-
P :
-
abbreviation for Provisional, sometimes cited as "prov"; compare
AD HOC.
-
PAC / PAC TIME :
-
a term attributed to the Vietnamese by American GIs (and other
non-linguists) as pidgin for the midday rest or afternoon nap
that's traditionally taken during the hottest period of the day;
it's properly called 'ngu trua' ("noon sleep") or 'nghi trua'
("noon rest") in Vietnam, and 'yut phak' or 'phak pawn klang wan'
or 'phak tiang' ("midday pause) in Laos and Thailand. See KIP,
COMBAT NAP.
[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, RUNNING DOG, 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);
"Non-combatant: a dead Quaker." by Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce]
-
PACKAGE :
-
indirect term for a captive or prisoner, used most often
in SNATCH operations; see TONGUE, PW; 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.
-
PAC-3 :
-
an improved version of the PATRIOT anti-theater ballistic
missile.
-
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" or "ringbolt". See CLEAT,
CLAMP, HOOKUP, BOLLARD, DEADEYE.
-
PAGODA :
-
a temple or sacred building found throughout the Far East,
usually a pyramidal tower that has upward-curving roofs over each
of the individual stories; as derived from 'dwelling of idols'
[v: stupa; cf: ziggurat]. Also, any of several former gold or
silver coins of southern India, usually bearing the figure of a
pagoda temple, first issued in the late 16th century, then later
by British, French, and Dutch traders in the region; see LEGAL
TENDER.
-
PAIN :
-
physical suffering or other distressing sensation indicative of
severe emotional torment, mental anguish, 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" and reconciled as "the sensation of weakness leaving the
body", relative to his threshold (or limen stimulus). Although
Buddhists perceive suffering as the normal human condition, the
Judeo-Christian ethos seeks either redemption or gratification,
punishment or fulfillment from such undertaking; all finding it
transformative. 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, WHITE-KNUCKLE, BITE THE
BULLET, WALKING GHOST, REFERRED PAIN, PAIN SCALE, SCAR, HARD-ASS,
ONIONS, MOXIE, GUTS, DIEHARD, DROP, PUSH-UP, FRONT LEANING REST,
SQUAT, JUMPING JACK, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, EXERCISE, SHIT LIST,
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, BLANKET PARTY, GI SHOWER, FALL GUY, TS CARD,
BUS TRANSFER, SYMPATHY, CANDY, RANGER CANDY, CHEERIOS, BISCUIT,
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); "Out
of life's school of war: What does not destroy me, makes me
stronger."; "What does not destroy us, we destroy, and it makes
us stronger." by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche; "The person who is
presented with the worst possible ordeal which will not actually
kill him is extremely lucky, since from that point on, he's fully
alive." paraphrase of John Berryman; "There are no gains without
pains." by Benjamin Franklin Poor Richard's Almanack
(1745); "No pain, no palm; no thorns, no throne; no gall, no
glory; no cross, no crown." by William Penn (1669); "Suffering is
but another name for the teaching of experience, which is the
parent of instruction and the schoolmaster of life." by Horace
(Quintus Horatius Flaccus); "Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to
be stronger men." by John F. Kennedy (1963)] [v: via dolorosa]
[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]
-
PAINKILLER :
-
something, such as a drug (analgesic) or treatment (acupuncture
or acupressure), that relieves PAIN, mitigates suffering, or
allays anxiety; see ASA, APC, RANGER CANDY, CHEERIOS, BISCUIT.
-
PAIN SCALE :
-
a measurement rating, indexed by age and awareness, that
indicates the relative severity of a patient's discomfort, being
an intensity quale that's judged subjectively by the reporter or
objectively by a trained observer, and scored by psychosomatic
symptoms; assessing the pain threshold, determining the
alleviation interval, and stimulating sensational evocations are
useful diagnostic techniques. Contrary to popular opinion,
conditioning does not enhance someone's ability to manage pain;
pain tolerance is highly individualistic, varying by stimuli and
recurrence, fitness and temperament, age and sex, but is
significantly influenced by cultural norms. See SQUEEZE, SWEAT,
THIRD DEGREE, BASHING, BITE THE BULLET, SUCK IT UP, MAN-UP,
WHITE-KNUCKLE, A MAN'S GOTTA DO WHAT A MAN'S GOTTA DO, REFERRED
PAIN, PAINKILLER, SYMPATHY. [v: dolorimeter, palpometer,
algesiometer, algesichronometer, algometer, algonometer,
algesimeter, algometer]
-
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, GLD, SALH, PAVEWAY, LANTIRN,
LADAR, MILES, SQUAWK, PGM, ECM.
