-
G :
-
abbreviation for Gravity (or Gravities), a sea level constant of
gravitational force, as represented by increments of
earth-surface atmospheric pressure as experienced during
accelerative torque or supersonic flight by aircrews; see G-SUIT,
FLIGHT SUIT, POOPIE SUIT. Also, abbreviation for gauss, being a
unit of magnetic field strength, which increments are convertible
to tesla, weber, or maxwell measures; see DEGAUSS.
-
THE G :
-
the government or "gubbermint"; known ironically as "Uncle Sugar"
and sarcastically as "Big Brother", since everyone knows that THE
G is composed of Geeks, Goons, and Goofs who are too inept to
function or conspire effectively. THE G really believes that it
is in charge ["of the government, by the government, and for the
government"], because We The People are too lazy to enforce the
"good government" checks and balances. See REALPOLITIK, MIGHT
MAKES RIGHT, CLIENT STATE, THE EAGLE SHITS, THE NATIONAL JOKE
FACTORY, ACT OF CONGRESS, POLITICIAN, FOGGY BOTTOM, GREEN ACRES,
OLYMPUS, THE HILL, ALPHABET CITY, UNCLE SAM, MANDARIN,
MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX, WASHINGTON WALTZ, YANKEE, RED TAPE,
GSA, GAO, SOG, BELTWAY CLERK, PORK BARREL, BELTWAY BANDIT.
[nb: "Thou cam'st out of thy mother's belly without government,
thou hast liv'd hitherto without government, and thou may'st be
carried to thy long home without government, when it shall please
the Lord. How many people in this world live without government,
yet do well enough, and are well look'd upon?" by Miguel de
Cervantes (1615); "Society in every state is a blessing, but
government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in
its worst state, an intolerable one." by Thomas Paine (1776); "In
framing a government which is to be administered by men over men,
the great difficulty lies in this; you must first enable the
government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige
it to control itself." by James Madison (1788); "The natural
progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain
ground." by Thomas Jefferson (1788); "Government is an evil; it
is only the thoughtlessness and vices of men that make it a
necessary evil." by Percy Bysshe Shelley (1812); "Government is a
trust, and the officers of the government are trustees; and both
the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the
people." by Henry Clay (1829); "The world is too much governed."
by Francis P. Blair (1830); "All government is evil.... The best
government is that which governs least." by John L. O'Sullivan
(1837); "The less government we have, the better." by Ralph Waldo
Emerson (1844); "That government is best which governs least." by
Henry David Thoreau (1844); "Government is at best but an
expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments
are sometimes, inexpedient. The objections which have been
brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty,
and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a
standing government." by Henry David Thoreau (1849); "The worst
government is the most moral. One composed of cynics is often
very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top, there is
no limit to oppression." by H.L. Mencken (1956); "Government is
actually the worst failure of civilized man. There has never been
a really good one, and even those that are most tolerable are
arbitrary, cruel, grasping and unintelligent." by H.L. Mencken
(1956); "A government that is big enough to give you all you want
is big enough to take it all away." by Barry Goldwater (1964);
"Government is like a big baby – an alimentary canal with a
big appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other." by
Ronald W. Reagan (1966); "Yet as I read the Constitution, one of
its essential purposes was to take government off the backs of
people and keep it off." by William O. Douglas (1967);"Giving
money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys
to teenage boys." by P.J. O'Rourke (1991); "We do not get all the
government we pay for – thank God!" by Milton Friedman
(1992)]
-
GA :
-
morse code shorthand abbreviation for "go ahead" or transmit;
compare EOT, II, R; see CW.
-
GABRIEL / GABRIEL DEMONSTRATION :
-
an SF detachment detailed to demonstrate Special Forces skills to
visitors of the Special Warfare Center (SWS/SWC&IMA) on Smoke
Bomb Hill, Fort Bragg, NC; also called "Disneyland", as all such
performances are now called "theme parks". Like Camp McKall, it
was named in honor of a young soldier, SP5 James Gabriel Jr, who
was killed-in-action (KIA) on his first combat tour. Gabriel was
wounded, captured, and executed by VC on 8 April 1962, but many
SFers believe the distinction should've gone to teammate SSG
Wayne E. Marchand, who died at the same time, and who was an
original member of SF when it was founded in 1952. The GABRIEL
DEMONSTRATION would begin with a team arrayed in field gear, each
member reciting a spiel about his duties in a foreign language,
enacting various techniques (eg: RAPPELLING, field cooking,
hand-to-hand combat), presenting various displays and devices
(eg: BOHIO, demo, VILLE), and culminating in a precision FREE
FALL (MFF or HALO) parachute landing, or a Fulton Recovery System
(SKYHOOK) extraction before the VIP bleachers. Some SF teams were
also dispatched to various public events across the nation for
GABRIEL DEMONSTRATIONS designed to improve the military image and
attract volunteers. Compare VICTORY TASK FORCE; see GREEN BERET,
SF, SWS/SWC&IMA, PSYOPS, BRONZE BRUCE. [nb: during WWII, a
similar demonstration area in England became a proving-ground for
evolving tactics, as the MACV RECONDO School innovated field
practices; but the GABRIEL DEMONSTRATION was a scripted play with
professional actors in public theater ... static, not dynamic.]
-
GADGET :
-
slang for an enlisted assistant given a temporary or intermediate
promotion to a leadership position of increased responsibility,
but without the matching pay-grade RATING increase, being the
same as provisional BREVET or FROCKED promotion for officers;
also known as ACTING JACK; this informal expression derives from
"an ingenious article", and implies a useful device; see
BRASSARD, HONCHO, BREAK CHOP, GUNNER, WALLAH.
Also, an informal placeholder term used to identify an article,
object, tool, part, device, contrivance, mechanism, technique, or
process whose proper name is unknown or forgotten; including
dingus, gismo / gizmo, doohickey, thingy / thingee, thingamabob /
thingumabob, thingamajig / thingumajig, whatsis / whatsit,
whachamacallit / whatchamacallit, whuddayacallit / whudyacallit,
what-do-you-call-it, what-you-may-call-it, jigger, doojigger /
do-jigger, doojiggy, doodad / do-dad, widget. [v: doover in
Australia and New Zealand]
-
GAFF :
-
a spur or hook, as used for climbing, securing, or landing.
Also, a SPAR rising AFT from a mast to support the head of a
sail; see STICK, YARDARM. Also, harsh treatment, criticism, or
ridicule, as "stand the gaff"; by implication, to make a bad
mistake worthy of harsh criticism, "pull a gaff" [cf: gaffe:
social blunder, faux pas]. Also, Slang for cheat, swindle,
fleece, scam [cf: grift, blackleg].
-
GAGGLE :
-
a disorderly or disorganized group, as a ROUTE STEP formation or
an uncoordinated unit movement, also known as host, horde, flock,
herd, swarm, drove, or throng; see STUTTER-STEP, DITTY-BOP, SEAT
OF THE PANTS, CLUSTER FUCK, ROUT, ORDER. Also, Marine slang for a
flight of helicopters, being an unspecified number of CHOPPERs
flying together on the same mission.
-
GAG ORDER :
-
slang for the ban or prohibition restricting the participants or
their agents from the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive
information or classified material to the general public for the
protection of lives, military or police operations, and national
security, especially by a judicial ruling or legislative decree.
This publishing embargo imposes a "cease and desist" censorship
restriction upon all parties in the best interests of the
country; it's known as a "D[efense]-notice" by British
Commonwealth nations. See NEED TO KNOW, OPSEC, RUMOR,
DISINFORMATION, CONTROLLED INFORMATION, PROPAGANDA, FALSE FLAG,
PSYOPS, PIO, BULLETIN, JOURNAL, FRUIT FLY, WAR CORRESPONDENT. [v:
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 1966]
-
GAL :
-
Global Access List of prearranged addressees, being a preapproved
contact roster of essential personnel and unit members together
with their telephone numbers and/or e-mail addresses.
-
GALAXY :
-
Lockheed-Martin C-5 series aircraft, also called FAT ALBERT.
-
GALLANTRY :
-
dashing bravery, or noble-minded behavior; 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."; "The bravest
are the tenderest, and the loving are the most daring."]
-
GALLEY :
-
the kitchen area of a vessel or aircraft; compare MESS, CANTEEN,
ANNEX, O CLUB; see BEANS, CHOW, PIPING HOT, CHARLIE NOBLE, DOG,
GI JOE, CHOW LINE, KP, DRO, COOKIE. [v: cuddy; napery, serviette]
[aka: greasy spoon, eatery, beanery, hash house, coffee shop,
cafeteria, luncheonette, automat, salad bar, snack bar, soda
fountain, lunch counter, dining room, lunchroom, tearoom, tea
garden, teahouse, sandwich shop, burger joint, fast-food
establishment, drive-in, truck stop, pizzeria, diner, restaurant,
chophouse, steakhouse, carvery, trattoria, inn, tavern, dinner
theater, supper club, brasserie, coffeehouse, bistro,
cafe/café, grillroom, bar and grill, rathskeller,
nightclub, cabaret, nitery]
-
GALLOW'S HUMOR :
-
a vulgar or insensitive humor that treats serious or painful
subject matter in a light or satirical manner; see BLACK, MEAT
MARKER, PAIN.
[nb: "War is a game that is played with a smile. If you can't
smile, grin. If you can't grin, keep out of the way 'til you
can." by Winston L.S. Churchill; "Peace begins with a smile." by
Mother Teresa (Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu); "He deserves Paradise who
makes his companions laugh." Koran (Qur'an); "Life is tough, and
if you have the ability to laugh at it you have the ability to
enjoy it." by Salma Hayek; "To make mistakes is human; to stumble
is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity." by
William A. Ward; "Imagination was given to man to compensate him
for what he is not. A sense of humor was provided to console him
for what he is." by Horace Walpole; "When humor goes, there goes
civilization." by Erma Bombeck; "Just living in this world is a
psychotic pursuit." by Todd Lorentz]
[nb: gallows (also known as gibbet, tree, forks, two-legged man,
widow) served to execute criminals by hanging (the higher the
crime, the higher the platform), which often caused the victim to
"dance" on the end of the rope (rope dance or airy trot) while
strangling, if the neck was not immediately broken (a too short
drop), or the head separated from the body (a too long drop) ...
this tragic "dance of death" (danse macabre) is comic to the
simpletons and ghouls who are entertained by capital punishment;
the phrase "room to swing a cat" is an expression for enough
space to hang a rogue (the 'cat') who will caper or cavort at the
end of the rope (not to flog with a cat-o'-nine-tails whip); see
FIGHT LIKE KILKENNY CATS]
-
GAMMA :
-
a special project that operated during the VIETNAM WAR as
Detachment B-57, organized under the auspices of Special
Operations Augmentation, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne); the
Greek letter designation 'gamma' represents the third in a
series, and signifies a progressive constant or incremental
scale. See THE GREEKS, STD, SOG, SPECIAL FORCES, SPECIAL
OPERATIONS.
-
GAMMA GOAT :
-
M-561 compound axle, six-wheeled, articulating TRUCK for rough
terrain; see JEEP, HUMVEE, FAV, MULE, DUCK/DUKW.
-
GAMMON GRENADE :
-
an improvised hand-bomb, and hence somewhat unreliable, used
since WWII by partisans and GUERRILLAs; a synthetic, ersatz,
faux, or counterfeit GRENADE, as derived from "bosh". The GAMMON
GRENADE consists of a quantity of TNT or C-4 packed in a
waterproof bag or other frangible container with a detonator
and/or percussion device, with or without SHRAPNEL material (eg:
stone chips, metal scrap, or other debris), which is then thrown
at a target for impact detonation; it's marginally effective
against SOFT TARGETs, like people and thin-skinned vehicles. This
IED is similar to the MOLOTOV COCKTAIL but slightly more
effective. See FRAG, SOUP, EXPLOSIVE.
-
GANG-BANG :
-
slang for a mass formation parachute jump or full unit AIRBORNE
assault; derived from the impressive appearance of a sky crowded
by a mass of canopies. See DZ, AIRHEAD, HEAVY DROP, PARACHUTE,
ABN, HOLLYWOOD BLAST, STRAP-HANGER, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE; compare
CLUSTER FUCK.
-
GANGWAY :
-
a narrow walkway or PASSAGEWAY; see GASOLINE ALLEY, HATCH,
BULKHEAD, LADDERWELL, ACCOMMODATION LADDER, AIR STAIRS, DECK.
Also, an opening in the railing or bulwark of a vessel for use as
a PASSAGEWAY. Also, a temporary BRIDGE at the opening in the
railing or bulwark of a vessel; also known as a "gangplank"; see
BROW. Also, any temporary path or aisle of planks; see
DUCKBOARDS. Also, an injunction or interjection calling for clear
passage, as to "make way" for RANK, or to "give way" for urgency.
-
GANTLET :
-
a heavy protective glove, as of mail for armor or Kevlar for
SCUBA; often confused with GAUNTLET, which is a glove with a
protective cuff.
[nb: to "throw down..." or "take up the gantlet" as representing
a challenge is properly known as a "gage"; see DUEL]
-
GANTLINE :
-
a rope rove through a single BLOCK that's hung from a SPAR, mast,
funnel, or other stanchion, used as a means of hoisting workers,
tools, flags, or the like; as derived from earlier "girtline",
being a line for girding.
-
GAO :
-
Government Accountability Office, renamed by the GAO Human
Capital Reform Act (PL108-271 on 7 July 2004) from the General
Accounting Office, which was originally established by the Budget
and Accounting Act of 1921 (PL67-13 on 10 June 1921) as a
non-partisan investigative and evaluative agency of Congress, and
headed by the Comptroller General of the United States. The GAO
is tasked with the mission of considering all matters relating to
the receipt, disbursement, and application of public funds, and
making reports or recommendations on greater economy or
efficiency in public expenditures. The topics reported on run the
gamut from the federal budget and fiscal issues to financial
management, national defense, homeland security, administration
of justice, health care, information management and technology,
natural resources, environment, international affairs, trade,
financial markets, housing, government management and human
resources. The GAO establishes the standards for audits of
government organizations and programs, activities and operations,
resulting in special and annual performance evaluations. By its
analyses and audits, legal opinions and other services, the GAO
assures accountability of the executive branch to the legislative
branch, and accountability of the government to the citizenry.
The GAO, which has been referred to as "The Watchdog of Congress"
and "The Taxpayers' Best Friend", exposes waste and inefficiency
in government, and maintains an anti-fraud reporting system. See
PORK BARREL, BELTWAY BANDIT, WONK, WIZARD, WALLAH, RED TAPE,
BEAN-COUNTER, MILICRAT, THE G, ORIFICE, MIDNIGHT REQUISITION,
WHISTLE-BLOWER, THE EAGLE SHITS, THE NATIONAL JOKE FACTORY, ACT
OF CONGRESS.
-
THE GARAGE :
-
a building, originally for the repair and servicing of
locomotives and other rolling stock, situated outside Washington
D.C., that was acquired by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS)
during WWII as a communications training, storage, and
surveillance facility, which was later transferred to the
inventory of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), becoming a
repository for exotic and untraceable weapons. Compare COUNTRY
CLUB, THE FARM, THE PICKLE FACTORY.
-
GARAND :
-
a gas-operated, air-cooled, semiautomatic, shoulder weapon that
weighed about 9#s, firing .30caliber ammunition fed from a
Mannlicher-type 8-round clip; designed by John C. Garand (with a
sliding and rotating bolt) and introduced in 1936, it was
superior to bolt-action arms that had to be manually reloaded;
the M-1 GARAND was the standard Army and Marine service rifle
during WWII and the KOREAN WAR. See RIFLE.
-
GARDEN OF STONES :
-
cemetery or graveyard; plural form as "gardens of stone". See
BONEYARD, BOX JOB, NATIONAL CEMETERY, CATAFALQUE, MORTUARY
AFFAIRS, GRAVES REGISTRATION; compare TOMB.
[nb: "long home" is slang for gravesite; v: graveyard, boneyard,
boot hill, God's acre, churchyard, catacomb, necropolis, cist,
dolmen, chamber tomb, cenotaph, columbarium, sepulcher; cf:
"whited sepulcher" (Matthew 23:27)]
-
GARRISON :
-
a body of troops stationed or housed in a place so as to fortify
or defend it. Also, any military installation, especially a
permanent one; see COMPOUND, POST, FORT, BASE, RESERVATION,
SHADOW OF THE FLAGPOLE, LITTLE AMERICA.
-
GARRISON CAP :
-
a compact wedge-shaped hat that was designed to conveniently
replace the helmet for wear in rear areas when coming out of the
trenches during WWI; the garrison cap or hat was adapted from the
blue FORAGE cap worn by the French Army, and is also known as a
"Go To Hell" cap, fore 'n' aft cap, flight cap, boat cap, flat
cap, envelope cap, pisscutter, OVERSEAS CAP, or CUNT CAP. The
GARRISON CAP fell out of favor during the inter-war period, worn
primarily by aircraft and tank crews (who normally wore helmets
while performing their duties), but its practicality soon
restored its adoption during WWII, thenceforth worn until
replaced by the BERET. Most suitable for travel, the GARRISON CAP
has been worn by all branches and grades with variations of
color, fabric, style, and insignia; the flattened envelope-style
version of this cap was introduced during WWII, reserving the
pleated version for the women's auxiliary corps, to increase
productivity requirements. The cuff or curtain of the GARRISON
CAP was edge-trimmed with branch or rank specific CORD (called
"edge-cord"); with EMs/NCOs wearing their unit CREST (DI/DUI),
and officers wearing their RANK on the left side of the cap.
Until the introduction of the red berets, the AIRBORNE wore a
"para-glider" PATCH (originally separate patches for paratroops
and gliders, infantry and artillery, but merged after WWII) sewn
to their caps. Compare BILLED CAP, SAUCER CAP, CRUSHER; see
CAMPAIGN HAT, HEADGEAR.
