COMBAT MilTerms: P

M I L T E R M S :

P : PAPA

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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.

PACIFIC HUT :

a wooden QUONSET HUT that was created to save metal resources during WWII; designed by Frank Hobbs, a mechanical engineer in Seattle Washington, it corrected the QUONSET's deficiencies: rust and thermal transfer. The PACIFIC HUT uses a distinctive triangular ridgeline vent cover, and its exterior is Celotex (the waterproof form of Masonite hardboard). Compare EMKAY HUT; see BLDG, BILLET. [v: British Nissen hut, Canadian Portaseal hut]

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, KUM BA YAH, WE SHALL OVERCOME, 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."; a more extensive pledge was promulgated by 1935: "If war comes, I will not fight; if war comes, I will not enlist; if war comes, I will not be conscripted; if war comes, I will do nothing to support it; if war comes, I will do everything to oppose it, so help me God."] [nb: "A state could not last long if its politicians and scholars were giving ear to doctrines of universal love during a time when national survival meant being realistic and suspicious about the intentions of its enemies." by Han Fei-Tzu (sometimes dubbed the Chinese Machiavelli)]

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] Also, slang for genitals, especially male, such as being nice or neat, large or lumpy, heavy or handsome, when exhibited by revealing clothing; see PRICK, CU, SHORT ARM, POGUE, POGY BAIT, ONIONS, STRANGE, SPLIT, SNATCH, HAPPY VALLEY.

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" [cf: pathos]. 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, SWEAT, THIRD DEGREE, BASHING, CONCENTRATION CAMP, GULAG, CHL, HOLD ONE'S FEET TO THE FIRE, OVER A BARREL, GAUNTLET, A MAN'S GOTTA DO WHAT A MAN'S GOTTA DO, FROGMARCH, KEELHAUL, DEATH OF A THOUSAND CUTS, GARROTE, TWIST IN THE WIND, ROUGHSHOD, BITE THE BULLET, SCAR, HARD-ASS, ONIONS, MOXIE, GUTS, DIEHARD, DROP, PUSH-UP, FRONT LEANING REST, SQUAT, JUMPING JACK, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, SHIT LIST, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, BLANKET PARTY, GI SHOWER, 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 LOCK-ON, 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, POLITROOPER, 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 :

the landing of an aircraft by dropping flat onto the RUNWAY; a "pancake landing". Also, the 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"] Also, to flatten or be flattened, as by impact during mishap. Also, a thin bread or flat cake that's made from batter (sometimes unleavened) and fried on both sides using a pan or griddle; also called hotcake, griddlecake, flapjack, slapjack, battercake, buckwheat cake, johnnycake, jonakin, flannel cake, journey cake, funnel cake, hoecake, corn cake [cf: ashcake], oatcake, waffle, fritter, friedcake; see HARDTACK, SINKER, PITA, SANDWICH.

PANIC BUTTON :

an alarm signal or distress call that's used in an emergency to notify others and to summon help; such an alert device was first used as an emergency bell system on WWII bombers, such as the B-17 FLYING FORTRESS and B-24 LIBERATOR. See MAYDAY, SOS, SECURITE, PAN.

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 :

Public Affairs

(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; cf: bout de papier, aide-memoire] [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.

PAPER TRAIL :

documentary evidence, verifiable or ascribable; the traceable accountability of each authentication and every authorization; see CYA, RED TAPE, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPONSIBILITY, FORM, MANIFOLD SET, REPORT, WHITE PAPER, ANNEX, MR, RBI, FINDING, LOG, JOURNAL, NEED TO KNOW, COMPARTMENTALIZATION, EYES ONLY. [nb: "If it isn't documented then it doesn't exist!"]

PARACHUTE :

T-11 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, NYLON LETDOWN, PLF, STICK, DINGLEBERRY, FLIGHT BAG, JUMP BOOTS, JUMP SPEED, AIRHEAD, DZ, HOLLYWOOD BLAST, 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". Legally, a parachutist is a noncombatant descending from an aircraft (damaged or not), while a PARATROOPER is an armed combatant, but this pretty distinction of the Geneva Accords has never been respected in any war. See AB, AIRBORNE, PARATROOPER, PIR, PIB, PRCT, FREE FALL, MFF, AIRHEAD, AIRDROP, BLAST, HOLLYWOOD BLAST, GANG-BANG, DZ, JSD, JUMPMASTER, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, SQUAT, JUMP SCHOOL, BLACK HATS, RED HATS, JUMPER, JUMPIN' JUNKIE, GOLDEN KNIGHTS, CHUTING STARS, LEAP FROGS, ANGELS, ALL AMERICAN, SCREAMING EAGLES, SKY SOLDIERS, TRIPLE NICKEL, THUNDER FROM HEAVEN, IRON MIKE, CATERPILLAR CLUB, FLIGHT BAG, DINGLEBERRY, ROMMEL'S ASPARAGUS, OVAL, FLASH, WINGS, BLACK WINGS, TRASH; compare PATHFINDER, RIGGER, GLIDER, AIR ASSAULT. [nb: it has been reported in several oral and unit histories on WWII, especially Operation Comet/Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge, that the PARACHUTE canopies used in aerial resupply AIRDROPs were color coded: red canopy = ammo/explosive, yellow canopy = food/clothing, blue (or white) canopy = medical; others have also noted that camo canopy = paratroopers, white canopy = aircrew. This arrangement seems to have been experimental, used only in Europe, since there is no mention of this practice in either North Africa (Torch) or Sicily (Husky), or the Pacific; furthermore, no such scheme was followed in either Korea or Vietnam. Although camouflage canopies were used (especially by special operations parachutists), the normal operational canopy was (and remains) green; white canopies are used in training. Aside from these several books mentioning color coded AIRDROPs, I am unable to authenticate this phenomenon by interview, personal experience, or other diligent inquiry] [v: Parachuting Terms, and Parachuting History]

PARACHUTE FLARE :

a hand-launched pyrotechnic illumination projectile that descends more slowly due to being suspended beneath a small parachute; this SLAP-FLARE is also known as an "umbrella flare". Compare PEN FLARE, see FLARE.

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, DEAD 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"; see GRINDER, 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 DECK :

in NavSpeak, an assembly area designated for formations and drill, inspection and exercise while aboard ship; a clear area of DECK, such as the FANTAIL or POOP DECK, QUARTERDECK or WELL DECK. See GRINDER, COMPANY STREET, ASSEMBLY AREA, PARADE GROUND.

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. See GRINDER, PARADE DECK; compare COMPANY STREET, 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.]

PARADICE :

unofficial pocket patch of
the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment

506th PIR

a creative misspelling of 'paradise' and 'pair of dice' (which are practically synonymous in the degenerate mind of combat jumpers!) utilized as an informal byword by the PARATROOPERs of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment during WWII; an unofficial pocket patch of the unit showed a pair of dice joined by a zero, representing their numeric designation, with an eagle and parachute to represent their AIRBORNE status. In the post-WWII era, this unit has also usurped the BAND OF BROTHERS expression.

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.

PARAMETER :

a variable that acquires, or is assigned, a value during a computation, calculation, distribution, or other formulaic process. Also, any determining characteristic or factor, especially when determining limits, boundaries, or guidelines (ie: parameters); compare PERIMETER.

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. [cf: landsturm]

PARA RUBBER :

a natural rubber that's obtained from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree, of the spurge family (and other species of the same genus) in tropical South America; as derived from Pará, a region in northern Brazil. See GUTTA-PERCHA, INDIA RUBBER. [cf: synthetic rubber] [nb: contrary to popular belief, this is not a specially manufactured heavy-duty condom that Airborne command issues to paratroopers!]

PARASOL :

CIA funding program for CIDG PARAMILITARY troops; see SWITCHBACK.