Also, a viscous chemical substance, typically limited in hue to
subdued or primary pigments, as used to coat or protect,
rejuvenate or refresh, renew or revitalize, mask or disguise
various old or worn, damaged or blemished, deficient or obsolete
components of military activity so as to improve their
appearance, extend their function, or make them more uniform; see
WAR PAINT, DAZZLE, KHAKI, OD, OG, HAZE GRAY, GRAYBACK,
COUNTERSHADING, CAMO, FEATHERS, SPIT 'n' POLISH, COLORS.
[nb: "If it moves, salute it. If it doesn't move, pick it up. If
it can't be picked up, paint it!" is a traditional military maxim
that was re-interpreted by combatants during the Gulf War as: "If
it moves, shoot it. If it stops moving, shoot it again. If it
obstructs the field of fire, clear it off the range.", and was
politicized as: "The government's view of the economy could be
summed up in a few short phrases: 'If it moves, tax it. If it
keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize
it.'" by Ronald Wilson Reagan in the 15 August 1986 address to
the White House Conference on Small Business]
-
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.
-
PALL :
-
a cloth used for covering or spreading over a coffin, casket,
bier, catafalque, or tomb; as derived from the piece of cloth
used in ancient Greece and Rome as an outer wrapping for the body
[pallium, himation], being a cloak or tunic, mantle or cape,
vestment or garment. Also, the American flag or national standard
used to drape the coffin or casket of a servicemember (MIL-PERS)
or VETERAN during a funeral; see COLORS, STARS 'n' STRIPES,
ENSIGN. Also, a COFFIN or casket, case or box used for burying a
corpse; see BOX JOB. [nb: the canton or constellation of the US
flag should be placed so as to lay over the left shoulder of the
deceased when draped, which originates with the proper wear of
the ancient Roman cloak]
-
PALLBEARER :
-
one of several persons who attend or carry the COFFIN at a
funeral; see BOX JOB, FUNERAL PACE, DEAD MARCH, TAPS,
COLORBEARER.
-
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, CHICKEN LITTLE.
-
PANTY RAID :
-
slang for an intelligence gathering patrol or a small unit foray
into denied territory for physical proof of the enemy's presence,
status, or activity, such as photographic or documentary
evidence, or other artifacts; as derived from the pre-Vietnam-era
collegiate prank that sought trophies as validation of sexual
prowess. Compare SNATCH; see SRI, I&R, LRSP, RECON.
-
PAPA :
-
the word assigned to represent the letter "P" in the
international phonetic alphabet; at various times in different
spelling schemes, it has also been acrophonetically represented
as Pup and Peter. This is a "governing flag" in US Navy signals
that also represents "preparatory". See ALPHABET SOUP, PHONETIC
ALPHABET. [v: Alphabet Codes & Signal Flags]
-
PAO :
-
(pee-ay-oh; not "pow") Public Affairs Office/Officer; also called
Public Information Office/Officer (PIO), being the military
component responsible for interacting with non-military entities
and elements, including manufacturers and schools, service and
news organizations; see CIVILIAN.
-
PAPA-SAN / PAPA-SAHN :
-
an elderly Asian man; term borrowed from Japanese. Compare ONG;
see MAMA-SAN, BABY-SAN.
-
PAPER BULLET :
-
a derisive reference to the essential REPORTs and necessary FORMs
that enable the military to function; also spelled
"paper-bullet", and sometimes called a "paper grenade", they've
been known as such since the American CIVIL WAR. Although such
time-consuming paperwork is disdained by "real soldiers", it is
an inescapable evil since documentation is crucial for resupply,
allocation, allotment, and every other particular of governmental
functioning. In fact, since it requires more than 90% of MIL-PERS
to support the less than 10% combat element, it can be reasonably
argued that the "real war" is actually fought on paper from
behind a desk! See SMOKE 'n' MIRRORS, VOLLEY, PING-PONG, WHITE
PAPER, MANIFOLD SET, ANNEX, MR, RBI, FINDING, BUCK SLIP, LOG, 201
FILE, WAR DIARY, MANIFEST, 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, MANIFEST,
JOURNAL, NEED TO KNOW, COMPARTMENTALIZATION, EYES ONLY. [nb: "If
it isn't documented then it doesn't exist!"]
