-
P :
-
abbreviation for Provisional, sometimes cited as "prov"; compare
AD HOC.
-
PAC :
-
the Vietnamese term for a midday rest or afternoon nap, also
called "pac time". [nb: most cultures in torrid or tropical
regions take a break during the hottest part of the day, then
work later into the evening after being refreshed ... such as
Spanish siesta for "sixth hour" (hora sexta), Chinese shu-she for
"afternoon nap", and Indian bhaatghoom for "rice sleep". Only mad
dogs and soldiers are out in all conditions.]
-
PACAF :
-
Pacific Air Force; see PACOM.
-
PACFLT :
-
Pacific Fleet; see WESPAC, EASTPAC, PACOM.
-
PACIFIST :
-
a person opposed to violence as a resort in settling disputes.
Also, someone who refuses to perform military service, as a
conscientious objector or nonresistant. See CO, CORB, NEUTRAL,
SILENT MAJORITY, WARNING SHOT, FIFTH COLUMN, NEW MOBE, HIPPIE,
THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME, PROTESTOR, APPEASE, PEACE.
[v: 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact (General Treaty for the Renunciation
of War)] [nb: after WWI, many of the Lost Generation took the
Oxford oath, which many fascists and communists viewed as
implicit appeasement, if not an explicit warrant, for political
hegemony leading to WWII; this pacifistic pledge declared: "We
solemnly swear that we will never take up arms in defense of our
country. We will never take up arms, even in defense of our
country."]
-
PACKAGE :
-
indirect term for a captive or prisoner, used most often
in SNATCH operations; see TONGUE, POW; compare GOO, BRACELET.
[nb: the 5 S's of prisoner handling include: Search, Silence,
Segregate, Safeguard, Speed; in that a prisoner and his
intelligence value must be protected against escape, injury, and
collusion, which means evacuating the captive(s) while the
primary mission continues]
-
PACKET :
-
C-82 cargo aircraft; see BIRD.
-
PACOM :
-
PAcific COMmand, a unified command based in Hawaii reporting
directly to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), and successor to
General MacArthur's General Headquarters Far East Command in
Tokyo during the KOREAN WAR; consisting of U.S. Army Pacific
(USARPAC), Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), Pacific Air Force (PACAF),
which components were responsible for the entire Asia and
Pacific theater, including Oceania and Australasia, from the
arctic to the antarctic.
-
PADDLES :
-
NICKNAME for the Landing Signals Officer (LSO) on-board a
FLATTOP, due to the instructional wands or directional paddles
used to communicate with PILOTs; also called "Landing Safety
Officer". The crew of a flight deck includes: "red shirts"=
weaponry / ordnance; "white shirts"= safety; "blue shirts"=
un-/secure (tie, CHOCK); "purple shirts"= fuel / POL; "green
shirts"= launch / catapult; "brown shirts"= plane captain
(control); "yellow shirts"= direct movement. See TAILHOOK,
BURBLE, NIGHT TRAP, WAVE OFF, WIGWAG, HAND SIGN, FLATTOP.
-
PADDY :
-
designation given to Can Tho / Binh Thuy CRP
-
PAD EYE :
-
a recessed EYE, set flush with the surface of a DECK or BULKHEAD,
lifted from its mounting support plate for use as a tie-down or
BELAY point; also called "bolt eye". See CLEAT, CLAMP, HOOKUP,
BOLLARD, DEADEYE.
-
PAIN :
-
physical suffering or other distressing sensation indicative of
severe emotional torment or bodily injury; as derived from
"penalty" or "punishment". Also, that agony sufficient to instill
hard or difficult lessons, such that their learning will be
permanently imprinted upon the individual, his kinesthesia or
psychesthesia; encapsulated as "no pain, no gain", relative to
his threshold (or limen stimulus). See TORTURE, FIELD EXPEDIENT
FACIAL, ROPE TRICK, PLAYING THE XYLOPHONE, NECKLACE, HAIRCUT AND
MANICURE, DECAPITATION, BRAINWASHING, REEDUCATION, SQUEEZE,
CONCENTRATION CAMP, GULAG, CHL, OVER A BARREL, GAUNTLET,
FROGMARCH, KEELHAUL, DEATH OF A THOUSAND CUTS, GARROTE, TWIST IN
THE WIND, ROUGHSHOD, BITE THE BULLET, HARD-ASS, ONIONS, MOXIE,
GUTS, DIEHARD, DROP, PUSH-UP, FRONT LEANING REST, SQUAT, SHIT
LIST, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, BLANKET PARTY, FALL GUY, TS CARD, BUS
TRANSFER, SYMPATHY, CANDY, DOPE, STONED, COLORS.
[nb: "Of course, behaviorism works. So does
torture." by W.H. Auden, A Certain World (1970); "If pain
could have cured us, we should long ago have been saved." by
George Santayana, The Life of Reason: Reason in Common
Sense (1905-6); "Know how sublime a thing it is / To suffer
and be strong." by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Light
of the Stars in Voices of the Night (1839)]
[nb: it has been alleged in the modern era that the dedicated and
driven Type-A personality, or compulsive workaholic, is both
self-destructive and counterproductive, and this thesis contends
that the compassion and sensitivity exhibited in the Type-B
Metro-Man persona are preferrable traits; despite this theory,
research has shown that an invincible Man of Steel attitude, or
the Super-Masculine personality (cf: MACHO), produces positive
results: better healing from injury, faster recovery from trauma,
increased energy and endurance, more numerous and more flexible
coping mechanisms ... in short, being strong and tough makes
people more confident and contented]
-
PAINT :
-
to scan or acquire a target with a RADAR or infrared (IR) weapons
system; also called "skin paint" or "las" (shortening of LASER).
See LASER AIMING DEVICE, SALH, PAVEWAY, LANTIRN, LADAR, MILES,
SQUAWK, ECM.
-
PALACE GUARD :
-
that group of absolutely loyal defenders who are more dedicated
to the military than to the country, believing that protection of
the military is the same as protection of the nation, and that
making the military look good is the same as making the nation
look good; from that ancient coterie of trusted bodyguards, such
as eunuchs, also called "Praetorian Guard". This myopic trait is
characteristic of LIFERs, who willingly excuse or cover-up
military mistakes, expecting reciprocity for their sacrifices,
and who are often disillusioned by the disregard of such an
impersonal institution. See RING-KNOCKER, BRASS-COLLAR, MILICRAT,
STRAIGHT ARROW, BRASS EAR, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN, RHIP, TOE
THE LINE, PARTY LINE, HEADQUARTERISM; compare PROVOST GUARD,
CONSTABULARY, ROGUE.
[nb: "I hate the idea of causes, and if I had to choose between
betraying my country and betraying my friend, I hope I should
have the guts to betray my country." by Edward Morgan Forster in
"What I Believe", Two Cheers for Democracy (1951)]
-
PALADIN :
-
M-109A6 self-propelled 155mm HOWITZER.
-
PAN :
-
an international RADIO/TELEPHONE distress call that does not
involve the imminent loss of life or the impending loss of
property; an international distress signal used to inform others
about something vital to their safety; also represented as
"pan-pan", compare MAYDAY, SECURITE, see SOS, CSEL, GUARD, BLIND
TRANSMISSION, RTP, PROWORD. Also, the leaf of the BETEL, that's
also a BETEL NUT mixture compounded for chewing.
-
PANAMA :
-
designation given to Da Nang CRC
-
PANCAKE :
-
crash landing of an aircraft, especially a battle damaged BIRD
that's lacking the fine controls for a normal arrival. Compare
AUGER-IN, NOSEDIVE, GROUND LOOP, ALUMINUM RAIN, TURN TURTLE; see
TOUCHDOWN, ALS, AUTO-ROTATE, BOUNCE, CHOPPER, BIRD.
[nb: during the period of aeronautical experimentation, before
powered flight was successful, headfirst or nose-down crashes
were so common that the Wright brothers characterized their
efforts as "well drilling"]
-
PANTY RAID :
-
slang for an intelligence gathering patrol or a small unit foray
into denied territory for physical proof of the enemy's presence,
status, or activity, such as photographic or documentary
evidence, or other artifacts; as derived from the pre-Vietnam-era
collegiate prank that sought trophies as validation of sexual
prowess. Compare SNATCH; see SRI, I&R, LRSP, RECON.
-
PAPA :
-
the word assigned to represent the letter "P" in the
international phonetic alphabet; at various times in different
spelling schemes, it has also been acrophonetically represented
as Pup and Peter. This is a "governing flag" in US Navy signals
that also represents "preparatory". See ALPHABET SOUP, PHONETIC
ALPHABET. [v: Alphabet Codes & Signal Flags]
-
PAO :
-
(pee-ay-oh; not "pow") Public Affairs Office/Officer; also called
Public Information Office/Officer (PIO), being the military
component responsible for interacting with non-military entities
and elements, including manufacturers and schools, service and
news organizations; see CIVILIAN.
-
PAPA-SAN / PAPA-SAHN :
-
an elderly Asian man; term borrowed from Japanese. Compare ONG;
see MAMA-SAN, BABY-SAN.
-
PAPER BULLET :
-
a derisive reference to the essential REPORTs and necessary FORMs
that enable the military to function; also spelled
"paper-bullet", and sometimes called a "paper grenade", they've
been known as such since the American CIVIL WAR. Although such
time-consuming paperwork is disdained by "real soldiers", it is
an inescapable evil since documentation is crucial for resupply,
allocation, allotment, and every other particular of governmental
functioning. In fact, since it requires more than 90% of MIL-PERS
to support the less than 10% combat element, it can be reasonably
argued that the "real war" is actually fought on paper from
behind a desk! See SMOKE 'n' MIRRORS, VOLLEY, PING-PONG, WHITE
PAPER, MANIFOLD SET, ANNEX, MR, RBI, FINDING, BUCK SLIP, LOG,
WAR DIARY, SNOWFLAKE, RED TAPE, FILE 13, ORIFICE, PENCIL PUSHER,
RAPPORTEUR, ACETATE COMMANDO, BEAN-COUNTER, CLERKS 'n' JERKS,
MILICRAT. [v: dossier] [nb: "If it isn't documented then it
doesn't exist!"]
-
PAPER TIGER :
-
a nation that has the appearance of power but is actually weak
and ineffectual, as attributed to the USA by PRC during both
undeclared wars in Korea and Vietnam. Phrase originated by Stalin
in reference to atomic bomb deterrents without the will to employ
the weapons; later adopted by Mao in similar context. See WHITE
ELEPHANT, RICE CHRISTIAN, BEARD THE LION, YELLOW DOG, WHITE MICE.
-
PARACHUTE :
-
a parabolic or ram-air system, using T-10 28' primary and T-7A
24' reserve canopies [from T-4 @28' canopy w/22' s-lines to MC-1
@35' canopy w/30' s-lines], for vertical delivery of men or
equipment; with extensive jargon, including: pack tray, belly
band, saddle, quick release with safety fork, capewell, risers,
SHROUD or suspension lines, STATIC LINE, DROGUE, CUT-AWAY,
STREAMER, Mae West, PLF, STICK, DINGLEBERRY, FLIGHT BAG, JUMP
BOOTS, JUMP SPEED, AIRHEAD, DZ, HEAVY DROP, FREE FALL, GANG-BANG,
etc. The Jump School in Vietnam was located at Long Thanh,
including Military Free-Fall (MFF) and High-Altitude Low-Opening
(HALO) training (with steerable "T U" and "Double L"
modifications) from 1969 for SPECIAL OPERATIONS. Combat jumps
during the VIETNAM WAR include: 173rd Abn Bde ("Junction City"),
5th SFGAbn ("Harvest Moon", "Blackjack", "Blue Max"), and SOG (13
STATIC LINE, 5 HALO). US personnel who participated in these
combat jumps are authorized to wear an "arrowhead" on their VSM,
and a battle star for each combat jump on their WINGS [nb:
informal wear finally approved 25 Oct 1983]. Advisors to ARVN
units on "jump status" (see JSD) were usually awarded Vietnamese
parachutist's badges equivalent to their own service rating. The
US Army parachutist's badge was designed by William P. Yarborough
so as not to resemble PILOT'S WINGS (some claim it resembles a
"flying ice-cream cone"), approved on 10 March 1941; and was
initially intended to be worn only while actively on "jump
status", but paratrooper pride persuaded the Army to make the
award permanent. The novice or basic parachutist badge was
standard until 1949, when the senior (star @30+ jumps) and master
(star in wreath @65+ jumps) ratings were appended. After WWII,
the Navy RIGGER badge was modified into the USN/USMC gold
parachutist badge, and a new RIGGER skill rating device was
adopted; both finally authorized on 12 July 1963. The term
parachute (parer + chute) derives from "sustain + fall". See
OVAL, FLASH, WINGS, BOLO BADGE, TRASH, JUMPMASTER, GOLDEN
KNIGHTS, CHUTING STARS, RIGGER, AIRBORNE, IRON MIKE, CATERPILLAR
CLUB, SQUAT; compare AIR ASSAULT, PATHFINDER.
[v: Parachuting Terms, and Parachuting
History]
-
PARA-CORD :
-
contraction of PARAchute CORD, a thin, multi-strand, sheathed
suspension LINE used to connect the harness risers to the canopy
of a PARACHUTE, but widely adopted for many other utilitarian
applications, from tie-downs to boot laces; also called "p-cord",
"550-cord", or "Ranger cord". See CORD, SPAGHETTI, SHROUD, GUY,
ROPE.
-
PARADE :
-
a public procession or promenade held in honor of an event or
person, usually involving the display of military formations; see
QUICK TIME, DOUBLE TIME, ROUTE STEP, FUNERAL PACE, MARK TIME,
CADENCE, MARCH. Also, the assembly of military personnel for
review or inspection; see PASS IN REVIEW, TROOP THE LINE, COLOR
GUARD, CLOSE ORDER, MISSING MAN FORMATION. Also, the place or
location for such ceremony, called PARADE GROUND, as derived from
"stopping place"; compare ASSEMBLY AREA. Also, an ostentatious
display or continual passing [v: triumph, ovation]. Also, to tour
one's area of responsibility, visiting each post, checking each
station, as both verification and assurance; see CQ, OOD, SDO,
DETAIL, GUARDHOUSE, EVOLUTION.
-
PARADE GROUND :
-
a large open area used to array military units for display or
review by senior commanders and visiting dignitaries; also known
as "parade field" or PARADE. Compare ASSEMBLY AREA. [cf:
esplanade]
-
PARADE REST :
-
a modified posture of ATTENTION in which the feet
are spread shoulder width apart and the unarmed hand(s) is placed
behind the back; as introduced during the American CIVIL WAR. See
THE BIBLE. [nb: despite its similarity to AT EASE, the "Simon
says" rules of drill prohibit unauthorized movements or talking,
and troops may not SALUTE or be dismissed from this posture.]
-
PARADISE ISLAND :
-
NICKNAME for the model village created and sustained by Project
Humidor on an island near DaNang, and its utopian prosperity was
used for DISINFORMATION PROPAGANDA when SNATCH captives were
briefly exposed to this Shangri-La by SECRET AGENT actors, before
being repatriated to NVN. The "Sacred Sword of the Patriot
League" was a simulated anti-communist movement ostensibly living
a successful VN lifestyle in the northern homeland while
preserving ancient traditions, but was actually a notional
deception designed to inspire proletarian rebellion. This PsyWar
OP33 project was patterned after the WWII OSS "Morale Operations
Division". See URGENCY, PSYOPS, SOG.
-
PARA-DROP :
-
see AIRDROP.
-
PARAMILITARY :
-
designating an organization operating in place of, as a
supplement to, or in a manner resembling a regular military
force; see STRIKER, IRREGULARs, MILITIA, GUERRILLA.
-
PARASOL :
-
CIA funding program for CIDG PARAMILITARY troops; see
SWITCHBACK.
-
PARATROOPER :
-
A soldier with skills so essential to the objective that he is
delivered, with all of his necessary equipment, to the
battlefield by air transport; where he must sustain the mission
until joined by conventional ground forces. See ABN, AIRBORNE,
PARACHUTE, MFF, FREE FALL, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, ROMMEL'S ASPARAGUS,
SQUAT, GROUNDED.
-
PARAVANE :
-
a torpedo-shaped device positioned at the BOW of a ship for
cutting the moorings of underwater MINEs, allowing them to rise
to the surface for collection or destruction; compare ELEPHANT'S
TRUNK.
-
PARROT'S BEAK :
-
distinctive Cambodia/SVN border feature near the Song Vam Co Dong
river, on the direct route from Saigon to Phnom Penh; see
FISHHOOK, DOG'S FACE, ELEPHANT'S FOOT, ANGEL'S WING, BLACK LADY
MOUNTAIN.
-
PARTHIAN SHOT :
-
the tactic of feigning a fighting retreat, usually practiced by a
smaller force upon a larger, inviting their impetuous pursuit
until entrapped or ambushed; this tactic was made famous by the
Parthian cavalry, who even learned to sit backwards on their
horses so as to better shoot at their pursuers, but this feint
was first practiced by the Mongols. Also, a wounding remark or
telling gesture made while departing, giving one's adversary
neither time nor opportunity to respond; also known as "Parthian
dart" or "Parthian shaft" after the arrows dispatched during
retreat.
-
PARTISAN'S SECRET WEAPON :
-
a spoon, carried in a boot top or a jump jacket pocket, as a
tradition among military advisors, observers, and special
operators or agents since WWII; being the only utensil needed,
and better than a combat knife for keeping someone alive, since
its loss or lack at the common pot risks starvation! The spoon's
sanitation is a personal matter, but it's usually well wiped on
sock or liner; and the protruding handle is often mistaken for a
concealed knife among the uninitiated. See CHOPSTICK, MESS KIT,
CANTEEN CUP, SPOON, KFS, P-38, CHURCH KEY, CHOW, BEANS, RATIONS.
[nb: the small knife ("sgian dubh") that's tucked into the top of
the stocking, below the skirt of the kilt, that's typically
crafted by frugal Scots from broken weapons or scrap metal, is
traditionally used when skinning or eating; it is sometimes
called a "black knife", not for any sinister or devious usage,
but due to its coarse or inferior metal, which contrasts with the
brightly polished finer metal used in weapons]
-
PARTY LINE :
-
the authoritatively announced policies and practices of a group,
or the tenets and dogma of a political organization; such as the
military way of doing things (ie: the right way, the wrong way,
and the military way), also known as the "school solution". See
PSYOPS, PROPAGANDA, WHITE PROPAGANDA, PLANK, TRUE BELIEVER,
TRUTH, BIG PICTURE, NATIONAL SECURITY, BRASS-COLLAR, BRASS EAR,
GOOD ENOUGH FOR GOVERNMENT WORK, TOE THE LINE, SCRIPTURES.
[v: agitprop]
-
PARTY SUIT :
-
an unofficial FLIGHT SUIT -styled coverall in a distinctive
fabric and bearing unauthorized (often rude or ribald) PATCHes as
decoration or indication of prowess. Wear restricted to OFF-DUTY
periods at DIRTY SHIRT / SLOP CHUTE or off-base establishments.
MIL-PERS assigned to a unit waited to be invited to wear the
PARTY SUIT, usually after a combat mission or some other
initiation, or risk being stripped of the apparel while forceably
evicted. See WAR PAINT, CIVVIES, MUFTI, DRESS. [v: glad rags]
-
PASS :
-
authorization for access or departure, with distance and
time defined; also known as "Liberty" for enlisted Marine and
Naval personnel. Enlisted personnel go on PASS or Liberty, but
officers go OFF-DUTY or "go ashore". See CINDERELLA PASS, STEEL
BEACH, R&R, I&I, LEAVE, UA, AWOL, OFF LIMITS, OFF THE
RESERVATION, DEADHEAD, BUS TRANSFER, PROFILE, USAFI.
[cf: break, recess, rest, pause, intermission, lull, hiatus,
caesura, lacuna, respite, reprieve]
-
PASSAGE TO FREEDOM :
-
the operational name for the evacuation of Vietnamese refugees
fleeing south during the partition of INDOCHINA from 14 August
1954 to May 1955. The pre-departure refugee inspection and
processing station, staffed by French and American MIL-PERS in
NVN, was known as Camp Cockroach. Compare FREQUENT WIND.
-
PASSAGEWAY :
-
an aisle, corridor, or alley; a pathway or walkway; see GANGWAY,
GASOLINE ALLEY, LADDERWELL, HATCH, DUCKBOARDS, THRESHOLD.
[nb: in NavSpeak, a PASSAGEWAY is an interior hallway aboard ship
that permits horizontal travel]
[nb: in urban warfare (MOUT, FIBUA), a PASSAGEWAY is known as a
"fatal funnel" for the potential harm it poses to anyone moving
across or along it]
-
PASSING HONORS :
-
a SALUTE rendered between passing vehicles or craft by a flag or
horn or other signal, from junior to senior, as between persons;
also called "rendering honors". This protocol is also observed
among allies ... and although it's rarely expressed, it's also a
gesture of respect toward an honorable enemy. See RUFFLES 'n'
FLOURISHES, BEATERS 'n' BLEATERS, TOOTER.