PARATROOPER :

RVN para

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. Legally, a parachutist is a noncombatant descending from an aircraft (damaged or not), while a PARATROOPER is an armed combatant, but this pretty distinction of the Geneva Accords has never been respected in any war. See ABN, AIRBORNE, PARACHUTE, MFF, FREE FALL, BLAST, HOLLYWOOD BLAST, BLACK WINGS, JUMPER, JUMPIN' JUNKIE, JUMPMASTER, JUMP SCHOOL, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, SQUAT, ROMMEL'S ASPARAGUS, GROUNDED. [nb: Vietnamese term: Linh Nhay Du, Binh Si Nhay Du] [v: Parachuting Terms, and Parachuting History]

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.

PASSIVE DEFENSE :

those measures taken to reduce the probability of ATTACK, and to minimize the effects of damage caused by hostile action, without taking the initiative; compare ACTIVE DEFENSE.

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 :

Army 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 (the "Golden Arrow"); formed in California, and named after the general and explorer John Charles Frémont. Also, designation of the Lockheed P-38L Lightning (qv) that was equipped with RADAR during WWII so it could guide other aircraft.

THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE :

see LEAST RESISTANCE.

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?"]

PATRIOTISM :

the support and defense of one's country out of love and devotion; also known as "national loyalty" ... a commitment often ridiculed by critics as ignorance or foolishness, purblindness or superstition, bigotry or prejudice, Xenophobia or ethnocentrism, chauvinism or jingoism.

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: Vietnamese term: Tuan Tham, Tuan Tieu Chien Dau] [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] [nb: 'compadre' derived from "godfather"] Also, venerated for their comfort and protection of soldiers, the following patron saints are formally recognized: Michael the Archangel, Saint George, Saint Joan of Arc, Saint Martin of Tours.

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.

PAVE HAWK :

MH-60 helicopter; also designated BLACKHAWK, SEA HAWK, and JAYHAWK. See CHOPPER.

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, Vietnamese term: Quan-Doi Nhan-Dan; 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.

PAX :

abbreviation for 'passenger', as someone without crew responsibility on a vessel or aircraft; see SPACE A, BLOB, SANDBAG, STRAP-HANGER.

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, HARDPOINT.

PAY-GRADE :

a common redundancy for GRADE or RATING, as "That's way above my pay-grade!"; compare RANK, RELATIVE RANK, PULL 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.

PBM :

designated US Navy Patrol Bomber [nb: the "M" identified the manufacturer: Martin]; this twin-prop gull-winged seaplane was adapted to landing or take-off from ice or snow, sea or land during and after the WWII-era; this bomber was also used for surveillance, transport, and rescue flights; the PBM used Jet Assisted Take-Off (JATO) for lift when fully loaded; also known as "flying gas can" and "big ugly fucker" (BUF). See FLYING BOAT, BIRD.

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, JUMPING JACK, SQUAT.

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, PDS, 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; see DUTY, BILLET, BERTH, POST, ON STATION, TO&E, OSUT, CADRE, STAFF, PERMANENT PARTY, SHIP'S COMPLEMENT, HARDSHIP TOUR, BUMFUCK. Also, Personal Defense Specialist for "executive protection"; see BODYGUARD.

PDT :

Cmd Para Tm

Parachute Demonstration Team, as used for public ceremonies, 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, KUM BA YAH, WE SHALL OVERCOME, PROTESTOR, NEW MOBE, FIFTH COLUMN, YIPPIE, APOCALYPSE, BOMB 'EM BACK TO THE STONE AGE, WAR. [v: Diplomatic Terms] [v: 1928 Kellogg-Briand Pact (General Treaty for the Renunciation of War)] [nb: the Yasukuni [meaning "peaceful country"] shrine, dedicated in 1869 to the remembrance of Japan's honorable military dead in battle and in recognition of their dutiful loyalty, has become a national "peace" monument since the atomic bombings that concluded WWII] 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. [v: belle époque ("beautiful epoch")] [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.

PEACETIME :

a time period, interval or span, that's free from WAR.

PEACETIMER :

informal reference for a member of the Armed Forces whose entire term of active duty service occurred when the nation was not engaged in WAR; duty assignments during these interwar periods are relatively safe and generally agreeable ... because discipline is lax and training is pro forma during these intervals, the most onerous part of this DUTY is finding enough work to do to keep the troops out of trouble! Compare VET, VETERAN.

PEACOAT / PEA COAT :

see PEA JACKET.

PEACOCK :

designation for Pleiku CRP

PEA JACKET :

a double-breasted short coat of navy-blue wool that's worn by seamen; as derived from a coat made of coarse woolen cloth (pijekkat). See BLUE JACKET.

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.

PEANUT GALLERY :

slang for those gawkers and talkers who are not directly involved in combat operations, but always have an opinion about what should be (or should have been) done; an Americanism that refers to the cheapest and most remote seats in a theater or circus. See CLERKS 'n' JERKS, REMF, CANDY-ASS, ACETATE COMMANDO, TOCROACH, FOBBIT, CHAIRBORNE, CHECK IT OUT, HAIRY EYEBALL, DOUBLE-O, EYE-BALL, STACKING SWIVEL, VULTURE'S ROW.

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, TOOTH FAIRY.

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, calash, growler, runabout, palanquin/palankeen, jiao, gama, sedan chair]. Compare RICKSHA, CYCLO, LITTER, HACK, RICE-BURNER. [v: Japanese takushii (taxi)]

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 BINOS, GLASS, 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, CHAIR FORCE, BEAN-COUNTER, TAP-DANCER, DOG ROBBER, PUKE, RAPPORTEUR, MILICRAT, ORIFICE, RED TAPE, GO TO GUY, 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, POG, 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 also 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 is 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] [nb: "With all our technology, we should never forget that soldiering is first and foremost an outdoor sport." by David Petraeus (2009)]

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. Also, the U.S. Army Program Executive Office; see PEO-STRI.

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!

PEO-STRI :

U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, a training system materiel developer for the Army which is responsible for coordinating the commonality and interoperability of war fighting technologies employed by joint forces; it models system priorities and requirements so as to develop solution standards and acquisition architectures.

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, OUTWORK, STOCKADE, LAAGER, FOB, FSB, SPIKE, NDP, RON, COLD CAMP, BASE CAMP, COMPOUND, RANGE CARD, FRESNEL UNITS. [v: Military Earthworks Terms]

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, GLASS. [nb: during WWII, dentists not only repaired teeth but also made prosthetic eyes and polished the objective lens on submarine periscopes]

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, BILLET, PDS, HOMESTEADER, CHAIRBORNE. [nb: despite designation, such duty was not considered to be "endless fun"!]

PERSCOM :

U.S. Army Personnel Command, since redesignated as the Human Resources Command (HRC); 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 comprising 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, 72 VIRGINS DATING SERVICE; see THE MED, THE GULF, FIVE SEAS, POND, FLOAT.

PERSONAL EFFECTS :

all moveable property that's privately owned by an individual, being any kind of personal property (or interest therein) except real property, federal documents, or government property. See SPOILS OF WAR, SOUVENIR, HARD TIMES TOKEN, SHORT SNORTER, CHALLENGE COIN, POWER WALL, SAFE ROOM, EARRING, BRACELET, NOK, KIA, DOW, GRAVES REGISTRATION, MORTUARY AFFAIRS.

PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON :

see PLB, LOCATOR BEACON, RADIO.

PERSONNEL :

the aggregate of variously skilled persons employed to make an organization function; a subsection of administration (ADMIN, S-1/G-1/J-1), it later became "human resources", and is sometimes called "social engineering". 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, GIG LINE.

PETER PILOT :

co-pilot; the lower-ranking and less-experienced PILOT in an airplane. Compare WING MAN; see IP, CHECK RIDE, UP CHECK, PILOT.