[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]
-
GARRISON STATE :
-
a state in which military matters dominate economic and political
life; see MIGHT MAKES RIGHT, THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS,
REALPOLITIK. [v: stratocracy, autocracy, autarchy, absolutism,
totalitarianism, despotism, dictatorship, tyranny, machtpolitik;
cf: meritocracy]
-
GARROTE :
-
a cord or wire device, sometimes with handles or in the form of a
noose, used in covert operations to strangle ("scrag") an enemy;
also called "commando necktie", "Singapore sling", "Thuggee
cord", or "mafia rosary", as derived from the collar used in
Spanish capital punishment; also spelled "garrotte". Compare
GAUNTLET, OVER A BARREL, KEELHAUL, DEATH OF A THOUSAND CUTS,
TWIST IN THE WIND.
[nb: the hereditary Hindu sect of murderers and robbers known as
Thug (from Sanskrit "sthaga" meaning scoundrel, and Hindi "thag"
meaning thief) or Thuggee, also spelled "tuggee" or "thugi", and
who are also called "Phansigars" [stranglers], used a special
scarf ("rumaal") for their ritual executions in honor of the
goddess Kali]
-
GAS BAG :
-
a person who habitually indulges in meaningless talk, or a
session of inconclusive or meaningless conversation, as to
guesstimate, surmise, conjecture, or gossip; see TALK TRASH,
SHOOT THE SHIT, BLOW SMOKE, WOOF, BRAVO SIERRA, MOTOR MOUTH,
VERBAL DIARRHEA, SCUTTLEBUTT, HOT AIR, RUMOR. Also, slang for a
balloon or BLIMP; see NACELLE, SKYHOOK. [nb: reconnoitring
balloons were first used by the Army of the Potomac at the Battle
of Fredericksburg (12 December 1862)] [v: an experimental sealed
cabin, called an "air cabin", was lofted by balloon to 53,400' in
1954 by Auguste Piccard; cf: bathyscaphe]
-
GAS MASK :
-
a face-mask with air-filtration that can be worn under a helmet
for protection against riot or poison gases; although
restrictive, a GAS MASK will not prevent any military job from
being performed. See EEBD, OBA, SCUBA, MOPP, JSLIST, CPOG, BUNNY
SUIT, BLUE SUIT, HAZMAT, CBR.
-
GASOLINE ALLEY :
-
an aisle, corridor, PASSAGEWAY, or GANGWAY connecting the
BULKHEADs of several fuel storage and engine compartments in the
bowels of a ship; see HULL, BLACK GANG.
-
GASPER :
-
slang for cigarette; also called cig/cigee, smoke, BUTT, FAG,
coffin-nail, cancer-stick, factory-made, ready-made, tailor-made,
hand-made, or hand-roll. Sold at subsidized prices in military
concessions (PX/BX, COMMISSARY) and provided at no charge with
field RATIONS until 1972. Many combat soldiers formed the habit
of opening their cigarette packs from the bottom, so a GASPER
could be removed with dirty fingers, with the clean or filtered
end placed in the mouth without excess contamination. Cigarettes
(meaning "small cigar") became popular with MIL-PERS during and
after the MEXICAN WAR because they are more convenient to carry
and use than either cigars or (predominantly clay) pipes;
although chew/snuff ("smokeless tobacco") can be indulged when
lighting-up is too dangerous. See PIGTAIL, BUTT, FAG, SOLDIER'S
BREAKFAST, FIELD STRIP, LITTER, POLICE CALL, BUTT CAN, STICK, CAN
SA, GRASS, HAY, HUBBLE-BUBBLE, SMOKER; compare BRING SMOKE, BLOW
SMOKE, POP SMOKE, SCUTTLEBUTT.
[nb: the Surgeon General's warning first appeared on cigarette
packages in 1964 during the VIETNAM WAR, but most soldiers
believed that serving in combat was more hazardous to their
health than smoking! Cigarettes were also freely distributed, as
a patriotic gesture, to combatants during the SPANISH-AMERICAN
WAR as a "necessity". General J.J. "Blackjack" Pershing informed
the War Department that "tobacco was as indispensable as rations"
in 1917; and quartermasters advised troops during WWII to take
them, because if they didn't smoke now, they would after being in
combat!] [nb: just as sports cards and redemption coupons were
included in select brands of cigarettes during the post-WWII era,
a morale card featuring the motto "I shall return" and a picture
of General Douglas MacArthur was enclosed in packs of "Lucky
Strike" cigarettes during WWII] [nb: the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco
Company marketed a low-cost mentholated cigarette specifically to
working-class urbanites, brand named "Uptown", with the ten or
twenty "ready-mades" already arranged upsidedown in their packs,
because these blue-collar smokers were accustomed to opening
their cigarettes from the bottom to keep the filter-tips clean]
[nb: cigarettes have been widely used as money in POW CAMPs due
to their limited availability, easy portability, and ready
divisibility] [v: Japanese tabako]
-
GATOR :
-
an amphibious vehicle, developed by Sperry Rand and the Advanced
Research Projects Agency (ARPA) in 1970, that could travel on the
surface and underwater like a submersible BOAT, or crawl on the
seafloor and move inland through the surf; essentially being a
lockout submersible with tracks. Utilized as a reconnaissance
vehicle by the Marine Corps, in riverine operations by the Army,
and a Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) by the Navy. The USSR
simultaneously and independently developed a similar vehicle,
that was deployed by submarine, which INTEL was deduced based
upon tracks discovered on Sweden's coastal seafloor in 1972.
Also, slang for any small 4-6 wheel-drive all terrain vehicle
(ATV); see FAV, LSV, MULE.
-
GATOR-FREIGHTER :
-
Marine slang for any type of LANDING CRAFT used in BEACHHEAD
assaults; by adaptation from WWII ALLIGATOR. See ELSIE; compare
GATOR.
-
GAUNTLET :
-
any glove with protective cuffs (as worn by horse cavalry), or
the cuffs themselves; often confused with GANTLET. Also, a severe
ordeal, or an attack from two or more sides; based upon "run the
gauntlet", where a person being tested or punished runs between
two ranks of assailants. [nb: the "gauntlet" ordeal is a
mispronunciation of "gantlope" or "gantelope", which is
Scandinavian for a "running course"; to "run the gantlope" is
redundant]
-
GAVIN :
-
(forthcoming); see APC, TRACK.
-
GBU :
-
Guided Bomb Unit; a so-called SMART BOMB that can be directed
onto its target with precision as long as operator control
exists, as used since late in the VIETNAM WAR (eg: GBU-37 5000#
laser-guided conventional "bunker buster" explosive. See EOGB,
LGB, VB, EGBU, PAVEWAY, LANTIRN, LASER AIMING DEVICE, PAINT,
LASER; compare CBU.
-
GCA :
-
Ground Controlled Approach, being the technique and procedures
for "talking down" an aircraft during its approach so as to place
it in a position for landing as safely as possible.
-
GCI :
-
Ground Controlled Intercept.
-
GCMA :
-
Groupements Commandos Mixtes Aeroportes; a French INDOCHINA
unit similar to Mike Force.
-
GD :
-
General Discharge; see DISCHARGE.
-
GECKO :
-
any small, mostly nocturnal tropical lizard having toe pads that
can cling to smooth surfaces; derivation alleged to be a Malay
word imitative of the lizard's call, hence the popular nickname
of "fuck-you lizard" bestowed by Americans.
-
GEDUNK :
-
(geh-dunk) Navy slang for any candy, sweetmeat, or "junk food",
and by association, the place where these snacks can be obtained
(eg: ship's store). May be metaphoric, as the place and object of
"sweet desire". Also spelled "geedunk"; compare POGY BAIT,
JAWBREAKER.
-
G8 :
-
an informal international group, composed of the heads of the
leading industrialised countries, who've been invited to discuss
world affairs and global economics at annual meetings where
unofficial initiatives are cooperatively implemented. Begun on 25
March 1973 when the US Treasury Secretary invited the British,
French, and German finance ministers to an informal discussion on
the international monetary disorder created by the American
decision to drop the gold standard, with their Japanese
counterpart subsequently invited to join the ongoing discussion;
which conclaves were labeled "the group of five" or G5 in the
press coverage. When France hosted the 1975 meeting, Italy was
invited to participate with the other nations; then Canada was
invited to join in 1976, whereupon the G7 association was formed.
At the summit meeting in 1998, Russia formally joined the group,
which then became the G8. The European Commission (EC) and the
European Union (EU) also send representatives to these
conferences, and select countries or regional unions have also
been invited. The G8 is neither an institution nor an
international organisation, it has no permanent secretariat, and
takes no binding measures. The G8 has no set doctrine and is not
subsumed by a unitary ideology, although the member nations are
united by certain universal values -- democracy, human rights,
and the free-market economy -- their socioeconomic models and
political sympathies can vary widely; yet they are united by a
commitment to international cooperation. Because it is not a
legal entity, it does not compete with government agencies or
treaty organizations, and its pronouncements only represent
voluntary policies, synchronized for political and financial
solidarity of commitment made by its members. G8 initiatives
include debt reduction, health care, computer access, weapons
control and anti-terrorism. The G8 has liaised with other
informal bodies, but the annual summits have grown so large that
the intimacy of the original gatherings has been lost, so the G8
anticipates a reorganization. See UN, NATO, LEAGUE OF NATIONS,
COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS, ARAB LEAGUE, NAM, ASEAN, SEATO,
PENTALATERAL AGREEMENT, ANZUS, KANZUS, HAGUE TRIBUNAL, NGO,
QUANGO, GOCO, OGA, BELTWAY BANDIT; compare G10, G15, G20, G24,
G77.
[nb: the personal representatives of the G8 (ie: Canada, France,
Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United
States) Heads of State and Government, who arrange the annual
summit meeting in a series of pre-/post-meeting sessions, are
commonly called "sherpas", and their assistants are known as
"sous-sherpas", named after the Nepalese porters who assist
Himalayan climbers]
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GENERAL :
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senior military OFFICER, equivalent to Naval ADMIRAL, meaning a
"generalist" or non-specialist who is knowledgeable and competent
in all aspects of combined arms operations. Also, the group of
FLAG OFFICERs in military service RATED from O-7 to O-11 and
RANKed from Brigadier General, Major General, Lieutenant General,
General, and General of the Army (Air Force). See CAPTAIN, LDR,
SKIPPER, CO, OFFICER, USA, USAF, USMC.
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GENERAL LEE :
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a high-silhouette medium TANK with "backdoor" access, having four
machineguns (MG), a TURRET mounted 37mm (SQUIRREL GUN) auxiliary
cannon, and a low-mounted 75mm MAIN-GUN on its hull that could
only be aimed by repositioning the vehicle to align with the
target. Although its height made it unstable, it was most
vulnerable when firing its MAIN-GUN due to its fully exposed
profile. Used early in WWII, and sometimes called a "Ronson" (a
brand name of cigarette lighter advertised as "Always light the
first time.") like its successor the M-4 SHERMAN. See WIDOW
MAKER.
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GENEVA CONVENTION :
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any one of a series of international agreements establishing
rules for the humane treatment of prisoners of war (POW), of
NONCOMBATANTs, of the sick, wounded, and dead in battle; the
first such concord was adopted in 1864 in Geneva Switzerland.
See HAGUE TRIBUNAL, LAWS OF WAR.
[nb: the publication of "Un Souvenir de Solferino" in 1862 by
Swiss philanthropist Jean Henri Dunant, regarding the suffering
of the wounded at the Battle of Solferino, led to the
formulation of the Geneva Convention and to the establishment of
the International Committee of the Red Cross]
[v: Diplomatic Terms]
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GENIE :
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slang for the energy or force resulting from nuclear fission,
whether controlled (as in an A-BOMB explosion) or accidental (as
in a pile SCRAM); also called "dragon", based upon the demonic
spirit that's summoned forth to execute man's bidding, as from
Islamic myth (jinn); term derived from "genius". See YELLOWCAKE,
HEAVY WATER, HOT GREASE, FALLOUT, CONTAINMENT, EMP, NUKE, CBR.
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GENOCIDE :
-
the deliberate and systematic extermination of a national,
racial, political, or cultural group, as coined by H.L. Mencken
to describe the Nazi HOLOCAUST. While the conventional
definition, being the systematic extermination of a people based
upon their perceived collective guilt, focuses on the bearers of
such doctrine, the genuine practice of GENOCIDE has actually
sought the extirpation of the objectionable culture or opposing
creed, regardless of converts or other population remnants. On 24
May 1915, a joint declaration by the WWI Allies (not including
the USA) condemned the "crimes against humanity and civilization"
in Armenia, based upon the Roman law of "jus gentium" or
International Law. The Nuremberg Tribunal listed persecution on
racial or religious grounds as a crime for which both the state
and the individual would be severally liable, establishing the
principle of individual responsibility and accountability for
each particular of an executed command. The United Nations
defined the crime of GENOCIDE in a 1949 convention, providing for
its punishment by competent authority of the affected state or by
an international tribunal; however, the US, objecting to its
violation of national sovereignty and usurpation of jurisdiction,
declined to ratify it until 1986. Although every American
president of the 20th century has sworn "never again" in some
proclamation responsive to GENOCIDE, the US has never interceded
to forestall or interrupt sovereign repression, religious or
political persecution, racial or ethnic cleansing; and has only
acted in international engagements when treaty obligations could
not be ignored or shirked ... always in its own best interest.
The UN peacekeeping efforts on behalf of GENOCIDE have done
nothing except APPEASE the belligerents while they re-arm and
maneuver. See CBR, NUKE, WMD, APOCALYPSE, HOLOCAUST, OVERKILL,
KNOCK INTO A COCKED HAT, HEADHUNTING, TRIGGER-HAPPY, MASSACRE,
TURKEY SHOOT, KILL 'EM ALL, WARMONGER, RETALIATION, WAR CRIMES
TRIAL. [cf: blood feud; v: vernichtungsgedanken,
pogrom/pogróm (destructive thunder)] [nb: "Most of the
world's ills would be cured with one three-day open season on
people." by Ernest M. Hemingway]
[eg: Armenia, Bangladesh, Belgian Congo, Bosnia, Bulgaria,
Cambodia, Chatham Islands, Czechoslovakia, Herzegovina, Iraq,
Peru, Poland, Rwanda, Tibet, Zaire]
[v: a "viaticum" is a provision or allowance of the necessary
funds and supplies issued to a Roman soldier traveling to his
last or final battle; which became the ecclesiastical Eucharist
or Communion given to a dying person]
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GERM WARFARE :
-
an expression coined during the KOREAN WAR to designate
biological warfare [v: CBW, GNR, CBR, ABC, NBC, WMD]; the
communists extracted confessions from captured aircraft
crewmembers who (falsely) admitted attacking North Korea with
pathogens and other toxins, which "evidence" was used as
PROPAGANDA. According to historians, the 18th century was a
period devoted to advanced mathematics, the 19th century was a
period devoted to chemistry, the 20th century was devoted to
physics, and the 21st century will be devoted to biology. See
GENOCIDE, APOCALYPSE.
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GERTRUDE :
-
slang name of the UnderWater Telephone (UWT), being a
sound-powered wireless telephonic communication system of voice
or whistle signals that's used between submerged SUBMARINEs;
because sound travels faster in water (52mi/min) than in air
(12mi/min; 1mi/5sec), this technique has an insecure but clear
utility ranging from 1,000-3,000 yards. See TELEPHONE, compare
RADIO, ELF, UQC, SONAR, ASDIC.
[v: Mach] [nb: the velocity and distance that sound travels in
either air or water depends upon atmospheric pressure, medium
temperature, molecular density, and turbulence; such that under
equivalent conditions, sound moves faster in salt water than in
fresh, faster in fresh water than in air]
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GFU :
-
literally General Fuck Up, or more euphemistically as "general
foul up"; see FUCK-UP, FUCKED-UP, CLUSTER FUCK, WTFO, SOL,
BOHICA.
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GHOST :
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to avoid work, do nothing, be absent, get lost on post, hide on
base, disappear, to SKATE, coast, take it easy, goofing-off,
goofing-up, goofing, larking, or skylarking; shirking or slacking
duty, SOLDIERing. Related to "GHOST time" for free or unaccounted
OFF-DUTY time, or time taken from duty without release. Since the
American CIVIL WAR, GHOSTs have also been called straggler,
shirker, skulk, sneak, sluggard, beat, play-off, and
coffee-cooler. See GOLDBRICK, FEATHER MERCHANT, REST ON OARS,
SLACKER, MAGGOT, DODGE THE BULLET, TAP-DANCER; compare SWEAT HOG,
HARD-ASS.
Also, any presumed or predicted enemy threat or menace,
especially those tenuous, insubstantial, immaterial, illusory,
superficial, ethereal, or transmundane apparitions; compare
BOGIE, SPOOKY, SPECTRE, GREMLIN, SHADOW, SPOOK, SHADOW WALKER.
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GHOST BOAT :
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with reference to the four LSMR boats in country; compare GHOST
SHIP.
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GHOST FRONT :
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a thin or weak line of troops and fortifications, usually
occupied by understrength or inexperienced units; being more of a
symbolic than a combative force; compare GHOST UNIT, see RUSE DE
GUERRE. [nb: "Prince John" MaGruder's Army in the CIVIL WAR's
Peninsular Campaign permitted the Confederate withdrawal while
forestalling McClellan's advance with a ruse: troops marching in
circles, wagons ridden in circles, breakfast fires lighted for
non-existent troops, and Quaker cannon] [v: Battle of the Bulge]
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GHOST SHIP :
-
a sunken ship that has been recovered, repaired, restored, and
returned to service; see WARSHIP, BATTLE WAGON, Q-SHIP.
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GHOST SOLDIER :
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self-descriptive reference to the forgotten and emaciated
prisoners of war (POW) in the Philippines during WWII (eg: ghost
soldiers of Bataan).