-
PASS IN REVIEW :
-
the command-phrase commencing the PARADE of arrayed units past
the assembled dignitaries on the "reviewing stand"; as
distinguished from TROOP THE LINE, during which the officials
review the arrayed units by walking or riding before them along
the PARADE GROUND. See COLOR GUARD, MISSING MAN FORMATION.
-
PASSWORD :
-
sign/counter-sign exchange of CODEWORDs or phrases, which are
changed daily to permit secure ingress/egress. Such challenge
sequences originated with shibboleths, being words with
distinctive pronunciation, to distinguish friend from foe.
[nb: the 17 March 1776 password for Washington's Continental Army
in Boston was "Saint Patrick"; cf: the magic words "open sesame"
that were used by Ali Baba to access the treasure of the 40
thieves in "The Arabian Nights' Entertainments"]
-
PATCH :
-
distinctive shoulder or pocket patch, made of embroidered
fabric or silk-screened material, sewn to the utility or FATIGUE
uniform. Official patches were often hung in a plastic protector
from the left pocket on KHAKIS, but sewn onto CLASS-A and FATIGUE
uniforms at the shoulder. The transition to subdued insignia
generated many patch variations. The VIETNAM WAR produced
numerous "unauthorized" pocket patches which were tolerated by
command authority because they encouraged unit morale and
espirit. Patches developed in their present form during WWI, but
heraldic insignia had long marked armor and banners. During the
CIVIL WAR, the Army of the Potomac adopted distinctive badges for
each corps, with colors assigned by division within each corps,
as displayed on uniform caps and unit equipment to aid
battlefield control and build esprit. The Culpeper Militia,
raised for the American Revolution, embroidered Patrick Henry's
slogan, "Liberty or Death", onto the left breast of their tunics
in white letters. Patches are formally known as "shoulder sleeve
insignia" (SSI). The US Army permits individuals to always wear
their combat unit PATCHes (SSI-FWTS) on their right sleeve, but
all branches recognize the wearing of a unit PATCH on the left
sleeve as a current duty assignment. See SANDWICH, SCROLL, FLASH,
OVAL, CREST, TRASH, BATTLE CRY, TOAST, SIGNATURE.
[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]
-
PATHET LAO :
-
Laotian Communists; compare RLA.
-
PATHFINDER :
-
the advance element for an AIRBORNE or HELIBORNE insertion of
operational units. PATHFINDER teams were dropped or air-landed at
an objective to establish a drop zone (DZ); or air-delivered into
enemy territory for purposes of determining the best approach and
withdrawal lanes, landing zones (LZ) and AIRHEAD sites for
HELIBORNE forces. Special PATHFINDER training was initiated by
GEN James Gavin for 82nd ABN Div assaults after the disastrous
Operation Huskey results during the WWII Sicily INVASION.
Originally integral (compare evolution of I&R into LRRP) to
each AIRBORNE or glider unit during WWII, the US Army Infantry
School later established a separate training course for this
specialty; with authorization to wear the distinctive "winged
torch" device (canted on sleeve or pocket) in cloth on 22 May
1964, and replaced as an enameled metal device (set perpendicular
beside other badges below ribbon bars) on 11 October 1968. See
BLACK HATS, WIGWAG, TRASH, Q-COURSE, RIGGER, WAVE OFF, POINT,
SPEARHEAD, JUDAS GOAT.
Also, the NICKNAME of the 8th Infantry Division, showing the
Arabic numeral impaled on an upward pointing arrow; formed in
California, and named after the general and explorer John Charles
Frémont.
-
PATRIOT :
-
designation for the MIM-104 medium-range multiple-launch mobile
Surface-to-Air MISSILE (SAM) system, which uses computerized
RADAR guidance and is launched from a TRACKed platform,
manufactured by the Raytheon Company, replacing the Nike-Hercules
missile for high and medium altitude air defense in the US Army
arsenal.
Also, a CITIZEN who unashamedly expresses a love of home and
country by word or deed, being a national supporter or defender;
often proclaimed by detractors and critics to be ignorant or
foolish, chauvinistic or jingoistic, Xenophobic or ethnocentric.
-
PATRIOT ACT :
-
shortening of the legislative title for some ANTI-TERRORISM laws,
formally designated the "USA-PATRIOT Act" of 2001; being an
acronym ("Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing
Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism")
for the authority provided to government agents in investigating
and apprehending foreign and domestic suspects. This Act, which
includes provisions on border security and eavesdropping, money
laundering and surveillance, was enacted (PL107-56) on 26 Oct
2001, and was reauthorized 9 Mar 2006. The "Foreign Intelligence
Surveillance Act" (FISA) of 1978 has been incorporated into the
PATRIOT Act. See GWOT, WAR ON TERROR, TERRORIST, CONSTABULARY.
[nb: "Who will watch the watchers?"]
-
PATRIOT'S DAY :
-
the anniversary of the first two battles of the AMERICAN
REVOLUTION, fought on 19 April 1775 at Lexington and Concord,
which is celebrated on the third Monday in April as a legal
holiday in parts of New England. Compare VETERANS' DAY, MEMORIAL
DAY, FLAG DAY.
-
PATROL :
-
a military element (eg: detachment, squadron, fleet, etc)
detailed for reconnaissance, combat, or other special assignment
in an operational area. Also, to surveil or secure an objective
by application of professional military skills. Also, to guard
someone or something by frequently checking its condition and/or
position. See RECON, CLOVERLEAF, BUTTERFLY, CHECKERBOARD, LEAP
FROG, ZIGZAG. [nb: "dismounted reconnaissance" is MIL-SPEAK for
patrolling on foot]
-
PATRON SAINT :
-
superior who functions as a professional military career guide,
counselor, mentor, sponsor, patron, or protector for select and
favored subordinates of great potential, also called "godfather";
see RABBI, SEA DADDY, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN; compare
RING-KNOCKER, TICKET-PUNCHER, KHAKI MAFIA. [cf: apparatchik,
nomenklatura, nabob, nibs]
-
PATTON :
-
the M-46, M-47, M-48, and M-60 series of heavily armored Main
Battle Tanks (MBT), variously with 90mm, 105mm MAIN-GUNs; see
TANK, TRACK.
-
PAVEWAY :
-
(forthcoming);
re: Pave Knife, Pave Penny, Pave Spike, Pave Tack;
see LANTIRN, GBU, LGB, LASER AIMING DEVICE, PAINT, LASER.
-
PAVN :
-
(pavin, not "p-a-v-n") People's Army of Viet Nam; unified command
under NVA, which included NLF political activists and VC
irregulars. The PAVN's three principle staff components were the
General Political Directorate (GPD), General Staff Directorate
(GSD), and General Directorate for Rear Services (GDRS). See BO
DOI, NVAF, VIET MINH, CHARLIE, PRG, PLA, GOMER, LUKE THE GOOK,
BAD GUYS.
-
PAY DUES :
-
a qualified person, a member in good standing; eligibility is
restricted to those who are willing to PAY their DUES. In its
best sense ("He's paid his dues."), it is a sign of respect or
mark of recognition bestowed in testimonial tribute by another
member; but in its all too common worst sense ("I've paid my
dues!"), it's an egocentric declaration of self promotion and
self praise. Some veteran's associations do not levy fees under
the supposition that everyone already "paid their dues" with
service. It's simply an affirmation of entitlement. See GOOD
PEOPLE, BTDT, WANNABE, COUNT COUP, CAMP FOLLOWER. [nb: a 'cheat'
/ 'cheater', being a fraud, deceiver, impostor, swindler, or
blackleg, derives from the office of "escheator", the corrupt
officer who collected the share of dues (taxes) that members owed
to the treasury (exchequer)] [v: corody]
-
PAYLOAD :
-
the WARHEAD or bomb load on an aircraft or missile; as derived
from the revenue-weight of passengers or cargo, namely that which
produces "the biggest bang for the buck". Also, the explosive
energy of a warhead or bomb load. Also, the necessary supplies
and equipment essential for the performance of a given mission;
see LIFT, AIRDROP, HEAVY DROP.
-
PAY-GRADE :
-
a common redundancy for GRADE or RATING, as "That's way above my
pay-grade!"; compare RANK, RELATIVE RANK.
[nb: 1968 base pay: CPL @$150/mo, 1LT @$350/mo]
-
PBL :
-
designated US Navy Patrol Boat Light, being a converted
Boston Whaler; see SWIFT BOAT, NASTY BOAT, SKIMMER, MRF, JUNK
FORCE, BOAT.
-
PBR :
-
designated US Navy Patrol Boat River, being lightly armored,
shallow-draft steel vessels; see SWIFT BOAT, NASTY BOAT, MRF,
JUNK FORCE.
-
PBX :
-
Private Branch eXchange; an electromechanical internal
telephone communications (intercom) facility that connects to an
external telecommunications system; also called "switchboard",
and also existing as Private Automatic Branch eXchange (PABX).
See TELEPHONE.
-
PBY :
-
designated US Navy Patrol Bomber [nb: the "Y" identified the
manufacturer: Consolidated Aircraft Corporation]; this seaplane
was also known as DUMBO or CATALINA; see FLYING BOAT, BIRD.
-
PCPT :
-
Physical Competency and Proficiency Test, being the annual
physical fitness test of all MIL-PERS aged under 35 and not of
senior RANK; later renamed Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and
conducted monthly. See PT, DAILY DOZEN, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, FRONT
LEANING REST.
-
PCS :
-
Permanent Change of Station; a military transfer to a new
assignment at a different location. Compare DUTY, BILLET, BERTH,
POST, ON STATION, WATCH, MOS, OJT, TDY / TAD, SHEEP-DIPPED,
HARDSHIP TOUR, BUMFUCK.
-
PDA :
-
abbreviation for Public Display of Affection, which is a
violation for uniformed MIL-PERS, for the disrespect or dishonor
imputed to the Armed Forces; officers are further constrained by
"conduct unbecoming ..." (Article 33). Enforced at command
discretion, this restriction prohibits, for example, a parent in
uniform from carrying their infant. See CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF
THE SERVICE.
-
PDO :
-
(pee-dee-oh) Property Disposal Office; see DX, DRMO, LOGISTICS.
-
PDQ :
-
abbreviation for Pretty Damn / Damned Quick; see ASAP, STAT,
FORTHWITH, CHOGI, CHOP CHOP, RIKI TIK, GOYA, SCRAMBLE, HAUL-ASS,
JUICE.
-
PDS :
-
(pee-dee-ess) Permanent Duty Station. Also, Personal Defense
Specialist for "executive protection"; see BODYGUARD.
-
PDT :
-
Parachute Demonstration Team, as used for public ceremonies and
demonstrations; such as the GOLDEN KNIGHTS, CHUTING STARS, "Leap
Frogs", "Silver Wings", and the like.
-
PEACE :
-
an agreement that ends hostilities, or a treaty that ends a war,
as derived from "pact"; see CEASE-FIRE, TRUCE. Also, a cessation
or absence of hostilities between nations; see ENTENTE, DETENTE,
APPEASE, RAPPROCHEMENT, MARSHALL PLAN, BEST AND BRIGHTEST, WISE
MEN, PROTESTOR, NEW MOBE, FIFTH COLUMN, YIPPIE, APOCALYPSE, BOMB
'EM BACK TO THE STONE AGE, WAR. [v: 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact
(General Treaty for the Renunciation of War)]
Also, public order and security that's free from civil commotion;
see CONSTABULARY, PROVOST GUARD, POSSE COMITATUS. Also, a state
of harmony between people or groups, as being free from
dissension; see NEUTRAL, DRONE. Also, a state of tranquillity or
serenity, as "peace of mind" is freedom from disturbance or
perturbation; see HAPPY VALLEY. Also, silence, quiescence,
stillness; see AT EASE.
[nb: "Peace is the necessary interval of recovery and preparation
between wars, for nothing is ever resolved, except that its
confrontation is postponed." anonymous]
-
PEACE CORPS :
-
formed in 1961, by legislation that Hubert H. Humphrey based upon
the International Volunteer Service (IVS), as an agency of the
Department of State (DoS), which sent American advisers and
teachers, some young adults and some retirees, with requisite
language and technical skills to assist INDIGenous peoples in
remote areas around the world. In 1981, the PEACE CORPS was made
a separate agency of THE G, and the standard two year overseas
tour was modified to also include domestic American fellowships.
In 1995, the PEACE CORPS established a cooperative relationship
with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in aiding refugees
and displaced persons (DP) with education and skill acquisition.
This humanitarian service organization, along with IVS and VISTA,
qualifies as "alternative service" for conscientious objectors
and anti-war PROTESTORs. See ADV, CA, CAP, COUNTERPART, LITTLE
BROWN BROTHER, INDIG, SPARTAN, DRAFT LOTTERY.
[nb: there is a persistent but unrealized (to date) advocacy for
creating a Cabinet-level "Department of Peace" by some effete
poltroons; v: DOS; cf: DOD]
[nb: civilians go 'abroad' while soldiers go 'overseas']
-
PEACE DIVIDEND :
-
the beneficial transfer of military technology to the civilian
sector; such re-directed applications enhance public safety and
security, but also usually re-organizes employment patterns,
making many MIL-SPEC jobs redundant. See DARPA, SOTA, RIF.
[nb: adaptations or extensions of technological invention have
traditionally passed through three phases: gadget creation,
improved accommodation, and streamlined production; or, in other
words, from the simple to the complex and on to the simplified]
-
PEACEMAKER :
-
Convair B-36 intercontinental bomber with six piston and four jet
engines, see BIRD.
-
PEACOCK :
-
designation for Pleiku CRP
-
PEANUT :
-
CODENAME for "free" portable transistor radios, usually
abandoned at innocuous sites or "lost" in plausible ruses, which
could not be tuned to the real "Radio Hanoi" broadcast setting,
but would automatically select the "black broadcast" of OP33.
Some PEANUT radios included transponders, so their location could
be tracked after being "found". See PSYOPS, SOG, HOMER.
-
PEARL OF THE ANTILLES :
-
the islands of Cuba situated in the Greater Antilles of the
Caribbean, scene of the Bay of Pigs INVASION (April 1961) and the
Cuban Missile Crisis (22 Oct - 20 Nov 1962); see SPANISH-AMERICAN
WAR, MONGOOSE, "Fortified Zones" at STRATEGIC HAMLET; compare
URGENT FURY.
-
PEARL OF THE ORIENT :
-
Saigon; abbreviated "SGN". Also, Manila.
[nb: a pearl is a smoothly rounded bead, lustrous and finely
colored, composed of aragonite or calcite, or of something
similar in form and luster; something pearlescent or nacreous;
something precious (virginity) or choice (wisdom); known as
"angel's tears" by the ancient Romans]
-
PEARLY WHITES :
-
informal slang for teeth, also called FANGs, "chompers",
"champers", "choppers", and "snaggles"; see FANG MECHANIC.
-
PECKER TRACKS :
-
slang for trace evidence, especially the residue, residuum,
vestage, remnants, leftovers, dregs, leavings of enemy or
criminal activity; as derived from semen and/or urine deposits on
secondary surfaces, which indicators are also called "spoor",
"tracks", "footprints", or "fingerprints". Since some remnants
are always left by any intrusion or passage, the use of
untraceable (STERILE) or unattributable (CLEAN) weapons or
equipment in covert or clandestine (BLACK) operations is
mandatory for "plausible deniability". See CASTOFF, TRACE, TRAIL,
TRACK, RECON.
-
PEDICAB :
-
a three-wheeled vehicle featuring a bench seat for passengers,
normally provided with a folding cover, steered from before or
behind while being pedaled by its operator; also known as a
"tri-sha". This once common Asian taxicab has become a relic, not
unlike the horse-drawn chariot or hansom [v: hackney, fiacre,
jingle, tonga, gharry, gig, dogcart, runabout,
palanquin/palankeen, sedan chair]. Compare RICKSHA, CYCLO,
LITTER, HACK, RICE-BURNER.
-
PEEPERS :
-
any visual aid, vision enhancement system, or sighting device,
sometimes called "cheaters", often containing a scale or reticle,
including stand-magnifiers, cameras, binoculars / FIELD GLASSES,
view-ports, PERISCOPEs, Night Observation Devices (NOD), Night
Vision Goggles (NVG), or Night Vision Device (NVD) ... and not
omitting the unassuming eyeglasses or spectacles (specs) that are
widely known as a BIRTH CONTROL DEVICE. See STARLIGHT, GREEN-EYE,
I2, ENVIS, LRAS3, VIPER, TOW, BORESIGHT, ZERO; compare DOUBLE-O,
HAIRY EYEBALL, EYE-BALL, STACKING SWIVEL.
-
PEEP SIGHT :
-
a small pierced plate, on a bracket adjustable for windage and
elevation, through which a shooter peers when sighting on a
TARGET, as opposed to an "open sight", both of which align with
the blade-like front sight; see SIGHT PICTURE, SPOT WELD, ZERO,
BASS, DEFLECTION, BORESIGHT. [v: Firearms
Glossary]
-
PEERS INQUIRY :
-
the Article 32 investigation (the military equivalent of a civil
grand jury hearing) of allegations concerning the 1968 My Lai
incident as conducted by GEN Ray Peers, former OSS officer,
former 4th Inf Div CG, and former IIFFV CG, then forces commander
in Korea. The PEERS INQUIRY resulted in a court martial and other
punishments. See BUTCHER BRIGADE, MASSACRE.
-
PEGASUS :
-
the 1968 operation that replaced Marine assets at Khe Sahn with
the Army's AIRMOBILE 1st Cav Div, coincident with the transfer of
all I CTZ units and their functions to the command of the XXIV
Corps headquarters (HQ); see LONELY HEARTS.
-
PENCIL PUSHER :
-
any MIL-PERS whose primary function is to write, record,
document, catalogue, tabulate, account, or substantiate the
issue, training, assignment, movement, or service of other
MIL-PERS and their requisite equipment or materiel; also known as
a "pen pusher", and formerly known as a "quill driver". The
PENCIL PUSHER may be a WONK or WALLAH, HONCHO or BRASS HAT in one
or another BOMB-PROOF job, but regardless of how necessary this
PUKE or SKIRT may be to operations, GRUNTs always classify them
with their relatives: desk jockey, office flier, typing
machinegunner ("Remington Raider"), staff warrior, combat
briefer, barroom shooter, fire base gunfighter, and Saigon
commando. See REMF, CLERKS 'n' JERKS, CANDY-ASS, ACETATE
COMMANDO, CHAIRBORNE, BEAN-COUNTER, TAP-DANCER, DOG ROBBER, PUKE,
RAPPORTEUR, MILICRAT, ORIFICE, RED TAPE, PAY DUES.
[nb: a "pencil sharpener" is a do-gooder or BROWN NOSER, but
anyone "sharpening his pencil" is either setting a trap, hunting
for a victim, or is laying an ambush, aiming to assassinate
someone; geeks and dweebs think pencils are weapons, and they
have spiked many good careers, and back-stabbed many good
soldiers] [nb: the pencil may have been developed as early as
1564, but an eraser was not attached to it until 1858 ... which
does not mean that nobody made any mistakes for almost 200
years!]
[nb: "Algerism", an eponym for the politico who was probably the
worst Secretary of War in American history, became the national
byword for bureaucratic sloath, cronyism, and incompetence,
becoming a synonym for venality and ineptitude; after Russell A.
Alger, attorney and capitalist, Michigan governor and U.S.
Senator, CIVIL WAR Major General and Spanish American War
Secretary of War]
-
PEN FLARE :
-
a little pyrotechnic signalling FLARE, also spelled "pen-flare",
that was used by small units and RECON teams to identify their
position to aerial observers when smoke grenades could not be
used. The PEN FLARE consisted of a spring-loaded launcher (about
the size of a fountain pen) that accepted screw-in flares of
various colors, but the signal could not penetrate dense foliage.
Compare SLAP-FLARE, VERY PISTOL.
-
PENGUIN :
-
a NICKNAME for non-flying aviation support staff and ground crew,
as used since before WWII, by analogy with the flightless bird;
also known as WING WIPER. Compare GROUND HOG, GROUNDED; see
BIRDMAN, PILOT, JET JOCKEY, AIRDALE, BROWN SHOE / BOOT, ZOOMIE,
ROTOR HEAD, WOBBLY, WOP, PROP JOCKEY, CREW DOG.
[nb: affectionate name selected due to the negative or derogatory
associations with other choices, such as Ostrich, Dodo, Moa, Emu,
Cassowary, Great Auk, Kakapo, Kiwi]
-
PENNY-NICKEL-NICKEL :
-
155mm HOWITZER, may be spelled "penny nickel nickel"; including
M-109 SP at ranges to 14,600m. See SP, ARTY.
-
PENTAGONAL :
-
organizational structure designed for potential nuclear conflict,
using five divisional elements, also called "pentomic";
supersedes triangular TO&E instituted for WWII, which
succeeded the square structure used in WWI. See CARS, OB.
-
PENTALATERAL AGREEMENT :
-
an Agreement, executed on 23 December 1950, by representatives of
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, France, and the United States, for
Mutual Defense Assistance in INDOCHINA; also called "Mutual
Defense Assistance Program" treaty. See ASEAN, SEATO.
