QUARTERS, UP-CLOSE 'n' PERSONAL.
-
BEARING :
-
a horizontal direction, expressed in degrees, east or west of the
true or magnetic north (or south) direction; see AZIMUTH,
COMPASS, HEADING. [nb: the 4 cardinal points are subtended by 32
compass points, which are equivalent to 360 degrees or 6400 mils;
as a rule of thumb: 1 mil subtends 1 meter at 1 kilometer]
Also, one's relative position or direction, often expressed as
"bearings"; see DEAD-RECKONING, LEEWAY. Also, the manner in which
one conducts or carries oneself, being the
postures and gestures of comportment; to exhibit proper demeanor
and military deportment, exacting punctilio; see THE BIBLE,
MANUAL OF ARMS, SILENT INSOLENCE, TACT, RESPECT, COMMAND
PRESENCE, MUFTI, TOAST, O CLUB.
[nb: before international homogenization by cultural admixture in
global communications, when racial and ethnic characteristics
were still discrete, the French expressed contempt by shitting on
something or someone, the British by pissing on it, and the
Americans by spitting, which was a factor considered when
determining the extent of legitimate response or reprisal to
alleged provocation]
Also, the act of enduring or the capacity to endure; see GUTS,
WATCH MY SMOKE, DIEHARD, BITE THE BULLET, WINTER SOLDIER, MOXIE,
V-CAMPAIGN, CODE OF CONDUCT, DUTY. Also, a supporting part of a
structure; hence, by analogy to that contact area, a reference or
relationship, as "that has no bearing on the problem". Also, a
device on a heraldic field [v: Heraldry].
-
BEATERS 'n' BLEATERS :
-
musicians, especially drummers and trumpeters; also known as
TOOTER. See BUGLE CALL, DRUM, BOATSWAIN'S PIPE, TATTOO, SALUTE,
RUFFLES 'n' FLOURISHES, REVEILLE, RETREAT, TAPS, CADENCE, HEP,
CHANTEY, HOISE, JODY CALL, GUNG-HO, HEAVE-HO, NO-DOZE, DANCE
CARD, PASSING HONORS, CHANGING TUNE, FACE THE MUSIC, ROGUE'S
MARCH.
[nb: a scrap of largely blue and red tartan, with the thread
count falling in sevens, entitled "The 7th Cavalry Tartan",
appears in a Scottish pattern book of the 19th century, which
researchers now conclude was a design commissioned by George
Armstrong Custer for outfitting a regimental marching band of
pipers and drummers, which order was interrupted by the 1876
Battle of the Little Bighorn] [v: paradiddle]
-
BEAT FEET :
-
slang for withdraw, RETREAT, evacuate, RETROGRADE; also called
BUG-OUT, CUT AND RUN, or SPLIT. See CHANGING TUNE, BAILOUT,
DECAMP, HAUL-ASS, ROUT; compare BUSTER, PULL PITCH, SCRAMBLE,
JUICE, GOYA, ASAP, PDQ, STAT, CHOGI, FORTHWITH, COUNTERMARCH,
RETROGRADE, DESERTER, TRAITOR, TURNCOAT, DEFEAT.
[nb: to skedaddle or scarper in a disorderly or panicked manner
is an unmilitary reversion to primaeval atavism; "Retreat, hell!
We're attacking in a different direction!" by O.P. Smith;
"Retreat, hell! We just got here!" by Lloyd Williams; "If he can
fight, he advances and takes the offensive; if he cannot fight,
he retreats and remains on the defensive. He will invariably
conquer who knows whether it is right to take the offensive or
the defensive." by Chang Yu]
-
BEAUCOUP :
-
(bo-koo) French/Vietnamese slang term for "much", "many",
"plenty", or "lots of..."; idiom literally derived 'pretty
+ much'.
-
BEAUFORT SCALE :
-
a scale indicating the speed or force of wind, enumerated 0-12 or
0-17, commonly expressed as "Force #"; devised by British Admiral
Francis Beaufort around 1855. See SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE, FUJITA
SCALE, STORM WARNING, WINDSOCK, TELLTALE.
-
BEAVER :
-
DeHavilland L-20 / U-6 fixed-wing "bush" aircraft, STOL capable
by wheels, skis, or floats; see BIRD.
-
BEEHIVE :
-
a direct-fire artillery round incorporating approximately 8,500
steel darts (FLECHETTEs), used as a primary base defense munition
against ground attack. See NAILS, CANISTER, SHRAPNEL, AP, KILLER
JUNIOR, KILLER SENIOR.
-
BEERCAN :
-
any thin metallic ornament or device, often painted or
enameled, as derived from recycled beer cans, primarily used on
end-of-tour plaques; see CREST, DI, TRENCH ART.
-
BEETLE BAILEY :
-
a comic strip character inaugurated September 1950 by Mort Walker
and syndicated by King Features, that originated as a cartoon
about "Spider" and his fraternity brothers, but during March
1951, in the midst of the KOREAN WAR, the character drops out of
college to join the Army ... leaving all the frat boys behind and
acquiring new comic strip comrades; the selected surname was a
tribute to a Saturday Evening Post editor, John Bailey, who
encouraged Walker's artistry. The BEETLE BAILEY comic strip (and
later comic book, film, and TV series) is set on a typical Army
training base ("Camp Swampy") and peopled with stereotypic
personalities of the era, including 'Killer' Diller (lover),
Plato (intellectual), Zero (rube), Cosmo (huckster), Rocky,
Julius Plewer (fussbudget), PVT Blips (flat-chested secretary),
SPC Chip Gizmo (geek), CPL Yo, Cookie, SGT Louise Lugg, SFC
Orville P. Snorkel ("Sarge"), LT Sonny Fuzz, LT Jack Flap, CPT
Sam Scabbard, MAJ Greenbrass, Chaplain Staneglass, Doctor Bonkus,
BG Amos T. Halftrack, Bunny (Beetle's girlfriend), Miss Buxley
(buxom secretary), Martha Halftrack (general's wife), Otto
(Sarge's dog), and Bella (Lugg's cat). Some retired characters
include: Moocher, Pop, Ozone, Bammy, Snake Eyes, Dawg, and SGT
Webbing. Although the story line has been updated over the years,
the soldiers still wear uniforms and use equipment of the 1950s,
and are posted on perpetual training or garrison duty ... none
having ever served in combat. Early in its syndication, the
BEETLE BAILEY comic strip was dropped from STARS AND STRIPES,
allegedly because it encouraged disrespect of officers, but the
resultant news coverage caused the military so much embarrassment
that it was shortly reinstated, and the ensuing notoriety greatly
increased its circulation. BEETLE BAILEY's sister is Lois
Flagston, who became a spin-off character in the 1954 "Hi and
Lois" comic strip. BEETLE BAILEY appeared intermittently as a
comic book from 1953 to 1994 in productions by Dell, King,
Charlton, Gold Key, and Harvey Comics. A cartoon series, entitled
"Beetle Bailey and Friends", appeared on television in 1963,
followed by an animated TV special in 1989.
-
BEGGING BOWL :
-
request for surplus or largess, as a field medic asking hospital
staff for extra supplies; phrase imitative of Buddhist mendicants
seeking alms. See SCROUNGE, CUMSHAW, WAD, SOUVENIR; compare
MIDNIGHT REQUISITION, RICE BOWL.
-
BELAY :
-
to tether or restrain, as a safety anchor in RAPPELLING, that may
involve body, hardware (piton, bong, SNAP-LINK, cam, nut, plate,
PAD EYE, DEADEYE), natural or man-made (eg: CLEAT, BOLLARD)
objects; also called cinch ("cingula") or dally ("dale vuelt").
See HARD-AND-FAST, KNOT. [v: Climbing Terms]
Also, to stop or cease, disregard or rescind, as to "strike the
foregoing"; see SCRUB, CEASE-FIRE, WAVE OFF, KNOCK IT OFF, RING
THE BELL; compare AS YOU WERE, CARRY-ON, RECOVER.
-
BELIEVER :
-
any dead enemy soldier, as "made a believer out of him"; compare
TRUE BELIEVER, see DEATH CARD, TWEP.
-
BELLS :
-
any of the half-hour units of nautical TIME [nb: the nautical day
began at noon until changed in the 20th century]; or shipboard
enunciator commands. Also, short form of Navy bell-bottom
trousers in blue or white with traditional thirteen-button flap
closure instead of a zippered fly, as part of the "service dress"
uniform; compare DUNGAREES, see DRESS.
-
BELLS ON :
-
see MORRIS DANCE, WITH BELLS ON, DRESS.
-
BELL THE CAT :
-
an impractical remedy or impossible solution to a pressing issue
or vexing problem; by reference to the Aesop fable wherein a
clever mouse proposes that a bell be tied to the cat to give all
mice warning, to which suggestion a prudent mouse replies that:
It's easy to propose a panacea, but who shall accomplish it? Such
wisdom was a common reference among partisan IRREGULARS during
the CIVIL WAR, and such unworkable assignments among SOF have
lately been called "Mission Impossible", after the popular TV
program featuring fantastic resolutions to extraordinary
scenarios. Also expressed as "belling the cat" or a "mouse
belling the cat", as when assuming extreme hazard or great risk
in service or sacrifice. See OVER A BARREL, CLOUD-CUCKOO-LAND,
COURSE OF ACTION, PLAN B, RUN IT UP THE FLAGPOLE, WIGGLE ROOM,
WANGLE, MIND CANDY, BAND-AID, RAIN ON PARADE, BITTER END, FIGHT
LIKE KILKENNY CATS, PYRRHIC VICTORY, TAR BABY, WHITE ELEPHANT,
BEARD THE LION, SHIT HIT THE FAN, CANNON FODDER, SNOWBALL, RAT
RACE, SUICIDE SQUAD, SPEARHEAD, WASTED. [v: enfants perdus,
forlorn hope]
-
BELOW DECK :
-
the area aboard ship where RATINGS and CHIEFs live and work, with
the separation from "above DECK" being both functional and
social; deck levels are numbered downward from the main deck (1);
see COMPARTMENT, BULKHEAD, COAMING, OVERHEAD, PASSAGEWAY,
LADDERWELL, ORLOP, GOAT LOCKER, compare OFFICER'S COUNTRY,
WARDROOM, TOPSIDE.
-
BELTWAY BANDIT :
-
with reference to the circumferential highway encircling the
complex of national capital departments in Washington D.C., which
provides ready access for fly-by-night and upstart contractors
seeking to opportunistically exploit defense or government
relations; sometimes acting as consultants or lobbyists. See OGA,
GOCO, NGO, QUANGO, RED TAPE, GSA, GAO, PORK BARREL, THE G, FOGGY
BOTTOM, UNCLE SAM, MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX; compare SAND
CRAB, BELTWAY CLERK.
-
BELTWAY CLERK :
-
slang for an alleged defense expert who has never served in the
Armed Forces, being someone who trades on his supposed political
connections in the capitol; a political operative who represents
his ostensible expertise so as to broker deals on behalf of
manufacturers, organizations, and other beneficiaries; a
lobbyist. See BELTWAY BANDIT, SAND CRAB, PORK BARREL, THE
NATIONAL JOKE FACTORY, MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX.
-
BE NICE :
-
common expression or injunction directed at rude and crude,
insensitive and overbearing Americans by Vietnamese, variously
meaning "Give Me", "Shut Up", "Go Away", or "Be Good" depending
upon the participants in the encountered situation.
-
BENSON SILK :
-
CODENAME for clandestine introduction of counterfeit NVN money
into enemy territory; said funds were accountable, and were
signed-out prior to each mission. The intent of this project
was not to destabilize the NVN economy (which was already quite
artificial and extremely vulnerable), but to plant a sum of
money, in a camp or on a corpse, large enough to create mistrust,
engender suspicion, and demoralize the soldiers. The money was
only a TRIGGER for PSYOPS. The allegation that this counterfeit
currency, ostensibly created by patriotic forgers specifically
released from prison pursuant to a mafia concordat with the
federal government, was introduced to wreck the communist economy
by devaluation is pure fantasy; since the triple digit inflation
of NVN could not be checked by any external influence, and SRV's
money has remained among the world's three least valuable
currencies for the past forty years. See DONG, BAD PAPER, LEGAL
TENDER.
-
BEQ :
-
Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, which are better known as BARRACKs;
see BILLET, QTRS, BLDG.
-
BERET :
-
the world's worst style of HEADGEAR, providing neither shade nor
protective COVER, but by metonymic imitation of WWII commandos
and paratroopers, has acquired sufficient prestige to cause the
U.S. Army to adopt the black beret as standard issue in the year
2000; retaining red berets (cf: RED HATS) for AIRBORNE units, the
GREEN BERET for Special Forces units, and reverting to the tan
beret for RANGER units. See BLACK HATS, BLANKET HEAD, HEADGEAR.
[nb: U.S. Army RANGERs resisted imposition of the tan beret,
claiming precedence with the black beret when both TANKERs and
OPFOR were also wearing it, falsely attributing its wear to their
antecedent Colonial units, such as Rogers' Rangers, except that
this British unit still exists as a Canadian territorial unit
based in Toronto, and their lineage clearly shows that they
originally wore blue-green 'Scotch Bonnets'; the tan beret is
quite respectably worn by British and ANZAC Special Air Service
(SAS) regiments] [nb: a Balmoral hat, which somewhat resembles a
beret, and is traditionally blue (from the campaigning dress of
the Blue Bonnets), and is often accented with a surrounding
"diced" pattern (called "checky" after an accounting process of
the Stewarts or High Stewards, from which "exchequer" derives)
that symbolizes guardianship and protection; the boat-shaped
Glengarry hats are of 19th century military origin]
-
BERLIN AIRLIFT :
-
initiated from June 1948 to September 1949 in response to a land
and water blockade of Berlin by the Soviet Union, this massive
relief effort entailed the provision of vital necessities by air
transport to West Berlin ... some 277,000 flights were made
around-the-clock, many at 3-minute intervals, during this airlift
which delivered 8000 tons of food and fuel each day to the two
million isolated residents. Although the blockade was lifted in
May 1949 when the USSR determined that the Allies could not be
forced to abandon the city, the supply of essential goods
continued for several more months, ensuring against a recurrence.
See CHOCOLATE BOMBARDIER, TRUMAN DOCTRINE, MARSHALL PLAN.
-
BERLIN WALL :
-
a guarded concrete wall, 28 miles long, with minefields and
controlled checkpoints, erected across Berlin by East Germany
(aka: "Soviet Germany") in 1961 and dismantled in 1989; known as
the "Peace Wall" by the USSR. See BIG FIVE, BERLIN AIRLIFT;
compare STAR WARS, MAGINOT LINE, SMEZ, IRON CURTAIN, BAMBOO
CURTAIN, BAR LEV LINE, CACTUS CURTAIN, McNAMARA'S WALL, McNAMARA
LINE, CHINESE WALL, DEW LINE, PHASE LINE.
[cf: Hadrian's Wall, Antonine Wall, Great Wall of China]
[nb: "The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the
men who defend it." by Genghis Khan]
-
BERM :
-
a rise or swell in the ground, such as a dike or a dirt parapet
around fortifications; or an artificial rampart imitative of such
an obstacle. Also, a hedgerow or foliated area, such as field
separations; and sometimes known as "berm line". See COVER,
REVETMENT, BLAST WALL, DEFILADE, BANQUETTE, BUTT, FACE. [cf:
escarp, scarp/escarpment, counterscarp] [v: Military Earthworks Terms]
-
BERTH :
-
a shelflike sleeping space, as aboard ship or train; see RACK,
SLOP; compare HAMMOCK, SHAKEDOWN. Also, a position or placement,
as a duty assignment or duty post; see BILLET, DUTY, ON STATION,
POST, WATCH, MOS, OJT, TDY / TAD, PCS, SHEEP-DIPPED, HARDSHIP
TOUR, BUMFUCK. Also, the space allocated for a vessel to dock or
moor; see WHARF.
-
BEST AND BRIGHTEST :
-
ironic reference to those privileged and educated idealists who
were responsible for the terrible and tragic mismanagement of
American foreign and domestic policies during the Vietnam era; as
derived from "The Best and the Brightest" by David Halberstam
(1972). Specifically identifies political WISE MEN advisers who
rationalized inappropriate decisions ("the end justifies the
means"), but has since been extended to the immorality of the
MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX. Phrase derives from a 1811 hymn by
Reginald Heber: "brightest and best of the sons of the morning".
In 1822, Percy Bysshe Shelley penned the line: "Best and
brightest, come away!", in his poem "To Jane: An Invitation. In
1840, Thomas Carlyle used a similar phrase: "What is aristocracy?
A corporation of the best, of the bravest" in his "Chartism". See
WHIZ KID, WISE MEN, MANDARIN, CLUB FED, FRUIT FLY, YOUNG LIONS,
SILENT MAJORITY, DECENT INTERVAL, DOMINO THEORY, APOCALYPSE,
RUMOR, DISINFORMATION. [v: Do-Well, Do-But, and Do-Best in "Piers
Plowman"] [v: know-it-all, besserwisser; realpolitik,
machtpolitik] [v: Myths of the Vietnam War]
-
BETEL :
-
an East Indian pepper plant, also called "betel pepper", the
leaves of which are chewed with other ingredients as a mild
intoxicant. [nb: pan, the leaf of the betel, is also a betel-nut
mixture compounded for chewing]
-
BETEL NUT :
-
the astringent seed kernel of the betel palm, chewed with slaked
lime and betel leaves as a mild intoxicant that turns teeth
pearly black or nacreous maroon. [nb: pan, the leaf of the betel,
is also a betel-nut mixture compounded for chewing]
-
BFD :
-
literally "Big Fucking Deal"; often used sardonically.
-
B4 / B-4 :
-
see FLIGHT BAG.
-
B-5 FRONT :
-
Communist military unit in Quang Tri and Thua Thien provinces;
see MAIN FORCE.
-
BIATHLON :
-
an athletic competition in which cross-country (Nordic) skiers,
carrying rifles, shoot at targets at four intervals along a 20km
(12.5mi) course. Also, an athletic contest comprising any two
consecutive events. Compare TRIATHLON, PENTATHLON, DECATHLON; see
PT, PFT, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, TRUSCOTT TROT, MARATHON, FIELD HOUSE,
WAR GAMES.
[v: Pheidippides was the Athenian runner sent to request aid from
Sparta before the battle at Marathon plain (490BC) against the
Persians; which inaugurated the long-distance footrace and other
endurance events]
-
BIB :
-
in the U.S. Navy, that portion of an enlisted sailor's uniform
that hangs from the back of the neck; originating as a scarf tied
around the neck so as to protect the uniform from stains when
sailors wore their hair long and kept it neat with ship's tar,
and said scarf was eventually incorporated into the official
uniform. Also, the front flap on the traditional sailor's uniform
trousers that is secured by thirteen buttons; also known as a
"Marine bib" to imply CHOWING DOWN or giving HEAD when being
vulgar and offensive.
-
THE BIBLE :
-
slang for FM 22-5 Drill and Ceremonies, being the standard
training guide for close-order or dismounted drill, and the most
common reference for the proper conduct of all military events.
See ATTENTION, PARADE REST, AT EASE, POST, DISMISS, CARRY-ON, AS
YOU WERE, RECOVER, BELAY, SALUTE, HIGH BALL, SPIT 'n' POLISH,
CLOSE ORDER, DRILL, EYE-BALL, GUNDECKING, MANUAL OF ARMS, ORDER,
SCRIPTURES.
[cf: vade mecum] [nb: The military "bible" should've been FM
100-5 Operations, FM 31-22 U.S. Army Counterinsurgency Forces, FM
31-18 Long Range Patrols, or the like. There is usually enough
physical distance between the MLR/FEBA and the rear area such
that leaders will emphasize the military mission (function) over
formal protocol (form); but the admixture in the VIETNAM WAR
contributed to combat stress and discipline problems, culminating
in TICKET-PUNCHING and FRAGGING.]
-
BIET :
-
(bick) Vietnamese term for "know", to discern or apprehend, be
cognizant; compare KHUNG BIET.
-
BIG BROTHER :
-
the aggregate of powerful officials and policymakers of a
totalitarian regime that keeps its citizens under close
surveillance; after the Orwellian leader ("Big Brother Is
Watching You!") in Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949), who was
based upon Joseph V. UNCLE JOE Stalin. Also, the NICKNAME of the
classified database setup by the Clinton Administration to
catalogue background information on ordinary Americans, with
cross-references to military, financial, medical, and other
databases.
-
BIG EYE :
-
initial designation applied to airborne radar project;
see COLLEGE EYE.
-
BIG FIVE :
-
referring to the United States, Great Britain, France, Italy, and
Japan during World War I, and at the Paris Peace Conference in
1919. Also, referring to the United States, Soviet Union, Great
Britain, China, and France after World War II; compare ABCD, see
ALLY, UN, NATO, LEAGUE OF NATIONS.
-
BIGGER BANG FOR THE BUCK :
-
catch-phrase by SECDEF Charles W. Wilson, which encapsulated the
John Foster Dulles doctrine (1954) of "massive retaliatory
power", which was immediately condensed to "massive retaliation"
by the media, and this deterrence was derisively ascribed as
"brinkmanship". Like STRATEGIC BOMBING, this policy ignores the
many painful lessons of history (ie: short of extermination,
weapons cannot defeat determined resistance), and it attempts to
substitute force for technique, power for control, and machines
for men. Spending defense dollars on things instead of people is
a false economy because, if any of the weapons ever need to be
used, the budget must include both replacements and people to
perform the mission that the remote weapons cannot accomplish.
And, if the CADRE of experience has been purged by reductions in
force (RIF), then it is probable that neither weapons nor people
will be able to solve the problem. See MAD, OVERKILL, compare
GRADUATED RESPONSE.
-
BIGHT :
-
a looped or slack part of a ROPE; see KNOT.
[v: Climbing Terms]
Also, a bend or curve in the shoreline of a sea or river; see
NECK. Also, a body of water bounded by such a bend, as a bay or
gulf.
-
THE BIG PX IN THE SKY :
-
heaven, paradise; an after-life of luxury and comfort [not
VALHALLA (everlasting war) or Nirvana (nothingness)]. Compare
HAPPY VALLEY, LAND OF THE BIG PX.
-
BIG LIE :
-
a false statement of outrageous magnitude employed as a
PROPAGANDA measure in the belief that a lesser falsehood would
not be credible; expression derived from "The great mass of
people ... will more easily fall victim to a big lie than to a
small one." by Adolf Hitler [v1 ch10 Mein Kampf (1925)].
See FRUIT FLY, SECRET AGENT, RUMOR, CONTROLLED INFORMATION,
DISINFORMATION, DECEPTION, PSYOPS.
[nb: "More persons are, on the whole, humbugged by believing
nothing than by believing too much." by Phineas Taylor Barnum;
"People like to be humbugged." by Phineas Taylor Barnum; "Vox
populi, vox humbug." by William Tecumseh Sherman (1863), a parody
of "Vox populi, vox Dei" attributed to Alcuin (cAD800)]
-
BIG PICTURE :
-
a wider view or broader perspective of a given problem or issue,
the whole gestalt that's ostensibly objective and typically
macrocosmic; as distinguished from subjective and microcosmic,
which are often alleged too trifling or picayune. This preference
for "ends" over "means" tends to devalue, if not disregard,
individualistic motives and efforts, except those pertaining to
the commanders, politicians, nabobs and other movers-and-shakers.
See PARTY LINE, TOE THE LINE, SCRIPTURES, NATIONAL SECURITY. [v:
micromanagement, anti-hero; cf: "The breeze from the flutter of a
butterfly's wings will create a storm in the next valley."]
-
BIG RED ONE :
-
NICKNAME for the 1st Infantry Division, based on the red numeral
"1" over the Olive Green background as the division shoulder
patch. Inspired the catch-phrase "If you're gonna be one, be a
BIG RED ONE!!". Also known as the "Bloody Red One", "Bloody One",
"Big Dead One", and "BRO". The divisional BASE CAMP was NICKNAMEd
"Little Appalachia" due to its close resemblance to a remote
poverty area.
-
BIG SHOTGUN :
-
a recoilless rifle using CANISTER anti-personnel ammunition; see
RR, LAW, compare SHOTGUN.
-
BIG STICK DIPLOMACY :
-
in international relations, the backing of negotiations with the
implied or implicit threat of military force; that's based upon
Theodore Roosevelt's 1900 policy statement adapted from a West
African proverb, "speak softly and carry a big stick", as
successfully employed in the 1902-4 Alaskan boundry dispute and
in the second Venezuelan crisis. Compare GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY,
PING-PONG DIPLOMACY; see BLOODY SHIRT, JUST WAR, SABER-RATTLING,
GUNPOINT, CROSS THE RUBICON, DECENT INTERVAL, HOT PURSUIT, RULES
OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE), FAIL-SAFE, PROMISE, TRUCE, LAWS OF WAR.