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 AVGAS (refined kerosene), diesel, or gasoline. See POL, JP, MOGAS, JUICE, HOT-FUELING, TOP-OFF, FUEL LADDER, BLIVET, BLADDER, POD, JERRY CAN, DONKEY DICK, 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]

PETTICOAT COMMAND :

the influencing (or in some cases, actually making) of decisions by the commander's spouse that affect unit personnel and effect military actions, without the necessary training or experience, warrant or authority, as by an unvetted adviser or silent partner in putative "co-command"; from the fashion of women wearing decoratively ruffled (furbelow) underskirts. Although the privilege of spousal access was flagrantly abused by some arrogant wives before the era of women's suffrage, such undue influence was seemingly "justified" by their disenfranchisement, but this misconduct has since persisted in the military realm, as well as the political and professional, making sexuality a trump over merit. "Pillow talk" with a trusted intimate is always a solace to burdened leaders, but these ambitious and ruthless wives are dedicated to advancing their husband's careers (if not their reputations), so cunningly abuse these privileged confidences to advance an agenda. This inflationary and self-aggrandizing usurpation, apparently coined to characterize the conduct of Lizinka Brown, who completely controlled access to her husband (Confederate LTG Richard S. "Old Bald Head" Ewell), is also known as "officer's wife syndrome". See DRAG, OFFICER'S WIFE, COW, RING THE BELL, THE MOTHER-IN-LAW OF THE ARMY, DISTAFF, SKIRT. [cf: professional widow] [v: John C. "The Pathfinder" Frémont's "Jessie's Scouts" were named after Jessie Benton Frémont, his wife and the daughter of Thomas Hart "Old Bullion" Benton]

PF :

Popular Forces of South Vietnam, recruited and trained security troops employed, as SQUADS and PLATOONS, within their local villages and hamlets, and directed by village or district chiefs; see RF, RF/PF, PRU, PSDF. [nb: Vietnamese term: Nghia Quan]

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 of a single chevron with one rocker 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. [nb: in his infinite wisdom, President Lyndon B. Johnson mandated that no one below the rank of PFC would be killed in Vietnam, so regardless of ability or time in service, all PVTs were promoted upon arrival IN-COUNTRY ... just in case they got wasted on their first day; it's interesting that the genius of this management policy was not introduced earlier, since those pitiful old EMs, many of whom went through battle after battle without promotion (or even pay in some cases!), would have surely welcomed meaningless inflation in RANKs as much as modern troops]

PFT :

Physical Fitness Training; see PT, DAILY DOZEN, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, TRUSCOTT TROT, FRONT LEANING REST, JUMPING JACK, SQUAT, BIATHLON, TRIATHLON, PENTATHLON, DECATHLON, MARATHON, BY THE NUMBERS, FIELD HOUSE, PT'S, GO-FASTERS, PT SHOWER, WAR GAMES. Also, Physical Fitness Test, being the monthly exam that replaced the annual Physical Competency and Proficiency Test (PCPT); also known as Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT).

PGM :

Precision Guided Missile, such as Thor (PGM-17A), Jupiter (PGM-19A), and the like; see MISSILE. Also, Precision Guided Munition, a generic reference to SMART BOMB, JDAM, LGB, PAVEWAY, and any other weapon that can be steered onto its TARGET.

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 nonexistent 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" (TROJAN HORSE) 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 Dutch built Wall Street (1652-98) as a defense against the British in New York] [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 INSURRECTION :

an ancillary COUNTER-GUERRILLA campaign (1899-1902) of the SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR; see BANANA WARS.

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 :

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", as used in both the KOREAN WAR and VIETNAM WAR. See NAPALM, ZIPPO. [v: pyromachy]

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.

PIB :

Parachute Infantry Brigade, such as 509th PIB, 542nd PIB, 555th PIB, etc; compare PIR, RCT; see BDE, RGT, AIRBORNE, PARACHUTE.

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, BOMBSIGHT.

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, THE GARAGE, 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), BAMBOO ENGLISH, GOOKANESE, POLYGLOT, 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.

PIGBOAT :

informal designation for an early gasoline or diesel powered SUBMARINE, so called because of the way it wallowed when on the surface; the dolphin is nicknamed the "sea pig". See GUPPY, BOOMER.

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, BAMBOO ENGLISH, CREOLE, VERNACULAR.

PIG LOOKING AT A WRISTWATCH :

this phrase denotes someone exhibiting a dumbfounded facial expression, but in a more profound sense, such bewilderment implies ignorance or incompetence, as when a supervisor (LDR) doesn't know what to do. [v: Peter Principle]

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 or factory-made smoke; also called a "roll-up", and known as a "rollie" by AUSSIE and KIWI troops; see GASPER, BUTT, FAG, SOLDIER'S BREAKFAST, FIELD STRIP, POLICE CALL, BUTT CAN, STICK, GRASS, CAN SA, HAY. [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: during the Nazi siege of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War (WWII), ersatz cigarettes that substituted leaves and other foliage for tobacco were called "autumn lights"] [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 counterculture; 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.

PILLAGE :

to ruthlessly take goods or valuables by open violence, as in war; to take as loot, booty, or spoils; PLUNDER. See SPOILS OF WAR, HAVOC, RANSACK, SOUVENIR, ROMAN HOLIDAY.

PILLBOX :

a small or compact fortification, similar to a BUNKER, housing machineguns (MG), antiaircraft (AA), or anti-TANK (AT) weapons. Compare BRIDGEHEAD, SENTRY BOX, CASEMATE, STRONGPOINT, BLOCKHOUSE. [v: Military Earthworks Terms]

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, WING MAN, 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, BLACK WINGS, TRASH, BUSH PILOT, GROUNDED. [nb: Vietnamese term: Phi Cong, Phi Hanh Gia] [v: An Aerobatics and Aviation Lexicon] [nb: a BULLETPROOF pilot's braggadocio is often expressed as "big sky, little bullet"; v: GOLDEN BB] 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 :

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 JOCKEY :

Naval slang for a SONAR operator; also known as EARS; the United States Navy awards the "Integrated Undersea Surveillance System Badge" to those sailors who are qualified in SONAR operation and warfare. See ASDIC, SOSUS, UQC, UWT, GERTRUDE, SUBMARINE.

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 PALACE :

slang for the headquarters of the joint task force at Guantanamo, as derived from the color of the stucco applied to this building; this JTF command HQ interacts with service and specialty compounds, such as Camp America, Camp Justice, Camp Delta, Camp Echo, Camp X-ray, Camp Iguana, and the like, which are colocated on this military installation. GITMO is also known as THE ROCK, and is commonly called the "Pearl Harbor of the Atlantic". See CACTUS CURTAIN; compare PUZZLE PALACE, MADHOUSE.

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, MOONLIGHT. [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, daybreak, nightfall, dawn, false dawn, dusk, first light, first dark, last light, civil twilight, astronomical twilight, airglow; 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. [nb: civilians pronounce 'covert' as "kuv-uhrt", while the MIL-SPEAK pronunciation is "ko-vuhrt", by analogy with 'overt'; cf: adviser versus ADVISOR]

PIN-UP :

Vargas 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, LOCATOR BEACON.

PIR :

Parachute Infantry Regiment, such as 506th PIR, 501st PIR, 513rd PIR, 551st PIR, etc; see RCT, RGT, AIRBORNE, PARACHUTE. Also, Priority Intelligence Requirements, being those for which a commander has an anticipated and stated priority in his task of planning and decision making; see CCIR, IR, MI, INTEL. Also, 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 at the same time.

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.

PISO'S JUSTICE :

to fulfill the letter but not the spirit of the law; that is, to be verbally right but morally wrong. According to Lucius Annaeus Seneca, a man was condemned to death for murder on circumstantial evidence by Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, a Roman consul and censor, but at the moment of execution, the alleged victim appeared, so the centurion stayed the act, bringing the prisoner and his purported victim before Piso for disposition. Pronouncing "Let justice be done." (Fiat justitia.), Piso condemned all three to death ... the convict because he'd already been sentenced, the centurion because he'd disobeyed orders, and the man believed to have been murdered because he'd caused the death of two innocent men. [nb: also cited as: Fiat justitia ruat caelum.] [nb: "the law, which cannot reason nor make exceptions, must be changed to conform with common sense" by Charles Dickens, "Oliver Twist" (1837-9)]

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. [v: fanfaronade] [v: "chest bump", being a short-lived fad between the Vietnam-era and the Gulf-era where MACHO males expressed their solidarity and camaraderie by jumping at each other so as to slam their chests together ... requiring a modicum of coordination and strength, this theatrical gesture probably dissipated with the occurrence of 'nose bumps' and the onset of potbellies; nb: not to be confused with the MACHO contest commonly known as "Texas Chest Slapping", wherein two men (typically drunk) stand facing within arm's length of one another, alternately exchanging open-handed slaps to each other's chest in a DUEL to determine who will forfeit (alpha male) primacy by being made to stagger or fall from his position]

PISS TUBE :

(forthcoming); see HONEY BUCKET, LATRINE, HEAD, BLUE CANOE, HEAD CALL, COMFORT STATION, WATERWORKS.