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GHOST TURD :
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lightweight lint from clothing or bedding that mysteriously
appears at unusual times and places in otherwise clean living
QUARTERS or BARRACKs, especially just before inspection; also
called "dust ball", "fuzz ball", "fur ball", or "dust bunny". See
ADY, GIG, TURD, DUTY ROSTER, STRAC, SQUARED AWAY, SHIPSHAPE;
compare PET, GIG LINE.
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GHOST UNIT :
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hypothetical units contrived to deceive enemy intelligence by a
skeleton staff simulating orders, signals, and movements; some
included MOCK-UP installations, silhouette tanks, and Quaker
cannon. GHOST UNITs during WWII included: 6th Abn Div, 18th Abn
Div, 21st Abn Div, 135th Abn Div, 9th Fleet, etc. During the GULF
WAR, these deception operations were conducted by "Ambiguity
Forces" under Task Force Troy, and used a "wheeled camel" symbol
to represent their ruses. See PHANTOM OPERATIONS, FALSE FLAG, RED
HERRING, DECOY, CAMO, DECEPTION, RUSE DE GUERRE.
[nb: under the Double Cross system of Operation Fortitude
preliminary to the WWII D-Day INVASION, a procedure similar to
CPX was used to create "ghost" and "phantom" units as a
deception]
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GHOST WALK :
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to simulate imaginary actions and fictitious movements by false
signals and reports so as to deceive supervisors and superiors
about the real state of an operation, usually a surveillance or
reconnaissance; also known as a "pretend patrol", "projection
patrol", "phony patrol", "radio patrol", "shadow dance", and if
enemy contact is fabricated, "shadow boxing". This illegal
practice has been defended as "reasonable" when the tactical
situation, weather, or some other adversity made execution of the
military orders seem "unreasonable" to those assigned. See CPX,
GHOST UNIT, PHANTOM OPERATION, DECEPTION, OODLES, NIGHTINGALE,
RED HERRING, DECOY, GUNDECKING, CAT SKINNER, STATIC, GHOST, AWOL,
MUTINEER.
[cf: widow's walk, cock of the walk, DUCK-WALK, CATWALK,
CAKEWALK]
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GHOUL :
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slang for the casualty notification officer, casualty assistance
or survivor assistance officer, who is often accompanied by a
chaplain on his official calls with the family of injured or
deceased MIL-PERS; this onerous duty, frequently assigned to
convalescing patients held on profile while healing, often
provokes morbid curiosity in others, in the same way that
passers-by are vicariously titillated by an accident scene ...
term is derived from the basic definition of anyone who revels in
what others consider revolting. See KINFORMING, HUG SQUAD, NOK,
WIA, DOW, KIA, MORTUARY AFFAIRS, GRAVES REGISTRATION; compare
CACO, SKY PILOT, GOD SQUAD.
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GHQ :
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General HeadQuarters, a (re-)organization command insinuated
between the General Staff (GS) and Army Group headquarters during
WWII, as based upon Pershing's AEF-GHQ; under this rubric, Lesley
J. McNair established the desert training area (later NTC) and
the corps maneuver area (later JRTC), while George C. Marshall
streamlined the Command and General Staff course (C&GS) and
eliminated the WAR COLLEGE as wartime necessities.
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GI / G.I. :
-
(gee-eye) standardized Government Issue; denoting both the people
and the equipment utilized in military service. A member or
former member of the U.S. Armed Forces, being an adherent of
military procedures and practices; similar to the G.I. JOE
byword, females in uniform are widely known as "G.I. Jane". To
distinguish themselves, a unique term is contracted from GI and
Marine to designate "GIrine" (jy-reen) [or "gyrene"]. See GI JOE,
GI PARTY, SKIRT, SKY PILOT, BOOT, CRUIT, AIRDALE, JET JOCKEY,
ROTOR HEAD, GOOD STICK, GRUNT, DOUGHBOY, DOGFACE, BLUELEG, RED
HATS, BLACK HATS, GREEN BERET, SNAKE-EATER, SNEAKY PETE, BLANKET
HEAD, BULLET HEAD, FAG, CANNON-COCKER, TUBE MONKEY, REDLEG,
YELLOWLEG, TOAD, SNUFFY, CHINA MARINE, SEAGOING MARINE, JARHEAD,
HORSE MARINE, SWABBY, SQUID, POLLYWOG, NUGGET, FRESH CATCH,
SHELLBACK, MOSSBACK, PLANK OWNER, SHIPMATE, OLD SALT, SEA DADDY,
RABBI, PATRON SAINT, ATLAS, WARM BODY, KNUCKLE-DRAGGER; compare
AUSSIE, KIWI, TOMMY, IVAN, HERMAN THE GERMAN, MARVIN THE ARVN,
CHARLIE, GOMER, LUKE THE GOOK, ISAAC THE IRAQ, SCARAB THE ARAB,
HAJJI, ALI BABA, MUJ, RAGHEAD, SANDY, BAD GUYS.
[nb: "pongo" is Australian slang for a soldier or Marine,
probably after its primary meaning of 'monkey']
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GIB :
-
Guy In Back, being the backseater in two-man fighter aircraft;
slang for WSO (WIZZO), RSO, EWO, RIO, or BEAR. Compare FUF.
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GI BILL / G.I. BILL :
-
(gee-eye bill) the post-WWII assortment of veteran's benefits,
ranging from disability compensation and unemployment pension to
education allowance and home loan guaranty; commonly called the
"GI Bill of Rights", from the original Serviceman's ReAdjustment
Act of 1944, and similar subsequent legislation for veterans with
other than a dishonorable discharge. See LINE OF DUTY, MILLION
DOLLAR WOUND, DOUBLE-DIP, THE EAGLE SHITS.
[nb: Solon, the Athenian statesman, was the first ruler to decree
that the children of warriors killed in battle were to be
educated at the expense of the state]
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GI CAN :
-
an almost indestructible 30-gallon galvanized steel garbage can
that's variously employed in field kitchens on BIVOUAC, and is
widely used to hold cold beverages at unit picnics and sports
events; also known as a "shit can" for its use in collecting wet
or spoiled refuse. See FILE 13, BURN BAG, DUSTBIN, BUTT CAN, SLOP
CHUTE.
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GIG :
-
a report or demerit for a minor infraction of official rules, or
punishment for such a minor infraction; also called "black mark",
"ding", or TURD [v: dishevel, dishabille, disorderly]; see CALL
ON THE CARPET, HAWK, FANG, DR, RIOT ACT, FASHION SHOW, DROP,
FRONT LEANING REST, BOX THE COMPASS, AIRMAN ALIGNMENT TOOL,
BLANKET PARTY, SQUEEZE, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, GIG LINE, STRAC,
SQUARED AWAY, SHIPSHAPE.
Also, a small lightweight BOAT propelled by long oars, as a scull
or dinghy; compare SKIMMER, SCOW, SAMPAN; see BOAT.
[v: canoe, dugout, pirogue, kayak / kaiak / kyak, bateau /
batteau, coracle, wherry, cockleshell, jolly boat, skiff, shell,
scull, johnboat, punt, pontoon, dory, gondola, flatboat,
skipjack, rowboat, whaleboat, longboat, umiak, pram, launch,
faltboat / foldboat, keelboat, pinnace, cockboat, caique /
caïque, catboat, yawl, dinghy, bark, tub]
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GIGGLES 'n' BANGS :
-
slang for the HULL noise, from creaks and groans to thumps and
pops, induced by the effects of water forces and temperature
during movement, or from high pressure at greater depths on the
PRESSURE HULL of submerged vessels; see HULL, COLLAPSE DEPTH,
CRASH-DIVE, SUBMARINE.
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GIG LINE :
-
centerline of a uniform formed by the edge of the shirt
placket, the belt buckle, and the seam of the pant's fly, for
which misalignment demerits may be imposed. Compare GHOST TURD,
PET.
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GI JANE :
-
see GI, GI JOE, SKIRT, WAAC, WAC, WAF, WAFS, WASP, WAVES, SPAR,
BAM, WM, "Jane Bond" @ SECRET AGENT / BABY 007, CRYPTO, "Acting
Jane" @ ACTING JACK, "Swinging Dickless" @ SWINGING DICK, "Dear
Jane" @ JODY, ANGEL, COMMO, CRYPER, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH, SQUEAK,
RIGGER, QM, WARRIOR PRINCESS, WONDER WOMAN, WINNIE THE WAC, QUEEN
FOR A YEAR, RUNTS 'n' CUNTS, MOTHER HEN, "bra-less" @ HANG LOOSE,
PIRATE'S DREAM, LONGHAIR, ROUND EYE, CAMP FOLLOWER, BITCH, FLYING
BRAVO, STRANGE, SPLIT, SNATCH, SHACK-JOB, SLEEPING DICTIONARY,
CLASS-B DEPENDENT, CAMPAIGN WIFE, DRAG, DISTAFF, DOUGHNUT DOLLY,
SALLY, FANY.
[v: amazon, virago; cf: vivandière] [nb: Aussie "Shiela"]
[nb: "The She-Goats having obtained a beard by request to
Jupiter, the He-Goats were sorely displeased and made complaint
that the females equaled them in dignity. 'Allow them,' said
Jupiter, 'to enjoy an empty honor and to assume the badge of your
nobler sex, so long as they are not your equals in strength or
courage.' It matters little if those who are inferior to us in
merit should be like us in outside appearances." by Aesop
(The She-Goats and Their Beards in Aesop's
Fables] [nb: "Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways
to that which destroyeth kings." Proverbs 31:3 KJV Bible]
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GI JOE :
-
(gee-eye joe) slang for any MIL-PERS, including "GI Jane", most
often refers to Army and Marine "ground pounders"; see GI,
DOUGHBOY, YANKEE, GRAYBACK, TOMMY, CHARLIE. Also, a cartoon
series, featuring Willie and Joe characters, as drawn by several
artists for STARS AND STRIPES newspaper; compare SAD SACK.
[nb: Bill Mauldin's GI Joe caricature was rejected by YANK
magazine, was published in the "Star Spangled Banter" feature of
the 45th Infantry Division newsletter, and was later shared with
STARS AND STRIPES in the "Up Front" feature, but the now-classic
Willie and Joe personas didn't materialize until 1943]
[nb: Paramount replaced the G.I. Joe toy line in 2007 (for a 2009
film release) with "Action Man", converting the trade name into
an acronym for "Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity", an
international co-ed force of hi-tech equipped operatives based in
Brussels; however the original G.I. Joe "real American hero" doll
(1963) depicted Mitchell Paige, a USMC platoon sergeant on
Guadalcanal awarded the Medal of Honor, who consented to be the
model for the Hasbro Toy Company action figure as long as the
figure always remained a "United States Marine"; Colonel Paige
died 15 Nov 2003]
Also, slang for military coffee, also known as joe, mud, washy,
java, mocha, espresso, cappuccino, café au lait,
café noir, café royale, pousse-café, brew,
nectar of the gods, black water, brown blood, boiler acid, and
battery acid; ever since Andrew "Old Hickory" Jackson replaced
the quartermaster's rum (GROG) allotment with a commissariat's
coffee ration in 1832, and ever since Josephus Daniels (appointed
Secretary of the Navy by Woodrow Wilson) abolished the officer's
wine mess in 1913, coffee has become a symbol of hospitality, a
token of good will, a signal of informality among ranks, a barter
commodity, a nonprescription medicament, and an innocent prop
when not otherwise employed as a stimulating decoction or a
soothing infusion; see THE DRINK, JUICE, BUG JUICE, NUOC, BEANS,
CHOW, C-RATIONS, IRON RATIONS, SOLDIER'S BREAKFAST, RATIONS,
CANTEEN, WATER PURIFICATION TABLET; compare BREW. [cf: ersatz
(ersetzen), faux]
[nb: "The coffee they make here / They say is mighty fine / It's
good for cuts and bruises / And tastes like iodine; "I like my
coffee just like my women: hot, sweet, white, and weak!"; "My
coffee reminds me of my mama: strong, black, and bitter!"; "We
prefer our coffee as strong as love, as black as sin, and as hot
as Hades." by T. Hale Boggs (1960)]
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GILLIE SUIT :
-
a drape or coverall, often meticulously detailed, that's used to
camouflage and conceal a rifleman hidden in a natural setting;
its design is particular to a specific setting and intended to
distort the outline of the human form. Introduced to the American
military for use by SNIPERs during the VIETNAM WAR from the
British military; it derives from clothing worn by poachers in
the Scottish hinterlands. The term 'gillie', sometimes spelled
"gilly", refers to a lad or servant acting as gamekeeper. See
SHROUD, HIDE, CAMO, DRESS, DECEPTION, CONCEALMENT.
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GIMBAL :
-
a contrivance of brackets and pivots designed to permit a mounted
object (eg: marine compass, ship's binnacle, radio, monitor) to
rotate so as to remain level regardless of the movements of its
housing; often expressed as "gimbals". Spill-proof cup-holders
were adapted from this ancient Chinese concept, which dates from
second century BC braziers, and evolved into the automotive
universal joint. Also called "GIMBAL rings"; from the root word
for ring (gyro-), a rotating circular construction is similarly
represented by gyrostabilizer, gyrocompass, gyromagnetic,
gyroscope, and so forth. Development is usually attributed to the
Italian mathematician Gerome Cardan (Geronimo Cardano, 1501-1576)
for the "cardan suspension", but a differential gear was used on
the statuesque south-pointing lodestone mechanism by the Chinese
during the third century BC.
-
GI PARTY :
-
work DETAIL or FATIGUE duty, especially BARRACKs clean-up
preparatory to inspection; also spelled "G.I. party". Compare
SHORE PARTY; see DUTY ROSTER, POLICE CALL, SQUARED AWAY,
SHIPSHAPE, HOUSECLEANING.
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GIR :
-
Glider Infantry Regiment, such as 189th GIR, 193rd GIR, 327th
GIR, 401st GIR, etc; see BDE, RCT, RGT, GLIDER, AIRBORNE,
PARACHUTE.
-
GI SHOWER :
-
any primitive or improvised bathing facility, where the water
supply is restricted or the water temperature isn't adjustable;
see DOUCHE BAG, PT SHOWER, RAINROOM, HEAD, LATRINE, COMFORT
STATION, MONKEY BUTT. Also, a method of showering wherein the
body is wetted, the water turned off while washing is performed,
then rinsed as quickly as possible; formerly performed aboard
ships using filtered seawater and saltwater soap before
distillation became commonplace. Also, a punitive bathing that's
forcibly administered to an unhygienic SQUAD member or BARRACKs
mate with cleansers and scrub brushes; like the BLANKET PARTY and
some other forms of ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, this well-intentioned
practice is nonetheless illegal. [cf: kangaroo court, tribunal,
sanhedrim]
-
GISMO :
-
an informal placeholder term used to identify an article, object,
tool, part, gadget, device, contrivance, mechanism, technique, or
process whose proper name is unknown or forgotten, also spelled
"gizmo"; including dingus, doohickey, thingy / thingee,
thingamabob / thingumabob, thingamajig / thingumajig, whatsis /
whatsit, whachamacallit / whatchamacallit, whuddayacallit /
whudyacallit, what-do-you-call-it, what-you-may-call-it, jigger,
doojigger /
do-jigger, doojiggy, doodad / do-dad, widget. [v: doover in
Australia and New Zealand]
-
GITMO :
-
the informal pronunciation of GTMO, which is the shortened form
of NSGTMO, the abbreviation for Naval Station Guantanamo, and
commonly called the "Pearl Harbor of the Atlantic". This U.S.
Navy base is situated at Guantánamo city and the adjacent
landlocked bay in southeastern Cuba. It was leased in 1903
(renewed 1934) by a treaty that requires the consent of both
nations to amend or repeal, however the nominal rent of $5000/yr
has been rejected by the Castro regime since 1960, which has
pressured for U.S. eviction. A Detention Center (also called Camp
or facility) is colocated there for housing foreign pirates and
international terrorists. See PINK PALACE, CACTUS CURTAIN, THE
ROCK.
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GLASS :
-
to scan by use of an optical instrument, such as binoculars
(BINOS) or FIELD GLASSES; see PEEPERS, VIPER, NOD, NVD,
PERISCOPE. Also, to reflect (light) by a lens or mirror; see
MORSE CODE, CW, ALDIS LAMP, HELIOGRAPH, WIGWAG / WIGWAGGER. Also,
prescriptive or protective lens, as eyeglasses or eyewear; see
BIRTH CONTROL DEVICE, PEEPERS.
-
GLIDE PATH :
-
the proper alignment for a descending approach to a
landing or air strike. During aircraft landings, position is
confirmed by colored balls. During bomb release, the ordnance has
the same velocity as the aircraft, so the pilot must either
change speed or direction to avoid damage when his bomb load
explodes.
-
GLIDER :
-
A motorless aircraft, principally the WACO (CG-4, CG-4A, XCG-13,
CG-15, CG-19), launched by towing or catapult, used during WWII
to deploy men and equipment into battle; also known as FLAK BAIT,
"canvas coffin", "flying coffin", and "puke ship". Although
GLIDER elements were assigned to AIRBORNE units, no extra
"flight" or "jump" pay was authorized until the specialty was
recognized by issuance of a skill badge on 2 June 1944. See GIR,
SUICIDE JOCKEY, TOWLINE, UNCOUPLE, SKY TRAIN, AIRHEAD, BIRD,
ROMMEL'S ASPARAGUS. [nb: the 66-passenger XCG-20 became, when
powered, the C-23 transport; v: sailplane, sailplaner]
-
GLINT TAPE :
-
an InfraRed-visible reflective marking tape used for
identification; it is more operationally covert in that it only
reflects back in a one-half degree cone to interrogation, unlike
"glow tape", which reflects at almost all angles of arc. GLINT
TAPE has been used since Operation JUST CAUSE (Panama), but
despite improvements, battlefield experience indicates that it
should be complemented by another identification marker to
forestall FRIENDLY FIRE incidents. See CAT'S-EYES, BUD LIGHT,
HEADGEAR, AIS, LIGHT STICK, BLINKER.