-
BIG STUFF :
-
tactical air ordnance or artillery fire support; compare HEAVY
STUFF.
-
BIG WILLIE :
-
slang for a COMBAT LOADED pallet of essential resupply (eg: AMMO,
food, water, medicine, etc) and support weaponry (eg: LAWs,
CLAYMOREs, GRENADEs, etc) that's AIRDROPped on a DZ to troops
already deployed in the field on operation.
-
BIKINI :
-
a remote atoll of the Marshall Islands in the northern Pacific,
which was the site of atomic bomb testing, targeted at the
aircraft carrier USS Saratoga and the battleship USS Arkansas,
in 1946; compare ENIWETOK, see ZERO POINT, GROUND ZERO, OVERKILL,
CBR, PAPER TIGER, DARPA, BIGGER BANG FOR THE BUCK, NUKE, HEAVY
WATER, YELLOWCAKE, HOT GREASE, SCRAM, CONTAINMENT, BROKEN ARROW.
Also, toponym for the brief, close-fitting, two-piece woman's
bathing suit, which was introduced as an "explosive" fashion to
capitalize on the notoriety of the atomic test site.
-
BILGE :
-
either of the rounded areas that form the transition between the
bottom and the sides on the exterior of a HULL; derived by
alteration of "bulge". Also, an enclosed area at the bottom of a
vessel where seepage collects; usually called "bilges". Also, the
seepage collected in this space; also called "bilge water". Also,
slang for foolish talk or worthless ideas; nonsense, claptrap,
malarkey, bafflegab, gobbledygook, CONFETTI, SNOW, BLOW SMOKE.
-
BILLED CAP :
-
slang for the service cap, also called "brim cap", "wheel hat",
"saucer cap", "pizza hat" (usmc), and "Donald Duck cap" (USN), as
worn by all branches and grades with variations of color, style,
and insignia; the so-called "fifty mission crush" (CRUSHER) has
had the stiffening removed so that headphones could be worn over
the hat. See SCRAMBLED-EGGS, GARRISON CAP, BERET, HEADGEAR.
-
BILLET :
-
a bed, bunk, or BERTH assigned to a member of the military; see
RACK, HAMMOCK, FART SACK, SHAKEDOWN, HOSPITAL CORNER, HOOCH, SUDS
ROW, BARRACK, BEQ, NOB HILL, BOQ, VOQ, SAFE HOUSE, GUARDHOUSE,
BUTLER BUILDING, SEA HUT, QUONSET HUT, JAMESWAY HUT, PACIFIC HUT,
EMKAY HUT, UTILITY BUILDING, MULTIPLE UTILITY BUILDING, ELEPHANT
HUT, HUTMENT, TEAMHOUSE, LONG HOUSE, WANIGAN, SHEBANG, QTRS,
PRIME RIBS.
[v: bield, bower, arbor, rock-shelter, den, lair, cabin, cottage,
cabana, lodge, earth lodge, hogan, shed, byre; cf: garret,
cockloft, dovecote]
Also, non-military lodging for a soldier in a public building or
a private dwelling. Also, an official order directing the
addressee to provide such lodging or accommodation. Also, a job,
position, or appointment; see MOS, DUTY, POST, PCS, TDY / TAD,
BERTH, ON STATION, WATCH, OJT, SHEEP-DIPPED, HARDSHIP TOUR,
BUMFUCK.
-
BINGO :
-
pilot's PROWORD term for the point in a flight when there's only
enough fuel remaining to return to base (RTB); compare JOKER,
POINT OF NO RETURN; see ENDURANCE, DROP-TANK, POD, DROGUE,
TANKER.
-
BINH TRAM :
-
Vietnamese name for the infiltration route defense and trail
maintenance unit; see TRAIL WATCHER, HO CHI MINH TRAIL. [v: Viet-Nam Military Terms]
-
BINJO MARU :
-
name given to the White River.
-
BINNACLE :
-
a stand or housing for a nautical compass; derived from
lodge. See GIMBAL, DEAD-RECKONING.
-
BINOS :
-
truncation of BINOcularS; also expressed as "binocs"; see FIELD
GLASSES, GLASS, PEEPERS, VIPER.
-
BIPOD :
-
a two-part or two-legged supportive stand that may be attached to
or extended from the forward portion, forearm, or barrel of many
firearms, especially automatic RIFLEs and machineguns (MG); each
extension is usually independently adjustable, as for leveling a
MORTAR. Compare TRIPOD, PINTLE.
-
BIRD :
-
any aircraft, including AARDVARK, APACHE, ATCA, BEAVER, BIRD DOG,
BLACKBIRD, BLACKHAWK, BLADDER BIRD, BLUE CANOE, BRONCO, BUFF,
CANBERRA, CARGOMASTER, CARIBOU, CATALINA, CAYUSE, CHINOOK, COBRA,
COMANCHE, COMMANDO, CONVERTER, CORSAIR, COUGAR, CRUSADER, DAKOTA,
DELTA DAGGER, DELTA DART, DRAGONFLY, DRAGON LADY, DUMBO, EAGLE,
EXPEDITOR, FAT ALBERT, FIGHTING FALCON, FLYING BOAT, FLYING
BOXCAR, FLYING COW, FLYING CRANE, FLYING FORTRESS, FREEDOM BIRD,
FREEDOM FIGHTER, GALAXY, GLIDER, GLOBEMASTER, GOONEY BIRD,
GOSHAWK, GRASSHOPPER, GREYHOUND, GROWLER, HARRIER, HELLCAT,
HERCULES, HORNET, HUEY/IROQUOIS, HUN, HUSKY, HUSTLER, INTRUDER,
IROQUOIS/HUEY, JAYHAWK, JETSTAR, JOLLY GREEN GIANT, KINGBEE,
KIOWA, LANCER, LIBERATOR, LIFTMASTER, LIGHTNING, LIGHTNING II,
LITTLE BIRD, LOOKING GLASS, MARAUDER, MARLIN, MITCHELL, MOHAWK,
MOSQUITO, MUSTANG, NEPTUNE, NIGHTHAWK, NIGHTINGALE, NIGHTWATCH,
OLD GROWLER, ORION, OSPREY, OTTER, PACKET, PEACEMAKER, PHANTOM,
PLASTIC BUG, PROVIDER, PUFF, RAPTOR, SABRE, SAMARITAN, SEA COBRA,
SEA HAWK, SEA KING, SEA KNIGHT, SEA SPRITE, SEA STALLION,
SENTINEL, SHAWNEE, SHOOTING STAR, SIOUX, SKYCRANE, SKYHAWK,
SKYMASTER, SKYNIGHT, SKYRAIDER, SKYWARRIOR, SPERM, SPIRIT,
STARFIGHTER, STARLIFTER, STRATOCRUISER, STRATOFREIGHTER,
STRATOFORTRESS, STRATOJET, STRATOLIFTER, STRATOTANKER, STRIKE
EAGLE, SUPER FORTRESS, SUPER HORNET, SUPER SABRE, SUPER TWEET,
TALON, TEXAN, THUNDERBOLT, THUNDERCHIEF/THUD, THUNDERJET, TIGER
II, TIGERSHARK, TOMCAT, TORNADO, TROJAN, TWEET, TWIN MUSTANG,
TWIN OTTER, UTE, VIGILANTE, VOODOO, WACO, WALLABEE, WARTHOG, WILD
WEASEL.
Aircraft prefixes include: A = attack (aka: "ground attack"); AC
= armed cargo; AH = attack helicopter; AV = attack vertical
(VTOL); AT = advanced trainer; B = bomber; BT = basic trainer; C
= cargo; CA = cargo assault; CG = cargo glider; CH = cargo
helicopter; D = drone; E = electronic warfare; EB = electronic
bomber; EW = electronic warfare; F = fighter (interceptor); FA =
fighter attack (multi-role); H = helicopter; HH = heavy
helicopter; HMM = helicopter medium Marine; J = test / temporary;
K = (refuel) tanker; KC = kerosene cargo tanker; L = light (fixed
wing); LH = light helicopter; LOH = light observation helicopter;
M = multi-mission; MH = minesweeper helicopter; N = test -
permanent; O = observation; OH = observation helicopter; OV =
observation (fixed wing); P = patrol/pursuit; Q = target; R =
reconnaissance; RC = radio/RADAR reconnaissance cargo; RV =
radio/RADAR reconnaissance (fixed wing); S = anti-submarine; SR =
strategic reconnaissance; T = trainer; U = utility (fixed wing);
UC = utility cargo; UH = utility helicopter; V = executive (VIP);
W = weather; X = experimental; Y = prototype; Z =
lighter-than-air.
[nb: during WWI, USN/USMC designated "heavier than air" craft as
'V' (eg: aeroplane, biplane, glider), and "lighter than air"
craft as 'Z' (eg: airship, blimp, dirigible)]
[v: An Aerobatics and Aviation Lexicon]
Compare CHOPPER;
see PILOT, AC, BIRDMAN, AIRDALE, BIRD DOG, JET JOCKEY, PETER
PILOT, GOOD STICK, SEAT TIME, BUSH PILOT, FUF, GIB, WSO, BEAR,
EWO, RSO, RIO, WING MAN, IP, NICKEL RIDE, LINK TRAINER, PITCH,
YAW, ROLL, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, TRIM, STALL, CRAB, JINK, BANK,
YANK 'n' BANK, CHECK RIDE, UP CHECK, BARNSTORMER, SILVER EAGLES,
BLUE ANGELS, THUNDERBIRDS, SKYBLAZERS, MISSING MAN FORMATION,
FLYOVER, FINGER FOUR, TOP GUN, RED FLAG, DREAMLAND, AREA 51,
HAWC, AEROBATICS, MACH, FAST MOVER, SLOW MOVER, MUD MOVER,
PURSUIT PLANE, SPYPLANE, BOMBER, WARBIRD, PAYLOAD, BOMB FARM,
APRON, TAXIWAY, THRESHOLD, CATAPULT, TOUCHDOWN, BOUNCE, RUNWAY,
LIMA SITE, STOL, VTOL, VSTOL, DIRTY, NOSE, SPINNER, FAIRING,
COWLING, COCKPIT, FUSELAGE, NACELLE, WING, TAILBOOM, TAB, FIN,
RUDDER, FLAP, PANCAKE, GROUND LOOP, NOSEDIVE, AUGER-IN, ALUMINUM
RAIN, BLACK BOX, ALS, PADDLES, BURBLE, NIGHT TRAP, BOLTER,
BOUNCE, TAILHOOK, SPLASHDOWN, FEET DRY, FEET WET, THE DRINK,
CUPID, ANGEL, SHORT ORBIT, DOUBLE DRIFT, VFR, POPEYE, IMC, IIMC,
ABSOLUTE ALTITUDE, VOR, VECTOR, BEAM, MEACONING, RRA, STRIP
ALERT, AIR LANE, ORBIT, RACETRACK, STACK, CAP, UMBRELLA, FCSL, NO
FLY ZONE, SQUAWK, IR MARKERS, BROWN-OUT, WHITEOUT, GOO,
ZERO-ZERO, FLAT LIGHT, VISUAL, BOGIE, BANDIT, TALLY-HO, JOY,
SCRAM, HUD, BITCHIN' BETTY, LETDOWN, VOLPLANE, DEAD STICK,
JOYSTICK, STICK, PICKLE, HARDPOINT, DIVETOSS, BOMBSIGHT,
INTERVALOMETER, AVIONICS, ACE, SPLASH, SORTIE, TAC-AIR, AIR
STRIKE, CAS, STRAFE, GUN RUN, SKIP BOMBING, SMOOGE, SLEEVE,
PUNCH-OUT, BAILOUT, NYLON LETDOWN, REVETMENT, HANGAR,
FLIGHTWORTHY, ACOOC, HANGAR QUEEN, WINDSOCK, APU, BINGO, JOKER,
PETROL, JUICE, POL, JP, AVGAS, TOP-OFF, HOT-FUELING, AIR
AMBULANCE, HEAVENLY HOST, CREW DOG, LAND TAIL, PENGUIN, WING
WIPER, GROUND HOG, GROUNDED.
[nb: aeroplanes were used in warfare for the first time in 1911,
during the Italo-Turkish campaign in Tripoli, North Africa]
[nb: all aircraft designs are a compromise between stability and
maneuverability; but the cost of military aircraft has quadrupled
each decade from their inception to the present]
-
BIRD DOG :
-
the Piper L-4 / l-5 or Cessna L-19 / O-1, being a light,
propeller-driven, single-engine, high fixed-wing, two-seat
monoplane used by USA/USAF/USMC for liaison, observation, and
forward air control (FAC) missions; see GRASSHOPPER. Also, a
metonym for the PILOT of such an aircraft flying such missions.
Also, to trace, track, seek, follow, investigate, study, observe,
watch, watch carefully, or supervise in a determined, relentless,
or obtrusive manner; see SNOOPER, WATCHER. Also, slang for the
misappropriation or attempted stealing of another person's (male
or female) date.
-
BIRD FARM :
-
airport or landing strip, especially parking aprons or
ramps with REVETMENTs. Compare MOTOR POOL.
-
BIRDMAN :
-
an aviator, or anyone associated with aircraft or flying. See
PILOT, JET JOCKEY, FUF, FAG, AIRDALE, BROWN SHOE / BOOT, ZOOMIE,
ROTOR HEAD, WOBBLY, WOP, PROP JOCKEY, WING MAN, PETER PILOT, CREW
DOG, Q-COURSE, GOOD STICK, SEAT TIME; compare PENGUIN, WING
WIPER, GROUND HOG, GROUNDED.
[v: An Aerobatics and Aviation Lexicon]
[nb: flying truism: Any landing the crew can walk away from is a
"good" landing; and any landing that leaves the plane in a
condition to be used again is a "great" landing!]
-
BIRD UMBRELLA :
-
slang reference to any sleeve RANK insignia showing an eagle with
one or more ROCKERs arching above it, especially the Vietnam-era
Army Specialist RATINGs, but also includes Chief Petty Officers.
See SPEC, MOSQUITO SMILE, SWINE LOG, SARGE, CHIEF, GUNNY, SUPER
GRADE, NCO, BUZZARD.
-
BIRTH CONTROL DEVICE :
-
military issue eyeglasses, also called "birth control glasses"
(BCG); the standard issue eyeglasses are a universal barrier and
ubiquitous impairment to sexual relations devised by Pentagon
geeks and Congressional dweebs to limit paternity suits. In the
case of female servicemembers wearing these unstylish military
spectacles, they are widely known as a "rape prevention device".
Also called specs (spectacles), cheaters, PEEPERS, eyewear,
glasses or eyeglasses. See THE PILL, PRO KIT, DOUBLE-O.
-
BIT :
-
Built-In Test, being an operator actuated test of the readiness
or functionality of an electronic system that's integrated into a
device or weapon without activating it; it's a command initiated
form of the Power On Self Test (POST) subroutine that
automatically scrutinizes a digital device whenever its operating
system is launched. This internal survey assures the user that
the device or weapon will operate properly when so directed.
-
BITCH :
-
to complain, gripe, grumble; being the paramount DUTY of every
soldier, and therefore the primary indicator of troop morale.
Also, to ruin, spoil, bungle something; see SOL, FUCKED-UP. Also,
anything difficult or unpleasant; compare BASTARD. Also, any
female animal or person, pre-menstrual or post-coital, inebriated
or expurgated; see DISTAFF, SKIRT, SQUEAK, RUNTS 'n' CUNTS, DRAG,
CAMP FOLLOWER, CAMPAIGN WIFE, SHACK-JOB, SLEEPING DICTIONARY,
HAPPY VALLEY, STRANGE, SPLIT, SNATCH, FLYING BRAVO; compare
PRICK, CU, ONIONS.
-
BITCH BOX :
-
slang for the electrical intercom system connecting offices or
departments within a building, or building to building within a
unit (as from ORDERLY ROOM to BARRACKS), also known as a SQUAWK
BOX; as derived from complain or gripe (bitching, bitchy).
Compare BLOWER, HORN, PBX, TANNOY, 1-MC, TOCSIN, KLAXON.
-
BITCHIN' BETTY :
-
slang for the synthesized female voice that automatically
announces changes and warnings detected by the control and survey
computers in an operational aircraft; also called "naggin'
Nancy". It should be noted that a psychological study in the
1950s determined that a feminine voice, with its maternal and
sexual associations, was preferable whenever alerts or
precautions needed to be announced; however, with the increase in
announcements, the changes in American society, and the
introduction of female aircrew, the negative aspects of the
feminine voice, including its pitch and clarity, are now
outweighing its original selection impetus. See SQUAWK, SCRAM,
SCRAMBLE; compare BITCH BOX, BLOWER, HORN, PBX, TANNOY, 1-MC,
TOCSIN, KLAXON.
-
BITE THE BULLET :
-
to require oneself to endure hardship or PAIN courageously, to
compel oneself to face trouble or adversity with fortitude, to
force oneself to behave stoically; as when resisting manfully by
clenching on a lead bullet. See V-DEVICE, BRAGGING RIGHTS, COUNT
COUP, WATCH MY SMOKE, GUTS, MOXIE, BEARING, ONIONS, DIEHARD,
HERO, SLOW MATCH, WINTER SOLDIER.
-
BITE THE DUST :
-
a euphemism for sudden or violent death, as in battle, that was
made popular by Western novels and films, and has been commonly
used by MIL-PERS since WWII; the expression originated as "May
many of his men fall about him prone in the dust and bite the
earth!" by Homer [The Iliad]. See BUY THE FARM, WASTED,
ZAPPED, CHECK OUT, PUSHING UP DAISIES, BITTER END; compare BAD
DAY AT BLACK ROCK, A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE.
[nb: "shuffled off this mortal coil", from the "to be or not to
be" soliloquy (Hamlet by William Shakespeare), refers not
to cyclical or inevitable death, but to the confused intrigues of
life's affairs ... "Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The
slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against
a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No
more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the
thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to, 'tis a
consummation Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep; To sleep;
perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub; For in that sleep of
death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal
coil, Must give us pause...."] [cf: And we are here as on a
darkling plain / Swept with confused alarms of struggle and
flight, / Where ignorant armies clash by night" by Matthew
Arnold, Dover Beach]
-
BITTER END :
-
the inboard end of an anchor chain or other line; probably a
corruption of "bitt end" as the secured end of a LINE or CABLE.
Also, the conclusion to any difficult circumstance or unpleasant
situation; compare TAR BABY, BELL THE CAT, FIGHT LIKE KILKENNY
CATS, PYRRHIC VICTORY; see SHIT HIT THE FAN, DEEP SHIT, SNOWBALL,
DOG'S CHANCE, BUY THE FARM, ZAP / ZAPPED, WASTED, CHECK OUT, BITE
THE DUST, PUSHING UP DAISIES.
-
BIVOUAC :
-
an impermanent military encampment, made with TENTs or
improvised shelters, or the place used for such an encampment;
sometimes NICKNAMEd "tent city". Derived from auxiliary patrol or
by-watch; see BASE CAMP, HUTMENT, FOB, COMPANY STREET, PUP TENT,
BOHIO, SHEBANG, PORTALEDGE.
-
BIVVY :
-
informal term for a small tent or temporary shelter, as by
adaptation of 'bivouac'; compare PORTALEDGE.
-
BIVY :
-
a fitted cover secured over the mummy-style sleeping bag,
and serving as external protection from abrasion or weather.
Also, a waterproof bag or "stuff-sack" intended for stowing a
sleeping bag, but widely used for other utilitarian storage. See
FART SACK, SHAKEDOWN, AWOL BAG, MUSETTE, DUFFEL, WAR BAG, FLIGHT
BAG.
-
BLACK :
-
figuratively secret, covert, or clandestine; see THUNDER
TIGER, SOG [nb: the law required that oversight commissions be
informed of all "Black Operations" after completion]. Also,
figuratively harmful or lethal, as "Black Arts" used in special
operations; see UW. Also, figuratively illicit, as the "Black
Market" or "Black Marketeering"; see MIDNIGHT REQUISITION. Also,
figurative censure or disgrace, as a "Black Mark" on the
record; see GIG, CALL ON THE CARPET. Also, figuratively bad or
evil, as the allegedly incurable "Black Syph", which RUMOR
mongers claim accounts for all the MIAs and is the true origin of
AIDS; see SHORT ARM. Also, figuratively morbid; as grim satire or
gallows humor. Also, figuratively inoperative, as a broken
mechanism or an empty weapon. Also, literally undetectible, as a
negative chiaroscuro image during infrared (IR) scanning. Also,
any individual member of the dark-skinned peoples of Africa,
Oceania, Antilles, and Australia, especially an Afro-American;
also known as "negro" [ety: niger], "creole", or "colored"; see
BUFFALO SOLDIER, SPOOK, SMOKE, LEROY, SPEAR-CHUCKER, NUBUSH, WOG,
WOP, DESEGREGATION.
[aka: bro/brother, homeboy/homey, ebony, blood, dinge, shade,
darky, spade, shine, brownie, blue-gums, Billy Reuben
(bilirubin), boogie, coon, Americoon, Africoon, buck, jungle
bunny (cf: CHOCOLATE BUNNY), nappy, Afro, brillo, 8-ball, cotton
ball, cotton-picker, lawn jockey, porch monkey, yard ape,
jig/jigga/jigaboo, et cetera ad nauseam]
[nb: the term 'kafir', being Arabic for an infidel or unbeliever
(cf: goy/goyim), is probably the origin of 'kaffir', which is a
derogatory reference to BLACK people; the term was probably
imported into South Africa during the Boer War by British
soldiers who had fought in the Sudanese campaign] [nb: the
Portuguese word for slave pens or barracks ("baracoons") is
probably the origin of the racial slur 'coon', referring to BLACK
people] [nb: a "wight" (man) is a human being, who is defined as
such by his ability to fight, hence is someone who's strong and
brave in war; consequently the phrase "(that's) mighty white of
you" or "(that's) really white of you" is a misapprehension of
the homonym, and has nothing to do with race, when complimenting
someone for being kind or decent, generous or forbearant, which
is equivalent to 'mensch']
-
BLACK BAG :
-
(forthcoming); metonymic euphemism, "black bag job"
-
BLACKBIRD :
-
Lockheed SR-71 surveillance aircraft, designated "Strategic
Reconnaissance", had a self-annealing titanium shell, and could
fly faster than Mach 3; see DREAMLAND, SPYPLANE. [nb: the SR-71
holds the speed record of 2,193.17 mph for a piloted
air-breathing jet airplane; but NASA's experimental
scramjet-powered pilotless X-43A has bested this, almost reaching
Mach 7 (about 5,000 mph) and Mach 10 (about 6,800 mph) in brief
test flights during 2004]
Also, slang reference to any STERILE or BLACK aircraft employed
in covert operations, regardless of configuration; see GREEN
HORNET.
-
BLACK BLOC :
-
an affinity group of demonstrators who make common cause with
other sympathetic antiestablishment factions so as to
opportunistically employ shared tactics against their separate
objectives; some elements are notable for their vandalism and
sabotage, while others are typically pacifistic. The wearing of
black-colored clothing and face masks is a technique used to
enhance the group's presence, to imply unity and solidarity, to
promote a revolutionary atmosphere, and to avoid personal
identification by authorities. Although BLACK FLAGs have been
traditionally associated with nihilism and anarchism, the BLACK
BLOC ostensibly derived from the autonomen movements in Germany
during the 1980s, where they were identified as "der schwarze
Block" by the media, with their first appearance in America as
anti-war picketers of the GULF WAR in February 1991. See NEW
MOBE, NCC, PROTESTOR, BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY, BEST AND BRIGHTEST,
BULLSHITVIK, FIFTH COLUMN, YIPPIE.
-
BLACK BOX :
-
an electronic device aboard an aircraft that automatically
records certain aspects of the aircraft's performance in flight;
properly known as a "flight recorder" [nb: Cockpit Voice Recorder
(CVR) and Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR)], it is actually
colored high-visibility orange, and is designed to endure impact,
fire, and immersion. Also, any unit that forms part of an
electronic circuit that has its function but not its components
specified. Also, any concealed or protected container, often
small and lockable, intended for the safe and secure storage of
sensitive or secret materials, the unauthorized opening of which
may have disastrous or catastrophic consequences; a complex box
of mysteries, not unlike Pandora's Box.