-
PAPERWORK :
-
see SNOWFLAKE, PAPER BULLET, BUCK SLIP, RBI, REPORT, FORM, LOG,
201 FILE, MORNING REPORT, WAR DIARY, MANIFEST, ANNEX, MR,
FINDING, WHITE PAPER, MANIFOLD SET, RED TAPE, PAPER TRAIL, FILE
13, DUSTBIN, BURN BAG, PENCIL PUSHER, RAPPORTEUR, ACETATE
COMMANDO, BEAN-COUNTER, CLERKS 'n' JERKS, MILICRAT.
-
PARA :
-
a combining form extracted from 'parachute' [(parer + chute)
derives from "sustain + fall"] that's used to form compound
words (eg: paramedic, paraglider, PARA-CORD, PARA WINGS,
PARA-DROP, PARATROOPER) denoting a connection or association with
parachutes; see AIRBORNE. Also, a prefix meaning 'beside', 'along
side of' or 'at one side of', occurring in loanwords from Greek
(eg: parabola, paragraph, parallel, paralysis); and by extension,
designating words that are auxiliary to or derivative of their
base (eg: parody, paronomasia, paranoia); also used in the naming
of ancillary or subsidiary roles (eg: paraprofessional,
paralegal, paramilitary). Also, a combining form meaning 'ward
off', 'guard against' or 'prepare against', occurring in
loanwords from French or Italian (eg: parasol). Also, a monetary
unit of Yugoslavia, being an aluminum-bronze coin representing
the hundredth part of a DINAR; see LEGAL TENDER. Also, a former
copper coin of Turkey, being the fortieth part of a PIASTER; term
derived from 'piece'; see LEGAL TENDER.
-
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 Dong Ba Thin and Long Thanh, including Military
Free-Fall (MFF) and High-Altitude Low-Opening (HALO) training
(with steerable "T U" and "Double L" canopy 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" device on their Vietnam Service
Medal (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. Also called
"blooming sky flower" or "sky blossom" [RAKKASAN], 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, AMFFPC, VWT, MFF, AIRHEAD, AIRDROP,
BLAST, HOLLYWOOD BLAST, HIT THE SILK, GANG-BANG, DZ, JSD,
JUMPMASTER, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE, SQUAT, JUMP TOWER, JUMP SCHOOL,
BLACK HATS, RED HATS, JUMPER, JUMPIN' JUNKIE, GOLDEN KNIGHTS,
CHUTING STARS, LEAP FROGS, ANGELS, ALL AMERICAN, SCREAMING
EAGLES, SKY SOLDIERS, RAKKASAN, TRIPLE NICKEL, THUNDER FROM
HEAVEN, PARADICE, IRON MIKE, CATERPILLAR CLUB, FLIGHT BAG,
DINGLEBERRY, ROMMEL'S ASPARAGUS, OVAL, FLASH, WINGS, CENTURY
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 / PARACORD :
-
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 and connectors to lanyards and boot
laces; also called "p-cord", "550-cord", or "Ranger cord". See
CORD, SPAGHETTI, SHROUD, GUY, ROPE. [nb: 550 is the rated
breaking strength (in pounds) of a previously unstressed cord]
-
PARA-CORD BRACELET / PARACORD BRACELET :
-
originating as a form of TRENCH ART among veterans of the
SANDBOX, these SOUVENIRs attested to one's status as having "been
there and done that" (BTDT) but they have since evolved into a
SUPPORT THE TROOPS symbol that can be worn by any PATRIOT or sold
by non-profit groups (eg: VETERANS' ASSOCIATIONs) for fund
raising projects; made of one or more continuous lengths of
parachute cord in a variety of colors that's plaited onto a small
quick-release Delrin [acetal resin by DuPont] buckle, sized about
nine inches long by three-quarters of an inch wide (containing
approximately twelve feet of 550 cord), it's a fashion accessory
that can also serve as a survival resource; also called "honor
cord bracelet" and "survival cord bracelet". See BRACELET,
TROPHY, SHORT SNORTER, CHALLENGE COIN, EARRING, TATTOO, MEAT
MARKER, SHORT-TIMER PIN, YELLOW RIBBON.