PISTOL :

a short-barreled compact firearm, generally inaccurate at ranges beyond 50m, that's 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; also known as "handgun" or "bean-shooter", "gat" or "iron", "heater" or "rod", "Roscoe" or "barker"; including M-1911A1 .45cal; M-9 9mm; ZIP GUN; DEER GUN; LIBERATOR; GYROJET; ; . See MAGAZINE, MUZZLE, KICK, FIREPOWER, SILENCER, PISTOL GRIP, TUPPERWARE, JOHN WAYNE RIFLE, ZERO, OFFHAND; compare RIFLE, SMG, MG, BLOOPER, SAW, STONER. [nb: Vietnamese term: sung luc] [nb: although 'pistol' is the generic term for all one-handed SMALL ARMS, whether single shot or repeater, it also differentiates the class of semiautomatics (autoloading by removable magazines) from revolvers (rotating cylindrical magazine)] [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.

PISTOL GRIP :

M-24 sniper rifle

the grip or handle of a handgun, which houses the MAGAZINE on most semiautomatics. Also, a protrusion from the buttstock or fore-end of a shoulder-operated weapon that resembles the grip or handle of a handgun, and is used to help secure and stabilize it when firing. [nb: in an effort to reduce weight, increase strength, and eliminate snags during maneuver, some rifle designs are incorporating the pistol grip into the buttstock by simply inletting a thumb hole]

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, empanada, calzone, piroshki, knish]; 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, FRONTAL ASSAULT, BATTLE, BATTLEFIELD, LAW OF AVERAGES. Also, any intense battle conducted at close quarters.

PITCH-POLE :

a vessel capsizing lengthwise, due to waves cresting higher than the keel length; see FOUNDER.

PITFALL :

a lightly covered and camouflaged hole, usually positioned singly with one or more sharpened stakes in the bottom, that's prepared as a trap for people or animals; see TIGER TRAP, TROU-DE-LOUP, BOOBY-TRAP. Also, any danger or harm for the unwary.

PITH HELMET :

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 lineage 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.

PL :

abbreviation for Platoon Leader; see PLT LDR, PLT.

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, as well as the regular communist Chinese army during the KOREAN WAR.

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.

THE PLAN :

the operations plan (OPLAN) or COURSE OF ACTION that's prepared by the planning staff (v: J-CODES) under the guidance and direction of the commander (CO); leaders are taught to: "plan the fight, then fight the plan", but no operations plan ever survives intact after the initial enemy contact! See CAPABILITY, OPN, FIELD EXPEDIENT, RUN IT UP THE FLAGPOLE, EYE-CHECK, HOUSE OF CARDS, RAIN ON PARADE, CONFUSION, MIND CANDY, WHITE ELEPHANT, DANCE CARD, ELEPHANT DANCE, ABSTRACTION; compare PLAN B. [nb: it's a Murphy Law of Combat that: "Plans made in calm assessment do not work in crisis."; "Flawless plans for critical assignments will develop unexpected problems in transition, and become unworkable in execution."; "Planning and preparing for the worst situation doesn't mean that it won't still happen anyway!"; "Being smart enough to think of a plan, stupid enough to try it, and lucky enough to survive isn't a warrant, testament, or recommendation of achievement."] [nb: "God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." I Corinthians 1:27]

PLAN B :

the alternate or contingent scheme that is spontaneously improvised when the primary schedule (Plan A) fails. Compare THE PLAN; see FIELD EXPEDIENT, RUN IT UP THE FLAGPOLE, WIGGLE ROOM, SEAT OF THE PANTS, HOUSE OF CARDS, WHITE ELEPHANT, WANGLE, RAIN ON PARADE, UNODIR, CONFUSION, MIND CANDY. [nb: "Before a war begins, the plans read like astronomy, but afterwards, like astrology." by Rebecca West (Cicily Isabel Fairfield Andrews); "The 'unthinkable' is only "unthinkable" if you're not thinking!"]

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, MOUNTAIN, POW.

PLASTIC BUG :

slang nickname for the McDonnell-Douglas / Boeing F/A-18 USN fighter attack aircraft, designated the HORNET, being a single PILOT jet with a very low maintenance schedule, making it more reliable than other combat airplanes; compare SUPER HORNET, GROWLER, see BIRD.

PLASTIC EXPLOSIVE :

a stable explosive compound that is malleable at normal temperatures, such as C-4 or RDX; see CHARGE, DEMO, EXPLOSIVE.

PLATOON :

see PLT.

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.

PLAY CHARLEMAGNE :

an idiomatic expression meaning "no second chance" or "no replay", based upon the fact that Charlemagne always retained the fruits of his victories; compare RED FLAG, BLACK FLAG. [nb: the so-called "Jolly Roger", featuring a skull with crossed bones on a black field, that was purportedly flown by pirates, as a declaration of "no quarter" and "non-alliance", originated as the "Jolie Rouge", a plain red flag] [nb: baucans (or bauccedillian) was a plain red streamer, flown from a ship's masthead, signifying that "no quarter" would be given; which antedates the "flag of defiance" or "colors of defiance", also known as the "bloody flag", a practice abandoned after 1800]

PLAY DEAD :

to feign death, or to playact the corpse, being imitative behavior enabling survival for escape (E&E) or SABOTAGE; probably originated as conduct patterned on animal hypnosis (ie: defensive immobility) but later adopted by dedicated combatants as a deliberate ploy for DECEPTION. See JAPE, TERRORIST, DOUBLE TAP, CAT AND MOUSE, FALL GUY, COUP DE GRACE. [cf: catatonia, catalonia, catalepsy, narcolepsy]

PLAYING CARDS :

well armed joker in the
Non-Violent Politically-Correct War playing card deck by
University Games

war joker

see DEATH CARD, KNOCK THEIR SPOTS OFF, KISS THE MISTRESS, TURN THE JACK, WAR GAMES, PLAY THE GAME, BATRACHOMYOMACHIA, 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: "Square Deal", ""Fair Deal", "plain deal", and "New Deal" are political slogans that refer to a shuffle or hand of playing cards; "Statesmen are gamesters, and the people are the cards they play with ... the way they cut and shuffle is a surprise to all beginners." by Colonel David ("Davy") Crockett ("Life of Martin Van Buren" 1835)] [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); pinochle (bezique) and slapjack (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] [nb: "But cards are war, in disguise of a sport." by Charles Lamb (1820-23); "A man's idea in a card game is war -- cruel, devastating and pitiless. A lady's idea of it is a combination of larceny, embezzlement and burglary." by Finley Peter Dunne (1919)]

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, BATRACHOMYOMACHIA, 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.

PLB :

Personal Locator Beacon, being an emergency radio locator beacon with a two-way speech facility that's carried by aircraft crewmembers, either on their person or in their survival equipment, and capable of providing homing signals to assist search and rescue (SAR) operations. See LOCATOR BEACON, RADIO.

PLF :

Parachute Landing Fall, being a tumbling method of controlled impact upon six points of the body to enable the PARATROOPER to avoid injury when landing on the ground after a PARACHUTE jump. See LET-DOWN ROPE, FOURTH POINT OF CONTACT. [cf: water landing, tree landing] [v: Parachuting Terms, and Parachuting History]

PLGR :

Precision Global Positioning System Receiver; see VIPER.

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.