-
BLACK DEVIL :
-
unofficial mascot and talisman of the First Special Service Force
(FSSF), a joint Canadian-USA unit (5 July 1942 - 6 Feb 1945) that
passed its WWII lineage to the US Army SPECIAL FORCES (USSF /
SF); as derived from Nazi German attribution of "camouflaged
devils" with superior fighting ability. Compare BULLDOG, GODDAM.
-
BLACK FLAG :
-
symbol for total war, take no prisoners, show no mercy;
traditionally associated with nihilism and anarchism. Compare
RED FLAG; see STRIKE THE FLAG, WHITE FLAG, FALSE FLAG, SHOW THE
FLAG, YELLOW JACK.
[nb: the so-called "Jolly Roger", featuring a skull with crossed
bones on a black field, that was purportedly flown by pirates, as
a declaration of "no quarter" and "non-alliance", originated as
the "Jolie Rouge", a plain red flag]
-
BLACK GANG :
-
nautical slang for the engine room crew, formerly stokers and
GREASE MONKEYs, but now technicians and mechanical engineers; see
MECH, SNIPE, GASOLINE ALLEY.
-
BLACK HATS :
-
a black-colored baseball-style cap worn by AIRBORNE instructors
at the US Army Infantry School. Similar non-uniform cap affixed
with the "winged torch" device was adopted for wear by VN-era
PATHFINDERs. During the post-VN era, when drill sergeants (DI) no
longer wore the WWI campaign hat, and before the Army-wide
adoption of the beret, a BLACK baseball-style HAT was worn by
training CADRE. Compare RIGGER, RED HATS, GREEN BERET.
[nb: when 5th SFGAbn departed RVN on 5 March 1971, the cover
assignment for SOG ADVISORs was changed to USARV; so berets were
no longer authorized, hence the distinctive (but unofficial)
BLACK baseball-style HAT was adopted by SOGgies]
-
BLACKHAWK :
-
the UH-/MH-60 helicopter, successor to HUEY; also designated SEA
HAWK and JAYHAWK, and commonly called "Hawk". See CHOPPER.
-
BLACK HOLE :
-
slang for the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) that was buried
below the open expanse of ground-level desert during the GULF
WAR, like a BUNKER or REDOUBT; NICKNAMEd by those who had to work
within its subterranean environment. See WAR ROOM, CP; compare
THE CAVE. [nb: the first underground command and operations
center was instituted by Winston L.S. Churchill during the Battle
of Britain (BLITZ) and was immediately imitated by Franklin D.
Roosevelt; all buried TOCs have subsequently been patterned on
the British model]
-
BLACKJACK :
-
operational designation for several Mobile Guerrilla
Force (MGF) missions; including Blackjack-33 with Project Sigma
in III CTZ from 27 April to 24 May 1967; and Blackjack-41 from 13
May 1967 parachute jump into Seven Mountains region of IV CTZ and
evolving into combined US/ARVN Operation Attleboro. Named after
sobriquet of 5th SFGAbn commander, COL Francis J. Kelly; who was
also known as "Splash" for his magnetic attraction to water when
parachuting. See GREEKS, MIKE FORCE, STRIKER. Also, NICKNAME of
John Joseph Pershing, commander of AEF in WWI, obtained from his
preference for command of BUFFALO SOLDIERs (while George
Armstrong Custer refused such assignments, believing them to be
harmful to his reputation and career); see PERSHING, OPEN WAR,
GASPER, DOG TAGS.
-
BLACK LADY MOUNTAIN :
-
a distinctive topographic terrain feature in Tay Ninh province,
about 100km northwest of Saigon, being a solitary prominence that
abruptly rises 800m from the surrounding landscape; this
landmark, called "Nui Ba Den" in Vietnamese, takes its name from
the legend of a woman who went to pray for the safe return of her
warrior husband and, when threatened by bandits, threw herself
off of this sheer escarpment. Long the site of a Buddhist shrine,
and riddled with caves that were intermittently occupied by
GUERRILLAs throughout the VIETNAM WAR, it hosted a VECTOR and
radio relay (RR) site for Allied forces. Compare MARBLE MOUNTAIN;
see FISHHOOK, PARROT'S BEAK, DOG'S FACE, ELEPHANT'S FOOT, ANGEL'S
WING. [cf: "Helen's Dome", near Fort Bowie in Arizona Territory,
as the site of a promontory from which a woman lept to escape
violation by marauding Apaches]
-
BLACK MAGIC :
-
the NICKNAME for the M-16A1 assault rifle; that was more
cynically identified as WIDOW MAKER, or by the popular
catch-phrase "if it's Mattel it's swell". The M-16 was the
standard American assault rifle used in Vietnam after 1966,
shooting 5.56mm/2.23cal ammo in either semi- or full-automatic
modes. Originating as a plastic-housed version of the M-14A2, the
Stoner AR-15 evolved through hundreds of changes before becoming
a reliable infantry rifle. There is no such thing as an "ideal
weapon", but only one best suited for the intended purpose from
the compromised exchange of options; for example, the "inferior"
Brown Bess musket was short, heavy, and effective only to 50yds,
but could mount a bayonet and reload four times faster than the
"superior" Pennsylvania rifle, which had an effective range of
200yds. See TUPPERWARE, BURST, MAG, ACOG, ACTIV, CAR / XM-177E2,
RIFLE, OVER 'n' UNDER.
-
BLACKOUT :
-
using light discipline and masks; usually entails hooded or slit
aperture lamps, red-lens lights, and draped windows or doorways;
see NIGHT TRAP, LIGHTS OUT, compare CHRISTMAS TREE. Also,
obstruction of communications media, or suppression of particular
information broadcast by some medium; censorship. Also, a partial
loss of memory, or a total loss of consciousness; see PTSD,
FLASHBACK, THOUSAND-YARD STARE, TELESCOPING, ZOMBIE,
FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT, DISSOCIATION, OBJECTIFICATION, CONVERSION
SYMPTOMS, G-SUIT.
-
BLACK SHOE / BOOT :
-
among sailors, anyone serving in the sea-going Fleet; among
soldiers, the New Breed or Modern Army. Compare
BROWN SHOE / BOOT; see FOOTWEAR.
-
BLADDER :
-
large, heavy-duty, rubberized, collapsible drum ranging from
2,000 to 50,000 gallons for POL products; also called "bowser".
See BLIVET, PETROL, HOT-FUELING, TOP-OFF; compare POD, WATER
BUFFALO, LISTER BAG.
-
BLADDER BAG :
-
collapsible CANTEEN, up to 1 gallon capacity; see WATER
PURIFICATION TABLET.
-
BLADDER BIRD :
-
see FLYING COW.
-
BLADE TIME :
-
a meter measuring helicopter engine usage relative to mandatory
maintenance, hence the informal reference for available
helicopter hours that can be allocated to each unit for
operational flights, logistical support, command and control.
-
BLANK :
-
a CARTRIDGE or SHELL loaded with gunpowder and primer, but the
case is crimped without a projectile or BULLET, as used in
training, WAR GAMEs, and SALUTEs; also called a "blank cartridge"
or "blank shell", as derived from "white" meaning void or empty.
Compare SIM-AMMO, DUMMY, MILES; see AMMO.
-
BLANKET DIVISION :
-
NICKNAME of the First Cavalry Division; derived from the size and
design (depicts a saddle blanket) of the unit shoulder patch.
Formally called "First Team".
FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION: during the nineteenth century, American
cavalry units were horse-mounted troops designed to survey enemy
positions and provide SCREENs for in-coming infantry units. The
horse-mounted cavalry gave way during the twentieth century to
armored personnel carriers and tanks. A major innovation of the
VIETNAM WAR was the use of air cavalry units where troops are
moved into battlefield positions by helicopters. The FIRST
CAVALRY DIVISION was one of the main air cavalry units in
Southeast Asia. Originally activated in 1921, the First
Cavalry Division fought (dismounted) in the Pacific during World
War II and later in Korea. In 1965 the division's flag was taken
from Korea and presented to the experimental 11th Air Assault
Division, which became the First Cavalry Division (Airmobile).
(The former First Cavalry Division, still in Korea, became the
new 2nd Infantry Division.) The division was deployed to South
Vietnam in September 1965 and was the first full division to
arrive in the country. It was almost immediately in battle in
the Ia Drang Valley. The division won a Presidential Unit
Citation for its fierce fighting. During 1966 and 1967 elements
of the division were engaged in numerous actions throughout the
II Corps Tactical Zone. Initially committed to operations in
Binh Dinh Province in early 1968, the bulk of the division was
hurriedly recommitted to the Battle for Hue and then to the
relief of the marine position at Khe Sanh. Later in the year the
division served in the A SHAU VALLEY before being shifted to
protect the northern and western approaches to Saigon. As the
army's first airmobile division, the First Cavalry Division
pioneered air assault tactics... It was considered one of the
army's elite units in Vietnam, highly valuable because of its
extreme mobility. The division suffered over 30,000 casualties
during the war.
-
BLANKET HEAD :
-
NICKNAME for US Army Special Forces, who were awarded the
distinctive hat on 12 October 1961 by President John F. Kennedy,
after BG William P. Yarborough (CG, SWC) adopted the practice
from COL Edson D. Raff (who imitated British para "red beret" for
509th PIB during WWII, and introduced a "teal beret" to 77th
SFGAbn for branch-unassigned), and from COL Donald D. Blackburn
(CO, 7th SFGAbn), who inherited the design project from former
OSS agents CPTs Herb Brucker and Roger Pezzelle (copying WWII
British and French commandos). The GREEN BERET is also called
"green beanie" and "head-shrinker". A Special Forceman or SFer is
not a GREEN BERET; he just wears it as "... a symbol of
excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction in the
fight for freedom." John F. Kennedy, 11 April 1962. Beret FLASHes
at this time were worn "tombstone fashion" (flat side down) and
were made of wool felt. The unique arrowhead shoulder patch worn
by Special Forces, designed by CPT John W. Frye, has been called
the ELECTRIC BUTTERKNIFE and "Saigon Electric Works". The motto
of USSF is: to free the oppressed ("De Oppresso Liber"). See
GREEN BERET, SF, SNAKE-EATER, SNEAKY PETE, GABRIEL, BRONZE BRUCE,
HEADGEAR; compare RED HATS, BLACK HATS.
Also, after much debate, the new standardized HEADGEAR for the
U.S. Army, adopted in 2000 for uniformity and prestige. SFers and
RANGERs know that "if it weren't for the honor of the thing..."
the beret is one of the world's worst forms of HEADGEAR ... but
when has the theatrical military ever been 'practical'?! The Army
retained the Airborne red and SF green, reverted to the original
RANGER tan, and bestowed black berets upon all other units and
branches ... so everyone can now pretend they're elite, and
suffer without a sun-visor or rain-brim! ... why didn't some
gristled GRUNT tell those BRASS HATs what's the real purpose of a
hat?! See RED HATS, BLACK HATS.
-
BLANKET PARTY :
-
form of mob justice, in which the vigilantes seek either to
inspire conformity or expel nonconformity by corporal
punishment of a maladjusted SQUAD member, so as to achieve unit
cohesion; also called ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT. See AIRMAN ALIGNMENT
TOOL, GI SHOWER, GIG, CALL ON THE CARPET, DRUMHEAD, RIOT ACT,
PAIN. [nb: a BLANKET PARTY attacks the misfit for the good of the
unit, but a FRAGGING attacks the leadership to terrorize and
disintegrate the unit] [cf: kangaroo court, tribunal, sanhedrim]
-
BLAST :
-
the act of exploding; an explosion; see EXPLOSIVE. Also, the
CHARGE of explosive used at one firing in blasting operations;
see DETONATOR, TRIGGER. Also, slang for a parachute jump;
probably derived from the definition of a violent gust or
forcible stream of air; see ABN, AIRBORNE, PARACHUTE,
PARATROOPER, JUMPER, JUMPIN' JUNKIE, JUMPMASTER, JUMP SCHOOL,
PROP BLAST; compare CHERRY BLAST, HOLLYWOOD BLAST, MASTER
BLASTER. Also, anything that gives great pleasure or excitement,
such as a party; see DINING-IN, SIGG, FEATHERS, WITH BELLS ON.
-
BLAST SHADOW :
-
(forthcoming); compare ACOUSTIC SHADOW
-
BLAST WALL :
-
informal term for an uncovered construction of various heights or
thicknesses, relatively portable or permanent, that's designed to
absorb or direct the explosive force or impact effect of POL
ignition, munitions discharge, or gunfire; also known as parapet,
rampart, bulwark, or riprap. See CONCEALMENT, COVER, BUNKER,
DEFILADE, REDOUBT, EMPLACEMENT, BUTT, BERM, STAND-OFF, REVETMENT,
HESCO BARRIER, T-WALL, FACE, SANDBAG. [v: Military
Earthworks Terms]
-
BLDG :
-
abbreviation for BuiLDinG, often accompanied by a unique number,
as radiating from post headquarters (HQ) through every unit and
residence to the farthest range house or watchtower; used for
accountability of government property, and for location or
navigation (eg: "Report to Bldg #1234 at 0800 for processing.").
See PUZZLE PALACE, MADHOUSE, GUARDHOUSE, SENTRY BOX, SAFE HOUSE,
STOCKADE, BUTLER BUILDING, SEA HUT, HUTMENT, QUONSET HUT,
JAMESWAY HUT, PACIFIC HUT, EMKAY HUT, HOOCH, TEAMHOUSE, LONG
HOUSE, TENT, HUT, PUP TENT, BIVOUAC, BOLT HOLE, HIDE, DUGOUT,
BOHIO, SHEBANG, WANIGAN, BOMB SHELTER, FALLOUT SHELTER, ELEPHANT
HUT, UTILITY BUILDING, MULTIPLE UTILITY BUILDING, DEPOT, GODOWN,
DUMP, TOMB, HANGAR, STEELDROME, BUNKER, BLOCKHOUSE, QTRS, SUDS
ROW, BARRACK, BEQ, NOB HILL, BOQ, VOQ, BILLET, BERTH.
[v: bield, bower, arbor, rock-shelter, den, lair, cabin, cottage,
cabana, lodge, earth lodge, hogan, shed, byre; cf: garret,
cockloft, dovecote]
-
BLEEDING EDGE :
-
rhyming slang for "leading edge" or "cutting edge", wherein the
foremost element or the most advanced part is subject to the
greatest risk; the term "bleeding" implies a tendency toward
casualties due to the probability of mistakes from more frequent
encounters; there is also a necessity to spend more time and
money on engaged units ... which is an essential commitment to
elicit change, if not squandered. See FEBA, MLR, FRONT LINE,
FLOT, DOWN RANGE, INDIAN COUNTRY, THE EDGE.
-
BLIMP :
-
slang for any small nonrigid airship, dirigible, or balloon, as
used for observation, training (eg: parachute, pilot), or
transport; also called "sausage" or GAS BAG; see NACELLE,
SKYHOOK. [nb: reconnoitring balloons were first used by the Army
of the Potomac at the Battle of Fredericksburg (12 December
1862)] [nb: during WWI, USN/USMC designated "heavier than air"
craft as 'V' (eg: aeroplane, biplane, glider), and "lighter than
air" craft as 'Z' (eg: airship, blimp, dirigible)] [v: an
experimental sealed cabin, called an "air cabin", was lofted by
balloon to 53,400' in 1954 by Auguste Piccard; cf: bathyscaphe]
[nb: a pompous old reactionary, "Colonel Blimp", was a post-WWI
cartoon character conjured by David Low that satirized resistance
to progressive change; see MOSSBACK, DINOSAUR, OLD BREED, OLD
SALT, SHELLBACK, BROWN SHOE / BOOT]
-
BLIND BAT :
-
designation given to C-130 aircraft used in nighttime
SCAR operations.
-
BLIND DATE :
-
a meeting, or the place of meeting, usually with covert
PASSWORDs, arranged for communication or other exchange between
previously unknown agents or operatives representing opposition
elements; compare DEAD DROP, LETTER BOX; see POC, TRADECRAFT.
-
BLIND FIRE :
-
spraying an area with SMALL ARMS or machinegun (MG) fire, also
spelled "blind-fire" or "blindfire"; see SPRAY, FLOCK SHOOT,
HAPPY FIRE, WILD SHOT, BUSTING CAPS, MAD MINUTE, compare RECON BY
FIRE, DOUBLE TAP.
-
BLIND TRANSMISSION :
-
any RADIO transmission, usually desperate or emergency, of
information that is made without first establishing a link or
without expectation of acknowledgement. See GUARD, SOS, MAYDAY.
-
BLINK :
-
a white or yellow luminosity reflected onto the underside of
clouds from the surface of snow or ice; also known as "snowblink"
or "iceblink", as derived from the applied meaning of gleam,
twinkle, glitter, or shine. Compare MOONLIGHT, FRESNEL UNITS,
FLARE.
-
BLINKER :
-
slang for the battery-powered strobe light or stroboscopic light,
being a handheld electronic flash that rapidly produces brilliant
bursts of light, as used for identification during AIRDROP,
reinforcement, or rescue (SAR) operations. The early models did
not have a masking collar to restrict the direction of the
illumination, so PILOTs and LRRPs covered the base with 100 MPH
TAPE to eliminate lateral illumination, making its use in enemy
territory much safer. Colored filters were also added to later
models because the flashing light looks very similar to automatic
gunfire without TRACERs! An infrared (IR) version is also
available for instrument detection. See FLASHLIGHT, LIGHT STICK,
BUD LIGHT, AIS, IDENTIFICATION PANEL. [v: cresset]
-
BLITZ :
-
the intensive aerial bombing campaign by Nazi Germany against
British cities during WWII, often expressed as "The Blitz", and
also called the Battle of Britain; as derived from "lightning".
Also, an improper truncation of BLITZKRIEG; used to mean any
sudden, swift, vigorous, and overwhelming attack or barrage,
including sports analogues. [v: foudroyant]
-
BLITZKRIEG :
-
a sudden, swift, and overwhelming military attack, usually using
TANKs, artillery (ARTY) barrage, and aerial bombardment to
demoralize, defeat, or destroy the enemy; derived from "flash
war", which term was coined by a Spanish journalist describing
the highly mobile combined arms tactics used by Nazis in 1939.
Compare FULL-COURT PRESS; see WAR.
-
BLIVET :
-
a smaller (than a BLADDER), heavy-duty, rubberized, collapsible
drum ranging from 250 to 500 gallons for POL products setup in
temporary refueling sites; see PETROL, HOT-FUELING, TOP-OFF;
compare POD, WATER BUFFALO, LISTER BAG. Also, probably due to the
bloated appearance of the actual container, anyone or anything
that's inflated, exaggerated, distended, or overloaded, including
events and demonstrations, such as the proverbial "ten pounds of
SHIT (or bullshit) stuffed into a five pound bag"; see DOG 'n'
PONY SHOW, FIVE O'CLOCK FOLLIES, SMOKE 'n' MIRRORS, TAP-DANCER.
[nb: obfuscation and obscurantism are widely represented by the
military maxim: "Bullshit baffles brains!", sometimes called a
"Well sir,..." excuse]
-
BLOB :
-
Big Lump On-Board, an observer; any extra person or
noncontributing passenger. See SANDBAG; compare STRAP-HANGER,
DEADHEAD, POB.
-
BLOC :
-
a group of persons or entities acting in concert for common
cause or mutual benefit; see ANZUS, PENTALATERAL AGREEMENT,
ASEAN, SEATO, NATO.
-
BLOCK :
-
any solid material mass with one or more flat faces; see
CHOCK, SHORE. Also, a housing or part enclosing one or more
freely rotating, grooved pulleys, about which ropes or chains
pass to form a hoisting or hauling TACKLE; also known as "tackle
block" or "block 'n' tackle"; see FAIRLEAD, CRAB, WHIP, BOOM.
Also, a section, segment, part, or group; compare BLOC. Also, an
obstruction, obstacle, hindrance, or stoppage. Also, a stump,
platform, or other structure used for speeches, auctions, or
beheadings. Also, a person's head. Also, any generally
rectilinear building material. [v: quoin]
-
BLOCKBUSTER :
-
a huge aerial-delivery demolition bomb. Also, any person or
thing that's overwhelmingly effective or impressively successful.
-
BLOCKHOUSE :
-
a defensive military structure, as one made of concrete, that's
used for observation and directing gunfire; see BUNKER, PILLBOX,
REDOUBT, CASEMATE, BLACK HOLE, STRONGPOINT. Also, a reinforced
structure for housing and protecting personnel and their
equipment during weapons testing or rocket launchings. Also, a
stout building of hewn timbers, usually with a projecting upper
story, having loopholes (EMBRASUREs) for musketry, as was
formerly used as a FORT; also known as a "garrison house". [v: Military Earthworks Terms]
-
BLOCKING FORCE :
-
the use of vessels, vehicles, or troops for the hostile
obstruction or closing-off of enemy passage or progress; also
called "blockader"; see SCREEN, CORDON. Also, the fixed 'anvil'
in a "hammer and anvil" PINCER movement.
-
BLOCK THE COLORS :
-
to raise the flag to the top of the mast or flagpole on a HALYARD
through a running-block. See SHIFT COLORS, COLORS.
-
BLOOD CHIT :
-
a printed cloth "promisory note" or "redemption coupon",
imitative of the original WWII versions, inspired by British
specimens issued to RAF pilots in India, showing an American
flag, and explaining in the several languages of the region that
assisting in the repatriation of any separated American would be
rewarded. These BLOOD CHITs, also known as "escape and
identification flags" or "goolie chits", and sometimes spelled
"blood-chits", were usually carried by aircrewmen and LRRPs,
together with an escape map and tokens (gold coins during WWII),
but have been rarely redeemed ... never during the VIETNAM WAR.
If as only a morale device, the BLOOD CHIT is part of the aircrew
survival kit, with wear on the uniform prohibited since the end
of WWII. Produced on leather and silk, nylon and Tyvek, many have
been kept as wartime souvenirs, despite being serial numbered.
See POINTIE TALKIE, CHIT, FLYING TIGERS, BRIGHT LIGHT, SAFE, HOME
RUN, POW, E&E, SERE, BUG-OUT KIT, IRC, DP, BOAT PEOPLE,
YELLOW BIRD.
[v: blood chit] [cf: laissez-passer]
-
BLOOD EXPANDER :
-
serum albumin [not "albumen"], for intravenous administration to
severely wounded persons to help maintain osmotic blood-pressure
during shock, as carried by medics and recon teams. Serum albumin
is the principal protein of blood plasma (fluid portion, not
cellular compound); and is distinguished from whole blood, packed
red blood cells, and artificial blood. A FIELD EXPEDIENT blood
substitute for transfusions is coconut milk. See ABO, BANK,
SYRETTE, COMPRESS, DOG BITE, SPILL THE GROCERIES, MED BAG.
-
BLOOD GROOVE :
-
a forged depression or milled recess in the side of a blade,
which increases strength without increasing weight; properly
called a "fuller". The design attributions of "running blood" or
"breaking suction" are mythical. See KABAR, PILOT'S SURVIVAL
KNIFE, KNIFE. [cf: kullen]
[v: Knife Terms]
-
BLOODING :
-
an extreme form of "tagging" during a "pinning" ceremony; illegal
since the Vietnam-era. During any "pinning" ceremony, whether
graduation or promotion, the newly acquired insignia (badge or
rank) would be lightly punched ("tagged") by the presenter after
attachment to the recipient's uniform, and subsequently "tagged"
by all friends and associates during the following graduation or
promotion party. When these fraternal rituals were officially
discouraged, the clandestine rites became bizarre and brutal,
including directly "pinning" WINGS onto the chest by a forceful
punch ... an act of assault in both civil and military law. See
INITIATION, BOLO BADGE, Q-TAB, SLICK SLEEVE, ROCKER, BLOOD
STRIPE, DIVER, BUDWEISER.
-
BLOOD STRIPE :
-
the red stripe added to the outside seam of Marine service dress
(Class-A) trousers upon promotion to NCO rank. The celebratory
"tagging" for this "rite of passage" usually involves fist and
knee punches to the new NCO's arm and leg, leaving him happily
"crippled" by the promotion party! See SLICK SLEEVE.
