COMBAT MilTerms: B

M I L T E R M S :

B : BRAVO

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 :

Dega flag

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 :

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 :

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 :

191 Inf Bde

2 Inf 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 :

Vietnamese Ranger shoulder
patch and scroll

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 :

Tabasco

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 :

1st Inf Div

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 :

Army svc 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 :

WWI aviator

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 :

SP7

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 :

FSSF

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 :

1st Cav Div

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 :

green beret

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 :

M-79

pump XM-79

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 :

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 :

Army Expert

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 :

novelty peace sign

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 :

service shoe

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 :

OD bush 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 :

BDQ

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 :

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 :

WWII combat 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 :

buck SGT

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 :

SEAL trident

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 :

196 Inf Bde

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 :

master 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 :

11th Inf Bde

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.

MilTerms
index

S-1:
ADMIN

S-2:
INTEL

S-3:
OPNS

S-4:
QM

S-5:
CA

S-6:
COMMO

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