-
PENTATHLON :
-
the Modern Pentathlon is an athletic competition comprising five
different events that're based upon military skills and scored by
teams; the Military Pentathlon displaced the Greek Pentathlon in
the 1928 Olympics, after running concurrently since the 1912
Olympiad. The Modern or Military Pentathlon consists of a 300m
freestyle swim, 4000m cross-country run, 5000m equestrian
steeplechase, épée fencing, and pistol shooting at
a 25m target. The original Greek Pentathlon consisted of five
track and field events that were scored on an individual basis:
200m run, discus throw, javelin throw, high jump, and wrestling.
Compare BIATHLON, TRIATHLON, DECATHLON; see PT, PFT, AIRBORNE
SHUFFLE, TRUSCOTT TROT, MARATHON, FIELD HOUSE, WAR GAMES.
[v: Pheidippides was the Athenian runner sent to request aid from
Sparta before the battle at Marathon plain (490BC) against the
Persians; which inaugurated the long-distance footrace and other
endurance events]
-
PEO :
-
Programs Evaluation Office, being a covert operation
established by the US Dept of State in 1959 to develop the
Laotian Army; see MILLPOND, WHITE STAR.
-
PEOPLE SNIFFER :
-
the Olfractronic Personnel Detector; a sensor that probed for the
presence of enemy personnel by measuring the incidence of
ammonia. This farcical and deficient device typified everything
that was grossly mismanaged during the VIETNAM WAR!
-
PERIMETER :
-
a defensive enclosure or ambit, a boundry or border; see CORDON,
CORDON SANITAIRE, CORDON AND SEARCH, CLEAR AND HOLD, DOUGHNUT,
DMZ, MLR, CHOP LINE, STOCKADE, LAAGER, FOB, FSB, SPIKE, NDP, RON,
COLD CAMP, BASE CAMP, COMPOUND, RANGE CARD, FRESNEL UNITS.
-
PERISCOPE :
-
an optical instrument for viewing objects in an obstructed field
of vision, by an arrangement of prisms in TANKs and by an
arrangement of mirrors and lenses in SUBMARINEs; includes a
reticle when used as an aiming device (v: SIGHT PICTURE), but not
when serving as a view-port. Term is a back-formation from
periscopic, meaning to view indirectly or obliquely. See PEEPERS.
-
PERMANENT PARTY :
-
personnel permanently assigned to a school or training unit, to
distinguish such CADRE and staffers from the students; see
PLOWBACK, STAFF, TO&E, SHIP'S COMPLEMENT, HOMESTEADER,
CHAIRBORNE.
[nb: despite designation, such duty was not considered to be
"endless fun"!]
-
PERSCOM :
-
U.S. Army Personnel Command; see NPRC.
-
PERSHING :
-
heavily armored Main Battle Tank (MBT), with M-26 90mm and M-45
105mm MAIN-GUNs, which were grossly underpowered and kept
throwing their many fan-belts; see TANK, TRACK. Also, Pershing/PE
MISSILE. Also, John Joseph "Blackjack" Pershing, commander of AEF
in WWI, whose NICKNAME was obtained from his preference for
command of BUFFALO SOLDIERs (while George Armstrong Custer
refused such assignments, believing them to be harmful to his
reputation and career); see BLACKJACK, OPEN WAR, GASPER, DOG
TAGS.
-
PERSIAN GULF YACHT CLUB :
-
an apocryphal social society comprised of the U.S. Navy in
operations offshore of the Arabian Peninsula (Near East) in
various combat, combat support, and peacekeeping operations.
Compare TONKIN GULF YACHT CLUB, SPORT HUNTING CLUB; see THE MED,
THE GULF, POND, FLOAT.
-
PERSONNEL :
-
aggregate of variously skilled persons employed to make an
organization function; see MIL-PERS.
-
PERSPECS :
-
(forthcoming);
windshield or view port, derived from "Perspex" tradename
-
PET :
-
keeping pets in personal spaces or working areas, living QUARTERS
or BARRACKs, is not authorized, so discovery of a pet or evidence
of a pet during inspection warrants a "ding" or demerit for that
individual; however, this is typically a ploy for creative
harassment when flyspecks, cockroach litter, mouse scat, or snake
skins are discovered in such areas ... if a dead fly is found,
the individual will be gigged for "improper care and feeding of
pet" as well as "unauthorized pet", earning double punishment.
See ADY, GIG, TURD, DUTY ROSTER, STRAC, SQUARED AWAY, SHIPSHAPE;
compare GHOST TURD.
-
PETER PILOT :
-
co-pilot; the lower-ranking and less-experienced PILOT in an
airplane. See IP, CHECK RIDE, UP CHECK.
-
PETITION :
-
a formal request, often signed by its endorsers, addressed to an
official or authoritative body, soliciting some benefit or right;
such an entreaty or importunity is forbidden MIL-PERS! Active and
reserve uniformed servicemembers may utilize an "Appeal For
Redress" as a legitimate means of addressing a grievance to their
political representatives [v: DoD Directives 1325.6 and 7050.6].
-
PETROL :
-
fuel; any petroleum mixture, including "av gas" (refined
kerosene), diesel, or gasoline. See POL, JP, MOGAS, JUICE,
HOT-FUELING, TOP-OFF, FUEL LADDER, BLIVET, POD, BLADDER, REDNECK
CREDIT CARD.
[nb: Chinese began drilling for crude petroleum in the 4th
century; but in 1859, the first American oil well was dug near
Titusville PA, and the first oil refinery began operation in
1861] [nb: diesel is an eponym from the German automotive
engineer, Rudolf Diesel, who invented (1890) the engine that
operates on fuel oil]
-
PF :
-
Popular Forces of South Vietnam, recruited and trained
security troops employed, as SQUADS and PLATOONS, within their
local villages and hamlets; see RF, RF/PF, PRU, PSDF.
-
PFC :
-
abbreviation for Private First Class; being a rank before the
Vietnam-era displaying a single sleeve chevron that's also known
as a MOSQUITO WING; when enlisted ranks were reorganized, this
insignia was changed to Private (PVT), and the Lance Corporal
(LCPL) insignia was changed to PFC. Slang alternatives for PFC,
as used by aspiring DRAFTEEs and short-timers, include:
"Potentially Free Citizen", "Privately Funded Citizen", or "Proud
Fucking Civilian". See SWINE LOG, MOSQUITO SMILE, MATING
MOSQUITOES, EM, RANK, GRADE, RATING.
-
PFT :
-
Physical Fitness Training; see PT, DAILY DOZEN, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE,
FRONT LEANING REST, TRUSCOTT TROT, BIATHLON, TRIATHLON,
PENTATHLON, DECATHLON, MARATHON, FIELD HOUSE, WAR GAMES. Also,
Physical Fitness Test, being the monthly exam that replaced the
annual Physical Competency and Proficiency Test (PCPT).
-
PGM :
-
Precision Guided Missile, such as Thor (PGM-17A), Jupiter
(PGM-19A), and the like. See MISSILE. Also, Precision Guided
Munition.
-
PHANTOM II :
-
McDonnell-Douglas F-4 (called "Fox-Four") aircraft is
a supersonic, twin-engine, all-weather, two-place, tactical jet
fighter-bomber; and was one of the principal aircraft deployed to
Southeast Asia. It was originally designed as a jet bomber
without guns, but CAS tactical necessity dictated later
modification. Capable of operating at speeds of more than 1,600
miles per hour and at altitudes approaching 60,000 feet, the
first F-4s were deployed to participate in the air war over
Vietnam in August 1964 by the U.S. Navy. On 6 August 1964, in
response to the GULF OF TONKIN INCIDENT, five F-4Bs from the USS
Constellation attacked North Vietnamese patrol boat bases. The
F-4 aircraft expanded their operations beginning on 3 April 1965,
when fifty F-4Bs attacked a road bridge 65 miles south of Hanoi.
The first U.S. Air Force F-4s were deployed to Southeast Asia in
early 1965 and became involved in significant air operations
during the summer. On 10 July 1965, two F-4Cs shot down two
MiG-17 fighters over North Vietnam with air-to-air Sidewinder
missiles. In October 1965 the first RF-4s, aircraft equipped with
reconnaissance equipment, were deployed to the theater. By March
1966, seven USAF F-4 squadrons were in South Vietnam and three
were in Thailand. Buildup of F-4 aircraft and operations
continued thereafter including F-4s from the Marine Corps. The
F-4D carries optical and guided bombs, other air-to-air missiles,
and cannon. It features improved avionics equipment for
air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. A total of 511 F-4s from
all services were lost in Southeast Asia from 6 June 1965 through
29 June 1973. Of these, 430 were combat losses, while 81 resulted
from aerial or ground accidents. See WILD WEASEL.
-
PHANTOM OPERATIONS :
-
fictitious commitments and maneuvers designed to deceive enemy
intelligence, conducted by skeleton staff simulating orders,
signals, and reports (STAREP, SITREP, etc). Operation "Wedlock"
employed actual bombing by 11th Air Force assets in preparation
for a phantom attack by the non-existent 9th Fleet on the Kurile
Islands as a successful diversion for the actual WWII assault on
the Marianas. During the GULF WAR, these deception operations
were conducted by "Ambiguity Forces" under Task Force Troy, and
used a "wheeled camel" symbol. See GHOST UNIT, DECEPTION.
-
PHASE LINE :
-
a line utilized for control and coordination of military
operations, usually an easily identified terrain feature in the
operational area (AO); see FEBA, FLOT, FCSL, IP, POD, LINE OF
DEPARTURE, AIMPOINT, WAY POINT, STRONGPOINT; compare STAR WARS,
MAGINOT LINE, SMEZ, IRON CURTAIN, BAMBOO CURTAIN, BAR LEV LINE,
CACTUS CURTAIN, McNAMARA'S WALL, McNAMARA LINE, CHINESE WALL, DEW
LINE.
[cf: Hadrian's Wall, Antonine Wall, Great Wall of China]
[nb: "The strength of a wall is neither greater nor less than the
men who defend it." by Genghis Khan]
-
PHI :
-
in Laotian ontology / pneumatology, unseen spirits which inhabit
all things; compare OAN HON.
-
PHIL CAG :
-
PHILippine Civic Action Group; beginning in 1953, medical and
rural development teams were sent to assist South Vietnam, then
in 1966, PHIL CAG was instituted, establishing a base camp in Tay
Ninh (III CTZ) consisting of 1500 personnel who conducted
pacification operations in Tay Ninh, Binh Dong, Hau Ngia, and
Dinh Tuong provinces. Due to political pressures, PHIL CAG was
withdrawn in January 1970, leaving behind a small contingent of
medical and rural development teams, similar to those originally
sent before the establishment of PHIL CAG. See CA, CAP, FWF.
-
PHILIPPINE SCOUTS :
-
an official unit of the U.S. Army (1901-46) composed of native
Filipinos under the command of American officers, and were
designated with a "PS" suffix (43rd, 45th, and 57th Infantry
Regiments (PS), 24th and 25th Field Artillery Regiments (PS),
91st and 92nd Coast Artillery Regiments (PS), 26th Cavalry
Regiment (PS), 14th Engineer Regiment (PS), 12th Quartermaster
Regiment (PS), including medical, and military police
formations), separate from Philippine Commonwealth units. PS
companies were initially organized to combat bandits and
INSURGENTs (including Moro tribesmen on Mindanao) as a result of
the SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR; and after WWI, the PS infantry and
artillery units were operationally grouped with the U.S. Army's
31st Infantry Regiment (commonly known as the "Thirsty First" for
its bibulous reputation) to form the U.S. Army's Philippine
Division. The first three Medals of Honor (MOH) awarded to
soldiers in WWII were presented to PHILIPPINE SCOUTS [ie:
Sergeant Jose Calugas for action at Culis, Bataan on 6 January
1942; Lieutenant Alexander R. Nininger for action near Abucay,
Bataan on 12 January 1942; and Lieutenant Willibald C. Bianchi
for action near Bagac, Bataan on 3 February 1942]. When the
Philippines were recaptured, surviving PHILIPPINE SCOUTS and
Filipino GUERRILLAs rejoined the unit, reconstituted as the U.S.
Army's 12th Infantry Division, including the 43rd, 44th, 45th,
and 57th Infantry Regiments (PS), 23rd, 24th, and 88th Field
Artillery Battalions (PS), and the 56th Engineer Battalion (PS).
Some of the PHILIPPINE SCOUTS were assigned CONSTABULARY duties,
while others were scheduled for occupation service in Japan after
the war. When the Republic of the Philippines became independent
on 4 July 1946, many of the PHILIPPINE SCOUTS accepted American
citizenship, and continued their service with various units of
the U.S. Army in the KOREAN WAR, VIETNAM WAR, and other COLD WAR
stations. President Truman disbanded the PHILIPPINE SCOUTS as an
official element of the United States Army in 1946, and all of
their unit COLORS were retired. see ARMY SOUP.
-
PHOENIX :
-
covert program to identify and neutralize VC political leaders,
as terrorist reciprocity for the communist death toll of eleven
(11) SVN/GVN officials murdered daily throughout the war; see
PHUNG HOANG, VCI, compare ICEX, PRU.
Also, designation for the active RADAR-homing AIM-54 Air-to-Air
MISSILE (AAM).
-
PHONETIC ALPHABET :
-
properly an "acrophonetic spelling alphabet", being an agreed set
of representative words used to replace letters and numbers so as
to avoid confusion or errors during voice communications,
especially for the protection of lives and property in an
emergency. The international phonetic alphabet, or more formally
the international radiotelephony spelling alphabet, is known as
the "Joint Army/Navy Phonetic Alphabet" by the U.S. military, and
is also used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the North Atlantic
Treaty Organisation (NATO), the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU), the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and many
other agencies. The military has been using spelling alphabets
for precision in TELEPHONE and RADIO communications since before
WWI, but none was adopted Internationally until 1927; all
versions of which were experimentally refined until 1955. Despite
the widespread acceptance of the international phonetic alphabet,
civilians tend to improvise city and first name sets. Although
ex-military members tend to populate police, fire, and rescue
crews, the Association of Public Safety Officials only formalized
a phonetic alphabet at the behest of the department of Homeland
Security (DHS) after the 9/11 2001 TERRORIST incident. See
ALPHABET SOUP, NICKNAME, CODENAME, KAK, SHACKLE, CIPHER, ENCRYPT,
DECRYPT, CODE, CODEWORD, PROWORD, INTERCO, CODE TALKER, TAP CODE,
BREVITY CODE, ACRONYM.
[v: Alphabet Codes &
Signal Flags]
-
PHOUGAS :
-
drums of jellied gasoline, setup canted at an angle and fired
defensively as a fixed-position anti-personnel weapon; also
spelled "phu-gas", "foo-gas," and "fougasse". See NAPALM.
-
PHUNG HOANG :
-
the Vietnamese name for the PHOENIX program, formally known as
"Chien Dich Phuong Hoang" (mistakenly cited in numerous sources
as "Chien Vich Phuong Hoang"), as derived from a legendary bird
endowed with magical powers; which was part of the Accelerated
Pacification Program (Le Loi), announced by South Vietnam's
President Nguyen Van Thieu on 1 July 1968, and directed against
the VCI. See PHOENIX, PRU, ICEX.
-
PIASTER :
-
the basic monetary unit of currency in French INDOCHINA; also
spelled "piastre", with the term derived from "silver plate".
During the VIETNAM WAR, the South Vietnamese DONG was commonly
called PIASTER or "P" to distinguish it from the North Vietnamese
DONG; having an approximate conversion rate of: VNP100 = US$0.85
ca1966; VNP100 = US$1.15 ca1970, VND15,800 = US$1.00 ca2005. See
DONG, HAO, XU, MPC. Also, a monetary unit of currency in Egypt,
Lebanon, Sudan, and Syria; see LEGAL TENDER.
-
PICKLE :
-
PILOT slang for the armament controls mounted on the steering
STICK; see CAS, GUN RUN. Also, PILOT term for releasing the
bombload on the target; see SPLASH, SMOOGE, INTERVALOMETER.
-
THE PICKLE FACTORY :
-
slang name for the headquarters complex of the Central
Intelligence Agency (CIA) near Langly Virginia; this phrase has
traditionally represented a predicament. Compare THE FARM,
COUNTRY CLUB, SHANGRI-LA; see SPOOK, SECRET AGENT, TRADECRAFT.
-
PIDGIN :
-
an auxiliary non-native language, that has developed from the
need of speakers of different languages to communicate, and is
essentially a simplified and short-lived form of a prominent
language, with a reduced vocabulary and grammatical structure;
origin may be a variant of "business talk" in Chinese pidgin
English. A pidgin evolves into a creole when it acquires syntax
(eg: Krio). Both "baby talk" (preconstructive) and "telegraph
speech" (deconstructive) may be classified as pidgin due to
their discordance. See HOOCH, JUNK, JOSS STICK, COOLIE,
BUDDHAHEAD, CHOP, CHOP CHOP, CHIN CHIN, SAME-SAME, SIN LOY (XIN
LOI), CREOLE, LINGUA FRANCA, JARGON, VERNACULAR, PIG LATIN,
MIL-SPEAK.
-
PIE :
-
a quick method for subdividing an area or segmenting a range for
complete observation and coverage during SEARCH AND CLEAR or
SEARCH AND DESTROY operations; as based upon a survey pattern of
wedges radiating from the attacker or fire team, as if positioned
at the center of a sliced pie. May be expressed as "pie the
field", "pieing the hill", or "pied the room". See RANGE CARD,
WATCHER, RACETRACK, UMBRELLA.
-
PIECE OF CAKE :
-
slang for going into hostile ground operations with confidence of
success; some special operations in INDOCHINA were ostensibly
called a "piece of tofu", but this is probably apocryphal. See NO
SWEAT, LAUGH A MINUTE, WALK IN THE PARK, CAKEWALK, DUCK SOUP,
MILK RUN, TURKEY SHOOT.
-
PIERCE ARROW :
-
designation given to air operations against North
Vietnam in August 1964.
-
PIG :
-
the belt-fed M-60 light machinegun, also called NUMBER SIXTY, was
classified as CREW-SERVED, having a gunner and loader assigned,
but was normally operated on a post (PINTLE) or bipod by one
person; in consequence of which, and in consideration of the
terrain, the barrel was shortened to increase its effective
manipulation. See MG, LINK AMMO.
-
PIGGYBACK :
-
anything, as a device or apparatus, that's attached to or mounted
on something else, especially a vehicle carried on another larger
vehicle; also called "pickaback". See MOTHER SHIP, MINISUB.
-
PIG LATIN :
-
an informal or juvenile language derived from ordinary English
by the metathetic movement of the first consonant or consonant
cluster of each word to the end of the same word, and adding the
sound (long-a) [eg: Eakspay Igpay Atinlay = Speak Pig Latin]. See
PIDGIN, CREOLE, VERNACULAR.
-
PIGTAIL :
-
a short length of cable used to connect electrical terminals or
to splice a transmission wire; see SPAGHETTI, LANDLINE, COAX.
Also, slang for a thin twisted roll of tobacco, a hand-made
instead of a ready-made smoke; see GASPER, BUTT, FAG, FIELD
STRIP, POLICE CALL, STICK, GRASS, CAN SA, HAY, HUBBLE-BUBBLE.
[nb: according to George Orwell, a "hard-up" is a cigarette
improvised from the tobacco garnered from castoff stubs and BUTTs
hand-rolled in tissue, Bible paper, or newsprint] [nb: the
MEXICAN WAR changed American smoking habits, from a preference
for pipes (typically clay) to cigars and cigarettes]
-
PIKE HILL :
-
a 1969 INTEL project utilizing BODEs to surveil enemy
activity in Cambodia; see DANIEL BOONE. [nb: SOG issued these
agents homing pigeons instead of radios for secure reporting,
without fear of being compromised by possession of unexplainable
equipment.]
-
THE PILL :
-
the birth-control pill, which is credited with the "sexual
revolution" as an adjunct to the "women's liberation movement"
and the "Counter Culture"; see BIRTH CONTROL DEVICE, HIPPIE,
YIPPIE, PREEVERT, SHORT ARM, PRO KIT, BLUE PETER. Also, the
anti-MALARIA pill (M-11), commonly called a HORSE PILL.
-
PILLBOX :
-
a small or compact fortification, similar to a BUNKER, housing
machineguns (MG), antiaircraft (AA), or anti-TANK (AT) weapons.
Compare BRIDGEHEAD, CASEMATE, STRONGPOINT, BLOCKHOUSE.
-
PILOT :
-
a person qualified to operate an airplane, helicopter, balloon,
glider, or other aircraft, originally designated a "chauffeur";
which skill is recognized by military badges, gradated basic,
senior (@1500hrs), and master (@3000hrs). The WWI "winged
propeller" aviation badge was redesigned for WWII as the "winged
shield" (Army) and "winged anchor" (Navy); and subsequently
extended to medical flight crew and other aircraft crewmembers.