[cf: a "key to paradise" that's engraved with the name of a
martyr is presented by a mullah to an acolyte when dispatched on
a fatwa or jihad]
-
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, DRILL, SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER, SCHOOL OF THE SQUAD,
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 :
-
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.
-
PARADIGM SHIFT :
-
transforming or transposing the representative example that
serves as a model or pattern; this expression was brought into
common usage (ca1962) by Thomas Kuhn, a physicist and historian
who advocated transitional and non-traditional interpretations of
problem-solving schema or modalities ... regular approaches and
standard methodologies tend to reach critical incidence when
normal solutions can no longer be adapted to the established
patterns, hence every intransigent institution ultimately
generates its own collapse. See CAT SKINNER, UNCERTAINTY
PRINCIPLE, LAW OF AVERAGES, GAMBLER'S FALLACY, BOYDLOOP, LEAST
RESISTANCE, PRINCIPLE OF LEAST FORCE, LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS,
LORENTZ CONTRACTION, LORENTZ TRANSFORMATION, LAW OF UNINTENDED
CONSEQUENCES, OUTSIDE THE BOX, MILITARY MIND.
-
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]
-
PARANOIA :
-
the excessive distrust or baseless suspicion of others, their
actions or intentions, especially a mental disorder characterized
by systematized delusions that ascribe hostile intentions to
other persons, which false beliefs are often linked with a sense
of mission. Paranoid schizophrenics tend to believe that they are
hated or that someone is conspiring against them, and that this
conviction, as a component of fear, warrants their violent
response (transference) as a self-protective defense mechanism
that "punishes" their imagined attackers ... such channeling of
intrapsychic hostility into social hostility is often represented
in the worst cases (eg: persecution, atrocity, holocaust,
genocide, etc) by a sense of personal superiority, higher
morality, or supreme authority. See FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT,
OBJECTIFICATION, CONVERSION SYMPTOMS, FLASHBACK, BLACKOUT,
TELESCOPING, BROKEN-WING SYNDROME, CREDIBILITY GAP, SIEGE
MENTALITY, SPIDER SENSE.
[nb: "If you think they're out to get you then they probably
are!"; "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean that they're
not out to get you!"; "If they're out to get you then it doesn't
matter if you're paranoid!"; "You're not paranoid if they're
really out to get you!" by Erich Fromm; "Even paranoids have
enemies." by Delmore Schwartz; "Even a paranoid can have
enemies." by Henry Kissinger; "Our occasional madness is less
wonderful than our occasional sanity." by George Santayana;
"Sanity is like a clearing in the jungle where the humans agree
to meet from time to time and behave in certain fixed ways that
even a baboon could master." by Wilfrid Sheed]
-
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 :
-
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.
-
PARA WING / PARA WINGS :
-
informal reference to the parachutist's qualification badge,
gradated into novice/basic, senior, and master ratings. See
PARACHUTE, Q-COURSE, WINGS, CENTURY WINGS, BLACK WINGS, TRASH,
BUSH PILOT, MUFF DIVER, PARATROOPER, RED HATS, JUMPMASTER, MASTER
BLASTER, BLAST, HOLLYWOOD BLAST, MFF, FREE-FALL, JSD, FLASH,
OVAL, ABN, AIRBORNE. [nb: the devices that cover the mounting
prongs that attach the insignia to the uniform, holding the two
parts together, are variously sized, and are called "fasteners",
"clip fastener", "clutch fastener", "clutch back fastener",
"clutch grip fastener", "pinch fastener", "butterfly fastener",
or "dammits"] [v: Flashing Sampler]
-
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, CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER, BIG PICTURE, LODGE-PHILBIN ACT,
NATIONAL SECURITY, BRASS-COLLAR, HIDEBOUND, BRASSBOUND, BRASS
EAR, BOX HEAD, PRIMROSE PATH, MILITARY MIND, 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; compare
ROMAN HOLIDAY. [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, VESTIBULE,
MAN-TRAP, 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 along or
across 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.