-
BLOODY SHIRT :
-
any event or occurrence sufficient to validate or justify a
declaration of war; incitement or provocation to fight, a
casus belli. See TONKIN GULF INCIDENT, WAR POWERS ACT, GUNBOAT
DIPLOMACY, BIG STICK DIPLOMACY, SABER-RATTLING, GUNPOINT, ALL'S
FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR, WARNING SHOT, CROSS THE RUBICON, CAT AMONG
THE PIGEONS, HAIR-TRIGGER, HALF-COCKED, FIGHTING WORDS, FIGHTING
MAD, ANTEBELLUM, JUST WAR, LAWS OF WAR, UCMJ, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
(ROE), BATTLE, WAR. [nb: historically adequate justifications
include "a place in the sun" or "lebensraum"; cf: bellicose,
antagonistic, hostile, pugnacious, Firebrand, fire-eater]
-
BLOOPER :
-
NICKNAME for the M-79 single-shot, single-barreled, break-action
grenade launcher, which may also be spelled "bluper", and is also
onomatopoeically known as "bloop tube" and "thump gun"; which
fired 40mm projectiles of various types, from CANISTER to HE at
ranges to 400m. An experimental style "pump M-79", with a
five-round tube-magazine below the barrel, was selectively issued
to LRRP and SPECIAL OPERATIONS teams in Vietnam. The OVER 'n'
UNDER M-203, introduced into the field in 1970, hung a
single-shot BLOOPER barrel under the foregrip of the M-16 rifle,
which impaired the accuracy of both. The grenadier's grasp of the
M-79 grenade launcher when firing, as portrayed in books or
movies, is a reliable TELLTALE for detecting phonies. See
THUMPER, MGL, DOVER DOG, BOFORS, DUSTER; compare SHOTGUN,
GYROJET, FRAG, GRENADE, RPG.
[nb: the "fire lance" flamethrower of AD 905 China utilized
propulsion to launch small objects and pellets, like a shotgun,
becoming a prototype firearm; with a three-barreled version for
repeat firing developed later]
[nb: there probably ought to be a MURPHY LAW of Combat to
the effect that "weapons don't win wars", as a corollary to "the
side with the simplest weapon will win the war"; since there is
no doubt that the test and procurement system is defective. The
other sides had better and finer weapons during WWII (the proof
existing in the pistols, rifles, machineguns, and tanks adopting
enemy innovations), but the American GREASE GUN and the British
Sten gun triumphed behind better armies. jury-rigging and
complicating US weapon systems will not defeat us, but
compromising and discarding all the simple and effective designs
will make the future BUTCHER'S BILL extremely expensive!]
-
BLOUSE :
-
a single-breasted, semifitted outer military garment, sometimes
belted, reaching to the hip or thigh, or to above the knee, such
as a jacket, smock, or tunic; see MILITARY PRESS, DRESS [v:
camisards; camisado or camisade]. Also, to dispose in loose
folds, or to arrange so as to droop or puff with fullness, as
pants BLOUSEd into paratrooper boots; see FOOTWEAR.
-
BLOWER :
-
shipboard communications system, originally a set of "blow pipes"
connecting each department, but replaced by telephonic intercom
system; usage is similar to HORN; see UWT, SQUAWK BOX, BITCH BOX,
PBX, RADIO, LANDLINE, TWX, RTP, TANNOY.
[nb: mobile phone (Global System for Mobile Communications, a
second-generation open-standard digital-transceiver voice/text
wireless system) tracking for accountability and monitoring for
security is rendered via repeater triangulation and the GPS
satellite network, with an approximate margin of error of 10-50m
depending on location]
Also, slang for a jet-propelled aircraft engine; see BUSTER,
JUICE, FAST MOVER, AFTERBURNER, SONIC BOOM.
-
BLOWN :
-
exploded, detonated, destroyed, obliterated, eradicated; see
EXPLOSIVE, SECONDARY EXPLOSION, compare OVERKILL. Also, detected
or compromised, such as a revealed or exposed operation or
operational element, including a CACHE or HIDE, STALKING HORSE or
TROJAN HORSE, or any other subterfuge; also expressed as
"busted".
-
BLOW SMOKE :
-
slang for make unclear, to obscure, to confuse, to obfuscate, to
deceive; as "blow smoke up his ass" or "... her skirt". See SNOW,
CONFETTI, TALK TRASH, SHOOT THE SHIT, HOT AIR, BRAVO SIERRA,
WOOF, GODDAM, CHICKEN SHIT, MICKEY MOUSE, HALF-ASSED, SMOKE 'n'
MIRRORS, TAP-DANCER, HIDE, MILICRAT; compare BRING SMOKE, POP
SMOKE, MIGHTY MITE, SMOKY BEAR.
[nb: 'hooey', allegedly an Americanism used as an interjection
for nonsense or tripe, is actually a corruption of the Russian
vulgarity ("khuy") for penis, and is commonly used alone (eg:
dick, dickhead, dick-wad) or in phrases (eg: dumber than dick; he
doesn't know dick; don't dick around; don't stir your tea with
your dick)] [cf: migration of "putz" from shine through ornament
to penis and dolt; as sexual lure] [v: lucky stiff]
-
BLT :
-
USMC Battalion Landing Team, the primary infantry element in the
Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU); see BN.
-
BLUE ANGELS :
-
NICKNAME of the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, being a
precision AEROBATIC flight team used for public ceremonies and
demonstrations; see BARNSTORMER, AEROBATICS.
-
BLUE BLOOD :
-
slang for an enlisted Marine promoted to officer RANK by any
means, with the implication of "royal transformation"; see
MAVERICK, MUSTANG, UP THE HAWSEPIPE, OFFICER'S COUNTRY; compare
GREEN BLOOD.
[nb: until recently, an OFFICER was simultaneously designated a
"gentleman" when appointed by an ACT OF CONGRESS, which not only
inspired further intellectual development but also encouraged
cultural sophistication, which refinements were mocked as being
'suave and debonair' (deliberately mispronounced as "soo-wave"
and "dee-boner"); v: BRASS HAT, TALLY-HO, TACT; cf: HARD-ASS,
MACHO]
-
BLUE BOOK :
-
the bound copy of U.S. Navy regulations since 1914; see ROCKS 'n'
SHOALS, SCRIPTURES, ORDER, UCMJ. Also, slang for the lineal list
of Naval and Marine officers, in order of succession; see DOR.
-
BLUE CANOE :
-
USAF L-27 / U-3, being a sleek utility aircraft (Cessna 310/320)
that seated 5-7 passengers, having twin propeller-driven engines,
a wing span of 36ft, a range of over 870nm at a service ceiling
of 19,000ft, it was produced from 1954-80; turbocharged models
("Skyknight" and "Executive Skyknight") were produced from 1961.
Also, slang prevalent in the politically-correct post-Vietnam era
for a portable chemical toilet (variously brand named, including
"Porta-John", "Porta-Potty", "Jiffy-John", and "Royal Flush");
typically being a blue plastic enclosure that offers personal
privacy while housing containerized human waste, these
"environmentally friendly" toilets are positioned and serviced by
subcontractors whenever troops are deployed into field training
areas or BASE CAMPs, including overseas combat zones; see
LATRINE, HEAD, HEAD CALL, CAT HOLE, SLIT TRENCH, DUMP, TROTS,
SQUIRTS, CORK, SLOP CHUTE.
-
BLUE FALCON :
-
in the politically-correct military, someone who exploits others
for his own comfort or convenience, being a form of backstabbing
(instead of brotherhood) that's used to favor or advance oneself.
Phrase is alleged to be a euphemism for "buddy fucker", but it's
more likely to derive from 'giving the bird' in a non-lethal BLUE
ON BLUE situation (that is, being careless or inconsiderate of
one's comrades); equivalent to Marine SEMPER KNIFE. See BAYONET
SHEET.
-
BLUE FORCE :
-
designation for U.S. components, especially when war gaming or
during training exercises; label sometimes applied to allied or
friendly elements. See CPX, FTX, JTFEX, JRTC, NTC, GQ, WAR GAMES,
"Blue Flag" @ RED FLAG, GREEN FORCE, ALLY, FRIENDLIES, BLUE ON
BLUE; compare GRAY FORCE, PURPLE FORCE, ORANGE FORCE, RED FORCE,
OPFOR, BANDIT, BAD GUYS, BELIEVER.
-
BLUE JACKET :
-
originally referring to the distinctive uniform of British
Commonwealth sailors, but extended in the twentieth century to
include all allied naval personnel, including Americans (who also
wear a blue uniform in winter). A more simplified origin
attributes the phrase metonymically to the blue, double-breasted,
coarse woolen peacoat worn by seamen. See JUMPER, DIXIE CUP,
SWABBY, SQUID, JARHEAD, DOGFACE, ZOOMIE, GI.
-
BLUELEG :
-
infantryman, as derived from the traditional color of infantry
uniforms, but especially the blue colored branch stripe on DRESS
uniforms; see GRUNT, CRUNCHY, BOONIE RAT, BUSHMASTER, LEG, INF,
03, SNUFFY, DOZER INFANTRY; compare REDLEG, YELLOWLEG.
-
BLUE LINE :
-
a watercourse or waterway marked on a map; see BROWN WATER.
-
BLUE NOSE :
-
a ship that has crossed the Arctic Circle (between the North
Frigid Zone and the North Temperate Zone), so called from
painting the HAWSEPIPEs blue, as being representative of the
cold; the ship's company of such a voyage may be called "blue
noses", and are inducted into the "Order of the Blue Nose".
Compare RED NOSE; see BOW, PROW, STEM, FORECASTLE.
-
BLUE ON BLUE :
-
a euphemism to describe air, artillery, or small-arms fire from
U.S. elements, components, or forces that is accidentally or
mistakenly directed at or impacting upon other U.S. personnel or
positions; also called "misadventure" and FRIENDLY FIRE. These
incidents can also be classified, depending upon participants, as
"Blue on Green" or "Green on Blue". See SHORT-SHOT, BLUE FORCE;
compare GREEN ON GREEN, FRATRICIDE, FRAGGING, BLANKET PARTY.
-
BLUE PETER :
-
the international signal flag for the letter "P" ['papa'], being
a blue burgee with a central white square, which is flown to
indicate the imminent departure of a vessel from port; its
widespread usage probably implies sexual abstinence.
-
BLUE-SKY :
-
optimistic, fanciful, or impractical, to the point of having
dubious or fraudulent value; polyannic, roseate, propitious.
[v: blue-sky law; cf: dark cloud]
Also, a salutation or SALUTE informally exchanged among
parachutists, equivalent to well wishes or good times; compare
HOOAH, GUNG-HO, WETSU, FREE FALL, PARATROOPER.
-
BLUE STAR :
-
a plaque or scroll that denoted the service of a family member in
the Armed Forces during wartime, as displayed on a wall or
outward in a window; compare GOLD STAR. [nb: in the event of
death while serving in combat, a gold star was overlaid upon the
original blue star (instead of replacing it) such that the
slightly smaller gold star was outlined by the original blue one]
-
BLUE WATER :
-
nautical reference to the open sea, or oceangoing; also
represented as "deep water", and sometimes spelled "blue-water".
Compare BLUE LINE, BROWN WATER.
[nb: "O Lord, your sea is so great and my boat is so small"]
-
BN :
-
battalion; a military unit of ground forces comprising a
headquarters (HQ) and two or more companies (CO); infantry and
artillery battalions are commanded by an Army or Marine Corps
lieutenant colonel (LTC). [nb: Vietnamese term: Tieu Doan] Also,
an army in battle array. [cf: battalia] [nb: the slang term "Bat"
is short for battalion (BN), and does not refer to an artillery
battery (BTY)]
-
BOARD :
-
an official group of directors or supervisors for some
activity, such as a Draft Board, Promotion Board, Medical Review
Board, BOARD OF INQUIRY, or Court Martial Board, sometimes called
a tribunal; see ABCMR, ADRB, AFBCMR, AFDRB, CORB, DRB, OCB,
DISCHARGE. Also, to retrain or discharge an individual for cause
after a military review BOARD hearing of evidence; see RECYCLE,
COG, CHAPTER 10, SECTION EIGHT. Also, the side of a ship; or the
windward tack of a ship's course; compare DECK, HULL, FREEBOARD,
GUNWALE, HEADWAY.
-
BOARDING PARTY :
-
a group of persons who board a vessel, especially to attack,
seize, or search it.
-
BOARD OF INQUIRY :
-
a fact-finding body convened when evidence is
unclear, when misconduct or negligence may exist, or when
criminal acts are suspected without certain guilt, comprised of
officers equal to or superior in RANK to any suspect or accused
servicemember; an Article 32 investigation under UCMJ.
-
BOAT :
-
a specialized vessel, smaller than or carried by a ship, and
variously propelled through the water; including AAV, ALLIGATOR,
ALPHA, AMTRACK, ASPB, CCB, CRRC, CUTTER, DPB, ELSIE, GATOR,
GATOR-FREIGHTER, GIG, GHOST, GUNBOAT, HIGGINS BOAT, IBS, JUNK,
LANDING CRAFT, LBGB, LCI, LCM, LCVP, LIFEBOAT, LIGHTER, LSMR,
LSD, LSI, LST, MICKEY MOUSE BATTLESHIP, MINISUB, MRF, MTB, NASTY,
PBL, PBR, PCF, PT BOAT, RIB, SAMPAN, SCOW, SDV, SKIMMER, SMACK,
STAB, SWIFT BOAT, TAB, TANGO BOAT, WPB, ZIPPO BOAT, ZODIAC.
See ACCOMMODATION LADDER, AFT, AHOY, ATHWART, BARBETTE, BELLS,
BOATSWAIN'S CHAIR, BOATSWAIN'S PIPE, BOW, BRIG, BULKHEAD,
BULL'S-EYE, CAREEN, CASTOFF, CHANTEY, COCKPIT, COLLAPSE DEPTH,
CRAB, CRASH-BACK, CRUISE, CUTWATER, DEAD IN THE WATER, DEADLIGHT,
DECK, DRAFT, DRESS, THE DRINK, EMBRASURE, FANTAIL, FIRE QUARTERS,
FLANK SPEED, FLOAT, FORECASTLE, FREEBOARD, GANGWAY, GIGGLES 'n'
BANGS, GQ, HATCH, HARD-AND-FAST, HEAVE, HEAVE-HO, HIGHLINE,
HOISE, HULL, JACOB'S LADDER, KLAXON, KNEE-KNOCKER, LADDERWELL,
LOAD-LINE MARK, MOSQUITO FLEET, OVERHEAD, ORLOP, PASSAGEWAY,
PITCH, PLIMSOLL MARK, POOP DECK, PORT, PORTHOLE, PRESSURE HULL,
PROW, PULPIT, QUARTERDECK, ROCK THE BOAT, ROLL, SAILOR, SHOWBOAT,
SPONSON, STACK, STACK GAS, STARBOARD, STEM, STERN, TANNOY, TIME,
TOCSIN, TRIM, YAW;
compare DUCK, SUBMARINE, BATTLE WAGON, WARSHIP, FLATTOP, CRUISER,
TIN CAN, Q-SHIP, GHOST SHIP, OILER, TENDER, CONCRETE BATTLESHIP.
[v: tug, trawler, packet, yacht, runabout] [nb: the hull on
European ships bears a resemblance to fish, while the hull on
Asian junks bears a resemblance to waterfowl]
-
BOAT DECK :
-
a superstructure deck on which most of the LIFEBOATs of a ship
are stowed.
-
BOATLIFT :
-
the transport of persons and/or cargo by ship, boat, or other
vessels, especially during an emergency; compare AIRLIFT.
-
BOAT PEOPLE :
-
refugees fleeing Vietnam by boat after 1975; see DOMINO THEORY,
DECENT INTERVAL, DP, E&E, BLOOD CHIT, IRC, YELLOW BIRD;
compare EXILE. [nb: although this phrase has been expanded to
"anyone fleeing repression by watercraft", the Caribbean refugees
emigrating to America on rafts are called "boat rowers"]
-
BOAT SCHOOL :
-
slang reference to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) at
Annapolis, MD; also called "Canoe U" or "Small Boat and Barge
School". See NAPS, CADET, RING-KNOCKER, TRADE SCHOOL, HUDSON
HIGH, OCS, ROTC. [v: Military Schools] [v: Siwash ("At
Good Old Siwash" by George Helgeson Fitch (1911)]
-
BOATSWAIN :
-
an enlisted rating, running from boatswain's striker
(E-2) thru Master Chief and then into Warrant Officers, commonly
called "Boats"; a Navy and Coast Guard rating for deck crew.
Also, personnel, generally specified as specializing in water
transportation and all affiliated chores pertaining to operation
and maintenance of deck equipment such as lines, paint, etc.,
which reflect the general "health" of the ship. Compare CHIEF,
PILOT.
-
BOATSWAIN'S CHAIR :
-
a wooden plank or canvas seat for a worker, that's hung by one or
more ropes (ie: GANTLINE) over the side of a ship's rail, deck,
bridge, and the like.
-
BOATSWAIN'S LOCKER :
-
a storage compartment, usually located forward, where tools,
LINE, and other small equipment for working on DECK is stowed.
-
BOATSWAIN'S MATE 1st CLASS :
-
usually the "deck apes" and small box
coxswains. The Aviation Boatswain's Mates were usually the guys
who took care of towing the birds around the ramp area or flight
decks and who made sure they were secured to the 'ground' when
the weather went to pot.
-
BOATSWAIN'S PIPE / BOATSWAIN'S WHISTLE :
-
a simple musical device used by the BOATSWAIN to make shipboard
announcements over the public address (PA) or loudspeaker system;
often just a series of melodious notes (not even accompanied by
words of instruction). Like BUGLE CALLs, the tune itself was the
announced message. See BULLETIN, HEADS-UP, POOP, DOPE, PIPING
HOT, TOCSIN, TANNOY, HORN, BEATERS 'n' BLEATERS, TOOTER.
-
BOC :
-
Basic Officer's Course, being the introductory branch-specific
training for newly commissioned officers, especially from ROTC
programs; later redesignated Officer's Basic Course (OBC).
-
BODE :
-
short for Cambodian, also expressed as "Cambode"; see ANGEL'S
WING, ANGKOR WAT, ASEAN, CEDAR WALK, CLA, DECENT INTERVAL, DOG'S
FACE, ELEPHANT'S FOOT, FISHHOOK, INDIG, INDOCHINA, KHMER ROUGE,
KHMER SEREI, KKK, PARROT'S BEAK, PENTALATERAL AGREEMENT, PIKE
HILL, SEALORDS, SEATO, SIDESHOW, TRI-BORDER, YEAR ZERO.
-
BO DOI :
-
a uniformed NVA soldier; compare NLF, PAVN, VIET MINH, PRG, PLA,
VC, CHARLIE, GOMER, LONGHAIR, LUKE THE GOOK, BAD GUYS.
-
BODY ARMOR :
-
see FLAK JACKET, HAPPY SUIT, OTV, IOTV, ESAPI, SAPI, FLAK VEST,
CHICKEN PLATE, SKIN, HARDEN, HILLBILLY ARMOR, IRONCLAD.
[nb: during the ninth century, China replaced lacquered leather,
cloth bound rattan, and iron body protection with a superior
pleated-paper body armor, which could reputedly stop an arrow;
during the American CIVIL WAR, some Federal troops privately
purchased bulletproof vests (cuirass) made of steel, but most
were abandoned due to their excessive weight] [nb: like the plate
armor worn by European knights, the privileged Gilbert Islanders
(Kiribati) wore impregnable body armor made of twisted coconut
husks that was so heavy and inflexible that the wearer was
immobilized, having to be carried on and off the battlefield like
a statue] [cf: flexible 'mail'; v: doublet]
-
BODY BAG :
-
plastic bags, with reinforcing carry-straps and central closure,
used for the retrieval of corpses on the battlefield; properly
known as a "Human Remains Container" or "Human Remains Pouch".
Smaller sizes were specially manufactured for Asian Allies. There
were rarely enough BODY BAGS when needed, so corpses were often
tied into ground-sheets, PONCHOs, PONCHO LINERs, or even sleeping
bags as improvised winding sheets (ie: SHROUD) for removal from
the field. Before the specialty manufacture of BODY BAGs during
WWII, the military issued chemically-treated mattress covers to
serve this purpose; the impregnated cloth was intended to inhibit
the spread of diseases. Sometimes called "long term bivy sack".
The reported color of BODY BAGs as portrayed in books or movies
is a reliable TELLTALE for detecting phonies. See CRISPY CRITTER,
RICE KRISPIES, CREATURE FEATURE, FLOATER, TADPOLE, BODY COUNT,
BUTCHER'S BILL, ZULU, KIA, DOW, KILL CREDIT.
[nb: after the American CIVIL WAR, a "rubber coated body removal
bag" was invented by Thomas Holmes, the "father of embalming",
and sold to his fellow morticians with the added benefit,
according to its advertising, of being able to "double as a
sleeping bag" on excursions]
[nb: soldiers often used PETROL, either dabbed directly into
their nostrils or soaked into an improvised mask, to disguise the
mephitic smell and taste associated with corpse recovery; with
the civilian equivalent being Vicks "VapoRub"]
-
BODY COUNT :
-
a tabulation of known or confirmed dead, called "war arithmetic"
by Abraham Lincoln during the CIVIL WAR, this was an accounting
based performance measure, instituted by Robert Strange McNamara,
since no other long-term military objectives existed for Vietnam;
the attrition theory was refuted by demographers as a viable
solution to guerrilla insurgency. The US/allies neglected their
primary motives, as checkmate is more important than attrition in
playing chess, but the PAVN never did, no matter how expensive
(ratios: Dien Bien Phu @ 3000 French / 20,000 Viets, and Viet
Minh estimated over one-million dead fighting the French 1946-54;
then later 380,000 US-ARVN / 1.4 - 2 million PAVN-NLF) ... but
they prevailed! See KIA, BUTCHER'S BILL, KILL 'EM ALL, MASSACRE,
ZULU, HEADHUNTING, KILL CREDIT. [v: Myths of the
Vietnam War]
-
BODYGUARD :
-
a person or group of persons who protect an individual against
bodily harm, such as "executive protection" for FLAG OFFICERs or
junketeers (including embed journalists) by a Personal Defense
Specialist (PDS) or a Personal Security Detachment (PSD). See
TWEP, KILLER KANE, SWEEPER, STROLLER, SNIPER, SHADOW WARRIOR,
DECAPITATION, KILL HOUSE, SHELL GAME, USSS, POLICE.
-
BODY-SNATCHER :
-
a professional operative who specializes in capturing enemy
personnel for interrogation; this descriptive slang is associated
with the B-rate fantasy movies of the 1950s. See SNATCH, PACKAGE,
TONGUE, PANTY RAID, GOO, BRACELET, SRI, I&R, RECON, POW.
-
BOFORS / BOFORS GUN :
-
automatic 40mm gun, primarily used for antiaircraft; term derives
from first place of manufacture in Bofors Sweden (ca1933). See
THUMPER, BLOOPER, DUSTER.
-
BOGIE :
-
any unidentified probable enemy air target, or any unidentified
potential target; derived as a variation of "bogy" [cf: boogie],
and also spelled "bogey". The RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE) always
require target confirmation before attack. Compare BANDIT,
VISUAL; see SCRAM, TALLY-HO, SPLASH, SQUAWK.
Also, informal reference to the drive-sprocket on TRACKed
vehicles, especially TANKs; by extension of the dual rear axle
drive on heavy-duty trucks.
-
BOHICA :
-
acronym for "Bend Over, Here It Comes Again"; usually
describing another undesirable assignment. See BUMFUCK, SOL, SHIT
HIT THE FAN, CYA, PING-PONG, PYHOOYA, FUCK-UP, FUCKED-UP, CLUSTER
FUCK, WTFO.
-
BOHIO :
-
a raised-platform sleeping shelter with slanted roof of
semi-permanent primitive construction, used widely by VC/NVA.
Compare SHEBANG, HIDE, HOOCH, HUT; see DUGOUT, BIVOUAC, TENT.
[cf: ramada, chickee; v: bield, bower, arbor, rock-shelter, den,
lair, cabin, cottage, cabana, lodge, earth lodge, hogan, shed,
byre; cf: garret, cockloft, dovecote]
-
BOK-BOK :
-
fight/fighting.
-
BOLLARD :
-
a substantial post on a WHARF or DECK ("bitt") made of wood,
metal, or concrete that's used for mooring vessels; see BELAY,
CLEAT, BUOY, DOLPHIN. Also, a substantial post, or series of
posts, used as an expedient barrier or obstacle controlling
vehicular access to a designated area or roadway; see CALTROP,
ABATIS, FRAISE, HEDGEHOG, DRAGON'S TEETH.
-
BOLO :
-
failure to qualify for marksmanship rating; see MAGGIE'S
DRAWERS, GROUP TIGHTENER, BULL'S-EYE, POINT-BLANK. Also, a
single-edge jungle knife, often with blunt or rounded tip and
curved blade, originating in the Philippines; see BANANA BOLO,
MACHETE, KNIFE. [v: gollock, kukri; cf: secateurs, pruners,
loppers, shears, scissors] [v: Knife
Terms]
-
BOLO BADGE :
-
NICKNAME for qualification or proficiency badges, from
marksmanship to driver, usually referring to the lowest, basic,
or minimum rating, as in "coming up to scratch". See
SHARPSHOOTER; compare Q-TAB, TRASH. [v: expert, master, virtuoso,
bailiwick] [nb: an insignia emblematic of the honors and lineage
of a military organization, unlike familial "coats of arms", may
be individually enhanced but not personally heritable; v: Heraldry]
-
BOLTER :
-
an airplane that misses the landing restraint wire on the flight
deck of an aircraft carrier, or the ROOF of a FLATTOP; see NIGHT
TRAP, TAILHOOK.