PLOT :

to determine by means of measurements or coordinates, and to mark on a MAP or CHART, a graphic plan or transparent overlay, the resultant course of a vessel or aircraft. Also, the place, located on or near the BRIDGE, that's used for performing such calculations; also called "nav plot"; compare CHART TABLE, see NAVIGATION.

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. [nb: Vietnamese term: Trung Doi (platoon)]

PLT LDR :

the officer commanding a platoon, typically allocated to a lieutenant (2LT/O-1, 1LT/O-2) who is generally stereotyped as either pathetically ignorant or monumentally arrogant, or both by turns, but always disdained (or ignored) by the LIFERs above and below him. An officer at this level has more opportunity to practice and exercise MIL-CRAFTs, and more direct contact with troops (friendly and enemy) than any other officer in the military ... and many senior officers are jealous of these perquisites, reminiscing over former prowess. It is arguably the most important, demanding and fulfilling leadership position in the military! Vietnamese term: Trung Doi Truong. See SHAVETAIL, BUTTER BAR, BROWN BAR, LOOEY, MUSTANG, OLD MAN, LINE OFFICER, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN, COMMAND RATIO, GREEN TAB, LDR.

PLT SGT :

the non-commissioned officer (NCO) in charge of a platoon, typically allocated to a Sergeant First Class (SFC/E-7) who is generally stereotyped as "Old Sarge", mentoring his troops and guiding his less experienced officer ... it is arguably the most important, demanding and fulfilling job in the military! See SARGE, RIGHT ARM, PATRON SAINT, RABBI, SEA DADDY, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN, COMMAND RATIO, GREEN TAB, LDR.

PLUNDER :

to ruthlessly take goods or valuables by open violence, as in war; see SPOILS OF WAR, HAVOC, RANSACK, SOUVENIR, ROMAN HOLIDAY. Also, that which is taken by PILLAGE or plundering; loot, booty, or spoils.

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.

PMAG :

Provisional Military Advisory Group, constituted on 15 August 1948 to provide training and logistical support to the Korean constabulary, which was upgraded to the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA); PMAG became the Korean Military Advisory Group (KMAG) as part of the U.S. Mission of the State Department on 1 July 1949.

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. Also, by extension, any unwanted or unwelcome person; see DUD, PUKE, FUCK-UP, LOOSE CANNON, SHIT MAGNET, DOUCHE BAG, FIELD REJECT, THE SILENCE. Also, an unofficial acronym for "People [who are] Not Grunts", which is used to disparage noncombatant service or support personnel; see POG, CLERKS 'n' JERKS, REMF, TOCROACH, FOBBIT.

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 :

MIL-K-818D

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 or HARDPOINT mounted DROP-TANK; see ENDURANCE, PETROL, POL. Also, a rubberized 500-gallon container, also called "seal bin"; compare BLADDER, BLIVET, JERRY CAN. 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.

POG :

an unofficial acronym for Permanently On the Ground, as used by aircrew for any MIL-PERS who serve in a job (MOS) that has nothing to do with aviation, airlift, airmobility, or aircraft; this expression is used in the same discriminating way as LEG for anyone not AIRBORNE qualified. Compare GROUND HOG, PENGUIN, WING WIPER, GROUND POUNDER, GROUNDED. Also, an unofficial acronym used disparagingly to denote "People Other than Grunts", being the modern equivalent of Rear Echelon/Area MotherFucker (REMF/RAMF), those necessary noncombatant service personnel who support field operations; see CLERKS 'n' JERKS, FOBBIT, TOCROACH; compare PNG, GRUNT. [nb: although spelled differently and with a different meaning, POG is generally pronounced like POGUE, which lends some confusion about interpreting its intent]

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 SHORT ARM, CU, 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 foodstuff, especially candy or snacks or other "junk food"; as derived from any homosexual enticement, also spelled "poagy bait" or "pogie bait". See GEDUNK, RAT BAIT, JAWBREAKER, SINKER, 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, MIL-CRAFT, PRESTRESS, OJT, KISS, COUNTERINTUITIVE, IA, CHARM SCHOOL, COC, RATING, TICKET, 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, MONEY SHOT, AIMPOINT, DEFLECTION, SPOTTER, FFE, TOT, IMPACT AREA, ZONE OF FIRE, KILL ZONE.

POINT OF NO RETURN :

the critical point of irrevocable commitment in an undertaking or process, course of action or policy, when reverse or retraction is impossible; by analogy to the point in a flight when there isn't enough fuel for the airplane to return to its point of departure, and must proceed to its destination. See FAIL-SAFE, BINGO, JOKER.

POISON IVY :

4th Inf Div

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".

POJANGMACHA :

during the KOREAN WAR, a street vendor selling snack foods or a peddler offering other wares; see CHEAP CHARLIE, SLICKY BOY, COWBOY, BANDIT, HAJJI SHOP, JINGLE TRUCK, CYCLO, SLOP CHEST. [nb: because markets, fairs, and shops are political extensions, most dispossessed or disenfranchised traders operate portable businesses; unlike the agora, the marketplace originated as a secure location for the sale of particular goods or produce at specified times and prices under governmental regulation]

POL :

Petroleum - Oil - Lubricants, the essential components of a military "gas station"; see PETROL, JP, AVGAS, MOGAS, JUICE, CHERRY JUICE, TOP-OFF, HOT-FUELING, BLIVET, BLADDER, POD, JERRY CAN, FUEL LADDER, DONKEY DICK, 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] [nb: created in 1953 by technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company, Water Displacement formula #40 (WD-40) originated from a search for a rust preventative compound and degreasing solvent that would protect missile parts; made from 'fish oil', WD-40 has been bought in bulk by defense contractors to protect military products]

POLICE :

Army MP

USMC MP

cleaning the living and working areas of a military post, camp, or BASE; see KP, SWEAT, SCRUB, ELBOW GREASE, FATIGUE, POLICE CALL, HOUSECLEANING. 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, BATS 'n' HATS, WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' BADGES, 10-CODES, FPS, SENTRY, GUARDHOUSE, STOCKADE, CROSSBAR HOTEL, HOT HOUSE, BRIG, THE CASTLE, LBJ, CHL, DEADLOCK, TANK, CLUB FED, DEAD-TIME, TWIST IN THE WIND, DRUMHEAD, PISO'S JUSTICE, OFFICE HOURS, CAPTAIN'S MAST, ROCKS 'n' SHOALS, BLUE BOOK, UCMJ, POSSE COMITATUS, BAT MAN. [v: UCMJ Punitive Articles] [aka: police, policeman, police officer, peace officer, sheriff, shrieve, bailie, bailiff, beadle, reeve, tipstaff, catchpole, marshal, lawman, patrolman, cop, bluecoat, copper, pig, porker, hog, bacon, 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] [v: bailiwick] [nb: the International Criminal Police Commission, serving more than 100 cooperating countries, became the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) in 1923] [nb: a multi-generational lineage of police service is expressed by "tin in the blood", "tin blood", and "silver blood"; cf: GREEN BLOOD]

POLICE ACTION :

the official designation for the KOREAN WAR; see LIMITED WAR, CONFLICT, PROXY WAR, SHOOTING WAR. [nb: "The action this government is taking is a police action against a violator of the law of nations and the Charter of the United Nations." by William F. Knowland; "This was a police action, a limited war, whatever you want to call it, to stop aggression and to prevent a big war." by Harry S. Truman]

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, BUTT CAN, GI PARTY, SQUARED AWAY, SHIPSHAPE, FOD, KP, SWEAT, SCRUB, ELBOW GREASE.