-
GLITCH :
-
a small problem or minor malfunction in a techno-mechanical
system, as an error or power surge; derived from "slip" or
"slide" (glitschen). See BUG, GREMLIN, NOISE, DISGRONIFICATOR,
MURPHY'S LAW.
-
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL / GWTEM :
-
established in 2003 for service members involved, directly and
indirectly, in military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and
elsewhere in the world. See GWT, WAR ON TERROR, GONG.
-
GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM SERVICE MEDAL / GWTSM :
-
established in 2003 for service members involved, directly and
indirectly, in military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and
elsewhere in the world. See GWT, WAR ON TERROR, GONG.
-
GLOBEMASTER :
-
designation for both Douglas C-124 and McDonnell-Douglas C-17
aircrafts, which are turbo-fan STOL configurations, like the
HERCULES. Flying as BASKETBALL, the C-124 served as air-to-air
refueling TANKER on YANKEE STATION, and the C-17 was later
adapted for TANKER operations by modification into the Advanced
Tanker Cargo Aircraft (ATCA).
-
GLORY HOLE :
-
the quarters on a ship that are occupied by the stewards or
stokers. Also, a small storeroom within the HULL of a ship,
usually at the STERN; also called "lazaretto". Also, an enclosed
space or locker for stowing loose gear. Also, a place for
concealing valuables, a CACHE hideaway or treasure trove; compare
SMUGGLER'S TRAP.
-
GLOW BELT :
-
see LIGHT STICK.
-
GLOW STICK :
-
see LIGHT STICK.
-
GMT :
-
Greenwich Mean Time, set (since 1884) at the 0 meridian of 24
global time zones; being the same as ZULU and UTI/UTC time
designations. Also known as the "prime meridian"; sometimes
mistakenly cited as "Greenwich Meridian Time". See TIME.
-
GNR :
-
Genetic-Nanotechnological-Robotic; see CBR, GERM WARFARE, CBRNE,
WMD, GENOCIDE, APOCALYPSE.
-
GO :
-
General Order; see SO, LO, ORDER.
[v: General Orders of a Sentry]
-
GOAT :
-
the lowest RANKing man, especially the "bottom of the class"
graduate from a military school or training course; known as
ANCHORMAN at the Naval Academy (USNA) [nb: What is the West Point
GOAT called? Sir!]. Also, the last or final man, as a reluctant
participant goaded into conformity. Also, to anger, annoy, or
frustrate, as to goad someone; "get his goat". Also, a JUDAS
GOAT, which acts like a bellwether leading others to slaughter;
see TURNCOAT. Also, a scapegoat, target, or other victim [nb: the
slaying of Abel is alleged to be a righteous act because blood
must always be spilled before there can be peace]; see FALL GUY,
CAT'S-PAW. Also, the mascot of the U.S. Navy; see MULE, BLACK
DEVIL, BULLDOG. Also, a rake, lecher, roué, satyr,
debauchee, voluptuary, dissolute, reprobate, corinthian, or
libertine.
-
GOAT LOCKER :
-
the Chief Petty Officer's quarters on-board a SUBMARINE; derived
from the space where a milch goat was kept aboard sailing ships
under the control of the CPO. Also, the Chief Petty Officer's
MESS or GALLEY; see BELOW DECK.
-
GOAT ROPE :
-
a disorganized mess, chaotic situation, or mass confusion; a
muddle or pother, and like FLAP, is a more polite expression for
a CLUSTER FUCK. Phrase purportedly derives from the condition
resulting from the attempt to lasso a spry and agile goat, which
is not unlike trying to capture a greased pig; also called a
"Chinese fire drill", "mare's nest", or "dog's breakfast".
-
GO-BAG :
-
a "ready-to-go" bag that's kept packed with all the necessary and
essential equipment for rapid deployment to field or combat duty;
also called a "ready bag" or WAR BAG, its contents vary according
to individual specialty and assignment. See FLIGHT BAG, DUFFEL
BAG, DUNNAGE, AWOL BAG, MUSETTE, MED BAG, BIVY, DINGLEBERRY, KIT,
GOOD TO GO, COMBAT LOADED, MISSION READY.
[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,
holdall, 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]
-
GOCO :
-
Government Owned Contract Operated, being the "privatized"
agencies or companies which fulfill military or governmental
functions, especially merchandise and maintenance; also known as
"Government Owned Civilian Operated" or "Government Owned
Commercially Operated". Compare NGO, QUANGO, OGA, BELTWAY BANDIT.
-
GODDAM :
-
a profane, blasphemous, or irreverent exclamation, usually of
irritation or disgust; also spelled "goddamn". Also, something of
negligible value; any small, minor, niggling, trivial, or
unimportant thing, which may be disregarded. Also, the French
name for English soldiers from the fifteenth century onward, due
to the frequency of use favoring this common oath; Joan of Arc is
reported to have used this word when contemptuously referring to
her enemies. Compare BULLDOG, BLACK DEVIL; see TALK TRASH, SMACK,
CONFETTI, SNOW, BLOW SMOKE, MOTOR MOUTH, SHOOT THE SHIT, WOOF,
BAD-MOUTH, OATH, EXPLETIVE, FUCK, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT.
[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; "And
when the riflemen heard their commander swear so prodigiously,
their minds were filled with amazement to learn how little they
knew of profanity!" said of Daniel Morgan during the AMERICAN
REVOLUTION] [v: protomartyr Saint Stephen was canonized for
blasphemy]
-
GOD OF WAR :
-
an immortal deity, mythic or legendary, sometimes manifest and
sometimes idolized, possessed with the attributes (such as
supreme power or superior knowledge) to preside over worldly
conflicts and disputes, battles and campaigns; including Ares,
Mars, Odin, Assur/Ashur, Tyr, Quirinus, Mithra, Huitzilopochtli,
Hachiman, Ninurta, Oro, Vahagn, Ahulane, Ah Chuy Kak, Ah Cun Can,
Bellerophon, Kling, Tuetatesa, Svantevit, Alkyoneus, Kuan Ti,
Bellona, Minerva, Athena/Diana, Pallas-Athene, Artemis, Enyo,
Durga, Ishtar, Inanna, and others.
Also, the idealized aspiration of every young warrior before the
implacable reality of war utterly shatters his dreams!
-
GODOWN :
-
a warehouse or other storage place in SEA or Far East; as derived
from a corruption of Malay 'godong'. See DUMP, DEPOT, ELEPHANT
HUT, UTILITY BUILDING, MULTIPLE UTILITY BUILDING, STEELDROME, RED
BALL, COMBAT LOADED, DX, MSR, LOG, QM, NSN, CLASS SIX, WALLAH.
-
GOD SQUAD :
-
the entourage of a chaplain, his assistant and associates,
arriving in the field to conduct services for the pagans
subsisting beyond a fire base (FSB) or BASE CAMP; also known as
the "sin police". See SKY PILOT, HOLY HELO, FOXHOLE CONVERSION,
ARMY CHRISTIAN, PRAYER, TS CARD, SYMPATHY; compare HUG SQUAD,
GHOUL.
-
GO-FASTERS :
-
slang for the high-tech running shoes (trainers) that are worn as
part of the sweat suit or track suit uniform worn during PT/PFT
formations; also called "cross-trainers", "joggers", "sneakers",
or "tenny-pumps". See PT'S.
-
GOFER :
-
a menial assistant, factotum, hireling, comprador, horse-holder,
shield-bearer, spear-carrier, water-hauler, stamp-licker, flunky,
a fetcher or retriever; being a "do-it-all" rather than a
"know-it-all". Term derived as a contraction of to "go for", to
fetch, to run errands, by similarity of sound to gopher. Also
spelled "go-fer", and sometimes misspelled "gofor". See DOGSBODY,
ORDERLY, HACK, BREAK CHOP; compare HOUSE MOUSE, RUNNER.
-
GO-GO SHIP :
-
heavily armed ground-support ACH-47 CHINOOK helicopter, also
called "Guns a-Go-Go"; derived from the popularity of "Go-Go"
dancing at the time. See GUNSHIP.
-
GOING COMMANDO :
-
an expression meaning "to out guerrilla the guerrillas" by using
their own tactics against them; used in the same unrestrained
manner as "going bananas", implying wild abandon; see UW, COIN,
COUNTER-GUERRILLA, COUNTERINSURGENCY, ANTI-TERRORISM, DIME.
Also, sardonic designation for the absence of underpants
(drawers, shorts, boxers, briefs, whity-tidy, smalls, codpiece,
g-string, loincloth, breechcloth / breechclout), as used after
the Vietnam-era; the practice of not wearing underpants during
field operations was common during the VIETNAM WAR as an aid to
disease prevention. See SKIVVIES, T-SHIRT, SINGLET, DRESS.
-
GO JUICE :
-
slang for fuel or petroleum; also called JUICE; see POL, CHERRY
JUICE, PETROL, JP, MOGAS, HOT-FUELING, TOP-OFF, ENDURANCE, BINGO.
-
GO KINETIC :
-
to aggressively attack or assault a target, being a euphemism for
extreme agitation or perturbation from the GULF WAR.
-
RUBE GOLDBERG :
-
any fantastic complexity or devious arrangement, as an elaborate
scheme or impractical construct, that will [barely] function only
after great loss and waste; so called after the improvisational
cartoons (1950s) of Reuben Goldberg, which mocked technology and
parodied bureaucracy.
-
GOLDBRICK / GOLDBRICKER :
-
loafer, shirker, malingerer; derived from a lead brick/loaf
thinly plated with gold leaf. See DUD, DEADHEAD, GHOST, SLACKER,
MAGGOT, POGUE, FEATHER MERCHANT, SOS, YARDBIRD, FIELD REJECT,
REST ON OARS; compare SWEAT HOG.
-
Golden BB :
-
a lucky shot that happens to bring down an airplane. [nb: a
BULLETPROOF pilot's braggadocio is often expressed as "big sky,
little bullet"]
-
GOLDEN BOY :
-
informal reference to someone favored or preferred, cultivated or
groomed, someone who can do no wrong, being a BOOMER or FAST
MOVER who's promoted "above the zone", ahead of his peers; also
known as "fair-haired boy", "white-haired (or white-headed) boy",
"blue-eyed boy", "pet", "darling", "jewel", or "apple of
[someone's] eye". This phrase is often epicene or asexual, but
"Golden Girl" is also used. See HARD CHARGER, SWEAT HOG,
SUPER-TROOPER, HOT SHOT, TOP DOG, EMPTY SUIT, HOT DOG, FIGJAM,
BOY WONDER, BALLS TO THE WALL, TICKET-PUNCHER, VULCANIZE, DEEP
DIP, UP OR OUT. [nb: "Gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable
men in the furnace of adversity." Ecclesiasticus 2:5]
-
GOLDEN CRESCENT :
-
the major illegal drug production area in Central Asia, a region
consisting of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, whose mountainous
peripheries define this lucrative crescent. According to the
State Department, Afghanistan displaced Burma (Myanmar) in 1991
as the world's primary opium producer, surpassing the 1950s
productivity of Southeast Asia during its 1970s development. See
STICK, CAN SA, DOPE, STONED, JUNK, SMACK, HOT SHOT, CHINA WHITE,
DEA; compare GOLDEN TRIANGLE, SILVER TRIANGLE. Also, the oil and
gas producing area in the Near East, a region consisting of
Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan, named
as a spin-off of the former "Fertile Crescent", which will
distribute these resources by interior pipeline to other Asian
countries, such as India, China, and Mongolia.
-
GOLDEN DRAGON :
-
a sailor aboard ship who has crossed the International DATE LINE,
at approximately the 180 meridian, and undergone the arcane rites
decreed by Neptune's representative for entering the "Realm of
the Golden Dragon"; compare INITIATION.
[nb: alternatively, the "Order of the Golden Dragon" is reserved
for those crossing the DATE LINE at the equator] [nb: a "golden
shellback" is someone who crossed the equator at the
international date line]
-
GOLDEN KNIGHTS :
-
US Army precision aerobatic PARACHUTE team used for public
ceremonies and demonstrations. Compare CHUTING STARS; see PDT.
[nb: similar skydiving teams exist for units or regions,
including "Silver Wings" for the Army Airborne School]
-
GOLDEN SHOWER :
-
a supplemental appropriation by an ACT OF CONGRESS to urgently
solve a problem by "throwing money at it"; large amounts of money
that suddenly and mysteriously appear from nowhere to fund a pet
project or urgent task force when even basic requirements are
unfulfilled or earlier preoccupations remain under-funded;
compare CANDY, JUICE, PORK BARREL, SLUSH FUND, THE EAGLE SHITS.
Also, an erotic act, generally considered a perversion, involving
urination by or upon one's partner as an adjunct to sexual
behavior.
-
GOLDEN TRIANGLE :
-
the region of northern Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), Laos, and
southern China devoted to poppy (Papaver Somniferum) production
for opiates, under warlord control; purportedly, Shan and CHINDIT
tribesmen cooperated with Chinese "tong" (same name society)
organized criminal cartels in narcotics marketing as repayment to
Americans for the imposed injustices from the Boxer Rebellion,
which payback augmented the communist strategy in SEAsia. See
STICK, CAN SA, DOPE, STONED, SMACK, HOT SHOT, CHINA WHITE, DEA;
compare SILVER TRIANGLE, TRI-BORDER, GOLDEN CRESCENT.
[v: Imperial Japan's state-approved opium operations were
conducted by the "China Affairs Board", under the direction of
Prince Konoye, which was responsible for the political and
economic affairs of occupied Asia] [nb: the Japanese "yakuza" is
a secret society of racketeers, equivalent to the Italian
mafia/maffia and Chinese tong/triad, meaning 'good-for-nothing',
as derived from the losing hand (ie: 8,9,3) in a card game; cf:
"dead man's hand" of aces and eights, held by James Butler "Wild
Bill" Hickok (2 Aug 1876)]
-
GOLDFISH CLUB :
-
an unofficial association formed for seafarers saved by their
necessary resort to a rubber dinghy or LIFEBOAT. A similar
society, called the CATERPILLAR CLUB, comprises aircrew saved by
PARACHUTE.
-
GOLD STAR :
-
federal designation of a family, especially "Gold Star Mother",
that has lost a relative in wartime service; being a plaque or
scroll that may be displayed in a window (facing outside), or
mounted on a wall as tribute; compare BLUE 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] Also, a distinguishing device in the U.S. Navy, worn on the
right pocket, indicating "command at sea" and designating the
SKIPPER of a ship; compare GREEN TAB.
-
GOLF :
-
the word assigned to represent the letter "G" in the
international phonetic alphabet; at various times in different
spelling schemes, it has also been acrophonetically represented
as George. See ALPHABET SOUP, PHONETIC ALPHABET. [v: Alphabet Codes &
Signal Flags]
-
GOLF COURSE :
-
nickname for the BASE CAMP of the 1st Cavalry Division
(Airmobile) at An Khe, between Qui Nhon and Pleiku in IICTZ; see
FIRST TEAM.
-
GOMER :
-
North Vietnamese troops; see LUKE THE GOOK, BO DOI, PAVN,
CHARLIE. Also, any enemy soldier, vehicle or craft; used in the
same way as BOGIE or BAD GUYS.
-
G10 :
-
it comprises the G7 (ie: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan,
United Kingdom, United States) finance ministers and central bank
governors, together with their counterparts in Belgium , the
Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland ... making a total of eleven
(11) nations, although they retain the original title. Its
meetings are often coincident with the semiannual International
Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank conferences, where sovereign
debt reduction and other regional financial issues are addressed.
See UN, NATO, LEAGUE OF NATIONS, COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS, ARAB
LEAGUE, NAM, ASEAN, SEATO, PENTALATERAL AGREEMENT, ANZUS, KANZUS,
HAGUE TRIBUNAL, NGO, QUANGO, GOCO, OGA, BELTWAY BANDIT; compare
G8, G15, G20, G24, G77.
-
G15 :
-
formed at the behest of the Non-Aligned summit conference in
September 1989, being the group that represents the G77 to the
Bretton Woods institutions (ie: International Monetary Fund and
World Bank, c1944). See UN, NATO, LEAGUE OF NATIONS, COMMONWEALTH
OF NATIONS, ARAB LEAGUE, NAM, ASEAN, SEATO, PENTALATERAL
AGREEMENT, ANZUS, KANZUS, HAGUE TRIBUNAL, NGO, QUANGO, GOCO, OGA,
BELTWAY BANDIT; compare G8, G10, G20, G24, G77.
-
GONE NATIVE :
-
the adoption of local customs, habits, or conventions by a
non-native resident; also known as "gone bamboo" in Asia. In its
best sense, an outsider assimilates his alien environment from
sympathetic affinity, which accommodates his colleagues while
complimenting his host. While this is not necessarily a rejection
of his own antecedence, his adoption will perforce be selective
and produce a hybridized result, which will be distorted and
incomplete, if not mistaken. Someone who "goes native" often
believes that he's found a substitute for deficiencies that he
perceives in his own background, but he cannot escape his past
nor absorb the present, so he no longer fits anywhere ... being
neither fish nor fowl. In its worst case, such adoption is a
travesty that both insults the new culture while offending the
old ... most embarrassingly when the occidental dons oriental
attire, imitates their art and emulates their cuisine. Such a
pathetic wretch is merely another form of WANNABE, except that as
a representative of foreign interests, he has power and influence
that the local people must cope with. Someone who has GONE NATIVE
is often shunned by both sides ... by his own for the presumed
abandonment or betrayal, and by the locals for not being an
insider or compatible phenotype, no matter how much he tries to
insinuate himself. Although others may regard "going native" with
trepidation, being as fearful of its corruption as a plague that
would destroy their foundations, the person who has actually GONE
NATIVE is typically content, often being as satisfied as any
other convert, and quite willing to proselytize. See ADVISOR,
COUNTERPART, SHEEP-DIPPED, CA, CAP, JUNK FORCE, PHILIPPINE
SCOUTS, SPARTAN, TOUR BABY, COMBAT BUM, HOMESTEADER, PNG, EXILE,
DP, INDIG, RICE CHRISTIAN, HOOCH, VILLE, INDIG, BRACELET, CODE
TALKER, PIDGIN, BAMBOO ENGLISH, CREOLE, LINGUA FRANCA, JARGON,
VERNACULAR, POLYGLOT, DLI, SLEEPING DICTIONARY, POINTIE TALKIE,
RICE BALL, BUSH HANKY.