-
BOLT HOLE :
-
a secure escape route or hideout, especially one reserved for an
emergency during covert operations. See SAFE, RABBIT, TRADECRAFT,
SAFE ROOM; compare SAFE HOUSE, HIDE, SHROUD, DUGOUT, SMUGGLER'S
TRAP, DODGE THE BULLET, STALKING HORSE.
-
BOLTROPE :
-
cordage sewn to the edge of canvas yardage or sheeting (ie: tarp,
tentage, sail) that's used to reinforce and strengthen it. See
FOOTROPE.
-
BOMB :
-
see IRON BOMB, CBU, BUTTERFLY BOMB, GBU, LGB, EOGB, VB, JDAM,
FAE, DAISY CUTTER, LZ CUT, NAPALM, SNAKE, SNAKES 'n' NAPES, SKIP
BOMBING, SMART BOMB, A-BOMB, H-BOMB, N-BOMB, ZERO POINT, GROUND
ZERO, OVERKILL, FOOTBALL, PENTAGONAL, BOMBSIGHT, PICKLE, STICK,
BOMB FARM, DUMP, BULLSHIT BOMB, BIKINI, NUKE, EMP, E-WARHEAD,
CBR, YELLOWCAKE, HEAVY WATER, HOT GREASE, PROXIMITY FUZE, VT,
FUSE, FUZE, TRIGGER, CHARGE, MUNITION, EXPLOSIVE, C-4, HEP,
SATCHEL CHARGE, EFP, IED, BOOBY-TRAP, TOE-POPPER, MINE, MORTAR,
GRENADE, BLOOPER, THUMPER, DARPA, BIGGER BANG FOR THE BUCK, BOMB
'EM BACK TO THE STONE AGE, PAPER TIGER.
-
BOMBARDIER :
-
the crewmember of a bombing airplane who operates the BOMBSIGHT
and the bomb-release mechanism. Also, obsolete designation for an
artilleryman; see REDLEG, BULLET HEAD, CANNON-COCKER, TUBE
MONKEY, FAG.
-
BOMB 'EM BACK TO THE STONE AGE :
-
notorious catch-phrase of the VIETNAM WAR, distilling the essence
of the STRATEGIC BOMBING campaign promoted by USAF GEN Curtis
LeMay, and also expressed as "bomb 'em out of existence" by
Senator Sam Ervin. The phrase seems to have originated with the
German attempt at utter destruction at the battle of Stalingrad,
but the Soviets used the rubble for concealment and advancement.
The Allies attempted to demoralize and subdue the Axis with
STRATEGIC BOMBING during WWII with no better success than its
later use in Vietnam. See ARC LIGHT, CARPET BOMBING, BIGGER BANG
FOR THE BUCK, BOUNCE THE RUBBLE, FAST MOVER, SLOW MOVER, FCSL,
TAC-AIR. [nb: "People with the noise of bombs in their ears are
not anxious to negotiate." by Alexei Kosygin; "Nobody has yet
found a way of bombing that can prevent foot soldiers from
walking." by Walter Lippmann]
-
BOMBER :
-
informal reference to an airplane equipped to carry and drop
bombs; see IRON BOMB, SMART BOMB, BOMBSIGHT, BIRD. [nb:
Vietnamese term: Phi Co Oanh Tac] Also, a person who illegally
constructs, sets, or detonates an EXPLOSIVE device; see IED,
BOOBY-TRAP, GAMMON GRENADE, TERRORIST.
-
BOMB FARM :
-
a staging area or assembly point for explosive ordnance and other
munitions that have been drawn from the storage DUMP and setup
for a specific mission or operation, especially on-board an
aircraft carrier, usually with portable REVETMENTs or BLAST
WALLs, and adjacent firefighting supplies or equipment.
-
BOMB-PROOF :
-
a relatively safe or secure job in a protected area; see REMF,
HOMESTEADER, MILICRAT, BEAN-COUNTER, PUKE, CLERKS 'n' JERKS,
ACETATE COMMANDO, CHAIRBORNE, TOCROACH, TAP-DANCER. Also, slang
for a BUNKER, dugout, or other position fortified against
indirect or aerial assault. [v: Military
Earthworks Terms]
-
BOMB SHELTER :
-
(forthcoming); HIDE, SAFE ROOM, FALLOUT SHELTER, ELEPHANT HUT,
BUNKER, BLOCKHOUSE
[v: Anderson shelter, Morrison shelter; cf: Svalbard "Doomsday"
Global Vault in Spitsbergen] [v: Military
Earthworks Terms]
-
BOMBSIGHT :
-
an aiming device installed in an aircraft for determining the
optimal release point for bombs; a device that factors altitude,
wind speed, and other variables when calculating the proper
moment for releasing BOMBs from an aircraft ... with SMART BOMBs,
this aiming device uses RADAR or LASER to guide the MUNITIONs
onto their TARGET after computing their appropriate release. See
PICKLE, DIVETOSS, LASER AIMING DEVICE, HARDPOINT.
-
BONE BREAK FEVER :
-
slang for Dengue Fever due to symptomatic contractures or
seizures; see FUO.
-
BONE CUTTER :
-
slang for a physician or surgeon, a medico or medical doctor;
also called SAWBONES, "medicine man", or "croaker". See BABY DOC,
DOC, ANGEL, ORDERLY, MEDIC, CORPSMEN, BAC SI, Y SI, BAND-AID,
CHOP SHOP, LUGGAGE TAG, TRIAGE.
[nb: Vietnamese term: Nguoi Giai Phau] [nb: a separate medical
department was established in the U.S. Army in 1818, and in the
U.S. Navy (BuMed) in 1842; the Army established a corps for
nurses (ANC) in 1901, and the Navy accepted nurses in 1908]
-
BONE DOME :
-
slang for the ballistic communications helmet worn by PILOTs and
TANKERs / TOADs, equipped with visors and filters, and variously
colored; although unit property, they are typically personalized.
See HARD HAT, K-POT, STEEL POT, HEADGEAR.
-
BONEYARD :
-
slang for cemetery or graveyard; see GARDEN OF STONES, BOX JOB,
NATIONAL CEMETERY, CATAFALQUE, MORTUARY AFFAIRS, GRAVES
REGISTRATION; compare LAID BY THE WALL.
[nb: "long home" is slang for gravesite; v: graveyard, boneyard,
boot hill, God's acre, churchyard, catacomb, necropolis,
cenotaph, columbarium, sepulcher; cf: "whited sepulcher" (Matthew
23:27)]
Also, slang for a DUMP or TOMB, especially long term storage of
DEACTIVATEd systems or obsolete materiel; see MOTHBALL,
CANNIBALIZE.
-
BOOBY-TRAP :
-
a concealed munition with an automatic trigger, or an
explosive charge hidden in a harmless object which detonates on
contact. See PUNJI STAKE, FRAISE, TROU-DE-LOUP, TIGER TRAP,
MALAYAN GATE, NIGHTINGALE, TU DAI, ELDEST SON, MA, ALPHA-ALPHA,
AMBUSH, TOE-POPPER, MINE, IED, HME, EXPLOSIVE.
[nb: copying the successful sabotage of the OSS and resistance
during WWII, SOG introduced BOOBY-TRAPped rifle and mortar AMMO,
canteens, cameras, field gear and radios into SEA enemy
controlled territory, along with AP mines imitating rocks and
foliage.]
-
BOOM :
-
a deep resonant sound, often prolonged, as from explosive
detonation or SONIC BOOM. Also, any of various spars, beams, or
poles projecting from a mast, as used to extend a ship's sails,
to handle cargo, to guide objects, or to hold devices; also
called a derrick or crane, an arm or STICK; see LUFF, compare
DAVIT, YARDARM, BLOCK, TACKLE, WHIP. Also, a chain, cable, or the
like serving to obstruct navigation.
-
BOOM-BOOM :
-
SHORT-TIME sex with a prostitute, typically cost about 500
Piasters or $3; see CHURNING BUTTER, FUCK, CHOCOLATE BUNNY,
BUTTERFLY, DIDDLY, TRICK, DU, STEAM 'n' CREAM, HOOKUP, HELL ON
WHEELS, ACT OF CONGRESS.
[nb: the "comfort girls" who were employed as contract
prostitutes to serve the sexual needs (TRICKs) of Imperial
Japanese troops in the field, usually at a COMFORT STATION or SIN
CITY, were called "shock absorbers" by the Allied POWs who
happened to observe their (mis-)treatment]
-
BOOMER :
-
USN slang for a nuclear-powered SUBMARINE, officially
identified as Submersible Ship Nuclear (SSN); sometimes called
"sewerpipe". Such ships were operated by two crews in separate
rotation, called "blue" and "gold" teams (after traditional Navy
colors), to keep mission stations constantly covered. See GUPPY,
ASW, SLBM. Also, a submariner, especially one qualified on
"sewerpipes", as opposed to DOLPHIN; see BUBBLEHEAD, DIPPER,
compare SKIMMER, AIRDALE, SHELLBACK. Also, USAF slang for anyone
of superior achievement, as a "high flier"; see ZOOMIE, TOP GUN,
FAST MOVER, FIGJAM, SUPER-TROOPER, TOP DOG, GOLDEN BOY, DEEP DIP,
UP OR OUT. Also, slang for an expert telegrapher; see SALTING,
CW, TTY, TWX, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH. [v: expert, master, virtuoso,
bailiwick]
-
BOOMERANG :
-
something that does injury to the originator, as a scheme or
argument that backfires; derived from the curved throwing club of
the Aborigines. See REVOLUTION, TURN IN THE BARREL.
-
BOONDOCKERS :
-
an ankle-high rough-out leather work shoe or demiboot, worn until
WWII with LEGGINGs, gaiters, or PUTTEEs; also called jodhpurs,
jodhpur boots, brogans, or "gunboats". Authorized for wear by
aircrew and aircraft ground maintenance personnel during Vietnam
as a safety precaution; compare BROWN SHOE / BOOT, OLD BREED,
BUSKINS, BLACK SHOE / BOOT, LOW-QUARTERS, LPC, FOOTWEAR.
[nb: "rough-out" is not 'suede' (split leather with nap on both
sides) but full grain leather with the finished (smooth) side
used on the interior, which is more comfortable, wears longer,
and waterproofs more thoroughly ... everyone who wore these
rough-out BOONDOCKERS and BOOTs preferred them to their BLACK
replacements ... the "secret" to superior German military field
boots was a double layer of full grain leather with the smooth
waxed sides facing on the inside, letting the inner nap wick
perspiration and the outer nap protect the sealed sides]
[nb: Gaelic for shoe is 'brog', from which comes the English word
"brogue" or brogan; the vent holes or decorative perforations
that are often punched in the leather represent the piercings for
drainage in the traditional deerhide footwear; Gaelic for 'my
footwear' is "mo chasan", which usage by Scottish immigrants may
have spawned the American name "moccasin" for the one-piece
AmerIndian shoe (alternatively: "maxkeseni" in Algonquian)]
-
BOONDOCKS / BOONIES :
-
also called bush, sticks, woods, barrens, brush, weeds, scrub,
veg, rough, THULE, hinterlands, INDIAN COUNTRY, bad lands, bandit
country; being terms for the field or jungle, as any remote area
away from BASE CAMPs or cities. Sometimes used to refer to
everywhere in Vietnam, despite the fact that almost all enemy
contact occurred in the less inhabited areas, outside the cities,
along the border. See ELEPHANT GRASS, SAW GRASS, KUNAI, NIPA
PALM, PITA, TULE, AGENT ORANGE, THE J, BACKWASH, DOWN RANGE,
SANDBOX, FEBA, MLR, FLOT, FRONT LINE, FIELD ALLOWANCE.
[nb: as a tactical element, the jungle is neutral, offering the
same advantage or disadvantage to both sides; so it only becomes
a factor when troops are exploited by their ignorance of it, or
strategy does not exploit its latent opportunities]
Also, any disagreeable assignment or remote posting (BILLET or
HARDSHIP TOUR) that's perceived as sidetracking or punishment;
not a preferred or favored "mainstream" POST; being a more polite
form of BUMFUCK.
[aka: podunk, jerkwater, hicksville, nowheresville, boringburg,
splitsville, one-horse town, shithole, back-of-beyond,
middle-of-nowhere, faraway, nowhither, lost-in-the-woods, north
remote, east stranded, one-eyed town, nastyland, badland,
dead-letter office, elephant's boneyard, elephant's graveyard; v:
wop-wops, Woop Woop, Waikikamukau, Eketahuna, beyond the Black
Stump, back of Bourke, outback]
-
BOONIE / BOONIE HAT :
-
a wide-brimmed soft jungle hat, also called "bush hat",
"crusher", "slouch hat", or "field fedora", with screened
ventilation holes, sewn loops for camouflage, and neck/chin
strap, in colors to match the issue FATIGUE uniform; variously
styled and personalized, as by grenade pull-pins, safety-pins,
and insignia. Preferred to the STEEL POT for field wear, despite
the increased risk of injury, due to improved hearing, decreased
noise, and reduced weight. This "soft cover" was worn as a proud
distinction from REMFs, who were required to wear the baseball
cap or utility COVER. See BLANKET HEAD, GREEN BERET, HEADGEAR,
SHORT-TIMER PIN.
-
BOONIE RAT :
-
a VIETNAM WAR infantryman, being someone who slogs through the
BOONDOCKS; see GRUNT, BUSHMASTER, GROUND POUNDER, CRUNCHY, LEG,
BLUELEG, INF, 03, SNUFFY. [v: bushranger]
-
BOOT :
-
slang for a trainee, tyro, or abecedarian, especially a Marine in
boot camp or BASIC training; see MAGGOT, SMACK, CRUIT, YARDBIRD,
SMACK, SLICK SLEEVE, BCT, TRAIN [nb: it's a well established fact
that a good Drill Sergeant will take the raw material of a
civilian and turn him into a soldier in the same way that he
would take a tangled mess of steel wool and knit it into a
tank!]. Also, FOOTWEAR. Also, to urge, encourage, inspire,
incite, enjoin, invoke, sustain, as to "boot up"; see BOOTSTRAP.
-
BOOTS ON THE GROUND :
-
a catch-phrase that generally refers to MIL-PERS who are actually
engaged with enemy elements, or are occupying a disputed
territory, as distinguished from the implied threat of force in
airpower or seapower; a generic term that makes no distinction
between males or females, officers or enlisted men, combat or
combat support troops. The ground forces actually deployed in a
conflict or war, as opposed to troops not engaged; abbreviated as
BOG or BOTG. This expression is often misused by journalists when
they mean "ground forces" or "troops in place", as opposed to
reserve elements or units in transit.
-
BOOTSTRAP :
-
military program for attaining educational certification from
civilian institutions as preliminary to promotion or career
advancement; formally operated under the auspices of USAFI or
SOC. The newer Army University Access Online offers eligible
soldiers the opportunity to obtain college degrees or technical
certification through internet-based courses while serving on
active duty, which students are assisted with tuition, textbooks,
laptop computers, printers, internet access, and other resources.
See NESEP, CONAP, ACASP, DEP, ROTC, RE-UP, UP OR OUT.
-
BOQ :
-
(b-o-q, not "bock") Bachelor Officer's Quarters, being apartments
provided on post or BASE for unmarried officers; see QTRS.
-
BORDEN :
-
a PSYOPS deception project for recruiting and training
FALSE FLAG captives (allegedly HOI CHANH), who were then returned
to NVN with explicit DISINFORMATION and spurious contact data;
these conduits were expected to become double-agents for SOG to
manipulate in DECEPTION operations.
-
BORDER DEFENSE RANGER :
-
during VIETNAMIZATION, when US Special Forces was departing, the
Mike Forces and many A-Team Camps were converted to BDR units
under ARVN Ranger command. The VN Special Forces (LLDB)
COUNTERPARTs were permitted to transfer to either the ARVN
Airborne or ARVN Rangers (BDQ). Also known as "Border Rangers".
[nb: Vietnamese term: Biet Dong Quan Bien Phong, Luc Luong Gioi
Tuyen]
-
BORE :
-
a hole made in a gun barrel by boring; see GUNLOCK, BREECH, GUN
TUBE, MAIN-GUN, FLAREBACK, FIREARM. Also, the inside diameter of
a hollow cylindrical chamber; see CALIBER.
-
BORESIGHT :
-
from a fixed position centered in the barrel of a gun, usually
large bore CANNON or recoilless rifles (RR), by use of precision
crosshairs and/or cored bore blocks, the weapon's aiming system
is matched to the gun-tube's actual center at a fixed distance.
All subsequent aiming adjustments are compensation for firing
trajectory. See ZERO, BULL'S-EYE; compare SIGHT PICTURE, PEEP
SIGHT, POINT-BLANK.
-
BOT :
-
contraction of roBOT, being slang for any unmanned vehicle or
pilotless craft, including DRONE, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV),
and the like.
[nb: the word "robot" was coined by Karel Capek, the Czech
playwright, in his 1920 "R.U.R!", where it was used as a
combining form (eg: "inrobota": compulsory labor;
"robotník": a peasant owing compulsory labor; etc) to
represent human enslavement to automation; Isaac Asimov later
established the fundamental principles of robotics]
-
BOUNCE :
-
US Navy aviation slang for practice landings on an airstrip
that's simulating the size, shape, and markings of an aircraft
carrier (CV) RUNWAY, including TAILHOOK arresting wires, as
required preparation for an actual qualification landing on a
FLATTOP; properly known as a FIELD CARRIER LANDING. This exercise
is similar to the "touch and go" landing practice of ground-based
PILOTs. See TOUCHDOWN, SPLASHDOWN, THRESHOLD, WINDSOCK.
Also, slang for a hard or jarring landing, like dribbling down
the RUNWAY, that gives the impression of damaging the aircraft;
see AUGER-IN, NOSEDIVE, PANCAKE, GROUND LOOP, TOUCHDOWN, ALS,
AUTO-ROTATE, CHOPPER, BIRD.
-
BOUNCE THE RUBBLE :
-
a WWII catch-phrase expressive of the STRATEGIC BOMBING
viewpoint: to "pound the target into rubble, then bounce the
rubble"; which destructive sentiment has also been expressed as:
"trying to put a period where God has put a comma". see ARC
LIGHT, CARPET BOMBING, BIGGER BANG FOR THE BUCK, BOMB 'EM BACK TO
THE STONE AGE, OVERKILL, KNOCK INTO A COCKED HAT, DOUBLE TAP,
CBR, WMD, NUKE, COLLATERAL DAMAGE, MASSACRE, HEADHUNTING, TURKEY
SHOOT, KILL 'EM ALL, ATROCITY, GENOCIDE, HOLOCAUST [eg: Albi,
Atlanta, Beziers, Carthage, Columbia, Covington, Dresden,
Glencoe, Guernica, Hiroshima, Lidice, Meroë, Nagasaki,
Nanking/Nanjing, Shanghai, Sybaris, Tiananmen Square, Veii]. [v:
vernichtungsgedanken] [nb: "Most of the world's ills would be
cured with one three-day open season on people." by Ernest M.
Hemingway]
-
BOUNCING BETTY :
-
anti-personnel mine that is propelled upwards about waist height
(one meter) before detonating. Known as "jumping jack" by AUSSIE
and KIWI forces, it derived from the WWII "S Mine" containing
bearings or scrap metal in a two stage activation: launch and
explosion. Had great psychological effect. Compare FIRECRACKER,
CBU.
-
BOW :
-
the front of a craft or vessel; designated by the color white,
and displays a white navigation light showing over an unbroken
arc of the horizon of 135 degrees, centered dead ahead. Compare
STERN, AFT; see STEM, PROW, CUTWATER, ROSTRUM, SHARP END,
FORECASTLE, HAWSEPIPE, BLUE NOSE, STARBOARD, PORT, IR MARKERS,
CHRISTMAS TREE.
-
BOWER :
-
an anchor carried at the BOW of a vessel; see HOOK, DROGUE,
HEAVE-HO, DAVIT, MAINSTAY.
-
BOX JOB :
-
funeral, obsequy, or burial ceremony involving a coffin, pall, or
casket; not cremation with storage in a columbarium or sepulchral
vault. See GARDEN OF STONES, BONEYARD, "long home" @LONG HOUSE,
NATIONAL CEMETERY, CATAFALQUE, MORTUARY AFFAIRS, GRAVES
REGISTRATION; compare LAID BY THE WALL.
[nb: "long home" is slang for gravesite; v: graveyard, boneyard,
boot hill, God's acre, churchyard, catacomb, necropolis,
cenotaph, columbarium, sepulcher; cf: "whited sepulcher" (Matthew
23:27)] [nb: the traditional three-shot volley at burial derives
from the pagan ritual of shouting the name of the deceased three
times to tell the gods who is coming] [nb: the tradition of
placing a coin in the mouth of the deceased before burial derives
from the pagan rite of paying for passage into the After-Life
(cf: Christian eschatology, re: "harder for a rich man to get
into Heaven"); compare "tooth notch" @ DOG TAGS]
-
BOX THE COMPASS :
-
to repeat the names of all 32 points of the compass in sequential
order; see COMPASS CARD, COMPASS ROSE, COMPASS. Also, a form of
punishment at military training facilities wherein the student
performs all of the proper DRILL and MARCHing routines, usually
with a rifle, that will sequentially cover each of the compass
points in a quadrangle or on a PARADE GROUND; a CADET "boxes the
compass" to discount his demerits; see ADY, GIG, TURD, SHIT LIST,
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, FASHION SHOW, DROP, FRONT LEANING REST,
AIRMAN ALIGNMENT TOOL, BLANKET PARTY, SQUEEZE.
-
BOY :
-
an apprentice seaman, especially one who has not before gone to
sea (eg: cabin boy, powder monkey); being a recognized RANK below
PRIVATE (USMC) or Seaman in the U.S. Navy until after the CIVIL
WAR. Also, any young male servant, houseboy, or attendant, such
as a page, GOFER, or HOUSE MOUSE. Also, a male who is considered
by the speaker to be inferior in race, nationality, or
occupational status, being typically a WOG or LITTLE PEOPLE; see
DINK, GOOK, SLOPE, SLANT-EYE, RICE BALL, ZIP, NIP, JAPE, CHINK;
compare LITTLE BROWN BROTHER, BUDDHAHEAD, INDIG. [v: Names of Foreigners or Foes]
-
BOYDLOOP :
-
developed from KOREAN WAR statistics as a way to violate linear
programming or conventional mind-sets (eg: action / reaction,
move / counter-move) by gaining a tactical advantage through
either unexpected action, or performance that exceeds regular
limits; also called OODALoop (Observation, Orientation, Decision,
Action Loop). See LAW OF AVERAGES, UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE,
PRINCIPLE OF LEAST FORCE, LEAST RESISTANCE, LAW OF DIMINISHING
RETURNS, LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES.
-
BOY'S CLUB :
-
(forthcoming);
fraternal order, fraternity; "boys will be boys" vs "old boys
club"
see TRADE SCHOOL, RING-KNOCKER, KHAKI MAFIA, SIX DEGREES OF
SEPARATION, INITIATION, EARRING, MEAT MARKER, TATTOO, CHALLENGE
COIN; compare FRATERNIZATION.
-
BOY WONDER :
-
dismissive reference to any young and ambitious soldier, often
regardless of ability; also called "wunderkind", "Baby Hero", or
"General in Waiting"; see BABY 007, SHAVETAIL, SHAKE 'n' BAKE,
HOT DOG, SPEEDY, GOLDEN BOY, HARD CHARGER, SWEAT HOG, HOT SHOT,
FIGJAM, FAST MOVER, BOOMER, SUPER-TROOPER, FUGLEMAN, TOP DOG.
[nb: known as "show pony" by AUSSIE and KIWI troops]
Also, fictional character in BAT MAN (qv) comics, serving as
partner during operations, and known as the "Dynamic Duo" when
paired.
-
BP :
-
Base Pay, without adjustment for supplements or allotments.
-
THE BRA :
-
distinctive terrain feature, resembling a brassiere,
formed by a recurving river in the TRI-BORDER area of Laos; a
PAVN sanctuary visited by SOG missions.