Sometimes called "aviator", "fly boy", "left-seater", "aeronaut",
or "pilot PUKE"; a Warrant Officer (WO) PILOT is designated a
"flight officer". See AC, ACE, AIRDALE, BARNSTORMER, BLUE ANGELS,
THUNDERBIRDS, SKYBLAZERS, SILVER EAGLES, HAWC, TOP GUN, RED FLAG,
DREAMLAND, IP, CHECK RIDE, UP CHECK, Q-COURSE, FUF, FAG, GIB,
BIRDMAN, PETER PILOT, BIRD DOG, "Flying Sergeant" at OFFICER,
PROP JOCKEY, WOBBLY, WOP, ROTOR HEAD, JET JOCKEY, CHOCOLATE
BOMBARDIER, GOOD STICK, SUICIDE JOCKEY, MAP, DIRTY THIRTY,
CHAPAKAO, SEAT TIME, HELMET FIRE, WINGS, BUSH PILOT, GROUNDED.
[v: An Aerobatics and Aviation Lexicon]
[nb: a BULLETPROOF pilot's braggadocio is often expressed as "big
sky, little bullet"]
Also, a person qualified to steer ships through certain difficult
waters; compare CHIEF, BOATSWAIN. Also, a guide or leader; see
SKY PILOT.
-
PILOTHOUSE :
-
an enclosed structure on the deck of a ship from which it can be
navigated; also known as "wheelhouse"; compare COCKPIT, BRIDGE,
FLYING BRIDGE, HELM.
-
PILOT'S SURVIVAL KNIFE :
-
a smaller and more refined version of the M-2 fighting utility
knife (KABAR) made by various contractors, having a 5" clip-point
carbon-steel blade with sawteeth on back and fuller (BLOOD
GROOVE) on the side, a crossguard with holes bored for lashing, a
stacked leather haft, a heavy hex-hammer pommel, and finished
with a zinc phosphate coating. The sheath features a whetstone
pocket, and a metal plate to help prevent injury from the blade
point, that may also be used as a reflector. It can be worn in
several places, from vest to belt, or simply stowed in a leg
pouch of the FLIGHT SUIT. Issued to Army and Air Force PILOTs and
CREW DOGs, it is variously identified as the "Air Force Survival
Knife", "survival knife", or "emergency knife". See KNIFE.
-
PINCER :
-
a simultaneous attack on both sides of an opposing force, with
the aim of turning or dividing the enemy for a defeat in detail,
a double envelopment or double FLANK engagement; also known as
"pincers", "pincer movement", or "pincers movement". Compare
BLOCKING FORCE. [nb: not 'pincher' or 'Pinscher']
-
PING :
-
informal term for ask, query, question, investigate, interrogate;
also expressed as "pulse", as by mechanical analogy.
-
PING-PONG :
-
to move, shift, toss, or transfer something (eg: a problem,
dilemma, accusation, decision) without alteration or resolution,
as a "hot potato" or "musical chair" that will damage the person
"left holding the bag" more than the true culprit; this seemingly
pointless action (comparable to "passing the buck"), that's
substituting for responsible leadership, serves to winnow the
MILICRAT competition in a perverse form of bloodless Russian
roulette. In continuation of the tennis metaphor, a sustained
rally of the subject or object without resolution is known as a
VOLLEY. This exercise is also known as "tossing the hot potato",
"handing-off the turd ball", or "passing the paper grenade".
-
PING-PONG DIPLOMACY :
-
although VIETNAMIZATION (ACTOV) was underway, allied troops were
still engaged on the battlefield, and POWs were still captive,
the notorious anti-communist and current U.S. president, Richard
M. Nixon, sought a change in America's outmoded "two China
policy" by repairing foreign relations with an enemy (PRC)
currently supporting the PAVN, by abandoning another wartime ally
(ROC) and trading partner, and redirecting the focus of the
electorate to a different arena with the exchange of traveling
"athletes", ping-pong players, who would act as "ambassadors of
good will" without portfolio on a carefully supervised 2-week
tour of Red China during April 1971. The tour invitation, which
admitted 15 players and 10 journalists, was extended at the World
Table Tennis Tournament in Japan, and has been characterized as
"the ping heard 'round the world" in an allusion to the "shot
heard around the world" that inaugurated the American Revolution,
implying something momentous from something insignificant. This
visitation, the first since 1949, broke the news blockade of
mainland China, and the U.S. lifted its 20 year old trade embargo
against the PRC. Almost a year later Nixon and Kissenger
continued the VOLLEYing as they established triangular relations
with Russia and China. Compare BIG STICK DIPLOMACY, GUNBOAT
DIPLOMACY, DOMINO THEORY, DECENT INTERVAL, VIETNAM SYNDROME.
-
PINKO :
-
a Liberal or Leftist in politics, but not a radical or extremist;
designated by Vladimir Ilyich (Ulyanov) Lenin as "useful idiots".
Compare RED, REVOLUTION; see HIPPIE, PACIFIST, PROTESTOR, FRUIT
FLY, WHIZ KID, MANDARIN, BEST AND BRIGHTEST, TURNCOAT, TRAITOR.
[cf: apparatchik, nomenklatura, nabob, nibs] [nb: "First we kill
all the subversives; then, their collaborators; later, those who
sympathize with them; afterward, those who remain indifferent;
and finally, the undecided." by General Iberico Saint Jean (May
1985); "Is there anything more dangerous than sympathetic
understanding?" by Pablo Picasso (1966); "Sympathy with joy
intensifies the sum of sympathy in the world, sympathy with pain
does not really diminish the amount of pain." by Oscar Wilde
[Fingal O'Flahertie Wills] (1891)]
-
PINK TIME :
-
the period of diffused light, during sunrise or sunset, when the
sun is below the horizon, which periods of daybreak ("false dawn"
/ dawn) or nightfall (evening / dusk), formally known as
"nautical twilight", are optimal for navigation and military
operations; normally classified as: Beginning Morning Nautical
Twilight (BMNT), Ending Morning Nautical Twilight (EMNT),
Beginning Evening Nautical Twilight (BENT), and Ending Evening
Nautical Twilight (EENT). For the observer, darkness seems to
rise from the ground at nightfall, and light seems to descend to
the ground at daybreak. Compare GREEN FLASH, LOOM.
[nb: the word "nautical" means 'navigation' in this phrase, and
is utilized by aviators, sailors, and soldiers alike]
[cf: half-light, Purkinje shift, crepuscule, eventide, evenfall,
gloam, gloaming, sunset, sundown, cockshut, vespers, prime,
matin, cockcrow, dawning; v: chromosphere, spicule, plage]
-
PINTLE :
-
(pin-tull, not "pint-ley") technically, a pin or bolt that
supports something that turns, as in a socket (gudgeon), however,
this strong but simple coupling, which may be locked or rotated,
is most often used to directly mount an automatic weapon onto a
monopod/monopode stanchion, or to connect a large gun or cannon
to a vehicle for towing, so by metonymic extension, the entire
pedestal mount has acquired the name of its principal element.
When the same coupling is used in a SPONSON or RING MOUNT, the
coupling does not define the mount, as it does with pedestal or
monopod stands. When the word PINTLE, derived from penis, refers
to the connecting pin or hook that constitutes a trailer hitch,
this coupling is pronounced differently (pint-ley), and so is
considered a non-military or civilian usage. Compare BIPOD,
TRIPOD, TRUNNION.
-
PIN-UP :
-
a large photograph, as a fold-out or layout spread of a sexually
attractive person, that's suitable for pinning on a wall, tacking
onto the underside of a FOOTLOCKER lid, or taping inside the door
of a WALL LOCKER. Erotic art became manifest in this format,
especially calendars and periodicals, during WWII, but became so
explicit during the Vietnam-era that its display, once regulated,
is now forbidden. Sometimes called "centerfold" or "eye-candy",
such illustrations have also adorned playing cards.
-
PIO :
-
(pee-eye-oh) Public Information Office/Officer; also called
Public Affairs Office/Officer (PAO).
-
PIONEER :
-
a surveillance DRONE or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), able to
vector assault craft and/or fire missions onto enemy movements
and positions. Also, slang for an engineer (ENG), but not a
Combat Engineer (CE); compare SAPPER, SEABEES, PRIME BEEF, SNIPE,
CHIPS, RED HORSE.
-
PIP :
-
a nominal gradation or emulated RANK given to CADETs or
subalterns in military training; some ADVISORs mistakenly
referred to their ENSIGNs of equivalent insignia by this term.
Also, any small mark, blip, or bleep, as on a RADAR screen, or on
the back of patrol HEADGEAR.
-
PIPING HOT :
-
expression commonly refers to cooked food on the CHOW LINE that
has not yet grown cold; as derived from the rapid response of
sailors called to their GALLEY by the BOATSWAIN'S PIPE ... this
phrase did not originally refer to the food but to the movement
as being 'hot'! This is the military equivalent of "Call me
anything but late for dinner!".
-
PIPPER :
-
informal designation for the aiming dot on a PILOT's gunsight.
-
PIPSQUEAK :
-
a small intermittent transmitter that, when situated in a
pre-WWII airplane, would broadcast a short signal at regular
intervals, which would cue RADAR detection, and enable its
location to be plotted; see IFF, SQUAWK, ELT, HOMER.
-
PIR :
-
Patrol Indigenous Rations, also known as "PIRs" or "PIR rations";
being compact and lightweight meals, often dehydrated and
requiring preparation, issued to Asian troops working with
American ADVISORs. These low-cost meals, prepared under contract
with CISO in Japan, were often supplemented by village produce or
by C-RATIONS. The sesame-honey candy included in PIRs was
disparaged by Americans as RAT BAIT, but became part of the
"health food" craze among HIPPIEs.
-
PIRATE'S DREAM :
-
sailor's slang for a woman with insignificant breasts, as a
"sunken chest" or "buried treasure"; then in the later co-ed
politically-correct military, it referred to any "hollow chested"
person, especially CLERKS 'n' JERKS. Compare BAM, see HANG LOOSE,
HIGH POCKETS, MAE WEST, THE BRA.
[aka: assets, endowments, advantages, bosom, bust, breasts,
dynamic duo, terrible twosome, double trouble, boobs/boobies,
knockers, dingers, bangers, shock absorbers, hooters, tooters,
honkers, whoopies, howlers, whammies, woofers, dumbbells,
bumpers, zoomers, jigglers, wobblers, bouncers, knobs/knobbers,
nodules, bumps, mounds, hills, peaks, baubles, cupcakes,
dumplings, gumdrops, lollies, yum-yums, jugs, dugs, droopers,
floppers, flopdoodles, saggies, baggies, glad bags, huffies,
balloons, air-bags, wind bags, cuddlies, pillows, softies,
huggies, cushions, mooglies, bazooms, babaloos, baloobas,
bubbies, hubba-bubbas, zingers, whoppers, headlights, hubcaps,
twins, friends, cubs, puppies, hush puppies, snuggle pups,
tats/tatties, tits/titties, lungs, mammary, udder, teats,
nipples, tippers, mammilla, falsie, cheaters]
[nb: the first US patent for the brassiere occurred 1910, despite
the 1913 claim by Mary Phelps Jacob for its invention from two
artfully tied handkerchieves that replaced the stay or corset;
Ida Rosenthal introduced the "Maidenform" bra in 1923; the
"sports bra" was introduced in 1977; gelatin-filled bras have
been available as an alternative to implants since 1978; the
"ideal" bra size is 34-B, a standard established by clothing
designers, and from which the other sizes are volumetrically
extrapolated; the commercial size range is from 28-AAA to 55-DD;
bra size is measured with a tape across the top of the chest,
then across the bust, such that if the difference in girth is 1"
then the cup size is A, if 2" then B, if 3" then C, if 4" then D]
-
PIRAZ :
-
Positive Identification and Radar Advisory Zone; see VECTOR, VOR,
BEAM, RED CROWN.
-
PISSING CONTEST :
-
as the name indicates, any childish or insignificant competition,
analogically based upon the perverted or homosexual act of
urinating or ejaculating farther than others; often involving
DUTCH COURAGE, BRAGGING RIGHTS, COUNTING COUP, PAY DUES, ATFU,
BTDT, and the settlement of wagers. Also known as "spitting
contest" or "... match"; and as with most games, the people who
like to play them are usually successful, by fair means or foul;
so the best strategy is: never play the other guy's game! Compare
ELEPHANT DANCE, FIRING LINE; see CIRCLE JERK, TURN IN THE BARREL,
SPUNK, POGUE, PO, CHALLENGE COIN, COINING, SHORT SNORTER, CHIT,
HARD TIMES TOKEN.
-
PISTOL :
-
a short firearm intended to be held and fired with only one hand,
as derived from a "fife" or "pipe" as a colloquial term for a
type of light harquebus employed during the Hussite wars;
including M-1911A1 .45cal; GYROJET; ; . See MAGAZINE, MUZZLE,
KICK, FIREPOWER, SILENCER, TUPPERWARE, JOHN WAYNE RIFLE, ZERO,
OFFHAND; compare RIFLE, SMG, MG, BLOOPER, SAW, STONER.
[nb: Chinese invented first handgun ca1250] [v: Firearms Glossary]
-
PISTOL BELT :
-
a wide canvas belt with hook-closure and numerous
grommets for attaching pouches, accessories, or hip holster for
SIDEARM. During Vietnam, a quick-release T-buckle closure for
one-hand operation was first introduced to paratroopers; later
becoming a Delrin plastic one-hand closure. Compare CLUTCH BELT;
see WEB GEAR, LBE.
-
PITA :
-
informal abbreviation for Pain In The Anatomy, or Pain In The
Ass. Also, a round, layered, flat bread originating in the Middle
East that may be filled to form a pocket-like sandwich (cf:
taco); see HARDTACK, SINKER. Also, a fiber, obtained from Agave,
Aechmea, and other desert plants, used for cordage, mats, and
similar products; see ELEPHANT GRASS, SAW GRASS, KUNAI, NIPA
PALM, TULE.
-
PITCH :
-
the up or down nosing of a ship or airplane about its transverse
axis; see ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT. Also, longetudinal oscillation or
linear plunge, as a ship's alternating BOW and STERN rocking; see
PITCH-POLE, compare ROLL, YAW, HEAVE, ATHWART. Also, the distance
that a given propeller would advance in one revolution; see
FEATHER, SPOOL-UP. Also, a sloping or angled place. Also, to pave
or revet with small stones; see BANK, compare SPALL.
-
PITCHED BATTLE :
-
a battle that has been planned beforehand to occur in a
particular place at a particular time; compare MEETING
ENGAGEMENT; see CONTACT, AMBUSH, BATTLE, LAW OF AVERAGES.
Also, any intense battle at close quarters.
-
PITCH-POLE :
-
a vessel capsizing lengthwise, due to waves cresting higher than
the keel length; see FOUNDER.
-
PITH HELMET :
-
(forthcoming); see HEADGEAR.
-
PJ :
-
Para-Jumper, NICKNAME for the USAF "pararescuemen", all of whom
are PARACHUTE, SCUBA, SERE, medical, and close-combat trained
flight crewmembers. Officially established as a USAF specialty
(AFSC 1T2X1) in July 1947, the linage of this occupation began
with search and rescue (SAR) operations conducted during WWII,
evolved through the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service (ARRS),
and became members of Special Tactics Teams in the USAF Special
Operations Command. Although the original mission of pararescue
was saving the lives of military aircrews downed on battlefields,
often in enemy controlled territory, their retrieval and recovery
capabilities led to pararescue forces being utilized in other
emergency or disaster situations. Qualification training to
become a PJ begins with a selection process, which continues
through a 12-month training schedule that includes aircrew,
parachute, swimming, survival, and medical certifications.
Successful completion of all this training, an ordeal known as
the "pipeline", entitles the individual to wear the distinctive
maroon BERET with pararescue crest and bloused JUMP BOOTS.
Although bloused trousers and PARA badge have been part of the PJ
uniform since its inception, the maroon BERET (symbolizing blood
sacrifice) with pararescue crest was only approved for wear on 26
May 1966. Other specializations have been added to PJ
eligibility, including SCUBA / Combat Swimmer qualification in
1964, and HALO/MFF (freefall) qualification in 1985. Always a
small cohort (less than 300 BILLETs), PJs earned ten of the 21
Air Force Crosses awarded for gallantry in Southeast Asia during
the VIETNAM WAR; with the 11 April 1966 AFC for A1C William H.
Pitsenbarger being upgraded to the MOH in 2000. The Air Force
Cross has also been awarded to TSgt Timothy A. Wilkinson for 1993
heroism in Somalia, and to SrA Jason D. Cunningham for 2002
heroism in Afghanistan. The PJ motto is: "that others may live".
See CSAR, SAR, JSARC, RCC, JPRC, BRIGHT LIGHT, BLOOD CHIT, GUARD,
HOT HOIST, JUNGLE PENETRATOR, KINGBEE, HUSKY, JOLLY GREEN GIANT,
SAFE, TRAP.
-
PLA :
-
People's Liberation Army; also known as "People's Liberation
Armed Forces" (PLAF), and "People's Liberation Committee" (PLC);
being the operational arm of the NLF/VC/PRG.
-
PLAIN OF JARS :
-
(Plaine des Jarres) the ancient site of traditional burial in the
Laotian panhandle, near Long Tieng; also called "PDJ" and THE J.
Laos requested US support when the PATHET LAO seized the Plaine
des Jarres region on 17 May 1964.
-
PLAIN OF REEDS :
-
a flat grassy basin located in the northeastern part of the
Mekong Delta, in the provinces of Kien Phong and Kien Tuong, that
served as a Viet Cong base area.
-
PLAN B :
-
the alternate or contingent scheme that is spontaneously
improvised when the primary schedule (Plan A) fails. See COURSE
OF ACTION, CAPABILITY, OPLAN, FIELD EXPEDIENT, RUN IT UP THE
FLAGPOLE, WIGGLE ROOM, WHITE ELEPHANT, WANGLE, RAIN ON PARADE,
CONFUSION, MIND CANDY. [nb: It is a Murphy Law of Combat that:
"No operations plan ever survives intact after the initial enemy
contact."!; "Before a war begins, the plans read like astronomy,
but afterwards, like astrology." by Rebecca West (Cicily Isabel
Fairfield Andrews)]
-
PLANK :
-
a long flat piece of timber, that's thicker than a board, as when
laying, covering, or furnishing with same; see STRAKE, GUNWALE,
HULL, DECK, BROW, GANGWAY. Also, a support upon which to stand or
to which to cling; see FLOTSAM. Also, any of the principles or
objectives that compose the platform of a party or organization;
see PARTY LINE, SCRIPTURES. [v: "walk the plank"]
-
PLANK OWNER :
-
sailor who's been on-board since ship was commissioned into
service; also called "plank holder". Compare HOMESTEADER.
-
PLANTATION :
-
a model or "showplace" Prisoner of War camp, that was
later succeeded by the ZOO; see CITADEL, ALCATRAZ, POW.
-
PLASTIC EXPLOSIVE :
-
a stable explosive compound that is malleable at normal
temperatures, such as C-4; see CHARGE, DEMO, EXPLOSIVE.
-
PLAY BALL :
-
slang term from WWII for US Naval ships to open fire upon the
enemy, to commence firing or to fire at will; see BATTER UP, PLAY
THE GAME; compare SCRAM, TALLY-HO.
-
PLAYING CARDS :
-
see DEATH CARD, KNOCK THEIR SPOTS OFF, KISS THE MISTRESS, TURN
THE JACK, WAR GAMES, PLAY THE GAME, PIN-UP; compare DUCK ON
DRAKE, DUCKS AND DRAKES, KING OF THE HILL, TUG OF WAR, BATTLE
ROYAL.
[nb: during the VIETNAM WAR, the PSYOPS and INTEL sections
developed the concept of DEATH CARDs, in conjunction with the
CHIEU HOI program, by printing "skull and crossed bones" Ace of
Spades cards, which is purportedly an evil omen in Asia, with a
Vietnamese message stating that PAVN troops should surrender or
be killed]
[nb: the deuce of clubs, from underworld lingo, was popularized
as a DEATH CARD by the publication of hard-boiled stories in pulp
media]
[nb: by playing card analogy since the mid-19th century, the King
is headquarters, the Queen is the principal point on the FRONT
LINE, and the Jack is a secondary position; such that a "kiss" is
a solid hit or strike, and a "turn" is an oblique or glancing
blow of mis- or indirection]
[nb: according to classic military lore, carrying playing cards
(also called a "California prayer book" or the "Devil's calling
cards") in combat is bad luck, so the deck must be left behind in
camp or buried upon departure]
[nb: some etymologists attribute the phrase "buck the tiger" to
faro gambling, but can not explain its usage, however the same
phrase is widely associated with lusty gratification, and needs
no explanation; v: "They won't drink, they won't buck the tiger,
they won't even fight." Roads of Destiny; "Nothing
stronger than bouillon, not a chance to buck the tiger even for
one moment...." Hagar's Daughter]
[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)]
[nb: "Squeezers" (corner-indexed playing cards) may have been
inspired after the CIVIL WAR by technomigration when Americans
noticed immigrant Chinese playing "cards" with long narrow
sticks, appropriately marked, which were easily held in one hand;
a pattern that had been standard in China since the AD 9th
century. America went on to produce training and survival cards
during WWII, including BLACKOUT or red-light decks for BUNKERS
and SUBS, which were still used during the VIETNAM WAR.]