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, THE HILL, GREEN ACRES, OLYMPUS, FOGGY BOTTOM, THE G, WASHINGTON WALTZ, RED TAPE, THE EAGLE SHITS, CZAR, 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; "Exuding boundless self-confidence, politicians are convinced that they can persuade anyone if they could only talk long enough, so they will say anything that will achieve their desired effect, regardless of its merit or result." paraphrase of D.W. Buffa; "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; "The people have always some champion whom they set over themselves and nurse into greatness. When he first appears he is a protector; this is the root from which a tyrant springs." paraphrase of Plato; "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, Tao Te Ching]

POLITICS :

the principles and practices of conducting public affairs; the methods and manipulations of societal administration; the art of government; that constitutionally mandated segment which is responsible for utilizing the military in the national interest. [nb: "Man is by nature a political animal." by Aristotle; "The human being is in the most literal sense a political animal, not merely a gregarious animal, but an animal which can individuate itself only in the midst of society." by Karl Marx; "Politics is not the art of the possible, It consists in choosing between the disastrous and the unpalatable." by John Kenneth Galbraith; "In politics, it seems, retreat is honorable if dictated by military considerations and shameful if even suggested for ethical reasons." by Mary McCarthy; "War is regarded as nothing but the continuation of politics by other means." by Karl von Clausewitz; "The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary." by H.L. Mencken; "To rely upon conviction, devotion, and other excellent spiritual qualities -- that is not to be taken seriously in politics." by Vladimir Ilyich Lenin; "Politics is war without bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed." by Mao Tse-tung (Mao Zedong); "In politics, yesterday's lie is attacked only to flatter today's." by Jean Rostand; "In our time, political speech and writing are largely the defence of the indefensible." by George Orwell (Eric Arthur Blair)] [v: Maurice Duverger's law of electoral systems]

POLITROOPER :

a neologism coined for the elite PALACE GUARD or "Praetorian guard" that's highly trained but never relieved from executive protection long enough to actually employ those talents on military operations; probably derived by association with PARATROOPER. Compare PROVOST GUARD.

POLLYWOG :

any novice sailor, especially someone who has not "crossed the line" (equator) aboard ship, also spelled "polliwog", "pollywag"; see SHELLBACK, CHUM, NUGGET, DRYBACK; 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 BAMBOO ENGLISH, 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, BLUE WATER.

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" (bateau/batteau), 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/batteau), a flat-bottomed BOAT, and such "floating bridges" were 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 JOLLY GREEN GIANT 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, CAMPAIGN HAT, SPUR RIDE, ORDER OF THE SPUR, STIRRUP CUP, YELLOW RIBBON.

POODLE SHOOTER :

catch-phrase for the class of military carbines (CAR) and RIFLEs (from XM-177E2 and M-4 to AR-15 and M-16A4) that fire the NATO-standard 5.56mm/.223cal ammunition (AMMO), which many professionals deem suitable only for varmint and other small animal shooting ... with the miniature or toy poodle being considered a representative specimen of targetable game. See WIDOW MAKER, BLACK MAGIC, TUPPERWARE, OVER 'n' UNDER, ACTIV, UP-GUN.

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, slang for feces, excrement, scat, doo-doo, crap, puckey, turd, SHIT, or DUMP, as to defecate, or that which is defecated. 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 is flying in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC); compare VFR, VOR, VECTOR.

POP SMOKE :

smoke grenade

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 SOUP CAN, MIGHTY MITE, SMOKY BEAR, GRENADE, WATCH MY SMOKE, BRING SMOKE.

PORK BARREL :

a government appropriation derived from earmarked bills or riders 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, JUICE, CANDY, GOLDEN SHOWER, MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX, YANKEE, GSA, GAO, THE EAGLE SHITS, SAND CRAB, BELTWAY BANDIT, BELTWAY CLERK.

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 DEADLIGHT, 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, POLICE, RIOT ACT, WAR POWERS ACT, ROE, UCMJ, LAWS OF WAR, TREASON, SILENT MAJORITY, NEW WORLD ORDER, APOCALYPSE, ANTI-TERRORISM, IRREGULARS, UW, WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' BADGES. [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 :

seal of the President of the
United States

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, GREEN ACRES, MANDARIN, POLITICIAN. [nb: during the Clinton administration, the First Lady acquired the matching designation "FLOTUS" from the Secret Service (USSS), which is perhaps a mocking acknowledgement of the first overtly titular "co-presidency"]

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", being a military servicemember who has been captured and held by an enemy during war. Prisoners of war were either executed or enslaved before the medieval era, whence ransom was selectively introduced; however the humane holding, exchange and parole of captives began with the AMERICAN REVOLUTION. When neither Union nor Confederate governments could agree on the status and disposition of noncombatants, a CSA surgeon named Hunter Holmes McGuire established a policy of unilateral repatriation of medical staff, which was codified two years later by federal regulations, protecting physicians, nurses, sutlers, and civilians in the combat zone. Following the tenets of Montesquieu, Rousseau, and deVattel, the first systematic regulations on the treatment of prisoners of war were drawn up by Francis Lieber during the American CIVIL WAR. The first international convention on the treatment of prisoners of war was signed at the Hague Peace Conference of 1899; widened by the Hague Convention of 1907, and after proposals by the International Red Cross, the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War was signed in 1929 by 47 governments. The maltreatment of prisoners of war that constituted an important part of the WAR CRIMEs indictments after WWII showed that the 1929 Convention required revision on many points, so a supplement was signed at Geneva in 1949, and was subsequently ratified by almost all nations. The governments of North and South Vietnam, parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention, were charged with violating its terms in the VIETNAM WAR -- the North by not permitting full reporting, correspondence, and neutral inspection, and the South by torturing captives and placing them in inhumane prisons. Despite the Geneva Accords, North Vietnam (DRV) refused to treat captured allied military personnel as legitimate "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. See EPW, TIGER CAGE, GULAG, REEDUCATION, CONCENTRATION CAMP, E&E, SERE, SAR, CIA, SAFE, BLOOD CHIT, POINTIE TALKIE, HOME RUN, CODE OF CONDUCT, BRAINWASHING, BASHING, ROPE TRICK, PLAYING THE XYLOPHONE, TORTURE, PRISON PSYCHOSIS, GENEVA CONVENTION, HAGUE TRIBUNAL, LAWS OF WAR, PRISON FEVER, TAP CODE, HOMECOMING, MIA, POW MEDAL, POW-MIA DAY, YELLOW RIBBON. [nb: Vietnamese term: Tu Binh] [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] [nb: according to the international LAWS OF WAR, a civilian compelled to act as a military porter by transporting weapons or munitions and materiel becomes a bona-fide combatant, subject to treatment as a de-facto soldier, and forfeits the protection of civilian noncombatant status; international law includes rules on the treatment of prisoners of war, but only extends protection to combatants, excluding any civilians who engage in hostilities, and those unconventional forces that do not observe restrictions for combatants] [nb: the forgotten and emaciated POWs in the Philippines during WWII referred to themselves as "ghost soldiers" (eg: ghost soldiers of Bataan)]

POW CAMP :