-
BRACE :
-
a rigid form of ATTENTION, with head, shoulders, buttocks,
and heels in alignment, especially as if "pinned" against a wall
or BULKHEAD as a specimen; also known as "strain". Also, a
confrontation or resolution. Also, a clamp, CHOCK, or other
reinforcement.
-
BRACELET :
-
a distinctive wristband or circlet, made of various materials and
variously marked to signify status or affiliation, especially
tribal bands worn by native peoples, who sometimes present them
to ADVISORs as a symbol of tribal adoption; see MONTAGNARD, INDIG
[nb: pagan Norsemen awarded metallic bracelets in recognition of
meritorious or valorous deeds; likewise, various AmerIndian bands
recognized bravery with the award of bracelets]. Also, a copper
or aluminum (later enameled) cuff engraved with the identifying
particulars of individual POWs or MIAs, which were sold for fund-
and consciousness raising by non-profit organizations; see
POW-MIA DAY, MEAT MARKER, COINING, SOUVENIR [cf: a "key to
paradise" that's engraved with the name of a martyr is presented
by a mullah to an acolyte when dispatched on a fatwa or jihad].
Also, slang for handcuffs, as used to safely and securely
restrain a PACKAGE, TONGUE, POW, or other detainee; sometimes
called cuffs, clips, nips, ruffles, clamps, or hooks (as "hook
'n' book") when made of metal, and self-locking flex-cuff,
wrist-lock, zip-tie, lock-tight, cable-tie, or tie-tight when
made of nylon or plastic (disposable one-time use that must be
cut off of the prisoner). Compare GOO; see SNATCH, PANTY RAID.
-
BRADLEY :
-
the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (M-2) and the Bradley
Cavalry Fighting Vehicle (M-3), introduced to inventory in 1981
with the mission to transport and reinforce dismounted infantry
squads, engage lightly armored vehicles and semi-HARD
fortifications, and to scout the ground advance while providing
flank security. The BRADLEY has a 600hp diesel engine with a
hydro-mechanical automatic transmission, a 250mi range at 38mph,
is equipped with Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) sensors,
a GPS and inertial navigation system, and is armed with a 25mm
Bushmaster cannon (M-242) or TOW II missile system, and two
7.62mm machineguns (M-240C), and may utilize "armor tiles"
(REACTIVE ARMOR). See APC, TRACK.
-
BRAGGING RIGHTS :
-
the authority to claim competitive achievement, as with skill
contests and intramural sports, as prized by SWEAT HOGS and YOUNG
LIONS; considered socially inappropriate and personally
reprehensible when extended to battlefield actions. See TRASH,
ATTABOY, BRAVO ZULU, A-1, FIGJAM, STREAMER, GONG, TROPHY, KILL
RING, POWER WALL, PISSING CONTEST, MACHO, WATCH MY SMOKE,
DIEHARD, TOP DOG, HERO; compare DUD, WANNABE. [v: fanfaronade]
Also, anything that may serve to distinguish or differentiate one
MIL-SPEC unit from its uniformly comparable, if not identical,
component units, such as a corner BARRACK, an air-conditioned
BOAT, a MESSHALL mural, the propinquity of a shuttle bus stop, a
decorative shrub or flower bed beside the ORDERLY ROOM, the first
issue of replacement equipment, and so forth ad nauseam!
-
BRAINWASHING :
-
the methodology for changing attitudes or altering beliefs
through the systematic use of TORTURE, drugs, physical
deprivation or isolation, mental or psychological stress, as
practiced by communist regimes on foreign and domestic prisoners;
see ROPE TRICK, PLAYING THE XYLOPHONE, FIELD EXPEDIENT FACIAL,
TRUTH SERUM, TORTURE, POW, CODE OF CONDUCT.
Also, any method of controlled or systematic indoctrination,
especially one based on repetition or confusion; see REEDUCATION,
GULAG, CONCENTRATION CAMP, PAIN.
-
BRANCH :
-
a principal section or primary division of a body, discipline, or
system, specifically the separate elements comprising the armed
forces: military and maritime, or army and navy, as denoted by a
"branch of service" insignia. Also, the distinct and specialized
subdivisions of a body, discipline, or system, specifically the
combat or supporting arms of the military. Also, the particular
subdivisional elements within each combat or supporting arm of
the military, as denoted by a "branch specialty" insignia. As an
hierarchical example, infantry is a specialty branch of combat
arms within the army branch of service of the armed forces. The
U.S. Army consists of 20 specialty branches of service: Combat
Arms: Air Defense Artillery, Armor, Aviation, Corps of Engineers,
Field Artillery, Infantry; Combat Support: Chemical Corps,
Military Intelligence Corps, Military Police Corps, Signal Corps;
Combat Service Support: Adjutant General's Corps, Chaplain's
Corps, Judge Advocate General's Corps, Medical Corps, Medical
Service Corps, Nurse Corps, Finance Corps, Ordnance Corps,
Quartermaster Corps, Transportation Corps. See AAA, AG, ANGEL,
ARM, ARTY, BIRDMAN, BLUELEG, BONE CUTTER, CAV, CE, CHOP SHOP,
COOKIE, DOC, ENGR, FAG, INF, JAG, LOGISTICS, MI, MOTOR POOL, MP,
MUNITIONS, QM, REDLEG, SAPPER, SKY PILOT, TANKER, TOAD, WIGWAG /
WIGWAGGER, RATING, DEVICE, CAB, WAR COLLEGE, ROTC, SKIRT; compare
CREST.
-
BRASS :
-
slang for an OFFICER or commander, a BRASS HAT. Also, slang for
command, staff, or headquarters (HQ). Also, slang for SHELL and
cartridge CASINGs, which are also known as "droppies" (DROPPY).
Also, slang for the Class-A / service dress uniforms or for any
SPIT 'n' POLISH routine. Also, slang for any insignia of RANK,
DEVICE, BADGE or CREST, regardless of color or actual metal
content [nb: the USAF adopted brushed aluminum emblems to
officially discourage excessive polishing, which wastes time
that's better spent on improving military skills or attaining
mission objectives].
-
BRASSARD :
-
a band worn around the upper arm to signify position, duty, or
affiliation; armband may extend to shoulder connection or into
EPAULET. See ACTING JACK, GADGET, CQ, OOD, SDO.
[nb: for the first time, American flag armbands were issued to US
troops on Operation Torch into north Africa, to distinguish them
from Axis Germans and Vichy French, because, as Churchill said,
"In the night, all cats are grey." The wearing of American flags
on the US combat uniform became standard practice after the
VIETNAM WAR]
-
BRASS-COLLAR :
-
unwavering allegiance or affiliation, as to a leader or
sovereign, a people or nation, a party or cause, a creed or code;
such loyalty or faithfulness is generally characterized as
hidebound or narrowminded, as with chauvinists or jingoists, but
people of any stripe who have the courage of their convictions
are always rare. This term probably derives from the thrall ring
worn by bondmen and other henchmen, such as a squire, thane,
yeoman, or villein; not to be confused with "brass ring" or
"golden ring". See CREED, PROMISE, OATH, HONOR CODE, CODE OF
CONDUCT, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN, DUTY, NATIONAL SECURITY, TOE
THE LINE, SCRIPTURES, PARTY LINE, STRAIGHT ARROW, TRUE BELIEVER.
-
BRASS EAR :
-
used since the American CIVIL WAR for obstinate commanders or
intractable authoritarians, as one being too deaf or too stupid
to listen to new information or an alternative opinion; the audio
version of perblind, probably derived from the brass ear trumpet
or ear horn, with 'brass' metonymically doubled for RANK. see
LITTLE PRICK, MARTINET, TRUE BELIEVER, ROUGHSHOD, MILICRAT,
HEADQUARTERISM, PARTY LINE, SCRIPTURES; compare HARD-ASS.
[cf: tone-deaf, word-deaf]
-
BRASS HAT :
-
metonym for an OFFICER; derived from the ancient practice of
equipping leaders or commanders with distinctive HEADGEAR ...
Alexander the Great is said to have worn a golden helmet, but
most lexicographers date this phrase to the gold oak leaves on
the caps of senior officers during the First Boer War (1880-1).
See PIP, SCRAMBLED-EGGS, RHIP, ROUGHSHOD; compare CHROME-DOME,
LITTLE PEOPLE, SWINE LOG.
[v: turkey cock, popinjay, sophist, nabob, nibs, stuffed-shirt,
pooh-bah, panjandrum, high and mighty, hogen mogen,
high-muckety-muck, high-muck-a-muck] [nb: the word "caddie", with
the same origin as CADET, and sometimes shortened to "cad"
(irresponsible, dishonorable), was the 17th century term for a
gentleman who learned the military profession by serving in the
army without a commission; henceforth, it was applied to a person
seeking employment] [nb: until recently, an OFFICER was
simultaneously designated a "gentleman" when appointed by an ACT
OF CONGRESS, which not only inspired further intellectual
development but also encouraged cultural sophistication, which
refinements were mocked as being 'suave and debonair'
(deliberately mispronounced as "soo-wave" and "dee-boner"); v:
BLUE BLOOD, UP THE HAWSEPIPE, OFFICER'S COUNTRY, TALLY-HO, TACT;
cf: HARD-ASS, MACHO]
-
BRAT :
-
slang for a minor military dependent, especially a child reared
on a military installation; such as "Army BRAT" or "Navy BRAT".
Due to early exposure to crosscultural environments, foreign
languages, and familial discipline, most BRATs are more
intelligent, responsible, and self-reliant than their CIVILIAN
peers. Compare ARMY SOUP; see GREEN BLOOD, DRAG, SEPARATE RATS,
CAMP FOLLOWER.
[aka: crumb-cruncher, curtain-climber, ankle-biter, rug rat,
nipper, squaller, whelp, jackanapes, rascal, imp, hoyden, chit]
[nb: until the Vietnam-era, the military did not recognize the
spouse or other dependents of enlisted personnel below the
non-commissioned officer ranks]
-
BRAVERY :
-
splendid conduct or magnificent spirit; see V-DEVICE, IMPACT
AWARD, GUTS, MOXIE, ONIONS, DIEHARD, VETERAN, WINTER SOLDIER,
NOBLE SAVAGE, COUNT COUP, BRAGGING RIGHTS, QUIET PROFESSIONAL,
HERO, MACHO. [nb: "That which valor has joined cannot be parted
by death, and that which has been ennobled by courage shall not
be diminished by passing, even out of remembrance."]
-
BRAVO :
-
the word assigned to represent the letter "B" in the
international phonetic alphabet; at various times in different
spelling schemes, it has also been acrophonetically represented
as Boy and Baker. See ALPHABET SOUP, PHONETIC ALPHABET. [v: Alphabet Codes &
Signal Flags]
-
BRAVO SIERRA :
-
the phonetic representation of B S, hence less vulgar than
bullshit, but meaning the same thing; see TALK TRASH, SHOOT THE
SHIT, BLOW SMOKE, WOOF, HOT AIR, GAS BAG, TELL IT TO THE MARINES,
CONFETTI, SNOW, MOTOR MOUTH, TAP-DANCER, RUMOR, BTDT, MUSHROOM,
ATFU, SEA STORY, WAR STORY; compare COUNT COUP, NEED TO KNOW,
MIL-SPEAK, BRAVO ZULU, BULLSHITVIK.
[nb: 'hooey', allegedly an Americanism used as an interjection
for nonsense or tripe, is actually a corruption of the Russian
vulgarity ("khuy") for penis, and is commonly used alone (eg:
dick, dickhead, dick-wad) or in phrases (eg: dumber than dick; he
doesn't know dick; don't dick around; don't stir your tea with
your dick)] [cf: migration of "putz" from shine through ornament
to penis and dolt; as sexual lure] [v: lucky stiff]
-
BRAVO ZULU :
-
"well done", from fleet B - Z burgees signaling "good
performance"; hence, a compliment. See A-1, ATTABOY, YOUNG LIONS,
GONG, GREEN WEENIE, STREAMER, BRAGGING RIGHTS, TOP DOG, POWER
WALL; compare BRAVO SIERRA. [v: fanfaronade]
-
BREACHER :
-
the person trained and equipped, with tools and munitions, to
force a gap or opening in a wall, or to otherwise rupture a
fortified defense. Although the BREACHER is part of the assault
team, he does not lead the other members through the new opening;
but after making the breach (ie: mechanical, ballistic, or
explosive), he falls into the security support group to aid in
SEARCH AND CLEAR or SEARCH AND DESTROY operations, until called
upon to open another entrance. See CHARGE, ENGR, EOD, CE, SAPPER,
HOOLIGAN.
-
BREAK :
-
the term used to close or clear a series of transmissions
prior to opening or beginning another series of transmissions on
the same network, such as when a commander relays instructions to
each subordinate in sequence, instead of simultaneously; see EOT,
SQUELCH, RADIO.
-
BREAK BRUSH :
-
to travel or maneuver off of paths and byways so as to avoid
BOOBY-TRAPs and MINEs; also called "break trail".
-
BREAK CHOP :
-
to utterly reject a BEGGING BOWL request (in the sense of
CHOPSTICK), or to contemptuously disregard the authority of a
GOFER or ACTING JACK (as a seal of office, CHOP, PIP, or ENSIGN);
expressed as "he BROKE my CHOP when ..." or "don't BUST his
CHOP". [nb: not "choppers" or "chompers" as related to teeth or
jaw or jawbone; not a hit in the mouth]
-
BREAK SQUELCH :
-
to send a "click-hiss" signal on a radio by depressing the
push-to-talk button without speaking, used by OPs, LPs, LRPs and
others when actually speaking into the microphone might reveal or
compromise their position. See SQUELCH, RADIO.
-
BREAKWATER :
-
a barrier that breaks the force of incoming waves, as before a
harbor or BAY; see MOLE, WHARF, SHORE. [nb: this term has been
mistakenly used to mean "where waves break" before a shore or
upon shoals; which is properly known as 'surf']
-
BREASTWORK :
-
a hastily erected chest-high field fortification; usually
expressed as "breastworks".
-
BREECH :
-
the rear part of the BORE of a FIREARM or other gun, being the
opening that permits the insertion of a CARTRIDGE or other
projectile; see GUNLOCK, FLAREBACK. Also, the end of a BLOCK or
pulley farthest from the supporting hook or eye.
-
BREECHBLOCK :
-
a movable piece of metal for closing the BREECH in certain
FIREARMs or other guns.
-
BREECHES BUOY :
-
a life preserver with a pants-like canvas seat for hauling a
shipwrecked or disabled person on or off a vessel; also called
"britches buoy". See BUOY.
-
BREVET :
-
a promotion to a higher RANK, especially of a commissioned
officer, without an increase in pay-grade RATING; see FROCKED,
ACTING JACK, GADGET, PULL RANK, DEEP DIP, UP OR OUT.
[nb: while FROCKED is the authorization to wear RANK of higher
GRADE, but without benefits and without actual authority, a
BREVET bestows the actual authority, but without the pay of a
promotion; so a frocked BG cannot legally order a COL but a
brevet BG can, however, since a frocked BG will eventually be
confirmed in GRADE, any COL who doesn't obey the order of a
frocked BG will have problems later; to anyone not privy to these
nuances, a FROCKED or BREVET RANK is indistinguishable from the
actual permanent GRADE]
-
BREVITY CODE :
-
(forthcoming); see CIPHER, CODE, PROWORD, INTERCO, CODENAME,
CODEWORD, NICKNAME, 10-CODES, ACRONYM, ABBREVIATION.
-
BREW :
-
slang for beer, ale, lager, pilsner, stout, porter, malt liquor,
white beer, wheat beer, rye beer, corn beer, swats, bitter, bock,
mum, suds, small beer, swipes, near beer, horse-piss, and so
forth; see BA MUOI BA, compare HOOCH, GROG, JUICE, MOONSHINE,
GROUP TIGHTENER, DEAD-SOLDIER, DUTCH COURAGE, WHISKEY WARRIOR,
SPLICE THE MAINBRACE, HOIST, HATCH, TOAST, SUNDOWNER, GUSTO,
STONED, GI JOE.
[v: witbier, witbieren, hefeweizen, weisse, weissbier,
weizenbier, weizenbock, kristallweizen, dunkelweizen, lambic]
[nb: beer, hard cider (eg: pulque, perry, etc), and wine (eg:
hock, vermouth, plonk, etc) are fermented; brandy ("burnt wine")
(eg: cognac, marc, applejack, schnapps/schnaps,
kirsch/kirschwasser, calvados, grappa, slivovitz, etc) or
eau-de-vie ("water of life") (aqua vitae, elixir, etc), cordial
or liqueur (eg: amaretto, benedictine, chartreuse, drambuie,
absinthe, curacao/curacoa, ouzo, pastis, etc), and liquor (eg:
rum / rumbouillon (sugarcane brandy, killdevil, grog, etc),
whiskey, sour mash, usquebaugh, poteen, gin, vodka, tequila,
mescal, arrack, aquavit, etc) are distilled after fermentation
... producing regular beer @3-5% alcohol, wine @11-14% alcohol,
saké ("strong beer") @15% alcohol, distilled liquors
@30-95% alcohol. The "proof" standard is a rating equal to half
its alcoholic percentage. Strong beer, made from brewed cereals
fermented with mold, was invented in China]
[nb: Although the 1919 Volstead Act was introduced to implement
the 18th Amendment, a WWI Executive Order by President Woodrow
Wilson had already effected a prohibition against the brewing of
grains to make alcoholic beverages, so as to supply food for the
allied war effort; similarly, in 1862, the Confederacy prohibited
the making of alcoholic beverages from food stuffs reserved for
the military, except the regulated production of medicinal
alcohol for medical treatments]
[v: 1794 Whiskey Rebellion from 1791 excise tax laid by Hamilton]
[cf: catlap]
-
BRIARPATCH :
-
NICKNAME for Bat Bat (geo: 21 09 08N 105 20 31E; UTM:
48QWJ35493884), site of major NVN prison camp for captive allied
population; also known as [nb: some names only refer to sections
within this prison] Tic-tac-toe, Country Club, Farm, Xom Ap Lo,
and also spelled "Brierpatch". Dates US POWs present: 15 Sep 65
to 10 Oct 65, 15 Dec 65 to 02 Feb 67, and 05 Feb 71 to 09 Jul 71.
The PAVN built Bat Bat before the war as a military jail for PAVN
convicts, and was originally administered by the PAVN equivalent
of the PROVOST MARSHAL. Located in Ba Vi District, Son Tay
Province, about 35 kilometers west-southwest of Hanoi. Bat Bat
was transferred to the Enemy Proselyting Department in 1965 for
use as a POW camp for Americans. Several American civilians, who
were captured by PAVN forces during the final offensive in 1975,
were held at Bat Bat. One of those captive Americans, named Arlo
Gay, escaped in 1976, remaining free for nearly one month, but
turned himself in after succumbing to hunger and disorientation
... Hanoi released Arlo Gay in September 1996. Trai Tre is
located in Son Da Village, about two kilometers from Bat Bat
prison, where the America POWs were held, and was where convicted
USMC collaborator, Robert Garwood, lived for a period in the
early 1970s. Trai Tre (literally, Camp Bamboo) was the site of a
re-education camp for South Vietnamese military officers after
the Second INDOCHINA War, but was dismantled in the early 1990s.
See POW.
-
BRIDGE :
-
a structure spanning and providing passage over an opening or
past an obstacle. Chinese catenary or suspension-archbridges of
rope, bamboo, and iron chain have been known to exist from AD20.
The first segmental arched bridge, being made stronger with the
use of fewer materials, was completed in China, AD610. Chinese
archives document the repair of a pre-existing pontoon bridge in
AD714. See AVLB, BAILEY BRIDGE, TREADWAY BRIDGE, PONTOON BRIDGE,
CUTWATER, BRIDGE RATING, ROUTE STEP, GANGWAY, BROW, ROPE BRIDGE,
HIGHLINE.
Also, the platform from which a vessel is controlled and
navigated; see HELM, FLYING BRIDGE; compare COCKPIT, PILOTHOUSE.
Also, an overarching span, gallery, or gantry; see BOOM. Also,
any connective, transitional, or intermediate structure,
component, element, development, process, passage, stage, phase,
or the like.
-
BRIDGEHEAD :
-
the position secured on the enemy side of a CHOKE POINT or other
obstacle, so as to cover the crossing or advancement of friendly
elements toward a further objective; see WAY POINT, PHASE LINE,
AIMPOINT; compare AIRHEAD, BEACHHEAD. Also, a defensive work
protecting a passage or foothold; see STRONGPOINT, PILLBOX,
BUNKER. [v: Military Earthworks Terms]
-
BRIDGE RATING :
-
load-carrying capacity of a bridge, as displayed
on a sign, posted with diagonal warning stripes pointing toward
the roadway, in a numeric fraction showing wheeled vehicle limit
(concentrated) on top (numerator) and tracked vehicle limit
(distributed) on bottom (denominator) in tons (eg: "50/80"). See
AVLB, BAILEY BRIDGE, PONTOON BRIDGE, TREADWAY BRIDGE, ROUTE STEP.
-
BRIEF-BACK :
-
a method developed to give operational autonomy, with improved
security and innovation, to LRRP or I&R units, in which a
WARNING ORDER with its mission statement is issued to a team, and
the team then develops the method of execution which will fulfill
the objective. The assigned team "briefs the OPLAN back" to the
headquarter's staff for approval, and then implements the
operation. This method improved operational success, reduced
casualties, and eliminated friction between field and staff
personnel. Compare READ-BACK; see BRIEFING, DEBRIEF,
COMPARTMENTALIZATION.
-
BRIEFING :
-
a short factual summary, usually oral, of the details of a
current or projected military operation that's given to the
participants or their supervisors; a verbal report or information
update on official activities by one or more subordinates to the
commander or an inspector. Also, any concise set of instructions
or a summary of events; see RAPPORTEUR, OFFICER'S CALL, CONFAB,
EAR-BANG, CHATTER, CROSS-TALK, HALF-MAST, CHIN CHIN, POWWOW,
SUMMIT, BRIEF-BACK; compare DEBRIEF, AAR, READ-BACK.
[nb: a so-called "back brief" must be rendered when an
intermediate-level officer or NCO, acting on his own initiative,
launches an operation or commences a series of events, usually
reactive, which develop in unpredicted ways or expand beyond
their original scope, necessitating a combined BRIEFING and
DEBRIEFing to the next higher echelon]
-
BRIEFING OFFICER :
-
the OFFICER or NCO who is responsible for BRIEFING or DEBRIEFing
an operation (OPN); see OPLAN, BRIEF-BACK. Also, the individual
who supervises a covert or clandestine intelligence operation; a
"controller" or HANDLER.
-
BRIG :
-
a place of confinement on-board ship, usually located in the
FORECASTLE; see CAPTAIN'S MAST, MASTER-AT-ARMS, ROCKS 'n' SHOALS.
Also, Naval term for military prison; see THE CASTLE, STOCKADE,
GUARDHOUSE, CROSSBAR HOTEL, HOT HOUSE, LBJ, DEADLOCK, CHL,
DEADLINE, CLUB FED, UCMJ.
[v: dog house, poky, clink, nick, slam, slammer, cooler, jug,
can, joint, cage, glasshouse, big house, house of many doors,
graystone college, up the river, hoosegow, gaol, bagnio, lockup,
pen, reformatory, jailhouse, penal institution, penitentiary,
panopticon, keep, calaboose, dungeon, oubliette, hock (sty or
prison as a miserable place to live)]
Also, an improper abbreviation for brigade; see BDE. Also, an
improper abbreviation for brigadier general; see BG, FLAG
OFFICER.
-
BRIGHT LIGHT :
-
an interservice project (OP 80) CODENAME for rescue missions of
allied POWs, which operated from 16 September 1966 as an element
of SOG, under the MACV Joint Personnel Recovery Center (JPRC)
cover designation; which included RECON and tracking,
surveillance and INTEL, rehearsal and staging prior to any rescue
attempts. See BLOOD CHIT, SON TAY, SAFE, HOME RUN, E&E, IRC,
DP, BOAT PEOPLE, YELLOW BIRD; compare SNATCH, PACKAGE, TONGUE,
SAR, CSAR, JSARC, SERE.
[nb: the same doctrine was followed during the 1980 "Blue Light"
/ EAGLE CLAW hostage rescue attempt from Iran] [cf: Feb-Mar
1864 Kilpatrick-Dahlgren raid of Union cavalry dispatched to
rescue prisoners confined in Richmond; resultantly moved to
Andersonville]
-
BRING SMOKE :
-
to direct intense artillery fire or tactical air ordnance upon an
enemy position; see WATCH MY SMOKE, STORM, SMOOGE, POP SMOKE.