[nb: as the deck of cards migrated from Asia, and its
entertainment value was adapted to fortune-telling, the number of
the cards changed from 6 to 13 (or more, totaling 32 [skat] to 78
[tarok, tarot]) elements per suit, which design varied from 2 to
6, and have been variously designated civilian / military /
technician / scholar, governor / minister / treasurer / scribe,
heart / bell / acorn / leaf, shield / bell / rose / acorn, sword
/ coin / baton / cup, heart / diamond / club / spade; the mass
production of playing cards was among the earliest products of
the printing press in both Asia and Europe]
[nb: popular card games among American military personnel
include: cribbage (since ca1620); 48-card pinochle (since CIVIL
WAR); a form of backgammon called acey-deucy (from WWI); and many
versions of poker (deriv: braggart, bluffer)]
[nb: because Lee knew Hooker's cardplaying style (impetuous but
irresolute), he was confident of victory at Chancellorsville in
1863, despite being vastly outnumbered]
[nb: during WWII, the OSS issued a playing card deck to some
teams that, when laid out in a particular order, formed an
operational map detailing the assignments for a specific mission;
furthermore, escape maps hidden on playing cards in a deck were
also provided to assist downed crewmembers evade capture in
select areas]
[nb: a pack of playing cards represents a year: 4 suits =
seasons; 12 face cards = zodiacal / calendar months; 13 values
(ace - king) = lunar months; 52 cards = weeks; value of cards in
deck added together with 1 joker = 365 days, then add second
joker for leap year]
-
PLAYING THE XYLOPHONE :
-
(forthcoming);
see BRAINWASHING, FIELD EXPEDIENT FACIAL, ROPE TRICK, TORTURE,
CODE OF CONDUCT, POW
-
PLAY THE GAME :
-
to participate, well if not enthusiastically, in the proceedings
without violating the defined parameters, as to exemplify or
manifest the basis, mainspring, linchpin, crux, cardinal point,
keystone, cornerstone, root, foundation, bottom line, or gravamen
of something, hopefully significant. See WAR GAMES, FLOWER WAR,
BALL GAME, VIETNAM SYNDROME, PISSING CONTEST, HAT TRICK, WHIPSAW,
TALLY-HO, PLAY BALL, BATTER UP, BODY COUNT, TRAIN HARD FIGHT
EASY, KNOCK IT OFF, TS CARD, POWER WALL, PAY DUES, TOY SOLDIER,
THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME.
-
PLF :
-
Parachute Landing Fall, being a tumbling method of controlled
impact upon six points of the body to avoid injury.
-
PLIMSOLL MARK :
-
a contrasting line or band painted on the exterior HULL of a
merchant ship indicating its load level or depth level from
cargo; being an eponym from Samuel Plimsoll, and also known as
"Plimsoll line", LOAD-LINE MARK, "load-line", or WATERLINE.
Compare GRAYBACK, COUNTERSHADING; see DRAFT, FREEBOARD.
-
PLOWBACK :
-
any recent graduate from a training program, usually an
outstanding student but not the honor graduate, who is retained
by the facility as an instructor, to teach what he has just
learned, or as CADRE, to sustain the integrity and continuity of
the training program. See PERMANENT PARTY; compare RETREAD,
RECYCLE, GOAT.
-
PLS :
-
Palletized Load System, requiring special load-handling or
container-handling equipment for movement, as prescribed in FM
55-80 Army Container Operations; see CONTAINERIZATION, CONEX,
LOW-LEVEL EVACUATION DROP, DAISY CHAIN; compare CARGO NET.
-
PLT :
-
abbreviation for platoon; a platoon is an organizational
unit composed of three or more SQUADS, containing approximately
45 men, commanded by a Platoon Sergeant and a Platoon Leader;
three or more platoons normally comprise a company-sized unit,
such as INF CO, ARTY BTY, or CAV TRP. A platoon, derived from
ball, which normally functions as a single unit, is the
fundamental organization that implements all the basic military
operations, and has the highest ratio of direct command
relations. The leader of a USMC platoon is called a Platoon
Commander. Vietnamese term for platoon: Trung Doi.
-
PLUNGING FIRE :
-
indirect fire, as from a mortar or cannon (ARTY), that strikes
the ground at a steep angle, being the result of firing at very
high ELEVATIONs; also called HIGH ANGLE HELL. Also, direct fire
from an elevated position or platform upon lower level targets by
depressing the MAIN-GUN or GUN TUBE below the level of its
position, as from a hilltop fortification against valley targets,
or ships shooting at boats or low flying aircraft.
[nb: both armored vehicles (especially TANKs) as well as MISSILEs
have used RAMPs to increase ELEVATION for PLUNGING FIRE]
-
PM :
-
Preventive/Preventative Maintenance, being a euphemism for
"make work", invented by military managers to bureaucratize the
Armed Forces. There is so much regular maintenance on CHOPPERS
and TRACKS (about three hours for every hour of operation), that
additional maintenance in the form of PM during combat operations
is ridiculous! ... but when something fails, it gives the BRASS
HATS something to blame. See ZD, CANNIBALIZE. Also, abbreviation
for PROVOST MARSHAL; see POLICE.
-
PMCS :
-
Preventive/Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services, being
those maintenance tasks performed by the vehicle's operator.
-
PMOS :
-
Primary Military Occupational Specialty; see MOS, CROSS-TRAINING,
Q-COURSE.
-
PNG :
-
Persona Non Grata, an alien resident who's diplomatically
expelled from a foreign country; such irrevocable expulsion is in
lieu of prosecution under local laws for the precipitating
incident, which could interfere with larger national issues.
-
PO :
-
(pee-oh) Petty Officer, rated E-4/PO3 to E-6/PO1 in the Navy,
Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine; similar to NCO promotion in
other service branches. See GUNNY, BLOOD STRIPE, TOP GUN, TOP,
SARGE, MISTER, BUZZARD; compare CPO, CHIEF. Also, the universal
abbreviation for Pissed-Off, sometimes represented as "PO'ed"
(pee-owed); see PISSING CONTEST, WTFO, SOL, BOHICA, CHICKEN SHIT,
MICKEY MOUSE. [nb: classic wisdom suggests that "It is better to
be pissed-off than pissed-on!"]
-
POB :
-
Place Of Birth; see DOB. Also, Personnel On-Board a vessel
or aircraft; see SANDBAG, BLOB, STRAP-HANGER, SPACE A, DEADHEAD.
-
POC :
-
Point Of Contact.
-
POCKETKNIFE :
-
a knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle, which
is suitable for carrying in the pocket or on the belt; of the
several styles of military POCKETKNIFE made for electricians or
mountaineers or other specialists, the most popular is the all
stainless steel, scout patterned utility folder (MIL-K-818D) that
was first introduced in 1944. Contrary to the stereotype of the
well-armed warrior charging into battle with a KABAR clenched in
his teeth, the POCKETKNIFE is the most common knife carried by
MIL-PERS ... during the VIETNAM WAR, it was the heavy-duty "Buck
110 Hunter" lockback featuring a single blade. The POCKETKNIFE is
more functional and less expensive than a combat knife, and in
the modern era of super technology and high mobility, a
POCKETKNIFE is less likely to be abandoned as an encumbrance.
Although the combat knife will always be a highly cherished
symbol of warfare, the humble POCKETKNIFE is the unassuming
device that really gets the job done for most people most of the
time. See KNIFE.
[nb: the first multi-tool was the Swiss Army Knife, developed by
a medical equipment supplier when he learned that Switzerland's
cutlery was manufactured in Germany; because American soldiers
couldn't pronounce the name of the pocketknife (Offiziersmesser),
they renamed it, and it became the most popular multi-blade knife
in the world]
-
POCKET LITTER :
-
personal oddments or accouterments that are time specific and
region appropriate for LEGEND consistency on a covert mission,
such as pen, pocketknife, handkerchief, wallet, currency,
receipts, tokens, and keys. See CLEAN, COVER, TRADECRAFT.
-
POD :
-
an enclosed housing or container, usually streamlined and
detachable, for use on an aircraft, on watercraft or other
vehicle, as a RACK mounted DROP-TANK; see ENDURANCE, PETROL, POL.
Also, a rubberized 500-gallon container, also called "seal bin";
compare BLADDER, BLIVET. Also, abbreviation for Point Of
Departure; see IP, RV, FEBA, PHASE LINE, LINE OF DEPARTURE, WAY
POINT.
-
PODIUM :
-
a small platform, as derived from "little foot"; see ROSTRUM.
-
POGUE :
-
dick, cock; dickhead, PRICK, putz; PUKE, DUD, GOLDBRICK, SOS,
DOPE, MAGGOT, SMACK, DEADHEAD, SHIT MAGNET, TURD, FUCK-UP,
YARDBIRD, FIELD REJECT; REMF, CLERKS 'n' JERKS, CANDY-ASS,
ACETATE COMMANDO, BOMB-PROOF. Similar AUSSIE usage is "wanker"
or "whanker" for a contemptible or objectionable person, a
jerk-off, from "wank" or "whank" for masturbate; compare
"wankered" at STONED. May also be spelled "poag" or "poge"; see
POGY BAIT, PINTLE, PUNK, CANDY-ASS, FAG.
[nb: 'hooey', allegedly an Americanism used as an interjection
for nonsense or tripe, is actually a corruption of the Russian
vulgarity ("khuy") for penis, and is commonly used alone (eg:
dick, dickhead, dick-wad) or in phrases (eg: dumber than dick; he
doesn't know dick; don't dick around; don't stir your tea with
your dick)] [cf: migration of "putz" from shine through ornament
to penis and dolt; as sexual lure] [v: lucky stiff]
-
POGY BAIT :
-
CONTRABAND or prohibited food, especially candy or "junk food";
derived from any homosexual enticement, also spelled "poagy
bait". See GEDUNK, JAWBREAKER, SINKER, RAT BAIT, POGUE, SNAKE
SKIN, CANDY-ASS, PUNK, FAG.
[nb: 'hooey', allegedly an Americanism used as an interjection
for nonsense or tripe, is actually a corruption of the Russian
vulgarity ("khuy") for penis, and is commonly used alone (eg:
dick, dickhead, dick-wad) or in phrases (eg: dumber than dick; he
doesn't know dick; don't dick around; don't stir your tea with
your dick)] [cf: migration of "putz" from shine through ornament
to penis and dolt; as sexual lure] [v: lucky stiff]
-
POI :
-
Program Of Instruction, being the standardized training
doctrine utilized to adequately teach all military subjects.
Training centers and schools followed lesson plans, augmented by
official manuals (FM or TM), employing hortatory pedagogy: "Tell
'em whutcha gunna tell 'em; tell 'em; then tell 'em whutcha told
'em!". See MOS, PMOS, Q-COURSE, CROSS-TRAINING, TRNG, OJT, IA,
ROTC, TRADE SCHOOL, TRADOC.
[nb: the most revered truths gleaned from "lessons learned" on
the battlefield are: quality is always better than quantity;
expertise cannot be mass produced; competence results from
practice, not desire or funding; no emergency response can repair
a mistake or restore an opportunity; humans are more important
than hardware; experience takes time, and judgement takes
maturity]
-
POINT :
-
the lead soldier or forward element in an advancing unit, being
responsible for selecting the route of travel relative to the
mission direction, and vulnerable to the dangers of BOOBY-TRAPS
or first contact with the enemy; also called "point man". See
SPEARHEAD, SHOTGUN, JUDAS GOAT; compare SLACK, DRAG, SENTRY,
SUICIDE SQUAD. [v: van, vanguard, vedette]
-
POINT-BLANK :
-
straight close-range fire, not indirect or curved, as when the
axis of a firearm or cannon barrel is parallel to the aimed line
of sight, and discharges directly into the center of the TARGET;
phrase derives from the white center or BULL'S-EYE of an archery
target ("point blanc"); see POINT OF IMPACT, AIMPOINT, SIGHT
PICTURE, ZERO, BORESIGHT, SHARPSHOOTER, DEADEYE, KISS THE
MISTRESS, KNOCK THEIR SPOTS OFF, DEFLECTION, BOLO, MAGGIE'S
DRAWERS. [v: Aunt Sally, Jack-a-Lent, cockshy, clay pigeon,
sitting duck, mark, gull, dupe, pigeon, prey, quintain, wand, hit
list] Also, straightforward, plain, explicit, blunt or frank.
-
POINTIE TALKIE :
-
originating as a bilingual word booklet developed for the aircrew
of the American Volunteer Group (AVG), and issued with a BLOOD
CHIT, to enable escape and evasion (E&E); becoming the
prototype of all future phrase books issued to MIL-PERS on combat
assignment or occupation duty in foreign countries. The POINTIE
TALKIE arranged words, grouped by subject (eg: food, medicine,
shelter, security, signals, weapons, enemy, contacts, places,
numbers, directions, etc), in columns so that a rudimentary form
of basic communication could occur between persons without
fluency in the other's language. In addition to English/Chinese,
the POINTIE TALKIE booklet also contained sections for Burmese,
French, Annamese (Vietnamese), Siamese (Thai), Lolo
(Tibeto-Burmese), Shan, and Lao. Different versions were used in
other WWII theaters, and some mission-specific versions (eg: in
Russian for B-29 bomber crews enroute to Japan). The greatest
problem with this technique was illiteracy. Another problem was
the confusion of meanings among the several Asian languages using
similar pictographic scripts, sometimes at the risk of wrongful
affiliation (as mistaken for being pro-Japanese instead of being
pro-Chinese). Another problem was the limited stock of available
terms. Later versions of the POINTIE TALKIE incorporated some
illustrations to assist with the illiteracy problem, but these
images proved more entertaining than informative. Most of the
downed aircrew found simple "dumb show" pantomime to be as good
or better than the booklet. Some of the POINTIE TALKIE booklets
included a "carrot and stick" version of the BLOOD CHIT,
promising reward for cooperation and threatening punishment for
noncompliance, as signed by Chiang Kai-Shek ("Shanker Jack"). In
phrase books later issued to occupation forces in Germany and
Japan, a summary of polite regional customs was added as an
introduction, and the civilian subject headings were expanded.
The booklet issued during the VIETNAM WAR used complete phrases
for expressions, making it less effective for the non-linguist,
and did not include French or ethnic languages as an alternative,
and therefore was widely ignored. A wallet-sized card of "helpful
hints" or "dos and don'ts" on Vietnamese customs was distributed,
along with the CODE OF CONDUCT, but was also widely ignored by
parochial Americans. A playing card deck featuring a single word
per card in the several languages of a region, so that they might
be easily arranged into a question or statement, would probably
be a more efficient alternative to the booklet format. See DLI,
SEATIC, E&E, SERE, SAR, CSAR, BLOOD CHIT, HOME RUN.
[v: blood chit]
-
POINT OF IMPACT :
-
the actual coordinates of projectiles fired or munitions released
at the same AIMPOINT under a given set of conditions, adjusted by
deviation and/or dispersion pattern; also called "mean point of
impact" or "point of burst". See BULL'S-EYE, POINT-BLANK,
AIMPOINT, DEFLECTION, SPOTTER, TOT, IMPACT AREA, ZONE OF FIRE,
KILL ZONE.
-
POISON IVY :
-
NICKNAME of the 4th Infantry Division, from pronunciation of the
Roman numerals "IV". The Ivy Division patch shows four ivy
leaves; also called "Funky Fourth" and "Fighting Fourth".
-
POL :
-
Petroleum - Oil - Lubricants, a military "gas station"; see
PETROL, JP, MOGAS, JUICE, CHERRY JUICE, TOP-OFF, HOT-FUELING,
BLIVET, BLADDER, POD, FUEL LADDER, REDNECK CREDIT CARD.
[nb: Chinese began drilling for crude petroleum in the 4th
century, but in 1859, the first American oil well was dug near
Titusville PA, and the first oil refinery began operation in
1861; kerosene patented 1854; paraffin patented 1859; WD-40
(Water Displacement) invented 1953]
-
POLICE :
-
cleaning the living and working areas of a military post, camp,
or BASE; see POLICE CALL. Also, an organized body for public
safety and law enforcement; see CONSTABULARY, MP, SNOWDROP, PM,
PROVOST GUARD, AP, SP, CMAA, MAA, MASTER-AT-ARMS, SHERIFF,
BUTTON, CID, BABY 007, OSI, NIS, NCIS, DNI, CGIS, DIS, DCIS, FBI,
DEA, REVENUER, CONTRABAND, SHELL GAME, BODYGUARD, PDS, PSD, USSS,
DHS, CIA, QC, NPFF, NPSS, FLAPS 'n' SEALS, 10-CODES, FPS, SENTRY,
GUARDHOUSE, STOCKADE, CROSSBAR HOTEL, HOT HOUSE, BRIG, THE
CASTLE, LBJ, CHL, DEADLOCK, TANK, DEAD-TIME, OFFICE HOURS,
CAPTAIN'S MAST, ROCKS 'n' SHOALS, BLUE BOOK, UCMJ, POSSE
COMITATUS, BAT MAN.
[aka: police, policeman, police officer, peace officer, sheriff,
shrieve, bailiff, beadle, reeve, tipstaff, catchpole, marshal,
lawman, patrolman, cop, bluecoat, copper, pig, narc, fuzz, bear /
Smoky Bear, bull, flatfoot, heat, The Man, The Law, John Law,
state trooper, Texas Ranger, plainclothesman, inspector, gumshoe,
dick, detective, constable, rookie, meter maid, security guard,
square badge, nab, peeler, bobby, mountie, flic, gendarme,
carabiniere, Cheka, Gestapo] [nb: a multi-generational lineage of
police service is expressed by "tin in the blood", "tin blood",
and "silver blood"; cf: GREEN BLOOD] [nb: the International
Criminal Police Commission, serving more than 100 cooperating
countries, became the International Criminal Police Organization
(INTERPOL) in 1923]
-
POLICE CALL :
-
the DETAIL or FATIGUE duty of cleaning and restoring a military
area, especially the collection of LITTER and cigarette BUTTs
(which, when filter-tipped, are called "mini-tampons"); also
called simply "police", as "police the area" or "police up". See
FAG, FIELD STRIP, GI PARTY, SQUARED AWAY, SHIPSHAPE, FOD.
-
POLISH SALUTE :
-
politically-incorrect reference to a demonstrative shrug, being
expressive of ignorance or indifference, disregard or disdain,
discountenance or disapprobation; see HIGH BALL, SALUTE.
-
POLITICIAN :
-
an alleged public agent, having no qualification other than
egotistic hubris, and no restraint other than fickle
unpopularity, who is privileged to be more equal than ordinary
voters, who wields power based upon beneficial reciprocity, who
conducts community affairs for private advantage, who compromises
truth and principle at every opportunity, and who disclaims any
responsibility for the results of his maladministration ... in
short, a lying cheating parasite on the back of the citizenry who
believes he knows what's best for everyone else (excluding
himself!), but doesn't have the courage to actually do anything
more than talk about it! When soldiers die in wars they were sent
to fight, these yellow-bellied dastards take credit for their
battle honors. And when these mollycoddled cravens have botched
every negotiable opportunity and bungled every diplomatic
relation, soldiers are sent to redeem their ineptitude. Also
known as poseur, dissimulator, dissembler, pretender, imposter,
charlatan, deceiver, fake, split- / double-tongue, double-talker.
Although some lexicographers may disagree, "pol", as the
short-form and root of POLITICIAN, is the true basis for
"poltroon"! See CIVILIAN, POTUS, VP, MANDARIN, YANKEE, UNCLE SAM,
BELTWAY BANDIT, PORK BARREL, ACT OF CONGRESS, THE NATIONAL JOKE
FACTORY, OLYMPUS, FOGGY BOTTOM, THE G, RED TAPE, THE EAGLE SHITS,
WISE MEN, DOMINO THEORY, WAR POWERS ACT, PETITION, DECENT
INTERVAL.
[v: know-it-all, besserwisser; realpolitik, machtpolitik]
[nb: "Politician: an eel in the fundamental mud upon which the
superstructure of organized society is reared. When he wriggles
he mistakes the agitation of his tail for the trembling of the
edifice. As compared with the statesman, he suffers the
disadvantage of being alive." by Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce;
"It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no
distinctly native American criminal class except Congress." by
Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens); "Congressmen who willingly
take actions during wartime that damage morale and undermine the
military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or hanged."
by Abraham Lincoln; "A dead politician is the noblest work of
God." by Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens); "A gaffe is when
a politician tells the truth." by Michael Kinsley; "Politicians
and economists always offer a 'change of history' as their
motivation, but history always emphasizes terminal events ... and
it is the military, on both sides of the alteration, that
generates the final conclusion." paraphrase of Albert Speer; "Of
the best rulers, The people only know that they exist; The next
best they love and praise, The next they fear; And the next they
revile. When they do not command the people's faith, Some will
lose faith in them, And then they resort to oaths! But of the
best when their task is accomplished, their work done, The people
all remark, 'We have done it our selves.'" by Lao-Tzu]
-
POLLYWOG :
-
any novice sailor, especially someone who has not "crossed the
line" (equator) aboard ship, also spelled "polliwog", "pollywag";
see SHELLBACK, CHUM, NUGGET; compare TADPOLE, FROGMAN, UDT, PUP,
LEG.