a government installation established for the internment and administration of military prisoners of war; the treatment of POW captives is regulated by Hague Conventions and Geneva Accords. POW CAMPs are usually too short lived to develop the subculture indicative of long term military or civilian prisons, but are a social subset (except in the rare case of total isolation in solitary confinement) of their parent society: the military culture, including moral judgement, unofficial leadership, and underground economy [nb: cigarettes have been widely used as money in POW CAMPs due to their limited availability, easy portability, and ready divisibility]. Prisoners of war were either executed or enslaved before the medieval era, whence ransom was selectively introduced; however the humane holding, exchange and parole of captives began with the AMERICAN REVOLUTION. When neither Union nor Confederate governments could agree on the status and disposition of noncombatants, a CSA surgeon named Hunter Holmes McGuire established a policy of unilateral repatriation of medical staff, which was codified two years later by federal regulations, protecting physicians, nurses, sutlers, and civilians in the combat zone. Following the tenets of Montesquieu, Rousseau, and deVattel, the first systematic regulations on the treatment of prisoners of war were drawn up by Francis Lieber during the American CIVIL WAR. The first international convention on the treatment of prisoners of war was signed at the Hague Peace Conference of 1899; widened by the Hague Convention of 1907, and after proposals by the International Red Cross, the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War was signed in 1929 by 47 governments. The maltreatment of prisoners of war that constituted an important part of the WAR CRIMEs indictments after WWII showed that the 1929 Convention required revision on many points, so a supplement was signed at Geneva in 1949, and was subsequently ratified by almost all nations. The governments of North and South Vietnam, parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention, were charged with violating its terms in the VIETNAM WAR -- the North by not permitting full reporting, correspondence, and neutral inspection, and the South by torturing captives and placing them in inhumane prisons. POW CAMPs for allies during the KOREAN WAR (1950-53) included: Bean Camp, Camp DeSoto, Pak's Palace Camp, Peace Camp, Pukchin Mining Camp, Death Valley Camp, Suan Mining Camp, Caves Camp / Sunchon Tunnel, Valley Camps, and other numbered sites. Notorious NVN prisons for allies during the VIETNAM WAR (1964-73) include: ALCATRAZ, BRIARPATCH, CITADEL, DIRTY BIRD, DOGPATCH, FARNSWORTH, FAITH, HANOI HILTON, HOPE, MOUNTAIN, PLANTATION, 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 EPW, TIGER CAGE, GULAG, REEDUCATION, CONCENTRATION CAMP, E&E, SERE, SAR, CIA, SAFE, BLOOD CHIT, POINTIE TALKIE, HOME RUN, CODE OF CONDUCT, BRAINWASHING, BASHING, ROPE TRICK, PLAYING THE XYLOPHONE, TORTURE, PRISON PSYCHOSIS, GENEVA CONVENTION, HAGUE TRIBUNAL, LAWS OF WAR, PRISON FEVER, TAP CODE, HOMECOMING, MIA, POW MEDAL, POW-MIA DAY, YELLOW RIBBON. [nb: Vietnamese term: Trai Tu Binh] [nb: an internment camp for political prisoners is not a POW CAMP; neither is a religious or ethnic slave labor camp] [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 "wall of respect", "legacy wall", "ego wall", "bragging 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. [v: fanfaronade]

POW MEDAL :

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, CHATTER, CHIN CHIN, HALF-MAST, EAR-BANG, SUMMIT. [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, REASSURANCE, "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.

PRCT :

Parachute Regimental Combat Team, such as the 517th PRCT; see BDE, RCT, RGT, PIB, PIR, AIRBORNE, PARACHUTE.

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; known as "perve" by AUSSIE and KIWI troops. See FAG, INVERT, DON'T ASK - DON'T TELL, HIPPIE, YIPPIE, 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, MPS, 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.

PRESIDENTIAL DOCTRINE :

a foreign policy mandate representing national interest that was sustained by the executive for decades until changed circumstances compelled its alteration; in the post-WWII era of the "shrinking globe", such FOREIGN POLICY has been more partisan and more of an indication of a president's legacy ... the use of FOREIGN AFFAIRS (enforced by military action) to gain or sustain a political reputation is indicative of America's decline. See CLIENT STATE, GARRISON STATE, NATION BUILDING, WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS, REALPOLITIK, INTERVENTIONISM, CONTAINMENT, ISOLATIONISM, MIGHT MAKES RIGHT, THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS, DIME, MONROE DOCTRINE, ROOSEVELT COROLLARY, GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY, TRUMAN DOCTRINE, MARSHALL PLAN, EISENHOWER DOCTRINE, NIXON DOCTRINE, CARTER DOCTRINE, REAGAN DOCTRINE, CLINTON DOCTRINE, BUSH DOCTRINE.

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.

PRESTRESS :

by analogy to the mechanics of elasticized materials (ie: to apply stress to reinforcement before adding a load), this is a military training method dating from WWII that's intended to engender toughness, emphasizing resilliance and endurance rather than hardness, in troops destined for exposure to combat situations, since it is always better to discover weaknesses before exposure to or immersion in critical incidents; too often mistaken as a license for sadistic harassment or abuse with the goal of "remaking" the trainee into a desensitized "killing machine", instead of reorienting skills and values to a martial purpose for national objectives ... in the modern realm of political-correctness, 'prestress' is now defined as "the anticipation of trauma". See POI, TRNG, COUNTERINTUITIVE, MIL-CRAFT.

PREVERT :

see PREEVERT, INVERT, FAG, DON'T ASK - DON'T TELL.

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, Saint Peter, Lord Upright, Mister Happy, Mister Frisky, schlong, schwanz, pud, putz, pizzle, dauber, tallywhacker, wang, wanker, Johnny jump-up, Johnny on the spot, dick, dickey bird, cock, BIRD, DIPPER, pecker, bipper, zipper snake, pants python, lizard, worm, boy toy, clown, trickster, 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, Simple Simon, dong, dork, dingus, dipstick, crank, shaft, drill, knob, tool, equipment, organ, root, HOSE, pipe, pole, ridgepole, rod, STICK, SPAR, YARDARM, Captain Winkie, 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."

PRIMACORD :

trade or brand name for one of the types of detonating fuse currently in use; being a flexible fabric tube containing a high-explosive filler that is used to transmit a detonation to a booster or bursting charge. See DET CORD, EXPLOSIVE.

PRIMARY EXPLOSION :

the detonation of explosive material by an actuator; also called a "primary blast"; an explosion. Compare SECONDARY EXPLOSION, see EXPLOSIVE. [nb: qualifiers, such as primary or tertiary, are only relative to the existence of a secondary explosion; an explosion without a secondary is not primary (albeit singular), and a tertiary is only another secondary]

PRIMARY EXPLOSIVE :

a sensitive explosive that detonates by simple ignition from such means as a spark, impact, friction, or other elementary sources of appropriate magnitude. Also, one of the first elements in an explosive sequence. Compare SECONDARY EXPLOSIVE.

PRIMARY FRAGMENTATION :

fragments produced directly from the contents or casing of an explosive device; compare SECONDARY FRAGMENTATION, see COLLATERAL DAMAGE.

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.

PRIMER :

a unit or package (eg: cap, cylinder, cartridge, etc) of explosives containing a DETONATOR that's used to initiate other explosives or blasting agents; any device used to initiate the functioning of an explosive or igniter train, as actuated by pressure, friction, flow, heat, or electricity, which may include a delay element.

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, LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS, LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES; 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)]

PRISONER'S BASE :

a children's game in which the members of two opposing teams strive to capture each other, and from which imprisonment they can be freed only in specified ways; also called "prison base", "jailbreak", and "freedom". [cf: 'Base Capture'] See CAPTURE THE FLAG, KING OF THE HILL, DUCK ON DRAKE, DUCKS AND DRAKES, TUG OF WAR, RED ROVER, WAR GAMES. [nb: the concept of a goal or home base, a starting or finishing point, from "cause to surrender", originated with this game]

PRISON FEVER :

slang for typhus.

PRISON PSYCHOSIS :

a mental state of confusion or disorientation, transitory or permanent, brought on by the anticipation of imprisonment or by the confinement of incarceration; this condition may progress to catatonia or paranoia.

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. [aka: intellectual, thinker, scholar, pundit, guru, savant, sage, quick-witted, genius, brain, highbrow, big headed, brainiac, longhair, pointy-headed, master, mastermind, expert, virtuoso, rocket scientist, magus, mage, bailiwick]

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 being used to hold 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 the 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, HOOPLA, 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. [nb: in 2009, the UAV operators were granted "flight status" for their remote guidance (ie: "piloting") of these drones while positioned a continent away from the target area, making them eligible for supplemental flight proficiency pay]

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 INITIATION.

PROPELLER :

see SCREW.

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"; v: GOLDEN BB]

PROPRIETARY AIRLINE :

Air America

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 nonexistent substance that a novice or tyro is required to obtain or attend in the same manner as any other SNIPE HUNT objective; compare MERMAID, DRAGON.

PROTECTORATE :

the protective relation of a strong state toward a weaker state that it partly controls; see CLIENT STATE, NATION BUILDING, GARRISON STATE, BUFFER STATE, WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS, GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY, SATELLITE, REALPOLITIK. Also, a state or territory so protected. Also, the office or government of a protector.

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, BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY, HIPPIE, THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME, KUM BA YAH, WE SHALL OVERCOME, 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.