-
BROADSIDE :
-
the whole side of a ship above the waterline. Also, all the guns
that can be fired from one side of a warship. Also, a
simultaneous discharge of all the guns on one side of a WARSHIP.
Also, any strong or comprehensive attack. See SALVO, VOLLEY,
STORM, FUSILLADE, ENFILADE, DRUMFIRE, AT CLOSE QUARTERS.
-
BROKEN ARROW :
-
the interservice code phrase for a nuclear accident; see SCRAM,
FOOTBALL, CONTAINMENT.
Also, apparent IN-COUNTRY CODENAME adopted by one or more
commands (eg: 1st Cav Div) for an American unit about to be
overrun, which dire circumstance took priority and diverted
assets or support from other missions or operations.
-
BRONCO :
-
North American OV-10 Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL)
fixed-wing aircraft, used for forward air control (FAC) and
SPECIAL OPERATIONS.
-
BRONZE BRUCE :
-
soldier statue on the plaza at the US Army Special
Warfare Center and School (SWS/SWC&IMA) to memorialize SFers
who died in the line of duty; erected six years (1969) after the
assassination of President Kennedy, containing a copy of his book
("Profiles in Courage") together with a GREEN BERET in its base.
The SFer depicted holds a RIFLE in one hand, and offers the other
as an open hand of assistance; symbolic of special warfare. See
GABRIEL.
-
BRONZE STAR MEDAL / BSM :
-
created during WWII to recognize intermediate-level heroism or
service, rated between the SILVER STAR and ARCOM for valor, and
between the Legion of Merit (LOM) and Meritorious Service Medal
(MSM) for achievement. See DEVICE, OLC, V-DEVICE, IMPACT AWARD,
GONG.
-
BROW :
-
a gangplank; see GANGWAY. Also, the edge of a steep place or
drop-off, as a brink or brim by analogy. Also, a person's
countenance or mien, from the brow of the head.
-
BROWN BAR :
-
camouflage version of Second Lieutenant (2LT/O-1) insignia, with
the derogatory implication of sycophant, BROWN NOSE; see BUTTER
BAR, LOOEY, AIMING STAKES, OFFICER, RANK.
-
BROWNIE :
-
a person who defecates in their clothing, or the act of so doing;
as "beat the shit out of ..." or "frightened the crap out of
...". Also, a BROWN NOSER; perhaps indicative of the ingratiating
"apple polishing" deeds of little girls intent upon earning
"Brownie points" in Girl Scouts.
-
BROWN NOSE / BROWN NOSER :
-
bootlicker, lickspittle/lickspitter, flatterer, fawner, yes-man,
rubber stamp, apple-polisher, hanger-on, henchman, ass-kisser,
kiss-up, suck ass, sycophant, toady, lackey, truckler, flunky,
stooge, tool, putz; also called BROWNIE. See MAN FRIDAY, GOFER,
HACK, CAT'S-PAW, NOSE COUNT.
[v: 'claque' for group or coterie of sycophants (eg: MILICRAT,
RING-KNOCKER, KHAKI MAFIA, LIFER)] [cf: apparatchik,
nomenklatura, nabob, nibs]
-
BROWN-OUT :
-
(forthcoming); aka: "dust-out"
compare WHITEOUT, see ZERO-ZERO, GOO, FLAT LIGHT, WEATHER EYE,
MET MESSAGE, CHOPPER, BIRD.
-
BROWN SHOE / BOOT :
-
among sailors, anyone in Naval aviation (AIRDALE); among
soldiers, the OLD BREED or Old Army, a DINOSAUR, from the rugged
rough-out brown boot introduced in WWII, replacing the PUTTEE
wrapped BOONDOCKERS. These two-buckle boots were also issued in
winter white with lining for use by WWII mountain troops. Compare
BLACK SHOE / BOOT; see LPC, FOOTWEAR.
[nb: "rough-out" is not 'suede' (split leather with nap on both
sides) but full grain leather with the finished (smooth) side
used on the interior, which is more comfortable, wears longer,
and waterproofs more thoroughly ... everyone who wore these
rough-out BOONDOCKERS and BOOTs preferred them to their BLACK
replacements ... the "secret" to superior German military field
boots was a double layer of full grain leather with the smooth
waxed sides facing on the inside, letting the inner nap wick
perspiration and the outer nap protect the sealed sides]
-
BROWN WATER :
-
nautical reference to shallows, shoals, or estuarial waters;
compare BLUE LINE, BLUE WATER.
-
BROWN WATER SAILOR :
-
all Army, Coast Guard, Marine, and Navy personnel assigned to
various small BOAT operations, especially Mobile Riverine Force
(MRF) and JUNK FORCE, often called a MUD DUCK serving in the
"Brown Water Navy". See COASTIES, NAG, SEALORDS.
-
BRUNT :
-
the main force of an attack, or the impact from a blow or strike.
-
BSA :
-
Brigade Support Area.
-
BTDT :
-
literally "Been There, Done That"; later modified to "Been
there, done that, got the t-shirt!". See UP-CLOSE 'n' PERSONAL,
WANNABE, CANDY-ASS, IOTA, THE NAM, PAY DUES, COUNT COUP, PISSING
CONTEST, BRAVO SIERRA, SEA STORY, WAR STORY, CAMP FOLLOWER.
[nb: there was a discharge chevron (worn mid-sleeve) for WWI
service, and a RUPTURED DUCK (worn right breast) for WWII
service, but no similar award exists for honorable discharge upon
demobilization (RIF) from subsequent wars ... but if it did, like
so much else about the "moral watershed" of the Third American
Revolution, it too would be counterfeited by phonies!]
-
B TEAM :
-
the intermediate-level SPECIAL FORCES unit, also known as
"Operational Detachment Bravo" (ODB) and sometimes spelled
B-Team; superior to the A TEAM and subordinate to C TEAM
detachments.
[nb: The Rangers of World War II and Korea had been designed as
light-infantry shock troops; their mission was to hit hard, hit
fast, then get out so larger and more heavily armed units could
follow through. Special Forces, on the other hand, were designed
to spend months, even years, deep within hostile territory. They
would have to be self-sustaining, without extensive resupply from
the outside. They would have to speak the language and know the
customs of their target area.]
[nb: six A TEAMs or ODAs comprise a company (CO), three SF
Companies comprise a battalion (BN), and four SF Battalions
comprise a group (effective 2007); each active duty SF Group
specializes in the languages and cultures of a particular region
(ie: 1st SFGA in East Asia; 3rd SFGA in Africa, Mid-East, and
Central Asia; 5th SFGA in Mid-East and Central Asia; 7th SFGA in
South America; and 10th SFGA in Europe)]
-
BTY :
-
battery; an artillery company-sized element; see CO, TRP; compare
IN-BATTERY. [nb: the slang term "Bat" or "Batt" is short for
battalion (BN), and does not refer to an artillery Battery (BTY)]
-
BUBBLE :
-
an area protected against surveillance, or a shielded or
masked environment, as used for classified briefings; a safe and
secure room, the sanctum or sanctum sanctorum, that's sometimes
called "the tank" or "sensitive information compartment". Compare
ISOFAC, SCIF, FISHBOWL, SAFE ROOM, SAFE HOUSE, DUNGEON [v:
oubliette]. Also, the individual isolation of total concentration
and complete indifference to externals, as a warrior's focus,
sometimes called the "zone"; see TELESCOPING, ZOMBIE.
-
BUBBLEHEAD :
-
slang for a submariner, from the necessary preoccupation with the
BOAT's trim gauge; may be spelled "bubble-head", and also known
as BOOMER, DOLPHIN, DIPPER. Compare SKIMMER, AIRDALE, SHELLBACK;
see GUPPY, SUBMARINE.
[nb: to "lose the bubble" is to be disoriented, or so far out of
control that the SUBMARINE is in jeopardy; see PITCH, YAW, ROLL,
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT]
-
BUCK :
-
the lowest RANK within a military designation, as "buck private"
or "buck sergeant"; see SLICK SLEEVE, GRADE, RATING, NCO. Also,
to risk, oppose, resist, or counter, as to "buck the odds" or
"buck the system". Also, to strive or compete, as to "buck for
promotion". Also, to force through or proceed against, as by
striking or butting. Also, to advance, forward, or pass, as to
"buck it along" or to "buck it up the line"; see BUCK SLIP. Also,
a ball or pellet of buckshot; see SHOT, CANISTER, CASE SHOT.
Also, a marker or designator that indicates authority or
responsibility, as to "pass the buck" or the "buck stops here";
derived from either the buckshot slug or buckhorn knife used to
designate the dealer in a game of cards. Also, completely,
starkly, boldly, being undisguised, as "buck naked". Also, a
dollar, or money; see BIGGER BANG FOR THE BUCK, MPC, SLUSH FUND,
CANDY, SOUVENIR, CUMSHAW, WAD.
[nb: in its 'marker' sense, the BUCK was sometimes a coin or
token that was passed during a game; however, according to Daniel
Patrick Moynihan, the buck in the U.S. Navy is a small dining
table marker that indicates to the steward which officer is to be
served first, a designation that rotates daily, so when it
remains at one place ("the buck stops here"), that officer is
always served first]
-
BUCKLE BOOTS :
-
slang for the rugged rough-out brown boots that were introduced
in WWII to replace the WWI-era PUTTEE wrapped BOONDOCKERS; also
called "two-buckle boots". These buckle boots were also issued in
winter white with lining for use by WWII mountain troops. See
BROWN SHOE / BOOT, COMBAT BOOTS, FOOTWEAR.
-
BUCK SLIP :
-
slang for the memorandum or message slip, yellow in color, with
appropriate fill-in blocks and action boxes, sized about 4"
square, that was attached to any forwarded paperwork or used for
recording TELEPHONE notes passed to superiors. Typically, the
BUCK SLIP was used to direct an item to its proper recipient or
to the responsible authority; often expressed as "buck it along"
or "buck it up the line", as derived from the BUCK marker or
designator indicating authority. It is a MILICRAT axiom that "any
problem shuffled off to another desk is a problem solved"! The
onus of command is that when the BUCK or BUCK SLIP is passed,
like passing a hot potato, the BUCK always stops with the
COMMANDER. See RED TAPE, PAPER BULLET, SNOWFLAKE, WHITE PAPER,
FINDING, REPORT, TELECON. [cf: bout de papier, aide-memoire]
-
BUDDHAHEAD :
-
slang reference to any ethnic-Asian, especially someone serving
in Allied forces; by analogy with Buddhahood. During WWII, the
100th BN and 442nd RCT, both of which were principally comprised
of Nisei and Kibei, were self-described BUDDHAHEADS, but members
also bantered between the units by calling each other "Ko-tonk"
(knock head, from the sound of a melon striking the floor) and
"buta-head" (pidgin for pig head). Because "buta-head" sounds
like BUDDHAHEAD, it was clever mockery; compare COWBOY. See
LITTLE BROWN BROTHER, BASKET HEAD, INDIG, DESEGREGATION; compare
LITTLE PEOPLE, DINK, GOOK, SLOPE, RICE BALL, ZIP, SLANT-EYE.
-
BUDDY SYSTEM :
-
placing South Vietnamese units in partnership with American
combat units for training (OJT) and experience; see KATUSA. Also,
assignment of replacements (eg: CHERRY, FNG, NEWBEE) to
sponsorship or mentoring by more experienced personnel within the
same unit. Also, recruiting option for friends or relatives who
want the same assignments; see COMRADE, TRADE ENVELOPES, GOTCHA,
TOTAL FORCE.
[nb: as with "swim buddy" and "Ranger buddy", the military BUDDY
SYSTEM is not a codependency relationship, but a dyadic mutuality
of cooperation, such that a pair does not redouble but
reinforces; cf: Damon and Pythias (Phintias), Pylades and
Orestes, David and Jonathan]
[nb: early combat losses in VN compelled USMC FORCE RECON to
alter their "broken contact" doctrine inherited from RAIDER
practice: instead of individual and separate dispersion after
enemy action, the team will remain connected and act concertedly,
whether in defense or evasion, adopting the "Ranger buddy"
protocol]
-
BUD LIGHT :
-
double entendre slang for the "buddy light" developed during the
GULF WAR by DARPA to help identify allies, and to hopefully
reduce the incidence of FRIENDLY FIRE casualties. The BUD LIGHT,
a small shrouded beacon visible for over 8km to only thermal and
night vision devices, was supposed to be mounted on the back of
the HEADGEAR, facing comrades following from the rear, but most
soldiers feared their position would be revealed whenever they
turned their head, since the enemy also had NVGs, so almost
everyone kept these beams turned off. See CAT'S-EYES, GLINT TAPE,
LIGHT STICK, FLASHLIGHT, AIS, BLINKER. [v: cresset]
-
BUDS :
-
Basic Underwater Demolition School; see TADPOLE, UDT, PUP, SEAL,
NSWG, BUDWEISER.
-
BUDWEISER :
-
NICKNAME for the "Trident" SEAL qualification badge, formally
called the Special Warfare Badge, which was adopted in 1971; as
derived from reference to both the basic school, and to design
similarity with the "Budweiser" beer logo. The Basic Underwater
Demolition School (BUDS) is the preliminary training for SEAL
specializations; so the name is a play on words: BUDS + wiser.
The TRIDENT incorporates the original UDT badge as its central
motif; both badges were initially partitioned silver for EM/NCO
and gold for OFFICER, but later combined into a single gold
badge for all ranks. See SEAL, SCUBA, UDT, NSWG, DIVER, BLOODING.
[nb: 'Budweis' is the German name for a Czech (Bohemia and
Moravia) town]
-
BUF / BUFF :
-
mnemonic for Big Ugly Fucker, or Big Ugly Fat Fucker (especially
D model), being the B-52 STRATOFORTRESS heavy strategic bomber;
also called ALUMINUM OVERCAST, Aluminum Eclipse, and
Monkey-Killer.
-
BUFFALO :
-
a specialized 23-ton route-clearing vehicle (a heavily modified
Peterbuilt Mac-10 truck) that has protective armor to resist
shrapnel and small arms fire, using a push-ahead roller to
detonate roadside bombs or landmines. It utilizes a capsule
design that was imported from South Africa in 1998 to protect
passengers and key vehicle components from explosive damage.
Compare COUGAR; see TRUCK.
-
BUFFALO SOLDIER :
-
(forthcoming); see BLACK
92nd "Buffalo" Infantry Division formed from elements of Harlem's
"15th Heavy Foot" for WWI, also called "men of bronze" of the
"Black Watch" and the "Dixie poilu"
[nb: John Joseph Pershing obtained his NICKNAME "Blackjack" from
his preference for command of BUFFALO SOLDIERs; while George
Armstrong Custer refused such assignments, believing them to be
harmful to his reputation and career] [cf: 1944-5 Jewish Brigade
of the WWII British Army]
-
BUG :
-
any defect or error in a techno-mechanical system, affecting
opperation or utility, also called "crock"; the fault-checking of
which is usually called "debug", and a repair is usually called a
"patch", "kludge", "botch", or "bug-fix". A minor problem or
power surge is called a "glitch". Term ostensibly derives from
the discovery of an insect inside an early computer causing it to
malfunction, but actually originating with insects interfering
with electrical contacts at telegraphic stations, as noted by
Thomas A. Edison; see GREMLIN, TWX, MUSIC, NOISE, MURPHY's LAW;
compare DISGRONIFICATOR, SNIPE HUNT. Also, slang for any
annoyance or frustration. Also, a small or concealable listening
device, as used by SECRET AGENTs in covert or clandestine
TRADECRAFT; also called "glass", after the practice of
eavesdropping by placing the bell of a glass against a wall and
the base against the listener's ear [cf: SUB-ROSA]; see EARS.
-
BUG JUICE :
-
insect repellent; see MALARIA, HORSE PILL, DAPSONE. The
removal of leeches (averaging 3"-5") by cigarette burn works
well, but regular insect repellent is wonderful, since it
strangles their breathing, makes them vomit all the blood they
sucked, and then suffocates them! Also, any sweet flavored drink,
such as "Kool-Aid", usually too diluted and the flavor
unconnected with its color; probably derives from the dead bugs
("They didn't drink much!") floating in every vat; see GI JOE,
JUICE, THE DRINK, NUOC, CANTEEN, WATER PURIFICATION TABLET.
[nb: a non-concentrate called "Fruit Smack" was marketed by
Kool-Ade, the precursor of Kool-Aid, in 1927; '-ade' is a suffix
meaning fruit drink (eg: lemonade)]
-
BUGLE CALL :
-
traditional military signals sounded by a bugler or trumpeter on
a brass wind-instrument, similar to a trumpet or cornet but
without keys or valves. Compare BOATSWAIN'S PIPE, TOCSIN, HORN;
see RUFFLES 'n' FLOURISHES, REVEILLE, RETREAT, TATTOO, LIGHTS
OUT, TAPS, MEMORIAL DAY, FACE THE MUSIC, BULLETIN, HEADS-UP,
POOP, DOPE, FYI, CHARGE, CHANGING TUNE, BEATERS 'n' BLEATERS,
TOOTER. [cf: warison; v: clarion call]
-
BUG-OUT :
-
a hasty RETREAT from combat, especially in the absence or in
defiance of orders; being a slang term coined from the ROUT of US
and ROK forces in Korea during the initial NKPA invasion
throughout the summer of 1950; also spelled "bugout", as derived
from "leave" or "depart". Also, slang for the person who absents
himself from his duties or obligations. See CUT AND RUN, SPLIT,
BEAT FEET, CHANGING TUNE, DECAMP, HAUL-ASS, RETROGRADE.
[nb: "Bug-out Blues" by 24th Infantry Regiment (July 1950):
When the commie mortars start to chug, / The ol' Deuce Four begin
to bug, / When you hear the pitter-patter of little feet, / It's
the ol' Deuce Four in full retreat!]
[nb: In the midst of the Battle of Bataan, on 11 March 1942,
President Roosevelt required that General Douglas MacArthur be
spirited out of the Philippines by PT boat and airplane. This
flight from the battlefield was characterized as a "relocation of
headquarters" to a more secure venue; and included Manual Quezon,
the president of the Philippines, and selected allied staff, not
omitting MacArthur's family with their Chinese amah and pet
monkey ... but lacking space for other worthies, such as
civilians and nurses, who were interned until rescued at the end
of the war. The political mistakes that attempted to emend the
military mistakes complicating operations in the Pacific Theater
only exacerbated and compounded them. It has often been noted
that MacArthur's "genius" was diminished by his arrogance and
obstinence. Although MacArthur never obeyed an order he disagreed
with, he expected others to faithfully obey him, attempting to
take revenge (even after the war) on those he deemed disloyal or
insubordinate, he obeyed this directive from a commander-in-chief
with whom he disagreed. Although the alliteration characterizing
this flight now seems affected, that's only because we, with the
benefit of hindsight, have a comparison for a word (bug-out) that
hadn't been invented at the time; therefore, the correct
historical reference for this mandatory evacuation from the
Philippines is "dug-out Doug", which was common at the time,
despite being unsympathetic and disrespectful.]
-
BUG-OUT KIT :
-
slang for a small survival kit issued to aircrew and other
MIL-PERS operating near enemy lines, that's designed to assist a
downed or stranded individual during a three-day escape and
evasion (E&E) back to allied territory. This kit, sized to
fit in a compass pouch, contains high-energy food concentrate,
condiments, aspirin/APC, antibiotics, adhesive bandages, and
WATER PURIFICATION TABLETs. Restricted by its small size and
limited purpose, this kit is not a complete survival kit, in that
it does not contain alternative fire starters, signal mirror,
snare line, fishing hooks, scalpel blades, SIGNAL PANEL,
IDENTIFICATION PANEL, emergency RADIO, ENVIS scope, or BLOOD
CHIT. See SERE; compare KIT.
-
BULKHEAD :
-
a reinforced wall-like partition inside ships and aircraft that
separates COMPARTMENTs, often air- or water-tight; see HOLD,
DECK, OVERHEAD, HATCH, GANGWAY, GASOLINE ALLEY, LADDERWELL. [v:
cofferdam]
-
BULLDOG :
-
the USMC mascot; derived from WWI Imperial German attribution of
"devil dogs" or "hell hounds" for Marines' prowess in combat. See
LEATHERNECK; compare BLACK DEVIL, GODDAM.
-
BULLET :
-
a small projectile, variously shaped (from round nose and
boattail to wadcutter and hollow-point), that's expelled from a
cartridge or gun barrel when a firearm is discharged; also called
pellet, ball, pill, slug, or shot. See BUCK, AMMO, CALIBER,
CARTRIDGE, DUMDUM, SABOT, DUMMY, SRTA, DODGE THE BULLET,
BULLETPROOF.
[nb: RIFLEd guns are denoted "inch" (eg: 3" Field Gun called
"three incher"), which is the diameter of the projectile, while
SMOOTHBORE cannons are denoted "pound" (eg: 12# Mountain HOWITZER
called "twelve pounder"), which is the weight of the projectile]
[nb: although "gauge" is actually a measure of weight (not size),
representing the bore diameter sized to equal the number of lead
balls of that diameter to weigh one pound avoirdupois (12ga
converts to .69cal), but the so-called ".410ga" SMOOTHBORE barrel
is actually a caliber]
[nb: during WWII, the Imperial Japanese used wooden bullets for
marksmanship training and practice SMALL ARMS shooting, but a
shortage of metals necessitated their wider issue to field
forces, which caused more severe wounds and increased infection;
by the end of WWII, Nazi Germany was also issuing wooden bullets]
[v: Firearms Glossary]
[nb: "Projectile: the final arbiter in international disputes.
Formerly these disputes were settled by physical contact of the
disputants, with such simple arguments as the rudimentary logic
of the times could supply -- the sword, the spear, and so forth.
With the growth of prudence in military affairs, the projectile
came more and more into favor, and is now held in high esteem by
the most courageous. Its capital defect is that it requires
personal attendance at the point of propulsion." by Ambrose
Gwinnett Bierce; "Every bullet has its billet." aphorism]
-
BULLET HEAD :
-
slang designation for ARTILLERYMAN or artillerist; also spelled
"bullethead", and also called "blast-ass" or "gun-bunny". See
REDLEG, FAG, TUBE MONKEY, CANNON-COCKER, GI. [nb: Vietnamese
term: Phao Thu (cannoneer)]
-
BULLETIN :
-
official publication, as Daily Bulletin (DB); see JOURNAL. Also,
FYI, HEADS-UP, POOP, DOPE, THE WORD, HOT-SHIT, BOATSWAIN'S PIPE,
BUGLE CALL, TANNOY, SCUTTLEBUTT, RUMOR.
-
BULLETPROOF :
-
actual or imagined resistance, immunity, invulnerability, or
invincibility, being either an ignorant or foolish response to
danger, its threat or prospect, usually at the expense of
innocent lives; see FLAK JACKET, FLAK VEST, CHICKEN PLATE, ASH
'n' TRASH, VULCANIZE, DODGE THE BULLET, WAR PAINT, WAR FACE,
TELESCOPING; compare ACHILLES HEEL.
-
BULLPUP :
-
early pilot guided bomb under visual control by radio
steerage. Also, in-line configuration of barrel, receiver, and
buffer so as to shorten the firearm's overall length without
shortening the barrel length, with consequent high accuracy but
also increased vulnerability to head wounds from high profile
sights.
-
BULL'S-EYE :
-
the center of a target, representing the highest score for best
accuracy; see POINT OF IMPACT, AIMPOINT, SIGHT PICTURE, ZERO,
BORESIGHT, SHARPSHOOTER, DEADEYE, SNIPER'S TRIANGLE, KISS THE
MISTRESS, KNOCK THEIR SPOTS OFF, MONEY SHOT, POINT-BLANK,
DEFLECTION, BOLO, MAGGIE'S DRAWERS, TARGET. Also, to hit exactly
on target in a bombing raid or missile strike. Also, any
statement or act that is precisely to the point, or directly
achieves the desired result. [v: Aunt Sally, Jack-a-Lent,
cockshy, clay pigeon, sitting duck, mark, gull, dupe, pigeon,
prey, quintain, wand, hit list] Also, a small circular opening or
window set into a roof, ship's DECK or OVERHEAD, used to admit
light; compare DEADLIGHT, PORTHOLE. Also, a Reference Point (RP)
in NavSpeak, but spelled without the hyphen or possessive
apostrophe: "bulls eye".
-
BULLSHIT BOMB :
-
an AIRDROPped container that releases its PAYLOAD of PSYOP
leaflets at an altitude predetermined for best distribution over
an area, given its particular weather and terrain features. See
INTEL, ICAP, PARTY LINE, TRUE BELIEVER, RUMOR, PROPAGANDA, WHITE
PROPAGANDA, NO-DOZE.