[nb: according to legend, a sailor acquired a pierced EARRING
when "crossing the line" (equator), which was alleged to improve
his eyesight]
-
POLYGLOT :
-
a mixture or confusion of several languages; see PIDGIN. Also,
facility or fluency in several languages, being multilingual; see
CREOLE. Also, a book containing the same text composed in several
languages, as a bilingual edition or scholarly translation, as
derived from "many + tongued"; [v: edition, vulgate].
-
POMPOM :
-
an automatic, 40-millimeter antiaircraft (AA) gun, usually
quad-mounted on ships; a "Bofors Gun", first made in Sweden. This
analogic rebus and onomatopoeic term is related to both the sound
of firing, and to the flower-like ("pompon") appearance of the
exploded FLAK; also spelled "pom-pom". Also known as "archy" /
"archie" being WWI British slang that probably derives from the
pattern of its trajectory. See AA, ACK-ACK, FLAK.
[nb: another proposed derivation for "archy" / "archie" is the
hindrance caused by German antiaircraft fire which supposedly
reminded some WWI airmen of the refrain in a popular 1915 music
hall song: "Archibald, Certainly Not!"]
-
PONCHO :
-
a pull-on waterproof garment, with hood and closures, made of
rubberized cloth or treated nylon, that's worn instead of a
raincoat, fitting over field gear and individual weapon; used as
a ground sheet beneath a sleeping bag.
[nb: during the VIETNAM WAR, it was popular to take a poncho and
poncho liner to a local tailor shop to commission a custom-made
rain parka, with a snap-closure front and large collar (showing
the camouflage-pattern lining), sometimes with pockets ...
possession of such an unofficial rain jacket marked the wearer as
an "old hand"] [cf: cape, pelisse, gown, pall, robe, mantle,
cloak, cote/coat, tunic, doublet, roquelaure, capote, anorak,
ruana, manta, burnoose, kaross, chlamys, mantilla]
-
PONCHO LINER :
-
nylon insert to the military rain PONCHO, used as a blanket in
Southeast Asia, which kept the user warm even when soaking wet.
-
POND :
-
ironic or sardonic reference to any large body of water, such as
a sea or ocean; as "across the pond" or "crossed the pond". See
THE MED, THE GULF, FLOAT, YANKEE STATION, DIXIE STATION, THE
DRINK.
-
PONTOON :
-
an inflated or floating support for any structure, such as a
landing stage or temporary bridge, a dock or seaplane; also
spelled "ponton", as derived from "punt", a flat-bottomed BOAT;
see SCOW. Also, in NavSpeak, a float for raising a deeply laden
or sunken vessel in the water; also known as a "camel" or
CAISSON.
-
PONTOON BRIDGE :
-
a temporary watercourse bridge supported by floats or boats;
derived from punt (bateau), a flat-bottomed BOAT, and used in
China before AD714. See AVLB, BAILEY BRIDGE, BRIDGE RATING, ROUTE
STEP, TREADWAY BRIDGE.
-
PONY :
-
USAF 21st Special Operations Squadron; based at Nakhon /
Nhakon Phanom (NKP) Air Base Thailand from Jan 1967, flying HH-53
transport and gunship helicopters for special operations. See
GREEN HORNET.
-
PONY SOLDIER :
-
slang for a mounted rifleman (designated green) or a dragoon
(designated orange), as a mechanized infantryman (designated
blue), an air or armored cavalryman (designated yellow) or their
forces; see AIR CAV, AIRMOBILE, AIR ASSAULT, HELIBORNE,
YELLOWLEG, DRAGOON, LONG KNIFE, ACR, MECH.
-
POOP :
-
accurate information or candid facts, current news or a true
account, as the "latest scoop", "straight skinny", "real
low-down", or "POOP sheet"; see HEADS-UP, FYI, DOPE, GOUGE,
THE WORD, GREEN GREASE, BULLETIN, HOT-SHIT, BOATSWAIN'S PIPE,
BUGLE CALL, TANNOY, VECTOR.
[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] Also, feces, excrement, SHIT, DUMP, as to defecate.
Also, tired or exhausted, as to "crap out", be "tuckered" or
"POOPed"; see RING THE BELL, KNOCK IT OFF, TS CARD. Also, a wave
breaking or taking seas over the STERN of a vessel. Also, a
superstructure or POOP DECK at the STERN of a vessel. Also, a
fool, dolt, DUD, or DOPE, as a nincompoop.
-
POOP DECK :
-
a weather DECK on the superstructure at the STERN of a
vessel, may have bulwarks; compare QUARTERDECK, FANTAIL,
TRANSOM, FORECASTLE.
-
POOPIE SUIT :
-
slang for the protective cold-water immersion FLIGHT SUIT
required for wear by PILOTs whenever a mission takes them over
open water, in case of ejecting or ditching into the sea/ocean;
also spelled "poopy suit". See FEET WET; compare G-SUIT, SUCK 'n'
PUFF, DRESS.
-
POP :
-
generically, to 'initiate', 'execute', or TRIGGER, as in "pop
SMOKE", "pop a FLARE", or "pop-off!" (SOUND-OFF).
-
POPEYE :
-
expression used by a pilot to indicate that he was flying
in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC); compare VFR, VOR,
VECTOR.
-
POP SMOKE :
-
activating a smoke grenade, to conceal movement, to
mark a target or sighting, to indicate the location of ground
elements for aerial observation, or to identify a secure Landing
Zone (LZ). The SOP for AIR-ASSAULT, EXTRACTION, DUSTOFF, or
airlift resupply consisted of the CHOPPER crew identifying the
color of smoke used, which would be confirmed by the ground
element before landing; because the enemy attempted to lure
CHOPPERS into an AMBUSH by POPPING SMOKE whenever possible.
Masking and marking smoke was usually yellow, purple, or green;
since most units reserved red smoke for GUNSHIP or TAC-AIR
targets. See MIGHTY MITE, SMOKY BEAR, SOUP CAN, GRENADE, WATCH MY
SMOKE, BRING SMOKE.
-
PORK BARREL :
-
a government appropriation derived from earmarked bills that
supply funds or jobs, especially defense contracts, designed to
ingratiate legislators with their constituents by "bringing home
the bacon"; see ACT OF CONGRESS, THE G, SOG, THE NATIONAL JOKE
FACTORY, FOGGY BOTTOM, UNCLE SAM, POLITICIAN, MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL
COMPLEX, YANKEE, GSA, GAO, THE EAGLE SHITS, SAND CRAB, BELTWAY
BANDIT.
-
PORT :
-
the left side of the craft or vessel when facing forward,
formerly known as larboard (larborde) or loadboard for the
"loading side" set against the WHARF, and opposite the "steering
side"; designated by the color red, and displaying a red
navigation light, single or combined, showing in an unbroken arc
of the horizon of 112.5 degrees, ranging from dead ahead to 22.5
degrees abaft the beam on the side. Compare STARBOARD, see BOW,
PROW, STEM, FORECASTLE, STERN, AFT, IR MARKERS, CHRISTMAS TREE.
[nb: the whaler, being the ship's GIG, is traditionally rowed
with two oars on the PORT side and three oars on the STARBOARD
side, which is the origin of the naval association of "even" with
PORT and "odd" with STARBOARD; see SKIMMER]
[cf: "stage left" and "stage right", being references to
theatrical viewpoints, are civilian comparisons for naval PORT
and STARBOARD]
Also, a place with docking facilities for ships to load or unload
passengers or cargo, as "port of entry" or PORT OF CALL; see
WHARF. Also, an exterior opening or aperture on a craft or vessel
for various uses, including portal and PORTHOLE; see HATCH,
EMBRASURE, POSTERN.
-
PORTALEDGE :
-
a lightweight and compact hanging tent system that's designed to
be deployed (erected and suspended) from a rock face, providing
its occupant with a secure and weather resistant BIVOUAC, as used
on multi-day "big wall" climbing ascents and descents; compare
BIVVY.
-
PORTCALL :
-
designation given to Hon Tre Island CRP; compare PORT OF CALL.
-
PORTHOLE :
-
a small, round, window-like opening, usually covered with a
hinged watertight glass closure, set into the side of a vessel
for admitting air and light; see PORT, HATCH, compare BULL'S-EYE.
Also, an opening or aperture in a wall, a BULKHEAD or HULL, used
for aiming or shooting, as a gun port or loophole.
-
PORT OF CALL :
-
a port visited briefly by a ship for the purpose of taking on or
discharging passengers and cargo, or to undergo repairs; also
known as a "portcall".
-
PORTSIDER :
-
naval slang for a left-handed person; southpaw.
-
POSSE COMITATUS :
-
literally, to have or use the power of the county; as in a body
of persons summoned by legal authority to assist a peace officer
or sheriff during an emergency. Under the provisions of Art 1,
Sec 8.15 of the US Constitution, and of Title 18 USC, Pt I, Ch
67, Sec 1385 of federal criminal procedure, the military acted
domestically as a posse comitatus during civil rights and
anti-war riots; with tragic results on the Kent State Ohio campus
in protests about the Cambodian INCURSION. See CONSTABULARY,
PROVOST GUARD, RIOT ACT, WAR POWERS ACT, ROE, UCMJ, LAWS OF WAR,
TREASON, SILENT MAJORITY, NEW WORLD ORDER, APOCALYPSE,
ANTI-TERRORISM, IRREGULARS, UW. [nb: the law on "insurrection"
(Title 10 USC, Subtitle A, Part I, Chapter 15) includes
provisions for using the military for enforcing Federal authority
and for aiding State governments with civil disturbances]
[nb: a right-wing militia identified as Posse Comitatus was
formed in 1969 (or 1972) by William Gale, a retired U.S. Army
colonel and former guerrilla fighter in the Philippines during
WWII, as a Christian Identity counter to left-wing activities by
HIPPIEs and YIPPIEs]
-
POST :
-
a position of DUTY or an assignment of trust to which someone is
appointed; see BILLET, BERTH, ON STATION, WATCH, SHEEP-DIPPED,
HARDSHIP TOUR, BUMFUCK, MOS, OJT, TDY / TAD, PCS. Also, the
station of a SENTRY or the rounds of a person on duty; see ARGUS,
GUARD, LP, OP, TRAIL WATCHER. Also, a military station with
permanent buildings and facilities for troops, support
activities, and lines of communication; see BASE, GARRISON,
COMPOUND, RESERVATION. Also, the command directing subordinates
to take (or resume) their proper positions in formation; see THE
BIBLE, CLOSE ORDER, DRILL. Also, to notify or inform; to be
notified or informed; see HEADS-UP, FYI, POOP, DOPE, GOUGE, THE
WORD, GREEN GREASE, BULLETIN, HOT-SHIT, BOATSWAIN'S PIPE, BUGLE
CALL, TANNOY, VECTOR.
-
POSTERN :
-
any access or entrance other than the main one, as a private
gateway or back door; refers to the "people sized" door (also
called "pocket door") in a large portal or HATCH cover. Compare
EMBRASURE.
-
POTUS :
-
acronym for President Of The United States, being the Chief
Executive Officer and Head of State; the Commander-in-Chief
(CINC) of the Armed Forces. Rutherford B. Hayes was the first
(1880) to use the presidential seal to emblazon formal
invitations and stationery; Harry S. Truman later (1945)
redesigned the emblem by facing the eagle toward the olive
branches of peace, and replacing the stars symbolizing rank with
stars representing the states of the union. Compare VP, see
OLYMPUS, MANDARIN, POLITICIAN. [nb: during the Clinton
administration, the First Lady acquired the (mocking?)
designation "FLOTUS" from the Secret Service (USSS)]
-
POUND :
-
the basic monetary unit of currency in the United Kingdom, which
was formerly equal to 20 shillings or 240 pence, and became equal
to 100 new pence after decimalization in 1971; also known as
"pound sterling", and derived from weight (pondus), as by
shortening of the troy unit of weight for precious metals. Also,
the basic monetary unit of currency in Cyprus, Egypt, Ireland,
Lebanon, Sudan, and Syria. Also, a former monetary unit of
currency in various countries, such as Israel, Libya, and
Nigeria. See LEGAL TENDER.
-
POV :
-
abbreviation for Privately Owned Vehicle; for which special
permission to own/operate or travel in same was required. Many
Vietnam servicemen ordered discounted automobiles for stateside
delivery near the end of their tour by using their accumulated
back-pay.
-
POW :
-
Prisoner of War; sometimes abbreviated "PW". Despite the
Geneva Accords, North Vietnam (DRV) refused to treat captured
allied military personnel as "prisoners of war", and also
incarcerated volunteer workers from religious or humanitarian aid
organizations (eg: Betty Olsen and Eleanor Vetti). NVN declined
all offers of prisoner exchange for the so-called "criminals"
that they held captive. As was true during the KOREAN WAR,
selected American POWs with technical skills were transferred to
China (PRC) or Russia (USSR) for further exploitation. Subsequent
to the Son Tay INCURSION, prisoners were generally consolidated,
and living conditions improved. Notorious prisons (1964-73)
include: ALCATRAZ, BRIARPATCH, CITADEL, DIRTY BIRD, DOGPATCH,
FARNSWORTH, FAITH, HANOI HILTON, HOPE, MOUNTAIN, ROCKPILE,
SKIDROW, ZOO. Many temporary way-station collection points and
jungle camps, such as "Camp Bao Cao" (literally Camp Report) near
the beginning of the HO CHI MINH TRAIL, were also used as POW
camps at various times. See GULAG, REEDUCATION, CONCENTRATION
CAMP, E&E, SERE, SAR, CIA, SAFE, BLOOD CHIT, POINTIE TALKIE,
HOME RUN, CODE OF CONDUCT, BRAINWASHING, ROPE TRICK, PLAYING THE
XYLOPHONE, TORTURE, TAP CODE, HOMECOMING, MIA, POW MEDAL, POW-MIA
DAY.
[nb: the 5 S's of prisoner handling include: Search, Silence,
Segregate, Safeguard, Speed; in that a prisoner and his
intelligence value must be protected against escape, injury, and
collusion, which means evacuating the captive(s) while the
primary mission continues]
[cf: after the surrender of the Apaches, the surviving tribesmen,
including women and children, all officially classified as POWs,
endured a 30-year imprisonment on various remote Army posts (eg:
"The Long Walk")]
[nb: the CSA's Libby Prison, in Richmond Virginia, was reserved
for Federal officers (with enlisted men sent to Andersonville)
who named the eight rooms on three floors according to its
ranking officer (eg: Streight's room, Milroy's room, etc), the
dominant unit or battle of its occupants (eg: Chickamauga room,
Gettysburg room, etc); from which 109 officers escaped by
tunneling through "Rat Hell" on 9 February 1864 under the
leadership of COL Thomas E. Rose, with 48 being recaptured]
-
POWER WALL :
-
a wall, bookshelf, or display area devoted to military awards,
service mementos, combat souvenirs, and related esoterica, which
is designed to impress visitors by displaying evidentiary
trophies; also called "ego wall" and "I love me shrine". Such
displays, especially when containing photographs of influential
personages, were officially discouraged as "political statements"
under the Hatch Act after the VIETNAM WAR; so these displays have
since been confined to SAFE ROOM dens or libraries in private
homes. See ATTABOY, GONG, TRASH, Q-COURSE, BRAGGING RIGHTS,
TRENCH ART, FEATHERS.
-
POW MEDAL :
-
the Prisoner of War Medal was authorized 8 November 1985 to be
awarded to any MIL-PERS held captive by enemy forces, retroactive
to 5 April 1917; civilians who have been credited with military
service encompassing the period of captivity are also eligible.
Hostages of terrorists and persons detained by governments with
which the United States is not actively engaged in armed conflict
are not eligible. Anyone classified as Missing-in-Action (MIA) is
not eligible for award of the POW MEDAL. The Purple Heart (PH)
medal is also presumptively awarded to anyone eligible for this
decoration. See GONG.
-
POW-MIA DAY :
-
also POW/MIA DAY; properly identified as the "National POW-MIA
Recognition Day". On 10 August 1990, Congress passed U.S. Public
Law 101-355, designating the third Friday of September as
National POW-MIA Recognition Day, and ordered prominent display
of the POW-MIA flag. The POW-MIA flag, developed in 1971 by Mrs.
Michael Hoff (the wife of a U.S. military officer listed as
Missing-in-Action during the VIETNAM WAR) and designed by Newt
Heisley (a former WWII pilot, and father of a young soldier who
died during training for Vietnam), depicts the gaunt silhouette
of a prisoner, a strand of barbed wire, and an ominous watchtower
in stark black-and-white images. Congress and the president
proclaimed the first National POW-MIA Recognition Day in 1979 to
acknowledge the concerns of POW-MIA families, and to resolve that
the American people shall never forget them. The POW-MIA flag
first flew over the White House in 1982, as the symbol of our
Nation’s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible
the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing, and unaccounted
for in every theater of operations. The POW-MIA flag shall
also be flown (below or adjacent to the United States flag as
second in order of precedence) over the White House, the U.S.
Capitol, the Korean and Vietnam Veterans' War Memorials, the
offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense and Veterans
Affairs, offices of the Director of the Selective Service System,
every major military installation, every post office, and all
Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and national
cemeteries on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day,
Independence Day, and Veterans' Day. See BRACELET, MIA, POW
MEDAL, POW, TAPS, TROPHY, BUGLE CALL, TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS,
MEMORIAL DAY, VETERANS' DAY, FLAG DAY.
-
POWWOW :
-
a conference, council, or meeting; also spelled "pow-wow", and
derived as an English back-formation of the AmerIndian
pronunciation of French usage of Portuguese 'palaver' (to talk).
This AmerIndian adoption also includes ceremonial gatherings, and
can designate the leader (shaman) thereof. See BRIEFING, CONFAB,
CROSS-TALK, CHIN CHIN, HALF-MAST, EAR-BANG.
[cf: back-formation of "calumet" for AmerIndian "peace pipe"]
-
PRAB :
-
Phan Rang Air [Force] Base
-
PRANG :
-
WWII slang used by RAF and introduced to American fliers, which
means to successfully bomb a target, or to bring down an enemy
aircraft, as derived from the sound of an explosion. Also,
expressive of the crashing metal noise made by any ground
collision, such as an airplane striking a vehicle, or an aircraft
plowing into a barrier. May be amplified as a "wizard prang" for
a particularly accurate strike. This expression may also be
related to the Malay word for 'war' ("perang"); or it may be a
blend of the words 'paste' and 'bang'. [cf: parang]
-
PRAYER :
-
a religious observance consisting mainly of devout worship or
sincere invocation, as in hope or aspiration, to God or some
other agent of divine intervention, including TAC-AIR, BIG STUFF,
HEAVY STUFF, ARTY, or any other massive fire support whenever
critically needed; also called orison; see FOXHOLE CONVERSION,
ARMY CHRISTIAN, GOD SQUAD, SKY PILOT, WARNING SHOT; compare
SYMPATHY, "morning prayers" at OFFICER'S CALL, "Evening Prayers"
at FIVE O'CLOCK FOLLIES. Also, a spiritual communion with God,
the Supreme Being, the Deity, or some other agent of divine
intervention, as in supplication, thanksgiving, glorification or
adoration. Also, a specific formula or ritualized sequence of
words (litany) used in a request or appeal, plea or petition,
entreaty or beseechment; compare OATH, HONOR CODE, CREED, CODE OF
CONDUCT, DUTY, PROMISE, RED TAPE. Also, a negligible hope; see
DOG'S CHANCE, SNOWBALL, TAR BABY, BITTER END, SHIT HIT THE FAN,
DEEP SHIT.
[nb: "God is With Us" (Gott Mit Uns) was the motto of the
Prussian Emperor, and was used by German soldiers during WWII;
v: the Edict of Milan issued by Emperor Constantine the Great
(Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus) caAD313; cf: "whited
sepulcher" (Matthew 23:27)]
-
PRAYING MANTIS :
-
a US Naval INCURSION of Iran 18-20 April 1988; subsequent to
Iranian harassment of neutral shipping in the Arabian Gulf,
commencing 19 Oct 1987 during the Iran-Iraq War, USN warships
began escorting merchant ships through the Persian Gulf, then on
14 Apr 1988, the USS Samuel B. Roberts struck an Iranian mine,
which launched Operation PRAYING MANTIS, wherein three American
warships attacked armed Iranian oil platforms, ships, and boats,
resulting in a restoration of free passage under international
laws, and an armistice between Iran and Iraq in July 1988.
-
PRC :
-
People's Republic of China, also called "Mainland...", "Red...",
or "Communist China" (CHICOM), established in 1948 by Mao
Tse-tung (Mao Zedong) after protracted CIVIL WAR; their military
is formally known as the People's Liberation Army and Navy
(PLAN). Compare ROC, CHINAT, PAVN; see CHINK, BAD GUYS.