-
GONG :
-
slang for any pendant medal or flamboyant decoration; context and
tone of voice will make it a simple substitution or a derogation,
as related to TICKET-PUNCHING necessity or inconsistent standards
as basis for award. Also used as "was gonged", "got gonged". Term
derives from the resemblance of gaudy medallions, and the din or
clamor of ostentatious trophies banging together. The tradition
of honoring American military heroes began when the Continental
Congress commissioned the award of gold and silver medals to the
commanders of the Revolutionary War, which Congressionally
authorized medals were the forerunners of modern combat
decorations. The first such medal, struck in gold, was awarded to
Captain John Paul Jones; and which has lately included the
Vietnam Veterans National Medal, the Missing in Action Medal, the
Persian Gulf National Medal, and commemoratives of the
bicentennial anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps,
and Coast Guard.
See LEGEND, DEVICE, V-DEVICE, OLC, BATTLE STAR, IMPACT AWARD,
MOH, DSC, NC, AFC, DFC, SS, BSM, AM, PH, SM, DSM, LOM, MSM, GREEN
WEENIE, AAM, RED WEENIE, POW MEDAL, CAMPAIGN MEDAL, AFEM, VSM,
RVN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, GWTEM, GWTSM, MEDAL OF FREEDOM, PRESIDENTIAL
CITIZENS MEDAL, UNIT CITATION, NDSM, FRUIT SALAD, CORD, TRASH,
WINGS, BOLO BADGE, TOP DOG, POWER WALL, BRAGGING RIGHTS, TROPHY,
KILL RING, HERO, REVOCATION.
[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]
[nb: "With enough medals (to award), I can win any battle." by
Napoleon Bonaparte; "Everyone in our culture wants to win a
prize. Perhaps that is the grand lesson we have taken with us
from kindergarten in the age of perversions of Dewey-style
education: everyone gets a ribbon, and praise becomes a
meaningless narcotic to soothe egoistic distemper." by Gerald
Early; "To refuse awards ... is another way of accepting them
with more noise than is normal." by Peter Ustinov]
[nb: Any person convicted of misconduct or a criminal charge by a
U.S. military tribunal, or who receives a less than honorable
discharge based upon actions while serving on active duty, or
whose acts do not accord with the Code of Conduct, and whose
actions are documented by U.S. military records is ineligible for
the award of medals. any found or recovered medals (or any other
U.S. military items) remain the property of the U.S. government,
and should be returned with a letter of explanation to: The
Secretary of Defense; The Pentagon (Room 3E880); Washington, DC
20301]
-
GOO :
-
slang for a "capture curtain", being a high-tech version of a
seine net or spider web; an extremely strong and adhesive elastic
mesh that can be used to immobilize a captive by direct
application or by entrapment at a CHOKE POINT. Because GOO is
water-soluble, as its release mode, it has limited and specific
field utility by trained operatives. Compare BRACELET; see
SNATCH, PACKAGE, TONGUE, POW. [cf: birdlime]
Also, slang for inclement weather conditions resulting in poor
visibility, especially fog or mist, rain or snow; see ZERO-ZERO,
WHITEOUT, BROWN-OUT, FLAT LIGHT, MONSOON, STORM WARNING, WIND,
MET MESSAGE, WEATHER EYE.
[nb: the military perception of weather is that change is only a
variant of the discomfort level!]
-
GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL / GCM :
-
commonly known as the RED WEENIE, the Marines call this award the
"good cookie" for not having been caught doing anything wrong;
see DEVICE, GONG.
-
GOOD ENOUGH FOR GOVERNMENT WORK :
-
the typically careless or hasty attitude toward assignments;
haphazard, off-hand, slap-dash, or HALF-ASSED. This is a
reflection of the distinction between: the right way, the wrong
way, and the military way; similarly expressed in popular culture
as "good enough for rock 'n' roll". See MIL-SPEC, PARTY LINE.
[nb: in an effort to control costs and reduce waste, the DoD has
instituted a policy of "non-duplication" in military procurement
(Military Adaptable Commercial Item {MACI}), such that a mil-spec
contract will NOT be let whenever a commercial "off the shelf"
(COTS) product is "close enough for government work" and does not
require special features; so some name brand items are now in
logistical inventory]
-
GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY :
-
the 1933 policy of nonintervention presented by Franklin
Roosevelt to encourage friendly relations among the nations of
the Western Hemisphere; see PRESIDENTIAL DOCTRINE, CONTAINMENT,
INTERVENTIONISM; compare ISOLATIONISM.
[nb: "In the field of world policy, I would dedicate this nation
to the policy of the good neighbor – the neighbor who
resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the
rights of others – the neighbor who respects his
obligations and who respects the sanctity of his agreements in
and with a world of neighbors." by Franklin Delano Roosevelt,
First Inaugural Address (4 March 1933)]
-
GOOD PEOPLE :
-
a capable and dutiful servicemember, a worthy MIL-PERS; to vouch
for another's authenticity or legitimacy (eg: "He's GOOD
PEOPLE."). See BTDT, PAY DUES, ESPRIT DE CORPS, STRAIGHT ARROW,
BRASS-COLLAR, LITTLE PEOPLE, ZOMBIE. [cf: Chinese "old friend"
status; v: "Dudley DoRight", "Mister Cordiality", "Mister
Goodbar", "Squire Allworthy"]
-
GOOD STICK :
-
aviation slang for anyone who is capable, steady, and reliable,
as a worthy MIL-PERS; expression is more grammatical than GOOD
PEOPLE (eg: "He's a GOOD STICK."). See BTDT, PAY DUES, ESPRIT DE
CORPS, SEAT TIME, LITTLE PEOPLE, ZOMBIE.
-
GOOD TO GO :
-
a positive informal response affirming an individual's or a
unit's readiness for action, including healthy, trained, and
fully equipped MIL-PERS, who understand their role in the
forthcoming operation; see COMBAT LOADED, MISSION READY,
UNLIMBER, LOCK 'n' LOAD, OP TEMPO, FAT, SADDLE-UP, MOVE OUT,
HOOPLA, BATTAILOUS. Also, a catch-phrase indicating that
individual weapons or equipment are acceptable for use; see WEB
GEAR, PISTOL BELT, CLUTCH BELT, DEUCE GEAR, ALICE, LBE, LBV,
MOLLE, RUCKSACK, CROSS-CHECK, CROSS-LOADING, CAP-A-PIE.
-
GOOEY :
-
slang for communist Chinese (CHICOM) in the KOREAN WAR; see GOOK.
-
GOOK :
-
slang term brought to Vietnam by KOREAN WAR Veterans, which
refers to anyone of Asian origin, but may have originated as
"googoo" or "gugu" as disparaging slang for Filipinos (as derived
from term for tree bark). During the KOREAN WAR, there was
seemingly a distinction between North Korean (NKPA) GOOKs and
communist Chinese (CHICOM) "gooeys". See LITTLE PEOPLE, DINK,
SLOPE, SLANT-EYE, RICE BALL, ZIP, CHINK, NIP, JAPE, YELLOW PERIL,
YELLOW DOG, WOG; compare BUDDHAHEAD, BASKET HEAD, RICE CHRISTIAN,
LITTLE BROWN BROTHER, INDIG.
-
GOOKANESE :
-
dismissive characterization of complex Asian tonal languages as
incomprehensible gibberish or indecipherable gobbledygook by
monolingual and semiliterate Americans coexisting in a foreign
culture; also known as "gook-speak". See VERNACULAR, POLYGLOT,
LINGUA FRANCA.
-
GOONEY BIRD :
-
USN R4D aircraft; based upon DC-3 and C-47 DAKOTA. Name refers
to anything awkward or ungainly, such as the albatross, and was
inspired during WWII by the "Alice the Goon" cartoon about a
simpleton. Also spelled "Goony Bird", and also called Night Train
and Sky Train; see SACRED COW.
-
GOOSE :
-
slang from WWII US Naval action for a torpedo attack on surface
vessels, as "we goosed them" and "they're goosing us"; see FISH.
-
GOQ :
-
(gee-oh-cue) General Officer's Quarters, also known as Visiting
General Officer's Quarters (VGOQ) and as General/Flag Officer's
Quarters (GFOQ); compare VOQ, see QTRS.
-
GOSHAWK :
-
T-45 jet TRAINER, adapted for Navy flight from a land-based
model; see BIRD.
-
GOTCHA :
-
slang for the enlistment contract, form DD-4, also known as the
"bait and switch" or "false promise entrapment", and called
"shipping articles" in the U.S. Navy; all recruiting service
commitments to the enlistee must be cited in writing, and no
verbal agreement is enforceable. See AFEES, CRUIT, BUDDY SYSTEM,
RECEPTION STATION, BOOT, YARDBIRD, MAGGOT, SAD SACK, SLICK
SLEEVE, RETREAD, PS, RE-UP, FTA, DRAFT, RECYCLE, TOTAL FORCE,
RECRUITER.
-
GO TO GUY :
-
the person, regardless of RANK or RATING, who's best suited to
(officially or unofficially) solve a particular problem; also
known as a "fixer", this person's talents are usually exploited
by their immediate superior for further promotion to his level of
incompetence [v: Peter Principle]. See LITTLE PEOPLE, SWINE LOG,
CLERKS 'n' JERKS, PENCIL PUSHER, REMF, HONCHO, WALLAH, DINOSAUR,
RAINMAKER. [nb: 'guy' is neuter or asexual, referring to either a
male or female, as "She's the GO TO GUY for getting that
requisition approved."]
-
GOUGE :
-
preliminary information or advance warning, as a form of RUMOR or
SCUTTLEBUTT, so as to improve performance. See BACK CHANNEL,
POOP, HEADS-UP, FYI, DOPE, THE WORD, GREEN GREASE, HOT-SHIT,
GRIPEVINE, JAWBREAKER, SANTA CLAUS.
[nb: at West Point and Annapolis after WWI, the courses on
physics and navigation or astronomy were called "skinny" due to
the intramural tutoring needed for satisfactory completion; which
may be the origin of that slang term for reliably current
information]
-
GOYA :
-
(goyyah) acronym for Get Off Your Ass, as in work harder, hurry
up, move out ("Move out, draw fire!"), do it, finish it; see
FOURTH POINT OF CONTACT, BUTT, MONKEY BUTT, HOOPLA, HAUL-ASS,
BUSTER, PULL PITCH, SCRAMBLE, JUICE, BEAT FEET, ASAP, PDQ, STAT,
CHOGI, CHOP CHOP, RIKI TIK, FORTHWITH.
-
GP :
-
(gee-pee) General Purpose, also abbreviated "G.P."; as in General
Purpose net (sling or cargo of nylon mesh), General Purpose tent
(large rectangular WALL TENT sleeping 10 to 12 men with a central
aisle), or General Purpose bomb (multi-purpose MUNITION used
against HARD or SOFT TARGETs); see JEEP.
Also, the abbreviation for GrouP (qv), which is sometimes
represented as "grp".
-
GPM :
-
gallons per minute, being the rate of liquid transfer or
consumption.
-
GPS :
-
Global Positioning System, being a geostationary SATELLITE
navigation system instituted in 1978 using 24 geosynchronous
satellites capable of great accuracy, and useful for rapid fixes
on land and at sea; a location plot requires triangulation, while
fixing altitude necessitates a fourth index. See LORAN, MUGR,
UTM, SRTM, HOMER, INS, AIS.
[nb: the motion of an artificial satellite is controlled by the
same laws of celestial mechanics that govern the motions of
natural satellites, so a device that has not attained escape
velocity (5mi/sec) or is orbiting at a height less than 200mi is
subject to the frictional effects of the earth's atmosphere, and
as its orbit degrades, it will descend and burn up like a meteor;
at heights above 200mi, it will circle the planet (eg: 1
revolution every 90min at 200mi; 1 revolution every 100min at
500mi), remaining indefinitely in an elliptical orbit; a
geosynchronous orbit is attained at a height of 22,300mi and the
satellite period of revolution is 24hrs, coincident with earth's
axial rotation, making the satellite geostatic]
[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]
[nb: in an effort to control costs and reduce waste, the DoD has
instituted a policy of "non-duplication" in military procurement
(Military Adaptable Commercial Item {MACI}), such that a mil-spec
contract will NOT be let whenever a commercial "off the shelf"
(COTS) product is "close enough for government work" and does not
require special features; so some name brand items are now in
logistical inventory]
-
GP STRAP / G.P. STRAP :
-
general purpose strap, that usually came off a rucksack, with
many uses, but used mainly to replace the SLING on an M-16 rifle.
-
GQ :
-
(gee-cue) General Quarters; the damage-control or enemy-action
station assigned to MIL-PERS during emergency or combat
situations; also called "battle station" during alert or alarm.
Compare FIRE QUARTERS, COLLISION QUARTERS; see STAND-TO, TOCSIN.
-
GRADE :
-
the specific RATING of an individual servicemember, regardless of
current assignment or temporary RANK; also called PAY-GRADE, and
expressed as an alphanumeric designation (eg: E-1..., W-1...,
O-1...). GRADEs are: enlisted (EM) E-1/E-3; junior NCO E-4/E-6;
senior NCO E-7/E-8; SUPER GRADE NCO E-9/E-10; junior warrant
officer W-1/W-2; senior warrant officer W-3/W-5; junior officer /
company grade officer O-1/O-3 [except USN O-1/O-4]; senior
officer / field grade officer O-4/O-6 [except USN O-5/O-6]; FLAG
officer O-7/O-11. See BUCK, ACTING JACK, GADGET, FROCKED, BREVET,
PULL RANK; compare RANK, RATING, RELATIVE RANK.
[cf: first among equals ("primus/prima inter pares")]
-
GRADUATED RESPONSE :
-
Robert Strange McNamara was the principal architect of the
GRADUATED RESPONSE strategy, also known as "graduated pressure",
"gradual response", "flexible response", and "incrementalism";
which advocated the use of SVN as a "laboratory" for testing
limited warfare techniques to be used to counter "brush fire"
conflicts and wars of national liberation, as an alternative to
the Eisenhower doctrine of "massive response" or "Mutually
Assured destruction" (MAD). Based upon their military experience,
the JCS argued that there is no such thing as a "little war"
(like being a little bit pregnant), and that "half measures" was
a formula for disaster; but every senior officer who disagreed
with the statistical management policy was either ignored or
dismissed/ cashiered. To test the doctrine of GRADUATED RESPONSE
strategy, in 1964 the JCS conducted the "Sigma" WAR GAME
exercises set in a hypothetical Vietnam-type scenario, and the
results predicted all of the tactical and geopolitical problems
which eventually occurred; but Maxwell Taylor and Earl "Bus"
Wheeler quashed the reports, so that SECDEF and POTUS never knew
about them, and remained ignorant of the military's evaluation.
See WHIZ KID, JCS, WARS OF NATIONAL LIBERATION. [nb: the doctrine
of gradual escalation or incrementalism for limited warfare
missions was later reinvented as "compellence" (re: 'compel' /
'compellent'), which was coined for its similarity to
'deterrence']
-
THE GRAND OLD MAN OF THE ARMY :
-
(forthcoming); Winfield Scott, Douglass MacArthur
-
GRASS :
-
the clutter at the lowest extreme of RADAR detection, generated
by interference and false returns; see MOWING THE LAWN, UNDER THE
RADAR. Also, to fly as low as possible, at or below treetop or
building level, down in the GRASS, so as to pass UNDER THE RADAR
screen and avoid detection; see CONTOUR FLYING, NOE. Also, the
most common cognomen for marijuana; see CAN SA, STICK, THAI
STICK, PIGTAIL, STONED, FIVE FINGERS, TAR, HAY, HUBBLE-BUBBLE.
-
GRASSHOPPER :
-
the Piper L-4 or Cessna L-13, 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 BIRD DOG.
-
GRAVES REGISTRATION :
-
a program that provides for the search, recovery, tentative
identification, and evacuation or temporary interment of a
corpse, including the disposition of PERSONAL EFFECTS; temporary
interment may only be authorized by the geographic combatant
commander. See KIA, DOW, NOK, KINFORMING, HUG SQUAD, GHOUL, BODY
BAG, RICE KRISPIES, CRISPY CRITTER, FLOATER, CREATURE FEATURE,
MORTUARY AFFAIRS, RECOVERY, BODY-SNATCHER, LAID BY THE WALL,
NATIONAL CEMETERY, BOX JOB, BONEYARD, GARDEN OF STONES, TOMB,
CATAFALQUE. [v: rigor mortis, algor mortis, autolysis]
[nb: funeral (disposal) versus funeral ritual (memorial); about a
third of veteran burials in NATIONAL CEMETERYs are unattended,
and veteran family burials are stacked in the same gravesite;
while graveyards in America are relocated whenever the public
requires the space (eminent domain), the gravesites in European
cemeteries have long been exchanged for replacement occupancy,
sometimes stacked, sometimes vacated; mortuary options include:
(burial) decomposition, (immolation) cremation, (predatory)
digestion, (transplant/dissection) medical research,(lime) water
reduction, in line (ph neutral) composting, or freezedry
pulverization]
[nb: although the immolation of a corpse on a pyre was used in
ancient Europe (eg: Vikings, Greeks) and is a Hindu tradition,
cremation was not employed as a method of corpse disposal in
America until 1874, but is now the preferred mode, with cremains
either scattered or vaulted in a columbarium; the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) does not regulate crematoria, because the
public does not want the reduction of human remains to be treated
like the disposal of "solid waste" (incinerators are regulated by
the Clean Air Act)]
-
GRAYBACK :
-
the egg or young of a parasitic insect, especially of louse/lice
or of CRAB/crabs, often attached to body hair or clothing fibers;
also called "nit", COOTIE, vermin, or pest [v: trench fever].