-
PASSION RATION :
-
rhyming slang for a sexual liaison, assignation, or affair; such
carnality or promiscuity is also known as "screw flu". See
CHURNING BUTTER, BOOM-BOOM, SHORT-TIME, FUCK, HOOKUP, DIDDLY, ACT
OF CONGRESS, BUTTERFLY, HAT TRICK, DAISY CHAIN, TRICK, SHACK-JOB,
SLEEPING DICTIONARY. [v: one-night stand, extramarital relations,
adultery; cf: tête-à-tête, vis-à-vis]
-
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 (later classified as
MORALE PATCHes) which were tolerated by command authority because
they encouraged unit morale and esprit. 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]
Also, a small piece of fabric or a scrap of absorbent material
that's used to clean the BORE of a firearm; also called SWAB.
Also, any piece of material used to cover or protect a wound or
injury; a dressing or COMPRESS; see TAMPON, BAND-AID. Also, to
repair or restore a communications connection, line or circuit,
especially in a hasty manner or makeshift method; see HOOKUP.
-
PATHETIC FALLACY :
-
a subjective trope or other literary device that imbues a natural
process or inanimate object with human traits or characteristics,
impulses or responses, intentions or designs, such as endowing
mild weather with benignity and foul weather with malevolence;
also known as actuated or motivated "personification", this
concept was coined in 1856 by John Ruskin to identify qualities
of nature that are falsely attributed by figures of speech.
Compare ANTHROPOMORPHISM.
-
PATHET LAO :
-
Laotian communists of the 1975 Lao People's Democratic Republic;
compare RLA.
-
PATHFINDER :
-
the advance element for an AIRBORNE or HELIBORNE insertion of
operational units. PATHFINDER teams were dropped or air-landed at
an objective to establish a drop zone (DZ); or air-delivered into
enemy territory for purposes of determining the best approach and
withdrawal lanes, landing zones (LZ) and AIRHEAD sites for
HELIBORNE forces. Special PATHFINDER training was initiated by
GEN James Gavin for 82nd ABN Div assaults after the disastrous
results of Operation Huskey 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; succeeded by the PAC-3, an improved version of this
anti-theater ballistic missile.
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
... a putative KNUCKLE-DRAGGER in the culture wars sweeping
AMERIKA.
-
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. A provision to indefinitely detain suspects,
including American citizens, and to suspend the habeas corpus
inquiry into their restraint, was added in 2011. See GWOT, WAR ON
TERROR, TERRORIST, CONSTABULARY.
[nb: "If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in
the guise of fighting a foreign enemy." by James Madison; "Who
will watch the watchers?"/"Who will watch the watchmen?" or "Who
will guard the guards?" ("Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?") by
Juvenal]
-
PATRIOT DAY :
-
designated 11 September of each year by a joint resolution of
Congress (Public Law 107-89 approved 18 December 2001), as a day
of remembrance to be observed by appropriate ceremonies and
activities, including a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m.
EDT, candlelight vigils, and flying the national flag at
half-staff; a 2003 proclamation states: "Two years ago, more than
3,000 innocent people lost their lives when a calm September
morning was shattered by terrorists driven by hatred and
destruction. On that day, and in its aftermath, we saw the
greatness of America in the bravery of victims; in the heroism of
first responders who laid down their lives to save others; in the
compassion of people who stepped forward to help those they had
never met; and in the generosity of millions of Americans who
enriched our country with acts of service and kindness. Since
that day, we have seen the greatness of America further
demonstrated in the courage of our brave men and women in uniform
who have served and sacrificed in Afghanistan, in Iraq, and
around the world to advance freedom and prevent terrorist attacks
on America.". Compare PATRIOT'S DAY, VETERANS' DAY, MEMORIAL DAY,
INDEPENDENCE DAY, FLAG DAY.
-
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. See LAST BEST HOPE, TRUE BLUE; compare
UN-AMERICAN, ANTI-AMERICAN.
[nb: after the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, Dr
Pepper produced its soft drink in patriotic cans depicting
the Statue of Liberty and the words: One Nation ...
Indivisible for a limited period (from November 2001 to
February 2002) in an area covering parts of only twelve states;
the company was criticized and threatened with boycott for
exhibiting its support for national unity; the company was also
criticized for quoting the Pledge of Allegiance incompletely]
-
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 PATRIOT DAY, VETERANS'
DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE 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",
"presbyter", or "elder"; see RABBI, SEA DADDY, LOYALTY UP -
LOYALTY DOWN; compare RING-KNOCKER, TICKET-PUNCHER, KHAKI MAFIA.