-
PREDATOR :
-
a long-endurance reconnaissance DRONE (MQ-1, RQ-1) developed by
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the USAF, and later
adapted for unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) targetting by on-board
HELLFIRE air-to-ground missiles (AGM) using color daytime and IR
nighttime sights. Also, the designation for the short-range AT-4
(M-136) shoulder-fired anti-tank MISSILE, which supersedes the
M-72 (66mm) and M-80 (94mm) Light Anti-tank Weapons.
-
PREEVERT :
-
military (mis-)pronunciation of "pervert", which broadly refers
to any immoral or craven deviant, especially homosexuals but also
extending to political extremists; see FAG, HIPPIE, THE PILL,
compare STRAIGHT ARROW.
-
PREP :
-
short form of PREParation, being any preliminary set of necessary
actions to be completed or activities to be initiated prior to an
operation, especially ARTY or TAC-AIR PREP (pre-strike) on a
target or objective before a combat assault. Also, a preparatory
school or training course setup to ensure qualification and
reduce attrition in the formal or advanced program, such as the
Army's Leadership Preparation Course (LPC) preliminary to NCOA
and OCS, West Point Prep School, Pre-Recondo course, Pre-Q course
for both SF and SEAL training.
-
PRE-POS :
-
(forthcoming);
see DUMP, NSD, DEPOT, GODOWN, MOTHER SHIP, MAGINOT LINE, BAR LEV
LINE, LOGISTICS.
[cf: a large resupply submarine, called "Milch Cow", provided
fuel, ammunition, and provisions to patrolling Nazi U-boats
during WWII, enabling them to remain on station in their sector
for extended periods]
-
PRESIDENTIAL CITIZENS MEDAL :
-
the second highest civilian award, established on 13 November
1969, may be granted to any United States citizen who has
performed exemplary deeds or services for his or her country or
fellow citizens; and may be awarded posthumously. The medal is a
disc of gilt and blue enamel, based on the presidential seal,
with the eagle surrounded by a wreath of leaves, and suspended on
a neck ribbon, dark blue with a light blue central stripe and
white edge stripes. See MEDAL OF FREEDOM, DSM, LOM, MSM, GREEN
WEENIE, AAM, GONG.
-
PRESS-GANG :
-
a body of persons, under the command of an officer, who gather or
collect (impress) suitable individuals for involuntary naval or
military service; compare COMMANDEER, DRAFT, DRAFT LOTTERY,
MILITIA, DETAIL, DET, AD HOC, DRAGOON, SHANGHAI.
-
PRESSURE HULL :
-
the inner, pressure-resistant HULL of a SUBMARINE or other
submersible; the crush depth of a submersible is affected as much
by the buoyancy of a submersible as by the physical resistance of
its pressure hull. See GIGGLES 'n' BANGS, GUPPY, BOOMER, SRV,
SUBMARINE.
-
PRG :
-
the Provisional Revolutionary Government (NLF or VC/VIET CONG),
also known as "Provisional Revolutionary Government of South
Vietnam" (PRGVN); being the political organization from 1969-75
for the surrogate insurgency conducted in South Vietnam. See VCI,
PLA.
-
PRICK :
-
slang for any of the lightweight, compact, portable, field RADIO
transceivers designated "AN/PRC-"; name will also include numeric
denotation, such as PRICK-25 or PRICK-77 (which incorporated
encryption features for secure communication). See RADIO, RTO.
Also, slang for penis, phallus, peter, schlong, schwanz, pud,
putz, pizzle, dauber, tallywhacker, wang, wanker, dick, dickey
bird, cock, BIRD, pecker, bipper, zipper snake, pants python,
lizard, worm, boy toy, JOYSTICK, pocket rocket, skin flute,
lollipop, creamcicle, banana, snap bean, string bean, pole bean,
pickle, HOT DOG, wiener, salami, sausage, baloney, bone, boner,
ramrod, BAYONET, ding-dong, dong, dork, dingus, dipstick, crank,
shaft, drill, knob, tool, equipment, organ, root, HOSE, pipe,
pole, ridgepole, rod, STICK, SPAR, YARDARM, winking wizard, magic
wand, scepter, pencil, and the like; see SHORT ARM, POGUE, POGY
BAIT, CU, compare ONIONS, SPLIT, STRANGE, LITTLE PRICK.
[nb: 'hooey', allegedly an Americanism used as an interjection
for nonsense or tripe, is actually a corruption of the Russian
vulgarity ("khuy") for penis, and is commonly used alone (eg:
dick, dickhead, dick-wad) or in phrases (eg: dumber than dick; he
doesn't know dick; don't dick around; don't stir your tea with
your dick)] [cf: migration of "putz" from shine through ornament
to penis and dolt; as sexual lure] [v: lucky stiff]
-
PRIDE :
-
acronym for Professionalism Results In Daily Effort, being the
military version of the "We try harder!" catch-phrase; which was
countered during the Vietnam-era by the acronym SHAME for
"Sustained Half-Assed Minimum Effort."
-
PRIME BEEF :
-
PRIM[E]ary Base Engineer Emergency Forces, being the civil
engineer (CE) unit that's trained and equipped to respond to
natural disasters and emergency situations around the world; this
combat support element is composed of carpenters , electricians,
plumbers, masons, truck drivers and heavy equipment operators to
assist in recovery. compare PRIME RIBS, SNIPE, SMART, ENGR.
-
PRIME RIBS :
-
PRIM[E]ary Readiness In Base Services, being the combat support
element designated to provide temporary cooking, shelter, and
sanitation facilities during natural disasters and emergency
situations around the world. Compare BILLET, QTRS, COMFORT
STATION, PRIME BEEF, SNIPE, SMART, ENGR.
-
PRINCIPLE OF LEAST FORCE :
-
this concept is a principle of proportionality in the
conservation of energy; it proposes that "enough is enough, and
more is too much". This sufficiency tends to prevent waste, but
can lead to deficiencies (even if only temporary) when the
developing situation is more extensive than realized or
anticipated. The exercise of this principle requires preparation,
assessment, and versatility. See LAW OF AVERAGES, BOYDLOOP,
UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE, KNOW YOUR ENEMY, COURSE OF ACTION, LEAST
RESISTANCE; compare FIGHTING MAD, OVERKILL, BOMB 'EM BACK TO THE
STONE AGE, BOUNCE THE RUBBLE, KNOCK INTO A COCKED HAT, TURKEY
SHOOT, KILL 'EM ALL, ATROCITY, GENOCIDE, HOLOCAUST, COLLATERAL
DAMAGE, JUST WAR.
[nb: "Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its
natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards.
So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at
what is weak. Water shapes its course according to the nature of
the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory
in relation to the foe whom he is facing. Therefore, just as
water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no
constant conditions." by Sun-Tzu (ca490BC)]
-
PRIVATE / PVT :
-
a SLICK SLEEVE rank, rated E-1 and E-2 before the Vietnam-era,
but later reorganized as PVT/E-1 SLICK SLEEVE, PFC/E-2 one
chevron, LCPL/E-3 as one-up-one-down Lance Corporal (LCPL),
keeping CPL/E-4 at two chevrons. See SWINE LOG, MOSQUITO WING,
MOSQUITO SMILE, MATING MOSQUITOES, EM, RANK, GRADE, RATING.
-
PRIVATE FIRST CLASS / PFC :
-
a rank before the Vietnam-era displaying a single sleeve chevron
that's also known as a MOSQUITO WING; when enlisted ranks were
reorganized, this insignia was changed to Private (PVT), and the
Lance Corporal (LCPL) insignia was changed to PFC. Slang
alternatives for PFC, as used by aspiring DRAFTEEs and
short-timers, include: "Potentially Free Citizen", "Privately
Funded Citizen", or "Proud Fucking Civilian". See SWINE LOG,
MOSQUITO SMILE, MATING MOSQUITOES, EM, RANK, GRADE, RATING.
-
PROFESSOR :
-
slang reference to a comrade possessed of "greater than normal"
education or erudition, which is anomalous in the empirical
environment of combat arms; term may be complimentary or
derogatory, depending upon context and personalities. This same
individual is often derisively known to his supervisors as
"college boy", "bookworm", or "egghead", because he does not
aspire to advancement in the military system. See BEAN-COUNTER,
CHIEF, WONK, WIZARD, GUNNER, WALLAH, PUKE, POGUE.
-
PROFILE :
-
a medical profile delimiting an out-patient's
impairments, and restricting their assignments (eg: LIGHT DUTY).
Some DUDS sought "permanent profiles", and some GHOSTS tried to
counterfeit PROFILES, PASSes, and other documents. Anyone with a
temporary PROFILE, legitimate or not, was relegated to being
"sick, lame, or lazy". The military periodically purged its ranks
of personnel under persistent PROFILE, despite the fact that over
90% of military services are noncombatant or supportive,
requiring less than the WHOLE MAN concept. See LINE OF DUTY,
MILLION DOLLAR WOUND, GI BILL.
-
PROJOS :
-
Howitzer projectile - term used by pilots transporting
same.
-
PRO KIT :
-
in its simplest form, a prophylactic condom used as protection
against venereal disease (VD/STD), and as an incidental
contraceptive, but also existed as a packet containing antiseptic
solution and/or disinfectant wipes with the condom; being a
required possession before departure on PASS or liberty. Condoms,
formerly made of intestinal membrane or coated fabric and now
made of latex or polyurethane and polyethylene, are believed to
be among the first mass produced products when rubber
vulcanization was perfected in the mid-19th century. Prophylactic
condoms are also called "safe", "safety", "rubber", "sheath",
"skin", "Merry Widow", "French letter", "French tickler",
"British overcoat", "little shirt", "snakeskin", "Long Island
white fish", and "scum bag". Condoms are used to waterproof
matches and tinder or kindling, radio handsets and film or data
containers, as well as holding potable water or other substances.
See SHORT ARM, CLAP, ARC, ANTIBIOTIC, THE PILL, BIRTH CONTROL
DEVICE, BLUE PETER; compare MOPP.
[nb: when units requisitioned condoms during WWII, the reason
given was for muzzle capping of SMALL ARMS rather than
prophylaxis]
-
PROLONGE :
-
to withdraw or extract a cannon during recoil; see ARTY.
-
PROMISE :
-
a pledge, usually civil or diplomatic, as distinguished from a
"threat" as a posture or intention; compare OATH, CREED, DUTY.
Also, "Operation PROVIDE PROMISE", the name of aid/relief mission
in Bosnia.
-
PROPAGANDA :
-
the methodical broadcast or distribution of ideas and information
intended to injure a cause, movement, nation, or bloc; to
propagate DISINFORMATION, which is sometimes called "information
warfare". Not as simplistic as "anything the enemy claims to be
true must be false"; since almost nothing about human affairs is
either uncomplicated or unanimous, and conflict merely silences
some objections for a while. In ancient Greece it was known that
"the first casualty of war is truth", so information as a
manipulative medium (strategy) or an adjunctive device (tactic)
is a principal part of every battlefield. What is absolutely
essential is that each side be able to recognize its own
PROPAGANDA, so as not to be persuaded or misdirected by the
rebound of its own lies. For one side to prevail in combat, it
must not only accept its mission, but also trust the accuracy of
its weapons, tools, data. For example, the notorious Sand Creek
Massacre in Colorado Territory on 30 November 1864 reported 500
dead hostiles, but only 123 villagers (including women and
children) actually died in the attack; which inaccuracy
exaggerated the conflict, enhanced the military's reputation,
placated civilian settlers, redistributed funding commitments,
degraded and demoralized the opposition ... the story was
integral to the fight. During WWII, the U.S. military proclaimed
that the Imperial Japanese were short, bandy-legged, nearsighted
cowards and poor jungle fighters; while the Imperial Japanese
asserted that American Marines had to kill their parents and eat
their children before becoming qualified, and were so crazed that
they would rape and murder all civilians ... both were quite
wrong but many never lived long enough to discover the truth.
See INTEL, PSYOPS, ICAP, SECRET AGENT, CHATTER, VECTOR, PARTY
LINE, TRUE BELIEVER, FALSE FLAG, DECEPTION, RUMOR, BIG LIE,
CONTROLLED INFORMATION, WHITE PROPAGANDA, BULLSHIT BOMB.
[nb: as a COI/OSS volunteer, John Steinbeck composed "The Moon is
Down" (1942), which Shakespearean phrase symbolizes the descent
of evil upon innocence, as a means of instilling morale among
civilian refugees and occupied populations; for which he was
immediately criticized, and later honored] [v: agitprop]
[nb: the neologism "pollaganda" / "polloganda" (poll +
propaganda) has been coined to identify the representation of
biased samples, slanted surveys, special pleading arguments, and
ex-parte news depicted as authentic or authoritative]
-
PRO PAY :
-
PROficiency PAYment that is supplemental to base pay in technical
and specialty MOSs in order to increase retention of skilled
personnel while attempting to compete with civilian employment;
also known as "bonus pay". The extension of PRO PAY to non-tech
ratings became essential to sustain morale after it was initially
introduced during the pre-Vietnam era; not to be confused with a
re-enlistment bonus.
-
PROP BLAST :
-
a paratrooper induction ceremony, named after the propeller
backwash that jumpers encounter upon exiting an aircraft, and
following the traditions of the first induction ceremony
performed by the 501st Para Inf Bn, Dec 1940, to solemnize the
fraternal bond of paratroopers. Just as the pinning of WINGS is
only done with new graduates, so the PROP BLAST ceremony is only
performed at the first AIRBORNE unit of assignment following
qualification. Newly reporting novices (PROP BLASTER) are
assembled by manifest, assigned sponsors, informed of the PROP
BLAST rules, uniform inspected, equipment checked, STICK aligned,
mock-door exited, PLF graded, TOASTed with the unit "cup", act in
skit or lampoon, perform AIRBORNE PT or run an obstacle course,
and admitted to the fraternity. Mock-door and PLF errors are
rated as canopy "malfunctions", and the general harassment is
indiscriminate. Each unit normally has a unique drinking "cup",
such as a helmet, boot, or shell casing, from which a mixed drink
is swallowed as unit observers chant the "4000 count" to full
chute-opening. The original "Airborne Spirit" was champagne and
vodka with lemon juice; but any concoction is acceptable.
Non-alcoholic punch (containing grape, prune, and lime juices
with carbonated soda) has been known to make "Hardshell Baptists"
and "Teetotal Mormons" evacuate at both ends! Originally an
authorized procedure for duty personnel, it became "unofficial"
during the Vietnam-era due to a few deaths from acute alcohol
poisoning, and subsequent to the Surgeon General's report, has
been declared an "illegal" practice. Compare SHELLBACK, SALTING,
WINGING, GOLDEN DRAGON, DOLPHIN DIVE, EARRING, BLOODING.
-
PROP JOCKEY :
-
NICKNAME for the PILOT of a propeller-driven aircraft, either
SLOW MOVER or CHOPPER, being the counterpart expression to JET
JOCK; see ROTOR HEAD, WOBBLY, WOP, Q-COURSE, GOOD STICK.
[nb: a BULLETPROOF pilot's braggadocio is often expressed as "big
sky, little bullet"]
-
PROPRIETARY AIRLINE :
-
private aircraft and crew contracted to fly missions in support
of governmental operations, including Air America, Continental
Air Service, Civil Air Transport Service, etc; the contract
aircrews and support personnel were called "sky people" by the
HMONG tribesmen. See SHEEP-DIPPED, CUSTOMER, FIRST FLIGHT.
[nb: refugee Chinese were transported from Thailand to Taiwan to
quell cross-border hostilities, and to stabilize affected
governments]
-
PROP WASH :
-
a misnomer for WASH or BACKWASH, being a non-existent 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.
-
PROTESTOR :
-
a person declaring their disagreement, disapproval, objection, or
dissent of government policies, especially international
relations, as expressed by rallies, marches, picketing, sit-ins,
teach-ins, love-ins, and candlelight vigils; also called
"demonstrator" or "peacenik". Such anti-establishment petit
revolutionaries were lionize as "the best informed, the most
intelligent, and the most idealistic this country has ever
known." [by Archibald Cox (Harvard Law School professor)]. It
should be noted that military personnel are prohibited from
exercising the civil rights they guarantee for other citizens;
hence the contrast between the professional pacifists, insidious
demagogues, and agent PROVOCATEURs of the Anti-War Movement who
were juxtaposed to the conservative and reactionary Establishment
on the other side of the issue. According to surveys, the VIETNAM
WAR did not become unpopular until the piecemeal withdrawal and
VIETNAMIZATION programs proved ineffective during the Cambodian
INCURSION, coincident with the Kent State Incident, long after
the climactic 1968 Tet Offensive; which says more about political
mismanagement and media misinterpretation than military
incompetence. See TONKIN GULF RESOLUTION, WAR POWERS ACT,
PETITION, POSSE COMITATUS, MOSSBACK, SILENT MAJORITY, YIPPIE,
BLACK BLOC, FIFTH COLUMN, NCC, NEW MOBE, BULLSHITVIK, HIPPIE,
THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME, PACIFIST, BEST AND
BRIGHTEST, APOCALYPSE. [v: agitprop]
-
PROVIDE PROMISE :
-
aid/relief mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former central
region of Yugoslavia which was formerly the kingdoms of Serbia
(Kosovo, Vojvodina), Croatia (Dalmatia, Istria, Slavonia),
Slovenia, Montenegro, and Macedonia, which internecine conflicts
seemingly date from the Turk conquest of the Serbs at the Battle
of Kosovo in 1389. Since 1995, UN peacekeeping forces, severely
restricted by RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (ROE), have attempted to
intercede in the numerous instances of "ethnic cleansing"
ATROCITY.
[nb: "balkanization" is a toponym for relentlessly quarrelsome
subdivisions]
[nb: it has been said that Yugoslavia has one people, two
alphabets, three religions, four languages, five nationalities,
and six republics!]
-
PROVIDER :
-
Fairchild C-123 USAF Short Take-Off-and-Landing (STOL)
transport aircraft, with twin-engine turboprop, was used in
airlift, forward air control, and FLARESHIP. The C-123K model
additionally features two pod-mounted turbojets. The medium
capacity C-123 had much more space than the C-7A CARIBOU, but
less than the C-130 HERCULES. See FIRST FLIGHT, FLYING COW.
-
PROVN :
-
(pro-van) acronym for the 1966 strategic plan, "Program for the
Pacification and Long-Term Development of South Vietnam", that
was implemented by GEN Creighton Abrams, and later became the
doctrine for the VIETNAMIZATION mission; see CSMO, ACTOV, CRIMP,
KEYSTONE.
-
PROVOCATEUR :
-
a person who provokes trouble or incites dissension, as an
instigator, fomenter, agitator, or rabble-rouser; also called
"agent provocateur". See TRADECRAFT, MOLE, CRYPTO, SPOOK, SECRET
AGENT, FIX, DANGLE, STOOGE, DECOY, SABOTAGE, TERRORIST; compare
SLEEPER, SWEEPER.
-
PROVOST GUARD :
-
a detachment of soldiers assigned to police duties under the
Provost Marshal, as a Military Police auxiliary; compare
CONSTABULARY, PALACE GUARD; see PM, MP, SP, AP, UCMJ, POSSE
COMITATUS.
-
PROVOST MARSHAL / PM :
-
an officer charged with maintaining good order and other police
functions within a command; being the "chief" of military police
at a BASE or facility. Also, the USAF Air Provost Marshal (APM).
See UCMJ, JAG, SJA, MP, AP, SP, QC, CID, OSI, NIS, FBI,
CONSTABULARY, PROVOST GUARD.
-
PROW :
-
the forepart of a craft or vessel; designated by the color white,
and displays a white navigation light showing over an unbroken
arc of the horizon of 135 degrees, centered dead ahead. Compare
STERN, AFT; see BOW, STEM, CUTWATER, ROSTRUM, FORECASTLE,
HAWSEPIPE, BLUE NOSE, STARBOARD, PORT, IR MARKERS, CHRISTMAS
TREE.
-
PROWORD :
-
contraction of PROcedure WORD, also spelled "pro-word" or "pro
word"; being specific terms and standardized short form
expressions used in voice radio to expedite communications. See
RTP, A-OK, SOS, MAYDAY, PAN, SECURITE, CODEWORD, INTERCO,
CODENAME, RTO, RADIO, TELEPHONE.
[nb: "roger"/"wilco" and "over"/"out" are mutually exclusive;
"repeat"/"say again" and "shoot"/"fire" are very specific;
"niner", not "fiver"; "zero", not "oh"]
-
PROXIMITY FUZE :
-
developed during WWII, this artillery fuze contains a radio
transceiver to automatically calculate proper detonation based
upon feedback. See VT.
-
PRP :
-
People's Revolutionary Party, being the Communist Party in South
Vietnam.
-
PRT :
-
Provincial Reconstruction Team, being an assistance program of
the Department of State (DOS) that's intended to promote security
and economic development as a people rebuild and administer their
country; PRTs are composed of civilian and military specialists,
especially Civil Affairs officers, who use their linguistic and
technical skills (eg: business, industry, public management,
engineering, law enforcement, medicine, veterinary, agriculture)
in a particular area for 6-12 month tours.