PROVISIONAL :

an individual or unit serving for the time being; not a regular member or organization. Also, tempory, tentative, experimental, or conditional, as being accepted or adopted only for an interim period. Also, an improvised alternative or substitution; see AD HOC, FIELD EXPEDIENT, PLAN B, LEAST RESISTANCE, CROSS-DECKING, COMMANDEER. [nb: "Creativity is doing more with less, while invention is doing something with nothing!"; "We've done so much with so little for so long that soon we'll be able to do everything with nothing instantaneously!"]

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, POLITROOPER, 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, SHARP END, 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, CHARLIE, AFFIRM, FOX, ROGER, WILCO, SOS, MAYDAY, PAN, SECURITE, CODEWORD, INTERCO, CODENAME, CALL-SIGN, RTO, RADIO, TELEPHONE. [nb: "roger"/"wilco" and "over"/"out" are mutually exclusive; "break"/"clear", "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.

PROXY WAR :

a war fought by third party surrogates at the behest of or on behalf of major powers in their attempt to expand global hegemony; the principals participate indirectly by lending advice and support to their agents or deputies in what is characterized as a low-intensity conflict that must not be escalated into a larger war; such a war fought by substitutes or confederates is also referred to as: "Let's you and him fight." See ALLY, CLIENT STATE, INTERVENTIONISM, CONTAINMENT, DIVIDE AND CONQUER, COLD WAR, MAD, WAR.

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 :

patch for the Provincial
Reconnaissance Unit of Phoenix

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, INDIVIDUAL READY RESERVE, RETREAD.

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, MOBI-MAT, MACADAM, GANGWAY, DUCKBOARDS. [cf: laterite road]

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 :

9th Inf Div

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, RUSE DE GUERRE, SWS, SWC&S, MSOS, OOTW, 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, RUSE DE GUERRE, WAR OF NERVES. [nb: Vietnamese term: Chien Tranh Tam Ly (PsyWar Department)] [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, JUMPING JACK, SQUAT, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, OBSTACLE COURSE, BIATHLON, TRIATHLON, PENTATHLON, DECATHLON, MARATHON, BY THE NUMBERS, FIELD HOUSE, PT'S, GO-FASTERS, PT SHOWER, WAR GAMES.

PT BOAT :

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 :

P-51 can opener

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]

PT'S :

(pee-tee's) the Physical Training uniform; formerly consisting of FATIGUE trousers, T-SHIRT, and COMBAT BOOTS, under the (apparently) misguided supposition that a soldier should work in the uniform that he will wear when he's expected to fight, but now consists of a set of silkscreened sweat clothes (track suit) and high-tech running shoes (trainers), which are exchanged for the duty uniform after exercising. See GO-FASTERS, PFT, PT.

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, DISSOCIATION, OBJECTIFICATION, CONVERSION SYMPTOMS, STRESS OF SOUL, BROKEN-WING SYNDROME. [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]

PT SHOWER :

a quick superficial shower bath; a fast wash that removes (or at least dilutes) the dirt and sweat but doesn't cleanse anyone; the wetting down of undressed unit members by running them through the shower room after exercising but without using soap. See PT, PFT, MONKEY BUTT, LATRINE, COMFORT STATION; compare GI SHOWER.

PTT :

Push-To-Talk, or the transmit switch on a microphone or handset of a RADIO; compare HOT MIC, see BREAK SQUELCH.

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. [nb: contrary to popular fiction, fear during enemy contact will temporarily cure (not cause) diarrhea; v: DUMP, TROTS, SQUIRTS]

PUFF :

slang for 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, regurgitate, throw-up, upchuck, barf, hurl, toss cookies, ralph, disgorge, retch, HEAVE, nausea, or mal de mer.

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.

PULL RANK :

(forthcoming); see RANK, RATING, GRADE, PAY-GRADE, BREVET, RELATIVE RANK.

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.

PUMPER :

a severe wound involving arterial or pulmonary veinous bleeding; see WIA, GSW, DOW.

PUNCH-OUT :

slang expression for the emergency abandonment of a disabled aircraft by the PILOT and crew, whether by using an ejection seat (also called "hot seat" or "panic rack") or by exiting (BAILOUT) through HATCHes or other openings; also called "punch Elvis". See NYLON LETDOWN, GUARD, BLINKER, LOCATOR BEACON, SAR, SURVIVAL. Also, a catch-phrase for flee, run away, or make a hasty departure; see RETREAT, RETROGRADE, CHANGING TUNE, BEAT FEET, CUT AND RUN, BAILOUT, DECAMP, PULL PITCH, SCRAM, SPLIT. Also, slang for a knock-down-drag-out fight, slugfest, brawl, affray, brannigan, or the like, as to beat, thrash, or pummel an opponent with the fists; also called "punch-up"; see GROUP HUG, BATTLE ROYAL, KING OF THE HILL, FIGHTING MAD, MASSACRE.

PUNJI STAKE :

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.

PUNK :

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.

PUP :

nickname for a SEAL trainee; compare TADPOLE, FROGMAN, LEG, POLLYWOG, CHUM, NUGGET; see HELL WEEK.

PUP TENT :

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.]

PURPLE FORCE :

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.

PURPLE HEART BATTALION :

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. The slogan of the 442nd RCT was "Go for Broke!", an Americanism they embodied. See LOST BATTALION, MIS.

PURPLE HEART MEDAL / PH :

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]

PURPLE HEART VALLEY :

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.

PURSUIT PLANE :

formerly the designation for an armed airplane designed for speed and maneuverability in fighting enemy aircraft; see BIRD.

PUSH :

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.

PUSH COMES TO SHOVE :

a catch-phrase, expressive of intensity, that identifies when matters have become serious or when circumstances have reached the crucial point where a decision or some action is required; the stage at which things can no longer be postponed.

PUSHING UP DAISIES :

also expressed as "food for worms" (or worm food), "food for fishes" (or fish food), and "feed the fishes" see BITE THE DUST, BUY THE FARM, CHECK OUT, ZAP / ZAPPED, WASTED, KIA, DOW, SOL, BITTER END. [nb: "shuffled off this mortal coil", from the "to be or not to be" soliloquy (Hamlet by William Shakespeare), refers not to cyclical or inevitable death, but to the confused intrigues of life's affairs ... "Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep; To sleep; perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub; For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause...."] [cf: And we are here as on a darkling plain / Swept with confused alarms of struggle and flight, / Where ignorant armies clash by night" by Matthew Arnold, Dover Beach]

PUSH ON :

to proceed, to continue, to CARRY-ON.

PUSH-UP :

an exercise performed from the FRONT LEANING REST position, often directed by the informal command to DROP, "Hit it!", or "push earth". Compare SQUAT, JUMPING JACK; see PAIN.

PUTTEE :

a long strip of cloth worn wrapped around the lower leg of a soldier in uniform; also spelled "putty" or "puttie", as derived from the Hindi word (patti) for bandage. Also, a gaiter or LEGGING of cloth or leather, as worn by soldiers, riders, and other outdoorsmen. See BOONDOCKERS, BROWN SHOE / BOOT, FOOTWEAR.

PUZZLE PALACE :

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 MADHOUSE, PINK PALACE, IVORY TOWER, WHITE WAY, SUICIDE ALLEY, GROUND ZERO; see JCS, HEADQUARTERISM.

PVT :

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.

PVT SNAFU :

(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; v: Situation Normal by Arthur Miller (1944)]

PX :

Post eXchange, same as BX or NEX concession; the sutler's store of general merchandise for military personnel and their dependents. See SLOP CHEST. [cf: vivandière]

PYHOOYA :

(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.

PYRAMID :

designation given to Ban Me Thout CRP

PYRRHIC VICTORY :

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.

PZ :

Pick-up Zone for helicopter cargo loading and assembled troop extraction; see LZ, CLZ, AIRMOBILE, LIFT.

MilTerms
index

S-1:
ADMIN

S-2:
INTEL

S-3:
OPNS

S-4:
QM

S-5:
CA

S-6:
COMMO

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