Also, by extension of vermin as a slur upon character, and a
derogation of gallantry by an imputation of cowardly flight, any
Confederate or Rebel during the American CIVIL WAR, in contrast
to "blue belly" for Federals and Union Yankees; see "galvanized
Yankees" at HOI CHANH, LILY-LIVERED, FRENCH FLU. Also, a natural
or imitative camouflage pattern of gray above a white underside,
as with whales and sandpipers, airplanes and submarines; see
COUNTERSHADING, DAZZLE, CAMO, WAR PAINT, PLIMSOLL MARK, LOAD-LINE
MARK.
-
GRAY FORCE :
-
designation for any component or nation that is not identified as
BLUE FORCE or RED FORCE, such as a neutral, especially when war
gaming or during training exercises. See CPX, FTX, JTFEX, JRTC,
NTC, GQ, WAR GAMES, GREEN FORCE, ALLY, FRIENDLIES; compare PURPLE
FORCE, ORANGE FORCE, OPFOR, BANDIT, BAD GUYS, BELIEVER.
-
GRAZING FIRE :
-
low sweeping fire, which has the virtue of striking
enemy while moving up or down; more effective than shooting too
high ("headhunting", "sky punching") and wasting ammo.
-
GREASE GUN :
-
M-3A1 submachinegun, with collapsible stock, firing .45cal ACP
AMMO in automatic mode; developed as a less expensive (from
stamped instead of machined parts) replacement for the TOMMY-GUN.
Name derives from its resemblance to an applicator for
lubricating grease. See SMG.
-
GREASE MONKEY :
-
a mechanic (MECH), mechanical engineer, or artificer; see BLACK
GANG, SNIPE. [nb: Vietnamese term: Co Khi, Tho May]
-
THE GREEKS :
-
special projects, organized under the auspices of Special
Operations Augmentation, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and
given Greek letter designations, following the Trojan Horse
lineage of USSF; including Project Delta (DET B-52), Project
Gamma (DET B-57), Project Sigma (DET B-56), Project Omega (DET
B-50). See CAS, CSD, LEAPING LENA, STD, SOG, OVER THE FENCE,
SPECIAL OPERATIONS, SPECIAL FORCES.
[nb: 'alpha' represents the first or foremost in a series, and
signifies beginning; 'gamma' represents the third in a series,
and signifies a progressive constant or incremental scale;
'delta' represents the fourth in a series, and signifies
incremental change; 'sigma' represents the eighteenth in a
series, and signifies the presence of all necessary components;
'omega' represents the last in a series, and signifies final or
ultimate, completion or conclusion]
-
GREATCOAT :
-
a heavy, calf-length overcoat; see FISH FUR, compare FIELD
JACKET.
-
GREEN ACRES :
-
that highly protected and richly cultivated area in Washington
D.C. that contains the executive branch, including the White
House and Old Executive Office Building, where workrooms are
located for the president (Oval Office), his staff and advisers;
by allusion to an idyllic setting or heavenly ideal, this
eighteen acre plot is also called "the acres" and "the garden
center". See POTUS, VP, MANDARIN, CZAR, NSC, WISE MEN,
POLITICIAN, UNCLE SAM, UGLY AMERICAN, YANKEE, BELTWAY BANDIT,
CIVILIAN, OLYMPUS, SOG, THE G, FOGGY BOTTOM, THE NATIONAL JOKE
FACTORY, THE HILL, ALPHABET CITY, WASHINGTON WALTZ, RED TAPE,
MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX.
-
GREEN BERET :
-
name of the Special Forces HEADGEAR commonly known as "green
beanie" and "head-shrinker", being officially authorized for wear
on 21 September 1961 (coincident with the activation of 5th
SFGA), and considered by President John F. Kennedy to be
"symbolic of one of the highest levels of courage and achievement
of the United States military"; see BLANKET HEAD. 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"). Also,
nickname for the uniquely qualified MIL-PERS wearing this
HEADGEAR, who is properly identified as an "SFer" or "Forceman";
see SF, ELECTRIC BUTTERKNIFE, BLANKET HEAD, SNAKE-EATER, SNEAKY
PETE, SFQC, GABRIEL, BRONZE BRUCE; compare RED HATS, BLACK HATS.
[nb: the GREEN BERET was designed in 1953 for SF wear by CPT Herb
Brucker, an OSS veteran and original member of the 10th SFGA, in
imitation of British commandos and European paratroops; USSF is
indebted to the British SAS for training and doctrine, as well as
the distinctive beret; the SAS motto ("Who Dares, Wins") has been
jocularly converted into 'Who Cares Who Wins?!' with the
implication that "fight" is what professional soldiers do!]
-
GREEN BLOOD :
-
a tradition of family service in the armed forces, especially an
ancestry of military careers, is expressed as having "green
blood" or of "bleeding green". This heritage of a "higher call to
duty" transcended race and religion long before civil rights
mandates ... if you and yours are born and bred by "Mother Army",
then you are green all the way through! See BRAT, ARMY SOUP, SUDS
ROW, SEPARATE RATS, GREEN MACHINE; compare BLUE BLOOD. [nb: a
multi-generational lineage of police service is similarly
expressed by "tin in the blood", "tin blood", and "silver blood"]
[nb: until the Vietnam-era, the military did not recognize the
spouse or other dependents of enlisted personnel below the
non-commissioned officer ranks]
-
GREEN-EYE :
-
slang for the STARLIGHT scope, which is a light amplifying
telescope used to see ghostly images at night; derives from the
down-range image of a bright green spot projected from the
objective lens whenever operated. See NOD, NVG, NVD, I2, PEEPERS.
[nb: in "The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells (1895), the eyes of the
subterranean "morlocks" (the evolved industrial race who fed on
the pastoral Eloi) were also photoluminescent]
-
GREEN FLASH :
-
a green coloration, caused by atmospheric refraction, of the
upper portion of the sun, that's occasionally seen as the sun
rises above or sinks below the horizon; compare PINK TIME, LOOM.
[cf: half-light, Purkinje shift, crepuscule, eventide, evenfall,
gloam, gloaming, sunset, sundown, cockshut, vespers, prime,
matin, cockcrow, daybreak, nightfall, dawn, false dawn, dusk,
first light, first dark, last light, civil twilight, astronomical
twilight, airglow; v: chromosphere, spicule, plage]
-
GREEN FORCE :
-
designation for any allied component or nation, especially when
war gaming or during training exercises. See CPX, FTX, JTFEX,
JRTC, NTC, GQ, WAR GAMES, BLUE FORCE, ALLY, FRIENDLIES, GREEN ON
GREEN; compare RED FORCE, PURPLE FORCE, ORANGE FORCE, OPFOR,
BANDIT, BAD GUYS, BELIEVER.
-
GREEN GREASE :
-
useful guidance from an authentic source, as to "grease the
rails" or "smooth the path" with the "real low-down" or "ins and
outs" of the system; also known as POOP, scoop, skinny, THE WORD,
GOUGE, DOPE, HOT-SHIT. Phrase is probably a simple alliterative
combination of military color and lubrication, but might allude
to an exchange of sexual favor for protection.
-
GREEN HORNET :
-
USAF 20th Special Operations Squadron; based at Ban Me Thout,
flying UH-1F transport and gunship helicopters in support of
Project Sigma, Project Omega, and CCS. See PONY. [nb: after the
evacuation of HICKORY was compromised by inadequate air assets,
the 20th SOS was reassigned to CCN/TF1AE.]
-
GREEN LZ :
-
signifies a "safe" or "unopposed" landing zone; not to
be confused with "secure". Compare RED LZ.
-
GREEN MACHINE :
-
collectively "the military", as a gigantic and impersonal
process; with the "Big Green Killing Machine" specifically
referring to anonymous combat troops. The "big green machine" is
also called "Mother" (eg: "Mother Army") for the total care it
provides. See WARM BODY, LONG GREEN LINE, GREEN BLOOD.
-
GREEN ON GREEN :
-
a euphemism to describe air, artillery, or small-arms fire from
Allied elements, components, or forces that is accidentally or
mistakenly directed at or impacting upon other Allied 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, GREEN FORCE;
compare BLUE ON BLUE, FRATRICIDE, FRAGGING, BLANKET PARTY.
-
GREEN PLATOON :
-
the training phase for PILOT applicants undergoing advanced
instruction in special operations aviation techniques, as a
prerequisite for participation with the NIGHT STALKERS, 160th
Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR).
-
GREENS :
-
informal reference to the Army CLASS-A uniform worn by enlisted
(EM), non-commissioned (NCO), and officer personnel.
[nb: the human eye can discern more shades of green than any
other hue; see AG, OG, OD, compare ASU] [nb: except for rifle
regiments separate from infantry and dragoons from before the War
of 1812, the U.S. Army wore blue uniforms until the adoption of
KHAKIS and FATIGUES, so when the CLASS-A uniform was redesigned
in 1954, the color Army Green (AG44) was selected for its
historical link to the early riflemen and SHARPSHOOTERs; then in
2008, the traditional Continental Army blue color was restored]
-
GREEN-SUITER :
-
slang for an Army officer wearing the green CLASS-A uniform; see
BLUE-SUITER, compare EMPTY SUIT.
-
GREEN TAB :
-
combat leaders are distinguished from others of the same rank or
unit by the wearing of a green felt backing behind the unit CREST
(DI/DUI) and encircling the EPAULET on the CLASS-A uniform. The
GREEN TAB may be worn on FATIGUES, centered on each EPAULET,
without the CREST. This tab was probably inspired by the "red
tab" worn by British staff officers, under the supposition that
every military uniform alteration has been inspired by imitation
of some more attractive foreign uniform. The GREEN TAB was first
authorized in 1943 by Dwight D. Eisenhower to recognize the
importance of leadership in combat. Compare CIB, GOLD STAR; see
LDR.
-
GREEN WEENIE :
-
Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM); presented for valor or service
rated less than the BRONZE STAR MEDAL. It's so nicknamed because
everybody received one if they didn't screw-up! Equivalent to Air
Force, Coast Guard, and Navy-Marine Commendation Medals. The Army
attempted to restore the ARCOM's prestige by introducing the Army
Achievement Medal (AAM) for recognition of lesser
accomplishments, but its award became immediately political when
differentiated by RANK instead of deed, reminiscent of the EIB
"combat" badge. See GONG, MSM, LOM, DSM, DEVICE, OLC, V-DEVICE.
-
GREMLIN :
-
an imaginary being believed or alleged to cause mechanical
failures in aircraft, technical problems in any complex
mechanism, or mischievous disruptions in any activity; as derived
from term for British Royal Air Force (RAF) subaltern. See
FIFINELLA, BUG, NOISE, MURPHY's LAW, DISGRONIFICATOR, SEAT OF THE
PANTS; compare SNIPE HUNT, BOGIE. [cf: bogey / bogy, bete noire,
bugaboo, bugbear, goblin, hobgoblin; problem, trouble, irritant,
nuisance, aggravation, vexation, annoyance, botheration, threat]
-
GRENADE :
-
small shell or MISSILE for conveying smoke, gas, or explosive by
hand, rifle, or other launching method; including CS, WP, smoke,
rifle, hand delayed fragmentation, each of which was shaped
differently and color-coded for quick confirmation. The hand
GRENADE is sometimes called a "hand bomb" or "egg". During
Vietnam, the old cast "pineapple" hand-grenade, based upon the
WWI British Mark 1 Mills Bomb, which was ineffective when wet and
would often explode into irregular chunks, was replaced by
wire-coil "lemon" and LASER-cut "baseball" styles (ie: M-26,
M-33, M-67, M-68) for more consistent dispersions. Because
smoke-grenade FUZEs were faster, many BOOBY-TRAPs employing
hand-grenades used these shorter FUZEs as replacements. A
proposed Frisbee-style hand GRENADE, which could travel farther
and deliver more explosive destruction, was experimentally tested
during the Vietnam War but never developed. The enemy used
manufactured and improvised stick-grenades, with the FUZE in the
handle. See FRAG, GAMMON GRENADE, SHRAPNEL, BLOOPER, RIFLE
GRENADE, RPG, POP SMOKE, SOUP CAN, SPOON, SUMP, MUSETTE.
-
GREYHOUND :
-
USN Grumman C-2 cargo and passenger aircraft, procured for
Carrier On-board Delivery (COD) landings instead of the
larger HERCULES C-130; see BIRD.
-
GRID COORDINATES :
-
a six- or eight-digit number, derived from
reading left-to-right-and-up on the scale of a topographic map,
to accurately place a position or target. Land navigation plots
were almost never sent in "the clear" (uncoded). Plots were
usually given from a prearranged Reference Point (RP), or were
KAK (SHACKLE) encrypted. See AZIMUTH, COMPASS, CONTOUR LINES,
GRID LINES, DEAD-RECKONING, COMICS, TOPO, MAP, CHART, SLANT
DISTANCE; compare UTM, GPS, INS, AIS, SRTM, LORAN.
[nb: during AD 100, developed "quantitative cartography" with X-Y
overlays, such that GRID COORDINATES and graduated scale could be
accurately discerned]
-
GRID LINES :
-
the right-angled intersection of two sets of parallel lines,
which squared formations of standard scale are superimposed upon
maps, charts, and similar representations of the earth's surface,
permitting accurate and consistent identification of ground
locations, and the determination of direction and the computation
of distance relative to other locations; also known as "grid",
"military grid", and "Military Grid Reference System" (MGRS). See
AZIMUTH, COMPASS, CONTOUR LINES, LAT-LONG, GRID COORDINATES,
DEAD-RECKONING, COMICS, TOPO, MAP, CHART, SLANT DISTANCE; compare
UTM, GPS, INS, AIS, SRTM, LORAN.
[nb: the idea of grid lines seemingly migrated from ancient
Greece to China, and then had to be reintroduced to the West
because it had been lost; however, many technologies, from the
compass and the seismograph to explosives and sericulture,
migrated from China to the West, which developed them so much
more, that when they returned, they were far superior]
-
GRIN 'n' BEAR IT :
-
to endure difficulty with aplomb, to exhibit savoir-faire with
equanimity, to demonstrate sang-froid or imperturbability when
imperiled; also expressed as "put a bold face on it", as to make
the best of a bad or disagreeable situation. See BITE THE BULLET,
SLOW MATCH, WINTER SOLDIER, DIEHARD, GUTS, MOXIE, ONIONS.
[nb: the Scout's Law (by Robert Baden-Powell) admonishes: "A
Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties."]
-
GRINDER :
-
in NavSpeak, an assembly area; the area (from a clear deck to a
paved lot) designated for formations and drill, inspection and
exercise. See PARADE DECK, COMPANY STREET.
-
GRIPEVINE :
-
a MIL-SPEAK corruption of 'grapevine', being an interpersonal
method of communication, of distributing information, or of
spreading gossip, especially in an annoyingly repetitive manner;
see SCUTTLEBUTT, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH, POOP, GOUGE, THE WORD, GREEN
GREASE, BACK CHANNEL, RUMOR.
-
GRIP 'n' GRIN :
-
rhyming slang for DINING-IN.
-
GROG :
-
a mixture of rum and water, often flavored with lemon, sugar, or
spices and is sometimes served hot, that was issued to the
military in early America until this allotment was replaced in
the 1832 commissariat by the coffee ration [nb the Naval
officer's wine mess was abolished in 1913]; this issuance is
imitative of British military practice, and the term derives from
the nickname ["Old Grog" (referring to his grogram cloak)] for
Admiral Edward Vernon, who ordered the dilute mixture to be
served from 1740 instead of pure spirits. Also, any alcoholic
drink; see HOOCH, BREW, JUICE, GROUP TIGHTENER, DEAD-SOLDIER,
GUSTO, SPLICE THE MAINBRACE, TOAST, HATCH, HOIST, SUNDOWNER,
DUTCH COURAGE, WHISKEY WARRIOR, BYOB, CLASS SIX; compare GI JOE.
[v: vivandière]
-
GROUNDED :
-
a MIL-PERS who is technically qualified for flight or jump status
but has not been assigned to an appropriate BILLET in an
active duty unit for any number of reasons (eg: medical profile)
or no reason (eg: luck of the draw); a GROUNDED paratrooper is
known as a "jump chump", and a GROUNDED pilot is said to be
"flying a desk" ... similarly, a sailor stationed ashore is said
to be "sailing the cement boat" or "afloat in the concrete
battleship".
-
GROUND GUIDE :
-
someone who leads or escorts a vehicle by use of standardized
HAND SIGNs or signal lights so as to ensure its safe passage or
to direct its parking in a congested area (eg: TANK PARK); when
motorized, as at a parking lot, construction site, or airport
apron, this functionary is commonly called a "follow me" cart or
truck, which vehicle is specially marked. [v: usher, marshaler]
-
GROUND HOG :
-
any MIL-PERS who serves in a job (MOS) that has nothing to do
with aviation, airlift, airmobility, or aircraft; also spelled
"groundhog", and sometimes called "Permanently On the Ground"
(POG). This expression is used in the same discriminating way as
LEG for anyone not AIRBORNE qualified. Compare PENGUIN, WING
WIPER, GROUND POUNDER, GROUNDED.
-
GROUNDHOG DAY :
-
any (or every) day in a combat zone where being subject to
shelling or other enemy fire tends to drive people underground to
avoid injury; an informal reference to the SIEGE MENTALITY
exhibited by FOBBITs in Iraq and Afghanistan. This term suggests
that conditions never change, that each day is long and hot, and
that the same events recur; derived from the title of the Bill
Murray movie Groundhog Day.