[nb: the Chinese are known to have used kites from at least
AD1232 for airborne leaflet drops over enemy positions]
-
BULLSHITVIK :
-
military (mis-)pronunciation of "bolshevik", which is often
indiscriminately extended from communists (eg: IVAN) to all kinds
of political radicals and rabble-rousers (eg: PROTESTOR, BLACK
BLOC). See RED, BAD GUYS.
-
BULLY SOUP :
-
slang for a gruel concocted from crumbled HARDTACK, water, and
medicinal whiskey or wine, as given to weak patients in field
hospitals from the Mexican War through WWII. Formally known as
'panada' and called "ginger panada" when ginger and cornmeal were
added, the name means "boiled soak". Its invention is credited to
Eliza Harris of the CIVIL WAR Sanitary Commission, but Mary Anne
"Mother" Bickerdyke, a volunteer Union nurse, was also noted for
dispensing it in the underequipped facilities of that time. See
SOUP, IRON RATIONS, SOLDIER'S BREAKFAST, CHOW, BEANS, RATIONS;
compare STONE SOUP, DUCK SOUP.
-
BULWARK :
-
a defensive wall of earth or other materials, as a rampart; see
BUTT, BERM, STAND-OFF, REVETMENT, DEFILADE, BLAST WALL. [v: Military Earthworks Terms] Also, a protective wall
enclosing the perimeter of a DECK, especially the main or weather
deck; usually expressed as "bulwarks"; compare PULPIT, TAFFRAIL,
LIFELINE, SNAKING, TOE RAIL, KNEE-KNOCKER, GANGWAY. Also, any
person or thing giving strong support or encouragement in time of
need, danger, or doubt.
-
BUMFUCK :
-
a fictitious place that represents the proverbial nightmare
posting to a dead-end assignment, especially one perceived as
punishment for overly ambitious "ladder monkeys" by other jealous
MILICRATs; name derives from the humiliation of sodomy. See SOL,
BOHICA, DUTY, BILLET, BERTH, POST, ON STATION, WATCH, HARDSHIP
TOUR, MOS, OJT, SHEEP-DIPPED, TDY / TAD, PCS.
[aka: podunk, jerkwater, hicksville, nowheresville, boringburg,
splitsville, one-horse town, shithole, back-of-beyond,
middle-of-nowhere, faraway, nowhither, lost-in-the-woods, north
remote, east stranded, one-eyed town, nastyland, badland,
dead-letter office, elephant's boneyard, elephant's graveyard,
BOONDOCKS; v: wop-wops, Woop Woop, Waikikamukau, Eketahuna,
beyond the Black Stump, back of Bourke, outback]
-
BUMMER :
-
slang for any unfortunate event, bad experience, or negative
attitude, especially the unpleasant aftereffects of narcotic,
psychotropic, or hallucinogenic drugs; see COLORS, STONED, DOPE.
Also, slang for any member of a raiding or marauding band,
whether a regular or partisan militia, who commits mayhem or
other depredations upon an unprotected or disarmed populace,
whether sanctioned or not; an outlaw or vigilante who usurps or
disdains proper authority. Derived from "taking a stroll, to
dawdle or loiter"; not from "bumbler", despite their similarity.
[nb: this derogatory term was applied to Union troops on punitive
expeditions during and after the American CIVIL WAR, but the same
scurrilous misconduct after the American Revolution was
attributed to rapscallion "skinner" bands; compare CARPETBAGGERS]
-
BUNKER :
-
any partly buried and roofed defensive fortification with
apertures or loopholes (EMBRASUREs), used as a reinforced
fighting pit or a BOMB SHELTER; a larger version used for
observation and directing gunfire is called a BLOCKHOUSE, and a
more compact version used to fortify a CHOKE POINT or GUARD
station is called a PILLBOX. See CONCEALMENT, COVER, REVETMENT,
DEFILADE, REDOUBT, CASEMATE, TOMB, BLACK HOLE, FOXHOLE, SPIDER
HOLE, HASTY TRENCH, STRONGPOINT, BRIDGEHEAD, BOMB-PROOF. [nb:
Vietnamese term: Phao Dai] [v: Military
Earthworks Terms]
Also, in NavSpeak, to fuel or refuel a vessel during
provisioning. Also, in NavSpeak, to convey goods or transfer
cargo from a vessel to dockside storage (wherein a "bunker" is a
'bin' or 'receptacle').
-
BUNNY BOOTS :
-
slang for the military-style mukluk that was developed during
WWII for MOUNTAINEERs in winter operations, as so called by
members of the 10th Mountain Division. Being a knee-high,
soft-soled, moccasin-like, fur- or pile-lined boot for wear in
deep snow, or with SNOWSHOEs and cross-country (Nordic) skis;
BUNNY BOOTS were developed to overcome the limitations of the
then-standard issue "shoepacs" as winter boots ... 'shoepacs' (or
"shoepacks"), often called "pacs", were heavy waterproofed boots
imitative of "double insole" moccasins originating with the
Delaware Indians. Compare MICKEY MOUSE BOOTS, see FOOTWEAR.
[cf: mukluk, a high soft boot of sealskin or deerhide, usually
double-soled and fur-lined, originally worn by Eskimos; also
spelled "mucluc" or "muckluck", as derived from 'bearded seal'
("maklak"), misapplied to sealskin boots]
-
BUNNY SUIT :
-
any protective coverall garment with cap, gloves, and foot
coverings, as developed for anti-contamination in medical or
scientific, manufacturing or combat environments, that may also
include an anti-dehydration nourishment supply and a
self-contained breathing or re-breathing system; so called due
to its resemblance with children's costume. See MOPP, JSLIST,
CPOG, GAS MASK, HAZMAT, CBR, NEST.
[cf: remote mechanical agents or servo-manipulation systems for
use in sterile, hazardous, or contaminated environments began
during WWII with the handling of radioactive materials; initially
in the form of insulated gripper arms named "Waldo" (being a
cognate of 'rule' or 'command', after the 1942 novel by Robert A.
Heinlein), later known as the "Waldo F. Jones Synchronous
Reduplicating Pantograph", and now as a telefactoring device,
useful in bomb disposal and extraterrestrial maintenance]
-
BUOY :
-
an anchored float used as a marker or as a mooring, as derived
from "boye a float", beacon [v: cresset]; see DOLPHIN, LAGAN,
BOLLARD. Also, any of various buoyant devices for supporting a
person in the water, as a "life buoy" or "life preserver"; see
BREECHES BUOY.
-
BUPERS :
-
U.S. Navy BUreau of PERSonnel; see NPRC.
-
BURBLE :
-
wind disturbance or turbulence at the end of a FLATTOP's RUNWAY
due to movement of the aircraft carrier, which makes TAILHOOK
landings more difficult. See PADDLES.
-
BURGEE :
-
a small nautical signal flag or identification pennant. See
STREAMER, GUIDON, WIGWAG. [v: pencel / pennoncel / pensil]
-
BURN BAG :
-
the secure container that's used to collect and remove classified
documents and other sensitive materials that are scheduled for
destruction, usually on a daily basis. Compare FILE 13; see
DEMILITARIZE, CLASSIFIED.
-
BURNING WORM :
-
slang reference to a SLOW MATCH, the symbol of the 196th Light
Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, which is a slow-burning
igniter that's lit at both ends to signify readiness. The BURNING
WORM / SLOW MATCH, being a cord impregnated with saltpeter
(potassium nitrate), was invented as a flamethrower FUSE in AD
919 by the Chinese; also called "fusee/fuzee", compare PUNK,
SPUNK, and "touchwood". The word "spunk", meaning spark or
sparkling, has also referred to PUNK and to "mettle", with the
implication that readiness becomes courage. Formed in 1965, the
196th LIB was dispatched to Vietnam in August 1966, where it
operated independently until, integrated into TASK FORCE OREGON,
it formed part of the AMERICAL division, but was later returned
to independent activity after the 23rd Infantry Division was
disbanded in November 1971. The 196th LIB was withdrawn in June
1972 ... the last U.S. combat brigade to depart Vietnam. See
LIGHT, PATCH, ZIPPO, LIGHTER, WAD.
-
BURST :
-
a mode of compact or condensed transmittal that involved either
prerecording a keyed or voice message, which were often bundled
together in a presorted secure cluster; also called SQUIRT or
"Quick-Talk"; see ENCRYPT, SCRAMBLE, RDF, RADIO. Also, a sudden
manifestation or display, as a breach or acceleration; compare
BREACHER, DOOR KICKING, BUSTER, QUARTERDECK FACE. Also, to break
or break open, or to cause to break open or fly apart with sudden
violence, as an explosion or detonation. Also, a short sequence
of controlled automatic fire, usually from three to six rounds,
as shot from a carbine (CAR), assault rifle (AR), or machinegun
(MG); compare DOUBLE TAP, ROCK 'n' ROLL, SPRAY, HOSE, FLOCK
SHOOT, BLIND FIRE, BUSTING CAPS. Also, a selective fire mode that
rapidly shoots three BULLETs during a single pull of the TRIGGER,
as introduced with the M-16A2 as a mechanically limited full-auto
option after extensive testing showed that accuracy diminished
sharply following the third round of sustained fire due to recoil
effect; see KICK, FIREPOWER, BLACK MAGIC, WIDOW MAKER, CAR /
XM-177E2, ACTIV, TUPPERWARE. [nb: in an effort to economize after
the CIVIL WAR, Congress mandated that each Spencer repeater be
retrofitted with the Stabler Cut-off Device, which modification
converted the 7-shot carbine into a single-shot firearm, until
combat losses in the INDIAN WARS forced its abandonment, and
later succession of the Spencer by the trapdoor Springfield
having even more firepower]
-
BUSH :
-
the field or jungle, being any remote area away from BASE CAMPs
or cities; also known as sticks, woods, barrens, brush, weeds,
scrub, veg, rough, hinterlands, bad lands, or bandit country. See
BOONDOCKS / BOONIES, THE J, BACKWASH, INDIAN COUNTRY, THULE,
TULE, DOWN RANGE, SANDBOX, FEBA, MLR, FLOT, FRONT LINE, FIELD
ALLOWANCE.
-
BUSH DOCTRINE :
-
(forthcoming); see PRESIDENTIAL DOCTRINE.
-
BUSH HANKY :
-
the absence of a handkerchief; the practice of blowing one's nose
without the use of a handkerchief or bandana, facial tissue or
wipe, which is performed by occluding one nostril by pressing on
the outside of the nare while vigorously blowing through the
other nasal passage. This inelegant technique of finger blowing,
also known as "bushman hanky" or "indig hanky", is widely
practiced by native or country peoples worldwide; it has the
benefit of keeping the hands clean, and requires some finesse to
avoid blowing snot onto oneself! See BUSH OYSTER.
-
BUSHIPS :
-
BUreau of SHIPS; Washington, D.C.; in charge of
monitoring all Naval vessel activities, especially in regards to
civilian contracts.
-
BUSHMASTER :
-
any elite soldier or unit skilled in jungle operations, as
derived from the reputation earned by the WWII 158th RCT; see
JUNGLE EXPERT, SHADOW WARRIOR, BOONIE RAT, GRUNT. [v: bushranger]
Also, name of the 25mm (M-242) CHAIN GUN.
-
BUSH OYSTER :
-
slang for nasal mucus; snot or booger; see BUSH HANKY.
[v: prairie oyster; cf: sweetsop, soursop, salsify]
-
BUSH PILOT :
-
a mock qualification badge ironically presented to Navy or Air
Force pilots for sexual performance, especially cunnilingus;
badge depicts a fully exposed naked woman spread across pilot's
WINGS. A similar Army or Marine parachutist's badge for
paratroopers was "awarded" to MUFF DIVERs. See CHOWING DOWN, LOVE
HANDLES, DAISY CHAIN, HAT TRICK, HEAD, HUMMER, WINGS, BIB, TRICK,
BUTTERFLY, FUCK, DIDDLY, STEAM 'n' CREAM, HOOKUP, CHURNING
BUTTER, BOOM-BOOM, SHORT-TIME, HELL ON WHEELS, SHACK-JOB.
[nb: a "red wing" variant is "awarded" for performing cunnilingus
during menstruation] [aka: 60, 69, oral sex, oral copulation,
cunnilingus, cunny-delicious, rug / carpet muncher, eat / eating
out, lickety-splitter, cunt licker, pussy eater, pussy chewer,
cunt chomper, tongue 'n' groove, lip sucker, lick the cat, eat
the beaver, taste tuna taco, go down / -on, pearl diver, deep
dive, Aussie kiss (a French kiss down under)] [nb: 'lecher'
derives from "to lick gluttonously"]
-
BUSKINS :
-
a lace-up half-boot with a thick sole, also known as "cothurni";
comparable to demiboots, jodhpurs, jodhpur boots, brogans,
gunboats, or BOONDOCKERS. See FOOTWEAR.
-
BUSTER :
-
full aircraft engine power, less AFTERFURNERs; to go fast. See
JUICE, BLOWER, FAST MOVER, SONIC BOOM.
-
BUSTING CAPS :
-
rapid firing of individual weapons, as in response to attack or
during RECON BY FIRE or MAD MINUTE; also called "popping caps".
The kill ratio to expended AMMO during the VIETNAM WAR was about
20,000 rounds per enemy kill. See HOSE, ROCK 'n' ROLL, SPRAY,
HAPPY FIRE, FLOCK SHOOT, BLIND FIRE; compare DOUBLE TAP.
-
BUS TRANSFER :
-
standard tongue-in-cheek expression for the impersonal process
whereby everyone does what he's told and goes where he's sent.
Ironic offer made to use your metro bus transfers to change buses
at a transfer point. Meant humorously, as troops did not have
their "bus passes" with them at the time, so everybody rides to
the end of the line. See TS CARD, PAIN, SYMPATHY.
-
BUTCHER BRIGADE :
-
NICKNAME given the 11th Light Infantry Brigade after the exposure
of the My Lai MASSACRE under the direction of LT William L.
Calley. See PEERS INQUIRY, FALL GUY.
-
BUTCHER'S BILL :
-
slang for casualty report; the toll of waging war. See BODY
COUNT, ZULU, KILL CREDIT.
-
BUTLER BUILDING :
-
proprietary name for pre-engineered, ready to assemble,
standardized metal building shells with gabled roofs, which are
variously used for BILLETs, offices, or storage; developed by the
Butler Manufacturing Company of Kansas City, Missouri. It
originated as the "Butler hut" during WWII, which was an
all-steel hut with U-shaped arched ribs around an eight-foot
radius, giving it a profile of slightly more than a half circle;
its endwalls were framed with steel, and both end walls and
sidewalls were enclosed with two-foot standing-seam metal sheets.
The curved roof design was abandoned shortly after WWII in their
continuing production of prefabricated metal buildings. See BLDG,
BILLET.
-
BUTT :
-
an earthen wall or backstop, located behind the targets to
prevent bullets from scattering over a large area; see BERM.
Also, a wall behind which targets can be safely lowered, scored,
and raised during firing practice; also known as "butts". Also,
the end or extremity of anything, especially the thicker, larger,
or blunt end considered as a base, bottom, or support; including
butt cap and rifle butt or butt stock. Also, slang for a smoke, a
cigar or cigarette, or its stub or fag-end remnant (which, when
filter-tipped, are called "mini-tampons"); see GASPER, PIGTAIL,
FAG, FIELD STRIP, POLICE CALL, SMOKER. Also, an end that is not
used or consumed; remnant. Also, the object, as a person or
thing, of wit, ridicule, sarcasm, contempt, humor, and the like.
[v: Aunt Sally, Jack-a-Lent, cockshy, clay pigeon, sitting duck,
mark, gull, dupe, pigeon, prey, quintain, wand, hit list] Also,
to place or join the ends of two things together; such as to abut
by setting them end-to-end. Also, slang for the buttocks; see
FOURTH POINT OF CONTACT. Also, to interfere, meddle, interrupt,
or obtrude, as to butt-in; or to abstain or restrain from same,
such as to butt-out. Also, a push, strike, or blow with the head;
compare BUTT STROKE. Also, any cask or barrel; see LISTER BAG,
WATER BUFFALO.
-
BUTTER BAR :
-
Second Lieutenant (2LT/O-1), based on the insignia of a single
gold bar; with the derogatory implication of slimy, slick,
oleaginous, greasy. The camouflage version was called BROWN BAR;
with the derogatory implication of sycophant, BROWN NOSE. See
LOOEY, AIMING STAKES, OFFICER, RANK.
-
BUTTERFLY :
-
patrolling on multiple axes in frequently changing
patterns; often used as a technique of advance through unknown
terrain; also called CLOVERLEAF; see LEAP FROG, CHECKERBOARD,
ZIGZAG, DASH, SCUTTLE, BUTTONHOOK. Also, a flirt, tease, vamp,
coquette, or B-girl; see SHORT-TIME, SHACK-JOB. Also, an exotic
sex act; see FUCK, CHURNING BUTTER, HAT TRICK, DAISY CHAIN,
TRICK, DU, STEAM 'n' CREAM, HOOKUP, HELL ON WHEELS, ACT OF
CONGRESS.
[nb: many young women during WWII, enthralled by the wartime
drama and excitement, became "uniform groupies" who were
sufficiently "khaki wacky" to express their ardor by casual favor
or intimacy bestowed upon almost any serviceman for simple
companionship; such patriotic chippies or amateur trollops were
known as "V-girls" (probably by analogy to B-girl), with the dual
implication of "victory" and "venereal"] [nb: the American GI's
standard reference for a "woman of easy virtue" during WWII was
Mary Quicklay, during Vietnam was Susie Rottencrotch or Mary
Meatgrinder, while any Asian was either Madam Butterfly or Suzie
Wong] [cf: vivandière] [nb: the "comfort girls" who were
employed as contract prostitutes to serve the sexual needs
(TRICKs) of Imperial Japanese troops in the field, usually at a
COMFORT STATION or SIN CITY, were called "shock absorbers" by the
Allied POWs who happened to observe their (mis-)treatment]
-
BUTTERFLY BOMB :
-
introduced to US air support of French INDOCHINA by the CIA, a
small grenade-like anti-personnel (AP) bomblet with short wings
to retard its descent, actuated by disturbance; compare CBU, see
IRON BOMB.
-
BUTTON :
-
an inscribed badge or emblem, showing one's credentials ("creds")
or bona-fide authority; also called "buzzer". A BABY 007, who
cherished such tokens of symbolic status, would be mockingly
asked if they also received a "secret decoder ring"! See POLICE.
-
BUTTONHOOK :
-
a maneuver by a rear-security element or a RECON team
to double-back or reverse direction onto their back-trail to
check for trackers; see DRAG, STERILIZED, WATCHER; compare DASH,
SCUTTLE, LEAP FROG, HOPSCOTCH, CHECKERBOARD, BUTTERFLY, ZIGZAG.
-
BUTT STROKE :
-
to powerfully strike, hit, whack, bash, slug, smash, bat, blow,
or smite an enemy with a rifle butt or butt stock, in either the
vertical or horizontal plane, using the leverage of pivotal
opposition, as taught in hand-to-hand combat and BAYONET drill,
which technique is both faster and stronger than swung force
clubbing. See BATTLE ROYAL, DOGFIGHT, FIREFIGHT, FIGHTING MAD,
BAYONET, ON GUARD, CQB, UP-CLOSE 'n' PERSONAL, BATTLE, WAR.
-
BUY THE FARM / BOUGHT THE FARM :
-
mortal injury, kill/killed, croak/croaked, slay/slain, die/dead,
grease/greased, dusted, goner; also called WASTED, ZAPPED, CHECK
OUT, BITE THE DUST, PUSHING UP DAISIES; see BELIEVER, SOL, BITTER
END, DEATH CARD, TWEP, KIA, DOW; compare WIA, GSW, MILLION DOLLAR
WOUND.
[nb: phrase is alleged to derive from the payment of the death
benefit to the Next of Kin (NOK), but is more likely to relate to
CIVIL WAR religiosity, where battlefield death would grant a
peaceful homestead in the hereafter]
[nb: "shuffled off this mortal coil", from the "to be or not to
be" soliloquy (Hamlet by William Shakespeare), refers not
to cyclical or inevitable death, but to the confused intrigues of
life's affairs ... "Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The
slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against
a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No
more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the
thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to, 'tis a
consummation Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep; To sleep;
perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub; For in that sleep of
death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal
coil, Must give us pause...."] [cf: And we are here as on a
darkling plain / Swept with confused alarms of struggle and
flight, / Where ignorant armies clash by night" by Matthew
Arnold, Dover Beach]
-
BUZZ :
-
a low-level high-speed overflight, usually for dramatic effect;
such a performance is called "flat-hatting" in the Navy; see
VICTORY ROLL, AEROBATICS. Also, slang for a close crew-cut or
flattopped BUZZ haircut as favored by career MIL-PERS; see
FLATHEAD, FLATTOP, WHITE WALLS, HIGH 'n' TIGHT, LONGHAIR. [v:
glaber/glabrous; cf: roach, hog] Also, idle talk, chatter,
chitchat, babble, prattle, prate; see RUMOR, SCUTTLEBUTT, TALK
TRASH, BRAVO SIERRA. Also, a telephone or radio call; see HORN,
BAMBOO TELEGRAPH.
-
BUZZARD :
-
sardonic name for the American EAGLE, as represented on various
BADGEs, RATINGs, and INSIGNIA; also called "chicken", "crow", and
"the bird"; see PUKING BUZZARDS, BIRD UMBRELLA, PO, CHIEF.
-
BVR :
-
Beyond Visual Range.
-
BX :
-
Base eXchange, same as PX or NEX concession; the sutler's store
of general merchandise for military personnel and their
dependents. See SLOP CHEST. [cf: vivandière]
-
BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY :
-
a catch-phrase of the Vietnam-era, propounded by Malcolm X
(Little) for civil rights activists, then adopted by anti-war and
anti-establishment PROTESTORs; this rallying call for militant
action was employed by Abbie Hoffman, one of the founders of the
Youth International Party (YIPPIE), in a 1968 pledge: "We'll
build our society in the vacant lots of the old, and we'll do it
by any means necessary." See BY THE BOOK, BY THE NUMBERS, LEAST
RESISTANCE, WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' BADGES, ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE
AND WAR.
-
BYOB :
-
abbreviation for Bring Your Own Bottle / Booze; see HOOCH, GROG,
BREW, JUICE, GROUP TIGHTENER, DEAD-SOLDIER, SPLICE THE MAINBRACE,
DUTCH COURAGE, WHISKEY WARRIOR, TOAST, HATCH, HOIST, SUNDOWNER,
CLASS SIX. [cf: catlap]
-
BY THE BOOK :
-
conformity with the correct or established form; being in accord
with gathered information and recommended strategy regarding a
task or procedure, problem or opponent; see NO EXCUSE, ZERO
TOLERANCE, CHECKING THE DICTIONARY, READ-BACK, THE BIBLE, DRILL,
MANUAL OF ARMS, SOP, ORDER, SCRIPTURES. Also, the correct or
customary manner of proceeding; see RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE),
LAWS OF WAR, CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES OF THE SERVICE. Also, where
the "book" is an agreed or established set of rules, conventions,
or standards, functioning or operating in a manner that has
proven to be successful more often than not; see CAPABILITY,
COURSE OF ACTION, KNOW THE ROPES, LEAST RESISTANCE, KNOW YOUR
ENEMY, ABSTRACTION, FIELD EXPEDIENT; compare WIGGLE ROOM, PLAN B,
WANGLE, ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR, MIND CANDY, WE DON'T NEED NO
STINKIN' BADGES, OFF THE RESERVATION, VFR DIRECT, UNODIR, VIETNAM
SYNDROME. [nb: although flukes, windfalls, and other exceptions
(v: "one for the book") occur in the vicissitudes of war, a
general axiom of military operations postulates that one must
know the rules before one can disregard them; thus to violate
conventions without fully understanding them is to invite
disaster or chaos]
-
BY THE NUMBERS :
-
anything that is methodical or repetitive, ordered or sequential,
such as to DRILL or CIPHER, especially those practices or
procedures that are performed in a rhythmic tempo; see PT, PFT,
DAILY DOZEN, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, CADENCE, JODY CALL, CHANTEY, HEP,
HEAVE-HO, HOOAH, OORAH, BATTLE CRY. Also, anything done according
to standard procedures; as BY THE BOOK. Also, to enumerate or
tabulate, mark or itemize each one of a series of things (one by
one) so as to fix the number of the whole; or to ascertain the
amount or quantity of an aggregate by a called-out count so as to
apportion or divide the entirety; see COUNT-OFF, SOUND-OFF.
-
BZ :
-
see BRAVO ZULU.
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