-
PRU :
-
Provincial Reconnaissance Unit, an interservice CORDS
project of counter-terror units, from squad to battalion, which
operated from 1966 to 1972 in a manner similar to Viet Cong
GUERRILLAs. PRUs were the enforcement arm or direct action (DA)
element of the PHOENIX program, which was tasked with the
identification and neutralization of the VCI cadre. PRU was based
in Vung Tau but operated in all areas of SVN, both rural and
urban, wearing enemy uniforms, using enemy weapons and equipment,
and employing enemy tactics; assigned personnel never numbered
more than 4000 throughout the war. The "winged scimitar" badge
was awarded to graduates of the PRU training program. Compare
RF/PF, ICEX, PHUNG HOANG, SOG.
-
PS :
-
Prior Service, designating a recruit or an enlistee with previous
training, often for advanced placement or compressed processing;
its alternative is No Prior Service (NPS). See GOTCHA.
-
PSD :
-
Personal Security Detachment for "executive protection"; see
BODYGUARD.
-
PSDF :
-
Provincial Security Defense Force; see RF/PF, PRU, SEA SWALLOWS.
Also, Popular (People's) Self-Defense Force.
-
PSF :
-
Provisional Security Forces, being a lightly armed and minimally
trained regional MILITIA that mans security check-points and
performs limited patrolling; an augmentation element to the
CONSTABULARY during 2007 in Iraq.
-
PSP :
-
Pierced Steel Plate, also known as "Perforated Steel Plank";
construction panels made of steel matting, about 3' X 8', punched
with 1-3" holes and slots, and having features on the sides for
interlocking. PSP could be linked to surface a road or airstrip;
and several sheets could be linked into a roof plate for a BUNKER
or fighting hole, then covered with sandbags. Compare MARSDEN
MATTING, MACADAM, GANGWAY, DUCKBOARDS.
-
PSTN :
-
Public Switched Telephone Network, being the collection of
interconnected systems operated by the various telephone
companies and administrations (PTT) around the world. The PSTN
originated as human-operated analogue circuit switching systems
(plugboards), progressed through electromechanical switches, and
has been almost completely converted to digital, except for the
"last mile": the final connection to the subscriber remains
analogue, transmitting over a twisted pair cable. The telco
digitizes this analogue signal [using 8000 samples per second and
8 bits per sample, yielding a 64 kb/s data stream (DS0)], and
combined into several data streams [ie: 24 DS0 channels @ T1, 31
DS0 channels @ E1]. During reception, the process is reversed.
The PSTN is also known as the "Plain Old Telephone System" (POTS)
in contrast to xDSL and ISDN (PANS). See TELEPHONE.
-
PSYCHEDELIC COOKIE :
-
NICKNAME of the 9th Infantry Division, from the colors and
octafoil shape of its shoulder patch; also called FLOWER POWER.
Formally known as "Varsity" or "Old Reliables".
-
PSYOPS :
-
PSYchological OPerationS (Psy-Ops), sometimes called WAR OF
NERVES or "psychological warfare" (PSYWAR); the planned use of
PROPAGANDA broadcasts and information publications in support of
amnesty, COUNTERINSURGENCY, and DECEPTION programs to influence
enemy morale or thinking. The EDCOR psychological warfare project
of the DoD in the Philippines influenced PSYOPS in Vietnam. The
PSYOPS motto is "because physical wounds heal". See CHIEU HOI,
DEATH CARDS, SOAP CHIPS, BENSON SILK, PEANUT, PARADISE ISLAND,
URGENCY, BORDEN, ELDEST SON, OODLES, NO-DOZE, FALSE FLAG,
DISINFORMATION, BULLSHIT BOMB, BIG LIE, RUMOR, CONTROLLED
INFORMATION, CHATTER, DECEPTION, SWS, SWC&S, MSOS, UW, DA,
FID, CA, SF, SOF, SPECIAL OPERATIONS.
[nb: the neologism "pollaganda" / "polloganda" (poll +
propaganda) has been coined to identify the representation of
biased samples, slanted surveys, special pleading arguments, and
ex-parte news depicted as authentic or authoritative]
-
PSYWAR :
-
PSYchological WARfare; see PSYOPS, WAR OF NERVES.
[nb: "Despite their own numerous and grave faults, the South
Vietnamese were, first and last, decisively defeated in
Washington, New York, London, and Paris. Those media defeats made
inevitable their subsequent defeat on the battlefield. Indochina
was not perhaps the first major conflict to be won by
psychological warfare. But it was probably the first to be lost
by psychological warfare conducted at such great physical
distance from the actual fields of battle – and so far from
the peoples whose fate was determined by the outcome of the
conflict." by Robert Elegant, "How to Lose A War: The Press And
Viet Nam" pp 73-90 in Encounter (vol LVII no 2,
August 1981)]
-
PT :
-
Physical Training; performed each day in a PT formation by
everyone not on PROFILE or SICK CALL, and reviewed annually by a
Physical Competency and Proficiency Test (PCPT); later termed
Physical Fitness Training (PFT). "Airborne PT" differed by
changing the situps to stomach crunches, extending the run in
place, and adding pullups. "Rifle PT" consisted of a set of
exercises modified to include postures holding individual
weapons; sometimes called "dancing with your baby", because you
better not drop your RIFLE! Physical fitness training is
sometimes demotically expressed as "kalleyhoops" or
"kalleyhooptics" for calisthenics. Exercise has evolved with the
modern military, changing the emphasis from strength to
endurance, by replacing exertion with kinetics, and isotonics
with aerobics (cf: jazzercise, dancercise). PT is not required
for senior NCOs and officers, and MIL-PERS aged 35 or older are
excused. Due to non-FRATERNIZATION rules (ie: OFFICER sweat,
blood, and shit is different, and should not be mixed with lowly
enlisted output), exercise and testing of commissioned RANKs was
separate ... often conducted among other RING-KNOCKERS at the
proverbial "mahogany bar of brotherhood" in the venerable O CLUB.
Theodore Roosevelt noted that the military was "out of shape",
and he required that America's first line of defense be at least
as fit as an average middle-aged man. It took almost two years
for the military to achieve the modest standard of walking
one-hundred miles in three days. During WWII, Lucian Truscott
increased the march tempo from 2.5mph to 4mph, calling it the
TRUSCOTT TROT, which brought GIs into parity with their Axis
opposition. John F. Kennedy later challenged Americans to walk
fifty miles in one day, becoming a national embarrassment that
faded with the passing of Camelot, but was later performed by
fully equipped PAVN in the seizure of SVN. See DAILY DOZEN, FRONT
LEANING REST, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, BIATHLON, TRIATHLON, PENTATHLON,
DECATHLON, MARATHON, FIELD HOUSE, WAR GAMES.
-
PT BOAT :
-
(pee-tee boat) Patrol Torpedo boat, being a small fast GUNBOAT
with a wooden HULL used during the WWII-era; see PBL, MICKEY
MOUSE BATTLESHIP, SKIMMER, MOSQUITO FLEET, BOAT.
[nb: land lubbers mistakenly believe that this is a special kind
of floating gym where seamen perform Physical Training exercises]
-
P-38 :
-
C-RATIONS can opener; also called a "John Wayne". The P-38 was
preceded by a "bird's beak" blade on the scout pattern military
folding knife, and discontinued after VN by Meals Ready to Eat
(MRE) packaging. Developed in thirty days during the summer of
1942 by the Subsistence Research Laboratory in Chicago; it was
named "P(uncture) 38" for the average cut count when opening a
can, and in imitation of the speed of the "P-38" LIGHTNING
fighter airplane. The P-38 was such a simple and compact device
that it was used for a multitude of applications, from scrape and
gouge to lever and screwdriver. On this principle, a new MURPHY'S
LAW of Combat should be to the effect: "The simpler something is,
then the easier it is to use; the easier to use, the more uses
will be found for it.". A larger (2"L) version of the same design
was introduced during the VIETNAM WAR to make the process of
opening many C-RATION cans in a field kitchen easier; this larger
version continued the analogy with fast attack airplanes, and was
called a "P-51" can opener. Compare CHURCH KEY; see KFS, SPOON.
[nb: the first can-opener, patented in 1858 by Ezra J. Warner, a
two-blade mechanism that was more dangerous than improvised
tools, was rescued from well deserved oblivion by becoming an
issue item to Union troops during the American CIVIL WAR]
-
PTSD :
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; formerly known as "battle
fatigue", "combat exhaustion", "shell shock", or "war neurosis".
This reaction formation is commonly known as jitters, shakes,
megrims, dazed, benumbed, jumpy, punchy, wall-gazing, khaki
wacky, flak happy or bomb happy (on the model of "slap happy").
PTSD is formally known as Acute Environmental Reaction, which is
related to "survivor guilt" syndrome. It was known as "soldier's
heart" during and after the American CIVIL WAR. The DRV/SRV calls
it "War Syndrome" for both affected civilians and PAVN veterans.
War neurosis casualties during WWII were 23% of all evacuated
personnel, were 12% during the KOREAN WAR, and were 1.4% during
the VIETNAM WAR. See FLASHBACK, THOUSAND-YARD STARE, TELESCOPING,
FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT, BLACKOUT, ZOMBIE, WATERWORKS, FUO, JUNGLE ROT,
CONVERSION SYMPTOMS.
[nb: "basket-case" is a term for multiple amputee; now meaning an
incapacitated or dysfunctional person, anyone or anything totally
impaired]
[nb: it has been alleged in the modern era that the dedicated and
driven Type-A personality, or compulsive workaholic, is both
self-destructive and counterproductive, and this thesis contends
that the compassion and sensitivity exhibited in the Type-B
Metro-Man persona are preferrable traits; despite this theory,
research has shown that an invincible Man of Steel attitude, or
the Super-Masculine personality (cf: MACHO), produces positive
results: better healing from injury, faster recovery from trauma,
increased energy and endurance, more numerous and more flexible
coping mechanisms ... in short, being strong and tough makes
people more confident and contented]
-
PTT :
-
Push-To-Talk, or the transmit switch on a microphone or handset;
see RADIO.
-
PUC :
-
Presidential Unit Citation, effective 7 Dec 1941; issued in
either Army / Air Force (blue) version or in Navy / Coast Guard /
Marine Corps (blue/gold/red bands) version. Guidelines for
presentation of the Presidential Unit Citation stipulate its
equivalence to every member of the unit earning a Distinguished
Service Cross (DSC) / Navy Cross (NC) / Air Force Cross (AFC) on
the battlefield, but its award has obviously been diluted and
politicized since its inception. Also, any equivalent foreign
citation awarded by an allied nation to American forces, such as
RVN PUC for humanitarian service during August-September 1954 in
evacuation of civilians from North and Central Vietnam. See UNIT
CITATION, GONG.
-
PUCKER FACTOR :
-
an assessment of risk or difficulty; a tension or fear index.
The situation could be "loose" or "tight" (eg: "I'm so uptight
that my nuts have been pulled into my earlobes!"; or "If I fart
I'll blow my brains out!"; or "Couldn't drive a pin up my ass
with a sledge!"). See HANG LOOSE; compare HANG TOUGH.
-
PUFF :
-
a USAF AC-47 ground-support aircraft fitted with side-firing
MINIGUNs and FLAREs since October 1964; name derived from the
folk song, "Puff the Magic Dragon", and also called DRAGON or
DRAGON SHIP. See DAKOTA, SPOOKY; compare SPECTRE.
-
PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON :
-
see PUFF, DRAGON, DRAGON SHIP, SPOOKY, DAKOTA, GOONEY BIRD.
-
PUIS :
-
designation given to Saigon CRC
-
PUKE :
-
dismissive, disregarding, or derogatory reference to a person,
usually of a different unit or branch, used in the same sense of
grind or DRONE for a worker or laborer (eg: pilot puke, staff
puke, RADIO PUKE, etc), as a weenie, wootz, or PUNK; from the
classic definition of "anything that is repulsive, contemptible,
or worthless"; see CHIEF, PROFESSOR, WIZARD, GUNNER, WONK,
DEADHEAD, WANNABE, POGUE, DUD, DOPE, YARDBIRD, MAGGOT, SMACK,
FIELD REJECT, SHIT MAGNET, TURD, FUCK-UP, MILICRAT. Also, vomit,
retch, regurgitate, throw-up, upchuck, barf, hurl, toss cookies,
ralph, disgorge, nausea, mal de mer, or HEAVE.
-
PUKING BUZZARDS :
-
derisive NICKNAME for the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile)
based upon the image of the open-mouthed eagle with tongue
protruding; also called "barfing buzzards", "Hundred and Worst",
and ONE-OH-WORST. Formally known as Screaming Eagles, from its
infantry division mascot during the CIVIL WAR. See SCREAMING
CHICKENS.
-
PULL PITCH :
-
to adjust the inclination or slope of a helicopter's main rotor,
with the implication of "immediate departure" or "rapid exit", of
BEAT FEET or HAUL-ASS.
-
PULPIT :
-
on smaller ships and other watercraft, a safety rail rising from
the DECK near the BOW, and extending around it; see FORECASTLE,
compare ROSTRUM. Also, a similar safety rail at the stern; see
TAFFRAIL, BULWARK, LIFELINE.
-
PULSEJET :
-
a jet-propulsion engine that's equipped with valves in the front
which open and shut, so as to create thrust in rapid periodic
bursts when it takes in air, rather than continuously; it
contains neither compressor nor turbine. Compare RAMJET,
SCRAMJET; see JET PROPULSION.
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PUMPER :
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a severe wound involving arterial or pulmonary veinous
bleeding; see WIA, GSW, DOW.
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PUNJI STAKE :
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a sharpened bamboo stake concealed along access routes or AMBUSH
sites, as in foliage or water, sometimes coated with poison or
excrement, so as to pierce the feet or gash the legs of enemy
soldiers; derived from Chingpaw ("punjee", "panja"), in the
Tibet (Xizang) -Burma (Myanmar) region. See ABATIS, FRAISE,
CALTROP, BOOBY-TRAP, TU DAI.
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PUNK :
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any natural (eg: tinder or touchwood) or prepared substance that
will smolder so it may be used for lighting FUSEs or other
combustibles; see SPUNK, SLOW MATCH. Also, a brash or defiant
youth, as a young hoodlum or hooligan, especially in imitation of
tougher airs; see WANNABE, PAY DUES, BTDT, IOTA. Also, the young
male partner of a homosexual, as a catamite; term derives from
"prostitute"; see CANDY-ASS, POGUE, POGY BAIT, FAG. Also, an
unimportant or inexperienced youth, as a tradesman apprentice or
juvenile prisoner; see PUKE, compare AIDE. Also, anything poor in
quality or condition, as a worthless thing or person; see SLOP,
WASH, WAD.
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PUP :
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NICKNAME for a SEAL trainee; compare TADPOLE, LEG, POLLYWOG,
CHUM, NUGGET.
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PUP TENT :
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NICKNAME for a small two-person tent, also called "dog tent" or
"shelter tent"; as assembled from each individual's identical
shelter-half into temporary housing that's supported by sectional
poles and is pegged to the ground with pickets. PUP TENTs were
not used IN-COUNTRY during the VIETNAM WAR, but comprised an
essential part of stateside BIVOUAC training. The shelter-half
can also serve satisfactorily as a lean-to for single occupancy.
See SHEBANG, BOHIO, G.P., BOLTROPE, COMPANY STREET, TENT.
[nb: due to chronic delay of unit support to unite with mobile
troops before the end of each day's operations, the U.S. Army
replaced large tents with white muslin shelter-halves in December
1862; which had peg loops on one edge and buttons with button
holes on the other edge, so any two cloths could be joined to
make a small two-person "shelter tent". Because of the necessity
to crawl in and out of them, these low shelters reminded troops
of kennels, so they were immediately named "dog tents", which was
shortly modified to PUP TENTs. It was a simple and effective
design that remained essentially unchanged for over a century.]
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PURPLE FORCE :
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designation for a tertiary opposition force or enemy component,
often air or naval, especially when war gaming or during training
exercises. See CPX, FTX, JTFEX, JRTC, NTC, GQ, WAR GAMES, OPFOR,
ORANGE FORCE, RED FORCE, BANDIT, BAD GUYS, BELIEVER; compare GRAY
FORCE, GREEN FORCE, BLUE FORCE, ALLY, FRIENDLIES.
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PURPLE HEART BATTALION :
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NICKNAME of the Hawaiian 100th Infantry Battalion, so called from
the high number of casualties it suffered during the WWII Italian
campaign; this unit was later integrated as the first battalion
of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, composed of Neisei, Kibei,
and Sansei citizens, which is the most decorated unit of its size
in American history ... members were known as "little iron men"
for their intrepidity. See LOST BATTALION, MIS.
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PURPLE HEART MEDAL / PH :
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awarded for a battle wound or death, this was the first
decoration in the world made available to the common soldier. The
pendant medal was designed by Elizabeth Will for its 22 Feb 1932
replacement of the WWI "wound stripe", which was a chevron worn
on the right sleeve near the cuff in a manner similar to the
Overseas Stripe, which chevron was later changed to a HERSHEY
BAR. The PURPLE HEART, considered to be America's oldest military
decoration, bears the likeness of George Washington, who
conceived the "Badge of Military Merit" in 1782 for "any
singularly meritorious action", and this cloth decoration was
awarded to only three soldiers in the Revolutionary War for
conspicuous gallantry. Multiple awards of the PURPLE HEART medal,
for wounds received during different combat actions, are denoted
by the addition of oak leaf clusters (OLC). Anyone eligible for
the POW Medal is presumptively awarded the Purple Heart Medal as
well. See GONG. [nb: after a time of limited issue to civilians
(from 1962 to 1998, including terrorist attacks after 1973) who
were wounded or killed while serving under military authority,
the award of the PURPLE HEART medal has since been restricted to
military personnel only; the civilian equivalent of the PURPLE
HEART is the Defense of Freedom Medal]
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PURPLE HEART VALLEY :
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informal reference during and after WWII to any especially bloody
battlefield, which have been variously located at the Rapido
River and Monte Cassino in Italy, the Blue Beach in Lingayen Gulf
on Luzon island of the Philippines, the A SHAU VALLEY in Vietnam,
and the like; compare HAPPY VALLEY.
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PURSUIT PLANE :
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formerly the designation for an armed airplane designed for speed
and maneuverability in fighting enemy aircraft; see BIRD.
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PUSH :
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referring to a radio frequency (eg: 'PUSH 71.675' means set
or switch-to the radio frequency 71.675 megahertz); see FREQ,
GUARD, SURF, HITCHHIKE, HOPSCOTCH, RADIO. Also, to proceed,
advance, press, urge, or thrust, as a determined military action.
Also, to medicate optimally; compare STAT.
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PUSH-UP :
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an exercise performed from the FRONT LEANING REST position, often
directed by the informal command to DROP, "Hit it!", or "push
earth". Compare SQUAT; see PAIN.
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PUZZLE PALACE :
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any major command headquarters (HQ), especially the combined
location for all Armed Forces headquarters at the Pentagon near
the capitol; also known as Fort Fumble or Fudge Factory. Compare
MAD HOUSE, IVORY TOWER, WHITE WAY, SUICIDE ALLEY, GROUND ZERO;
see JCS, HEADQUARTERISM.
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PVT :
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abbreviation for PriVaTe, which is a SLICK SLEEVE rank, rated E-1
and E-2 before the Vietnam-era, but later reorganized as PVT/E-1
SLICK SLEEVE, PFC/E-2 one chevron, LCPL/E-3 as one-up-one-down
Lance Corporal (LCPL), keeping CPL/E-4 at two chevrons. See SWINE
LOG, MOSQUITO WING, MOSQUITO SMILE, MATING MOSQUITOES, EM, RANK,
GRADE, RATING.
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PVT SNAFU :
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(forthcoming); a series of animated short films produced by the
U.S. Army during WWII; see SNAFU, FUCK-UP, FUCKED-UP, CLUSTER
FUCK, WTFO, SOL, BOHICA.
[nb: The Three Brothers, a 1944 U.S. Army animated short
film that was directed by Friz Freleng, portrays a character
named Fubar as being the brother of Privates Snafu and Tarfu]
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PX :
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Post eXchange, same as BX concession; the sutler's store of
general merchandise for military personnel and their dependents.
See SLOP CHEST. [cf: vivandière]
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PYHOOYA :
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(puu-yah) acronym for "Pull Your Head Out Of Your Ass" (ie:
"rectal defilade"), perhaps in imitation of HOOAH or OORAH; see
HIC, CYA, BOHICA, SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT, DUD, TURD, SOS,
SMACK, MAGGOT, SHIT MAGNET, FIELD REJECT, FUCK-UP, SHIT LIST,
BROWN NOSE.
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PYRAMID :
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designation given to Ban Me Thout CRP
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PYRRHIC VICTORY :
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an objective attained at too great a price, a ruinous goal; from
a remark made by Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, after a costly victory
over the Romans at Asculum in 279BC, that "One more such victory
and we are lost.", as recorded by Plutarch. See FIGHT LIKE
KILKENNY CATS, BITTER END, SNOWBALL, BELL THE CAT, TAR BABY.
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PZ :
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Pick-up Zone for helicopter cargo loading and assembled troop
extraction; see LZ, CLZ, AIRMOBILE, LIFT.
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