-
GROUND LOOP :
-
(forthcoming);
not AEROBATICS; see TURN TURTLE, AUGER-IN, NOSEDIVE, PANCAKE,
ALUMINUM RAIN, BOUNCE, TOUCHDOWN, ALS, AUTO-ROTATE, CHOPPER,
BIRD.
-
GROUND OBSERVER CORPS :
-
a short-lived program during the 1950s conducted by Civil Defense
(CD) under the auspices of the Air Force (USAF) to augment RADAR
defenses with ground observers trained to identify enemy aircraft
by silhouette or sound SIGNATURE; imitative of similar WWII "Air
Raid Warden" and of WWII Allied "Coast Watcher" surveillance
systems, which successfully employed noncombatant personnel.
Program was disbanded when RADAR surveillance improved. See WEFT,
DEW LINE, ARGUS, SPOTTER, WATCHER, WEATHER EYE, TRAIL WATCHER.
-
GROUND POUNDER :
-
an infantryman, being the soldier who walks to and over the
battlefield; see GRUNT, BOONIE RAT, CRUNCHY, BUSHMASTER, LEG,
BLUELEG, INF, 03, SNUFFY.
Also, any MIL-PERS who serves in a job (MOS) that has nothing to
do with aviation, airlift, airmobility, or aircraft, especially a
member of the Air Force who's not on flight status, but is
"Permanently On the Ground" (POG); see GROUND HOG, PENGUIN, WING
WIPER, GROUNDED.
-
GROUND ZERO :
-
the point at, below, or above the center of a planned ("desired
ground zero") or actual ("actual ground zero") nuclear
detonation; the epicenter, central point, or target area at which
a bomb explodes, especially an atomic or hydrogen device; see
TOT, ZERO POINT. Also, sardonic reference to the enclosed central
court of the Pentagon, presumed to be a prime target impact
point; see PUZZLE PALACE, SUICIDE ALLEY, WHITE WAY, MADHOUSE.
[nb: this designation was later applied to the impact areas from
the 11 September 2001 non-nuclear terrorist attacks]
-
GROUP :
-
informally, any collection or assemblage of persons or things, as
an element, section, or aggregation; see AD HOC, FIELD EXPEDIENT,
CORPORAL'S GUARD, DETAIL, DET, POLICE CALL. Also, an
administrative and tactical unit of the U.S. Army consisting of
two or more battalions (BN) and a headquarters (HQ); equivalent
to a brigade (BDE) or regiment (RGT). Also, an administrative and
operational unit of the U.S. Air Force subordinate to a WING,
usually composed of two or more squadrons (SQDN). Also, the naval
equivalent of a FLOTILLA, containing two or more squadrons (SQDN)
and subordinate to a FLEET. See AIR GROUP, MAG, ARMY GROUP, CSGP,
ASGP, NAG / NAVADVGP, ASYMMETRIC WARFARE GROUP, SFOB, SFG. [nb:
Vietnamese term: Lien Doan]
[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)]
-
GROUP HUG :
-
a euphemism for a brawl or hand-to-hand fighting; also called
"group grope"; see BATTLE ROYAL, KING OF THE HILL, AT CLOSE
QUARTERS, CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE (CQB), UP-CLOSE 'n' PERSONAL,
EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF.
-
GROUP TIGHTENER :
-
a nonexistent substance that a novice or tyro is required to
obtain or attend in the same manner as any other SNIPE HUNT
objective; compare MERMAID, DRAGON. Also, a placatory drop of
lubricating oil (LSU / LSA) or cleaning solvent that's placed on
the sights of the rifle of a nervous or anxious trainee by a
drill sergeant (DI) or marksmanship instructor as a placebo of
encouragement so as to imbue the shooter with enough confidence
for him to qualify; also known as a "shot group tightener"; see
BOLO, MAGGIE'S DRAWERS, SHARPSHOOTER. Also, palliative adult
beverages that are imbibed therapeutically so as to "tighten the
group" by defusing interpersonal tensions, or are imbibed
habilitatively so as to "tighten the shot group" by diminishing
distractions and focusing on the proper target; being a liquid
interlude that's designed to informally relieve stress, obviating
dereliction and precluding intervention, thus hopefully
refreshing everyone's professionalism.
-
GROWLER :
-
slang nickname for the Boeing EA-18G Super Hornet; compare OLD
GROWLER, see BIRD. Also, the USS Growler (SS-215), being a Balao
Class SUBMARINE that was nicknamed "Kangaroo Express" during
WWII. Also, an iceberg large enough to be a navigational hazard.
Also, an electromagnetic device consisting of two field poles,
used for indicating short-circuited coils in armatures and for
magnetizing or demagnetizing objects; see DEVIATION, MAD. Also, a
pitcher, pail, or other container brought by a customer for
filling with beer; see BREW.
-
GRS :
-
(gee-ar-ess) Graves Registration Service; see GRAVES
REGISTRATION, MORTUARY AFFAIRS.
-
GRUNT :
-
a popular nickname for an infantryman; supposedly derived from
the sound one made from hoisting his overburdened backpack or
lifting up his overloaded RUCKSACK. Also called GROUND POUNDER,
"line-doggie", BLUELEG, BOONIE RAT, BUSHMASTER, "eleven-bravo"
(re: 11B MOS), "eleven-bush", "eleven-bang", "eleven body-bag",
"eleven bullet-catcher", "trigger-puller", "mud-foot",
"dough-foot", "web-foot", "footslogger", "walk-a-heap", "nug"
(NUGGET), or CRUNCHY. Compare SNUFFY, 03 (ZERO THREE), PNG, POG,
REDLEG, YELLOWLEG; see LEG, AIT, INF, GI, DOUGHBOY, ATLAS.
[nb: in an interview during the KOREAN WAR, author Robert A.
Heinlein called them the "PBI": the poor bloody infantry who
place their frail bodies between their beloved home and war's
desolation] [nb: "pongo" is Australian slang for a soldier or
Marine, probably after its primary meaning of 'monkey'] [nb:
"dismounted reconnaissance" is MIL-SPEAK for patrolling on foot]
-
GS :
-
General Staff; compare JCS, see GHQ, STAFF.
-
GSA :
-
General Services Administration, being the federal agency that
procures or purchases, by allocations in the federal budget, all
things (from staples and ink to vehicles and buildings) that are
used by the federal government and its employees; compare GAO,
see THE G, RED TAPE, THE EAGLE SHITS, THE NATIONAL JOKE FACTORY,
ACT OF CONGRESS, FOGGY BOTTOM, UNCLE SAM, YANKEE, PORK BARREL,
BELTWAY BANDIT.
-
G77 :
-
established on 15 June 1964 by a joint declaration of
seventy-seven developing countries at the end of the first United
Nations Conference on Trade and Development, with the "Group of
77" being set up to articulate and promote the common economic
interests of its members. As the largest Third World coalition,
the G77 provides the means for the developing world to enhance
their joint negotiating capacity on all major international
economic issues debated in the United Nations (UN). The G77 seeks
to promote economic and technical cooperation among developing
countries. At its first meeting in 1967, it adopted the Charter
of Algiers and began subdividing into chapters (eg: FAO, UNIDO,
UNESCO, UNEP, the "Group of 24", and the "Group of 15"). The G77
is now made up of 133 emerging and developing countries, but it
prefers to retain its original title for its historic
significance. See UN, NATO, LEAGUE OF NATIONS, COMMONWEALTH OF
NATIONS, ARAB LEAGUE, NAM, ASEAN, SEATO, PENTALATERAL AGREEMENT,
ANZUS, KANZUS, HAGUE TRIBUNAL, NGO, QUANGO, GOCO, OGA, BELTWAY
BANDIT; compare G8, G10, G15, G20, G24.
-
G-SUIT :
-
a compartmentalized FLIGHT SUIT which automatically
inflates under specific Gravity-Forces, so as to adjust the
PILOT's circulation, and prevent unconsciousness, BLACKOUT,
visual or mental distortion; see SUCK 'n' PUFF, JET JOCKEY;
compare POOPIE SUIT, DRESS.
-
GSW-TTH :
-
casualty report term meaning "gunshot wound, through and
through"; see WIA, PH, DUSTOFF, MEDEVAC, MILLION DOLLAR WOUND,
PROFILE, LINE OF DUTY; compare SIW, DOW, KIA.
-
G20 :
-
officially created by the G7 Finance Ministers' Meeting in
September 1999, and meeting for the first time later that same
year, its mandate is to establish a forum for discussion and
cooperation on financial globalisation; it comprises the finance
ministers and central bank governors of the G7 countries (ie:
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, United
States) and representatives from 12 emerging countries (ie:
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Korea,
Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey) as well as
the country holding the presidency of the European Union (if not
a member of the G7). The European Central Bank, the International
Monetary Fund (IMF), the Managing Director of the IMF, the
Chairman of the International Monetary and Financial Committee of
the Board of Governors of the IMF, the President of the World
Bank, and the Chairman of the Development Committee of the World
Bank also sit on the G20. See UN, NATO, LEAGUE OF NATIONS,
COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS, ARAB LEAGUE, NAM, ASEAN, SEATO,
PENTALATERAL AGREEMENT, ANZUS, KANZUS, HAGUE TRIBUNAL, NGO,
QUANGO, GOCO, OGA, BELTWAY BANDIT; compare G8, G10, G15, G24,
G77.
-
G24 :
-
established in 1971 to coordinate and articulate the position of
the G77 developing countries on international monetary and
finance system issues by meeting before the semiannual
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank conferences so
as to discuss the points on the agenda at these meetings. G24
member countries include: Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Columbia,
Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Iran,
Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the
Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago,
and Venezuela. See UN, NATO, LEAGUE OF NATIONS, COMMONWEALTH OF
NATIONS, ARAB LEAGUE, NAM, ASEAN, SEATO, PENTALATERAL AGREEMENT,
ANZUS, KANZUS, HAGUE TRIBUNAL, NGO, QUANGO, GOCO, OGA, BELTWAY
BANDIT; compare G8, G10, G15, G20, G77.
-
GUARD :
-
emergency radio frequency, continuously monitored for MAYDAY or
SOS rescue transmission, by voice or tone signal broadcast at
243.0MHz UHF or 121.5MHz VHF; see RTP, PROWORD, RADIO, FREQ.
Also, guard mount, guard post, deck watch, SENTRY; see
ROADRUNNER, EARTH ANGEL, TRAIL WATCHER, ARGUS, WATCHER, POST,
DETAIL, COIGN OF VANTAGE, WATCH. [v: "watch and ward"]
-
GUARDHOUSE :
-
a building or casern for housing military personnel on guard
duty; or a place for temporary confinement of military prisoners.
See DETAIL, SENTRY BOX, BARBICAN, YARDBIRD, TANK, DEADLOCK,
CROSSBAR HOTEL. [nb: used in the same sense as "tolbooth", which
was a tollbooth that was utilized as a gaol / jail] [v: dungeon,
keep, oubliette, hock (sty or prison as a miserable place to
live)]
-
GUAVA BOMBS :
-
Vietnamese nickname for Cluster Bomb Units (CBU).
-
GUERRILLA :
-
partisans and/or soldiers of a subversive or resistance movement
who are organized on a military or PARAMILITARY basis; as a
combat ratio, one GUERRILLA can effectively monopolize at least
seven conventional troops. See MILITIA, IRREGULARS, CAP, CIDG,
MIKE FORCE, RF/PF, STRIKER, CATCH AND GRASP, HUG, UW,
COUNTER-GUERRILLA.
[nb: originally referred to the Spanish resistance against
Napoleon, but the name for the struggle (war) now a force or a
fighter as well as tactics; cf: 'maquis' as force and 'maquisard'
as fighter, which derive from "bushes that grow along country
roads"] [v: bushranger]
[nb: the difference between a TERRORIST and a FREEDOM FIGHTER, a
GUERRILLA and an IRREGULAR, a "militiaman" and a "defense
warden", a "revolutionary" and a "criminal", a "Death Squad" and
a "SWAT Team" has more to do with one's perspective and
allegiance than with the il-/legality of the violent acts
themselves; synonyms include: rebel, dissident, insurgent,
raider, marauder, jayhawker, bushwhacker, scallywag / scalawag,
firebrand, fire-eater, redneck, cracker, reaver / reiver, rascal,
ruffian, brigand, outlaw, desperado, villain / villein,
freebooter, pirate, buccaneer, privateer]
[v: uprising, insurrection, insurgency, revolt, rebellion,
takeover, toppling, outbreak, break-out, overthrow,
break-through, downfall, mutiny, turning point, putsch, coup,
coup d'état, or intifada (der: "shaking off")]
-
GUERRILLA WARFARE :
-
military and PARAMILITARY operations conducted in enemy-held or
hostile territory by irregular, predominantly INDIGenous forces.
Meaning "little war", it is also referred to as partisan warfare,
subversion, covert aggression, special or unconventional warfare
(UW); and is a combined effort of military, PARAMILITARY, and
civil action (CA) directed toward tactical offense and strategic
defense. See STRUGGLE, CONFLICT, INSURGENCY, LOW-INTENSITY
CONFLICT, UW, CAP, SF, SEAL, STAY BEHIND, MILITIA, MINUTEMAN.
[v: 'Fabian defeat' of Hannibal during the Second Punic War
(c218-201BC) by Fabius Maximus; David (I Samuel 17) or Elhanan
(II Samuel 21) killed Goliath of Gath]
[nb: OSS DETachment 101 was organized on 14 April 1942, under the
operational control of Southeast Asia Command (SEAC), and was the
first allied military unit formed for sabotage and irregular
warfare]
-
GUIDON :
-
a small military flag or pennon [nb: triangular shape
symbolic of knighthood], carried as a guide for marking,
signaling, or identification. Also, the soldier carrying such a
GUIDON, as a "Platoon Guide". See STARS 'n' STRIPES, COLORS,
COLOR GUARD, COLORBEARER, STREAMER, BURGEE. [v: pencel /
pennoncel / pensil] [v: Flag Terms]
-
GUINEA-PIG :
-
a ship sent into a mined area to determine whether it can be
considered safe from influence detonations under certain
conditions, or to detonate any pressure mines. Compare FALL GUY,
GOAT; see MINESWEEPER.
-
GULAG :
-
the system of forced-labor camps in the Soviet Union (USSR), that
were immeasurably worse than anything the Czarist regime had
imposed, which were made infamous by the revelations of "The
Gulag Archipelago" by Aleksandr Isayevich Solzhenitsyn (1973-5);
term is an acronym for the "Main Directorate of Corrective Labor
Camps". Also, any detention or forced-labor camp for political
prisoners or social outcasts exiled from their prevailing
culture. See REEDUCATION, PAIN, CONCENTRATION CAMP, DP, POW,
KEELHAUL. [v: dungeon, keep, oubliette, hock (sty or prison as a
miserable place to live)]
-
THE GULF :
-
NavSpeak slang for the general area of the Persian Gulf, which
may include the Arabian Sea, Aegean Sea, Black Sea, Red Sea, Sea
of Marmara, and the Suez Canal. See THE MED, FIVE SEAS, POND,
FLOAT, THE MOG, ABSURDISTAN, THE STANS, SANDBOX, PERSIAN GULF
YACHT CLUB, 72 VIRGINS DATING SERVICE; compare THE ROOT, THE NAM.
-
GULF WAR :
-
the Persian Gulf War from 7 Aug 1990 to 28 Feb 1991. On 7 August
1990 the U.S. launched Operation Desert Shield to contain the
Iraqi Republican Guard, which had invaded Kuwait on 2 August, and
to comply with treaty obligations to protect Saudi Arabia,
preventing further annexation; a U.S. declaration on 20 September
and a UN resolution on 29 November stipulated the unconditional
withdrawal of Iraqi forces and restoration of the legitimate
government in Kuwait, including a deadline of 15 January 1991. A
U.S.-led coalition launched Operation Desert Storm on 17 January
1991 with air attacks, followed by ground attacks on 24 February,
with Kuwait City liberated on 27 February 1991; having obtained
all military objectives and fulfilled its mission, the coalition
declared a cease-fire on 28 February 1991. See "Black Hole" at
TOC, "Ambiguity Forces" at PHANTOM OPERATIONS, "Evening Prayers"
at FIVE O'CLOCK FOLLIES, "Gulf War Syndrome" at FUO, FIBUA, MOUT,
MOAB, PATRIOT, SAUSAGE SIDE, SPEED BUMP, SMEZ.
Also, "Gulf War II" or "Gulf War Part Two"
from 19 Mar 2002 to 1 May 2003
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
see HAPPY SUIT, HILLBILLY ARMOR, TANK PLINKING, CONFESSION BOX,
PSF, ALLAH'S WAITING ROOM, 72 VIRGINS DATING SERVICE, PERSIAN
GULF YACHT CLUB, FIVE SEAS, SANDBOX, CENTCOM, ABU GHRAIB, CAMP
BUCCA, YOU CAN RUN BUT ..., ALI BABA, SCARAB THE ARAB, ISAAC THE
IRAQ, HAJJI, MUJ, RAGHEAD;
compare WAR ON TERROR.
[v: Gulf War
Supplement]
-
GUMBO :
-
(forthcoming); a type of adhesive or viscid mud that's
characteristic of a mire or bog, swamp or marsh, quagmire;
see MONSOON
-
GUMP STUMP :
-
NavSpeak slang for rectum, being the passage for the process of
peristaltic elimination (not a euphemism for a disagreeable
person [ie: asshole]); as in "scuttlebutt up the gump stump", and
used in the same way as yinyang, wazoo / wahzoo, chocolate
channel, fudge factory, poo pipe, poop chute, or SLOP CHUTE; a
dysphemism for an abundance or profusion, a surfeit or surplus, a
plethora or copiousness, as when denoting an excess of
difficulties. [re: "When up to your ass in alligators, it's
difficult to recall that your objective was to drain the swamp!"]
-
GUN :
-
any device for shooting or ejecting something under pressure,
especially a mechanism that forcefully propels projectiles by
employing an explosive CHARGE; a weapon or piece of ordnance that
apparently derives from shortening of either the name for an
engine of war [Gunilda] or a woman's name [Gunnhildr]. See
GUNPOWDER, GUNCOTTON, GUNLOCK, GUNSTOCK, GUN TUBE, MAIN-GUN,
SQUIRREL GUN, GUN MOUNT, GUN PIT, GUN PLOT, UNDER THE GUN,
GUNPOINT, STICK TO ONE'S GUNS, GUN RUN, GUN CONTROL, GUN TRUCK,
GUNSHIP, GUNNER, GUNSLINGER. [nb: "This is my rifle, this is my
gun; this is for fighting, this is for fun!" military ditty]
-
GUNBOAT :
-
a small armed WARSHIP of light draft used where the water is
shallow, most notably designated River Gun Boat (RGB); see
CUTTER, SWIFT BOAT, TANGO BOAT, ZIPPO BOAT, MOSQUITO FLEET, BOAT.
-
GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY :
-
international relations, between powerful and weaker nations,
involving the threat or use of military force; compare BIG STICK
DIPLOMACY, PING-PONG DIPLOMACY; see BLOODY SHIRT, SABER-RATTLING,
GUNPOINT, CROSS THE RUBICON, DECENT INTERVAL, HOT PURSUIT, RULES
OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE), JUST WAR, FAIL-SAFE, PROMISE, TRUCE, LAWS OF
WAR.
-
GUN CONTROL :
-
unlike civilians, who want to ban weapons; the military prefers
to educate and regulate firepower ... combatants know that good
GUN CONTROL is steady, well-aimed, effective fire! See ZERO,
DEFLECTION, BASS, SIGHT PICTURE, PEEP SIGHT, BORESIGHT, KD RANGE,
DRY FIRE, DRY RUN, RANGE CARD, FPL, MAGGIE'S DRAWERS, BOLO,
BULL'S-EYE, POINT-BLANK, BORESIGHT, AIMING STAKES, ELEVATION,
TRAVERSE, TRAIN, GUNSLINGER.
-
GUNCOTTON :
-
a highly explosive nitrocellulose that's used in making smokeless
gunpowder, which is made by digesting clean cotton in a mixture
of one part nitric acid and three parts sulfuric acid; also known
as "smokeless powder", "Schultze powder", "poudre B", "indurite",
and "cordite".
-
GUNDECK :
-
formerly, any DECK on a WARSHIP (except the main or weather deck)
that's laid with cannon from end to end; also spelled "gun deck";
see TURRET, BARBETTE, SPONSON, CITADEL. Also, NavSpeak slang for
misrepresent, falsify, or deceive.
-
GUNDECKING :
-
NavSpeak slang for improper conduct or unprofessional
comportment, as unmilitary behavior or infractions of military
BEARING; also spelled "gun-decking", being derived from the
ship's "gun deck", where sailors were unobserved and unsupervised
by officers (OOD) on the main deck, and where sailors could
gather informally; see EYE-BALL, THE BIBLE, MISTER, JODY CALL.
Also, to perform a duty in a way that it's not supposed to be
done, as when taking shortcuts or falsifying reports; see GHOST,
GHOST WALK, FEATHER MERCHANT, SKATE, TAP-DANCER, HALF-ASSED.
[nb: in the 19th century Navy, the "gun deck" was a "safe haven"
for sailors, especially drunken ones returned from shore leave or
liberty, and who upon reaching that sanctuary, were granted
immunity from the ship's strictures on cleanliness, dishevelment,
profanity, insubordination, and the like, thus serving as a vital
release for restrained emotions]
-
GUNG-HO :
-
very enthusiastic and ardently committed. Chinese term for "all
pull (work) together". First used as a military expression by
CHINA MARINEs, who brought it to the 2nd Raider Bn during Feb
1942 during WWII. See BY THE NUMBERS, HEP, HOISE, CHANTEY, HOOAH,
OORAH, YUT, WETSU, STRAC, GUSTO, BATTLE CRY, BEATERS 'n'
BLEATERS, TOOTER.
[nb: according to Devious Derivations by Hugh Rawson
(1994), the true origin of GUNG-HO is as the abbreviated name for
the Chinese Industrial Cooperative Societies formed in 1939]
-
GUNLOCK :
-
the mechanism of a FIREARM by which the CHARGE is exploded; see
BORE, BREECH, CARTRIDGE, AMMO. Also, a synonym for the safety on
a FIREARM.
[nb: the pan is the depressed part of the lock holding the
priming in old guns, so a "deadpan" facial expression derives
from a musket's flash-pan being empty, that is, without any
primer to set-off the charged barrel when the hammer falls to
strike a spark of ignition; v: FACE]
-
GUN MOUNT :
-
a fortified place for indirect-fire CREW-SERVED WEAPONS; an
EMPLACEMENT or BARBETTE. [v: Military
Earthworks Terms]
-
GUNNER / GUNS :
-
informal designation for a Marine Warrant Officer; compare GUNNY.
Also, any Naval Gunner's Mate, regardless of RATING. Also,
informal designation of the person who fires a cannon (eg:
HOWITZER, MAIN-GUN, etc) or machinegun (MG), such as a
MACHINEGUNNER. Also, slang for a grind or drudge, being an
overachiever preoccupied with study and toil; see PROFESSOR,
WIZARD, PUKE, GADGET, WALLAH,
WONK.
-
GUNNY :
-
any Marine Gunnery Sergeant, grade E-7 and above, also spelled
"Gunney"; see SARGE, CHIEF, CPO, TOP DOG. Also, a sack or poke,
made from jute or burlap, as a SANDBAG. Also, the strong course
fabric (ie: jute, hemp, etc) used for making bags; also called
burlap, sackcloth, or hopsacking. [v: gunny, gunnysack,
gunny-bag, burlap bag, crocus sack, croker bag, croker sack,
grass sack, dilly bag, towsack, barley sack, hopsack, tucker-bag,
hessian bag, swag, bluey]
-
GUN PIT :
-
a fortified place for indirect-fire CREW-SERVED WEAPONS; an
EMPLACEMENT or BARBETTE. [v: Military
Earthworks Terms]
-
GUN PLOT :
-
the fire control computer room for the guns on-board ship; see
MISSILE PLOT.
-
GUNPOINT :
-
the point or aim of a gun, as to lay a gun onto its target; see
AIMPOINT, POINT-BLANK, RANGE CARD. Also, threat or intimidation
by weaponry or military action, as to be "under the gun"; see
GUNBOAT DIPLOMACY, BIG STICK DIPLOMACY, COVER, SABER-RATTLING,
CAT AMONG THE PIGEONS, HEAD TO HEAD, NEUTRALIZE, ANTEBELLUM.
-
GUNPOWDER :
-
a combustible mixture of 75% saltpeter, 15% charcoal, and 10%
sulfur that was used for detonating (eg: bombs, etc) and
non-detonating (eg: propellant, etc) applications, which was
invented by the Chinese around AD850 (documented 1044), and was
separately reinvented in 1248 by Roger Bacon, an English scholar
and scientist; also known as "black powder", it was made granular
(corned in 1354, hex-/octahedral in 1875), and was made smokeless
(Schultze powder in 1864), being stored in powder kegs and
magazines (MAG). Refined gunpowder has been relegated since the
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR to small excavation projects, to FUSE
making, and to pyrotechnic FIREWORKS demonstrations ... bringing
its evolution back to its origin. See EXPLOSIVE, DEMO, GUNCOTTON,
DEFLAGRATION, CHARGE, BLAST, SQUIB, FIRE IN THE HOLE, KEEP YOUR
POWDER DRY.
[nb: because early gunpowder was impure, the potassium nitrate
(niter) often contained calcium nitrate, which absorbed moisture;
so exposure to wet usually rendered gunpowder unusable, since it
would not ignite when damp] [nb: the pan is the depressed part of
the lock holding the priming in old guns, so a "deadpan" facial
expression derives from a musket's flash-pan being empty, that
is, without any primer to set-off the charged barrel when the
hammer falls to strike a spark of ignition; v: FACE] [v: Guy
Fawkes, Gunpowder Plot (5 Nov 1605)] [v: the sequestration of
gunpowder in North America by the British military, known as the
"Gunpowder Alarm", is alleged to be the true precipitate of the
AMERICAN REVOLUTION] [nb: "We thought the girls had worked enough
in making shirts and kissing, but now you've put the pretty dears
to patriotic pissing!" Confederate doggerel; "No wonder that your
boys are brave, who couldn't be a fighter, if every time he shot
his gun, he used his sweetheart's niter?!" Yankee reply]
-
GUN RUN :
-
informal expression referring to a low-altitude aircraft
assaulting a ground target with machineguns (MG) or ROCKETs,
whether in Close Air Support (CAS) of ground troops or not; also
known as STRAFE. Compare RUNNING FIRE; see SORTIE, PICKLE, AIR
STRIKE, LETDOWN, BIRD.
-
GUNSHIP :
-
an armed helicopter or adapted fixed-wing aircraft; including
ARA, COBRA, DAKOTA, DRAGON SHIP, FIREFLY, GO-GO SHIP, HOG, JOLLY
GREEN GIANT, MOONSHINE, PUFF, DRAGON, SHADOW, SMOKY BEAR, SNOOPY,
SPECTRE, SPOOKY, STINGER. See AHC, CHOPPER, GREEN HORNET,
IROQUOIS / HUEY.
-
GUNSLINGER :
-
a professional gunfighter, with the implication of being a
"killer for hire", instead of a disciplined warrior; also called
"gunfighter" and "bullet-thrower". See BUSTING CAPS, DOUBLE TAP,
BURST, SHARPSHOOTER, KISS THE MISTRESS, KNOCK THEIR SPOTS OFF,
FIREFIGHT, MERCENARY. [v: shootist]
[nb: following the Wild West motif prevalent in LBJ's "little
pissant war", numerous allusions to a mythic frontier adventurism
were utilized; including COWBOY, DODGE CITY, and INDIAN COUNTRY.]
-
GUNSTOCK :
-
the stock of a firearm; see BUTT, BUTTSTOCK, PISTOL GRIP, SLING,
UNLIMBER, STACK ARMS, RIFLE, SMALL ARMS.
-
GUN TRUCK :
-
an armed convoy escort vehicle, usually the DEUCE-AND-A-HALF
(M-35) fitted with a ring-mounted MG, or electrically fired
duo-/QUAD .50 MG. Also, a three-quarter ton truck (M-6) w/37mm
gun mounted. See WAR PIG, TRUCK.
-
GUN TUBE :
-
see TUBE, NLOS-C, SQUIRREL GUN, MAIN-GUN, KICK, FLAREBACK, WILD
SHOT; compare CATAPULT.
-
GUNWALE :
-
the upper edge of the side or bulwark of a vessel; also
represented as "gunnel", which originated as "gun + wall", being
a plank that had guns set upon it; see HULL, FREEBOARD, STRAKE,
TOE RAIL, PLANK. Also, the sheer strake of a wooden vessel; the
uppermost strake beneath the plank-sheer; compare BOARD.
-
GUPPY :
-
a diesel-powered SUBMARINE, sometimes called PIGBOAT,
often used for surveillance and special operations missions; see
SNORKEL, SNORT, PRESSURE HULL, COLLAPSE DEPTH, CRASH-DIVE,
BOOMER, ASW, MAD, DOLPHIN, BUBBLEHEAD, DIPPER.
-
GUSTO :
-
hearty or keen enjoyment, as a zest for living, especially in
eating and drinking; as derived from individual 'taste' (gust,
gustatory) or liking. The term undoubtedly attained its
popularity among MIL-PERS by its adoption as a commercial slogan
for Schlitz beer in its "passionate outburst" sense, and has been
indiscriminately admixed with "It doesn't get any better than
this!" from Old Milwaukee beer. This word, used alone or in a
phrase like "Go for the GUSTO!", or in combination with other
slogans, is often used in a wry or sardonic manner to ironically
express the terrible situations and miserable conditions that are
"normal" for GRUNTs in the field! ... this sarcastic usage is
similar to "Another fine Navy day!" by SAILORs, and "A dandy day
for ducks!" by CIVILIANs. Being hungry, wet, cold, and tired
while someone is trying to kill you, and then hearing a comrade
whisper "Ahhh, the GUSTO! There's no place I'd rather be!" is a
fantastic morale booster! See WETSU, HOOAH, OORAH, GUNG-HO, FIDO,
A FINE AND PLEASANT MISERY, A MAN'S GOTTA DO WHAT A MAN'S GOTTA
DO, TOAST, SIGNATURE, BATTLE CRY, BREW, BA MUOI BA, DRAFT, HOOCH,
GROG, JUICE, GROUP TIGHTENER, LAAGER, SPLICE THE MAINBRACE,
SUNDOWNER, SMOKER.
[nb: long before high-tech weapons and sophisticated delivery
systems existed, there was wine and beer to comfort the defeated
and to enliven the victorious; "Lest they [kings and princes]
drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the
afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish,
and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and
forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more." Proverbs
31:5-7 KJV Bible] [v: gemütlichkeit/gemuetlichkeit]
-
GUTS :
-
a determined act or elemental response, as intestinal fortitude
or "superior determination", grit, sand, gumption, backbone,
nerve, daring / daring-do, pluck, vim, mettle, courage, bravery,
heroism, valor, intrepidity, dauntlessness, gallantry,
fearlessness; see V-DEVICE, BRAGGING RIGHTS, COUNT COUP, WATCH MY
SMOKE, DIEHARD, BITE THE BULLET, SCAR, PAIN, BEARING, ONIONS,
MOXIE, HERO, MACHO, SPUNK, SLOW MATCH, WINTER SOLDIER.
[nb: "We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulations
produce perseverance." Romans 5:3; "Grace under pressure." by
Ernest M. Hemingway]
-
GUTTA-PERCHA :
-
the milky juice of various Southeast Asian sapodilla trees, which
is processed into a tough gum for use in dentistry, sports, and
insulated wire as a natural thermoplastic; derived from Malay
"getah perca" (tree sap + rag). See PARA RUBBER, INDIA RUBBER.
[cf: synthetic rubber]
-
GUY :
-
a LINE used to guide or retain; also called a "guy-line",
"guy-rope", "gob-line" (or "gaub-line"), and not to be confused
with a "guideline". See BELAY, DINGLEBERRY, CORD, PARA-CORD,
BOLTROPE, SHROUD, ROPE, HIGHLINE, LANDLINE.
Also, the impersonal or universal everyman, anyone, pal, bub,
buddy, gink, dude, bloke, cove, CHUM, brother, friend, fellow,
Joe Blow, John Doe, Joe Doakes, John Q. Public, Richard Row, Tom
Styles, Johna Nokes, Joe Bloggins, Joe Bloggs, Jack Tar, Peter
Collins, Tommy Atkins / TOMMY, GI JOE.
-
GVN :
-
Government of (South) Viet Nam; see SVN, RVN, VN, THE NAM.
-
GWOA :
-
Guerrilla Warfare Operational Area.
-
GWOT :
-
(g-w-o-t; sometimes gee-what) initials for the Global War On
Terror, also abbreviated "GWT", sometimes mocked as the "Gee
WhOT" (combining "gee-whiz" and "so what"), and also known as the
"long war" against terrorism, which was authorized on 20
September 2001 following the 9/11 incidents. Critics of this
terminology claim that it mischaracterizes the nature of these
disparate militant groups and their abilities. Early in Bush's
second term, SECDEF Donald H. Rumsfeld promoted a change in
wording to "Global Struggle Against Violent Extremism" (GSAVE),
but POTUS rejected the shift. On 3 April 2007, the House Armed
Services Committee banished these expressions from the defense
budget allocations as being too imprecise and colloquial,
recommending that "ongoing military operations throughout the
world" be used instead of these catch-phrases ... as an extension
of political-correctness, and the tradition of never calling the
name of the devil, it appears that this is a war that must not be
named! In the continuing "war of words" (being the only kind of
fighting that politicians ever engage in!), the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) mandated on 25 March 2009 that the
latest misnomer for GWOT would be "Overseas Contingency
Operations", and terrorism dubbed as "man-made disasters". See
WAR ON TERROR, JSOTF, GULF WAR, TERRORIST, UW, ANTI-TERRORISM,
COUNTER-GUERRILLA, COUNTERINSURGENCY, IRREGULARS, FREEDOM
FIGHTER, CONSTABULARY, PATRIOT ACT.
-
GWT :
-
Global War on Terror[ism]; see GWOT.
-
GYRENE :
-
altered spelling of GI + Marine [GIrine (jy-reen)]; the word
Marine has been converted into an acronym meaning: Muscles Are
Required, Intelligence Not Essential. See GI, SNUFFY, JARHEAD,
LEATHERNECK, RAIDER, FORCE RECON, AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT, GUNNY,
CHINA MARINE, SEAGOING MARINE, HORSE MARINE, THE CROTCH, TELL IT
TO THE MARINES, MAMELUKE SWORD, USMC.
-
GYROCOMPASS :
-
a navigational compass containing a gyroscope rotor, that, when
adjusted for the latitude and speed of the vessel or aircraft,
indicates the direction of true north along the surface of the
earth, or communicates this information to one or more gyro
repeaters; also called "gyrostatic compass". See GIMBAL, COMPASS.
-
GYROJET :
-
an experimental MAGAZINE-fed rocket-firing PISTOL, made
of stamped steel and plastic. The 13mm vent-stabilized solid-fuel
mini-rocket had a muzzle-velocity of 1300ft/sec. The propulsive
spin (gyrostabilized) acted like rifling to achieve accuracy when
fired. Gyro derives from ring, circle, round; hence rotate. See
SMG, SNIPER, BLOOPER.
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