[cf: apparatchik, nomenklatura, eunuch, 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, VB, EGBU, EOGB, GLD, 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). Enemy weapons of the
Vietnam-era included: SKS, PPSh-41, PPS-43, MP-40, MAT-49, K-50M,
AK-47, AKM, Type 50 (unlicensed PRC copy w/30rd mag). See BO DOI,
NVA, NVAF, VIET MINH, CHARLIE, VPA, PRG, PLA, GOMER, LUKE THE
GOOK, BAD GUYS.
-
PAX :
-
abbreviation for 'passenger', as when designating someone without
crew responsibility on a vessel or aircraft; see SPACE A, BLOB,
SANDBAG, STRAP-HANGER. Also, any state of peace imposed by a
strong nation on weaker or defeated nations; a period in history
marked by the absence of major wars, usually imposed by a
predominant nation, such as Pax Romana or Pax Britannica; being
the Latin word for 'peace' and the name of the Roman goddess of
peace. Also, in Eucharistic service, a ceremonial kiss and/or
embrace given in token of Christian love and unity; also called
"kiss of peace". [nb: "Peace be with you." (pax vobiscum); cf:
"peace be upon you" (salaam aleikim)]
-
PAX AMERICANA :
-
the uneasy or hostile peace imposed by diplomatic entreaty,
economic sanction, and military threat; often misunderstood to
mean the period of "American empire". Also, the Defense
Department's "Pax Americana" study, being a report on how to
takeover Latin America. See PAX.
-
PAX BRITANNICA :
-
the peace imposed by Great Britain upon hostile nations,
especially during the 19th century; see PAX, compare PAX
AMERICANA.
-
PAX ROMANA :
-
the terms of peace imposed by ancient Rome on its dominions; see
PAX, compare PAX AMERICANA. [nb: Rome / Valentia = strength
(c753BC)] [cf: Mongol Empire; v: "Rome was not built in a day."
and "All roads lead to Rome."]
-
PAYBACK :
-
see FACE THE MUSIC, DAY OF RECKONING, RETRIBUTION, RETALIATION,
REPRISAL, JUST WAR.
-
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, JOCKSTRAP MEDAL, 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. [cf: picul]
-
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, EXERCISE, AIRBORNE
SHUFFLE, FRONT LEANING REST, JUMPING JACK, SQUAT.
-
PCS :
-
Permanent Change of Station; generally a military transfer to a
new assignment at a different location for a period lasting
longer than 180 days. Compare DUTY, BILLET, BERTH, POST, ON
STATION, WATCH, MOS, OJT, TDY / TAD, SHEEP-DIPPED, PDS,
HARDSHIP TOUR, MAGICAL MYSTERY 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, to rapidly
implement, to hightail or double-quick an action; see ASAP, STAT,
FORTHWITH, CHOGI, CHOP CHOP, RIKI TIK, GOYA, SCRAMBLE, HAUL-ASS,
JUICE.
-
PDRL :
-
Permanent Disability Retired List, being a determination made by
the Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) regarding the status and
condition of a servicemember's disabling injuries; see WHOLE MAN,
HORS DE COMBAT, MILLION DOLLAR WOUND, PROFILE, LINE OF DUTY. [nb:
Service-Connected (SC) disability compensation and Combat-Related
Special Compensation (CRSC) are benefits provided to military
medical retirees]
-
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 :
-
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, PAX. 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, RUNNING DOG, 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: "I won't undertake war until I have tried all the
arts and means of peace." by François Rabelais; "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]
-
PEACEKEEPER / PEACEKEEPING :
-
see NATION BUILDING, WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS, NEW WORLD ORDER,
CLIENT STATE, MARSHALL PLAN, CONSTABULARY, CONTAINMENT,
INTERVENTIONISM, MISSION CREEP, GRADUATED RESPONSE, FLEXIBLE
RESPONSE, COMBINED ARMS.
-
PEACEMAKER :
-
Convair B-36 intercontinental bomber with six piston and four jet
engines, see BIRD.
-
PEACENIK :
-
(forthcoming) a derogatory reference that ridicules their
preoccupation with a cause or agenda; [cf: nudnik]
-
PEACE SIGN :
-
an international symbol used to represent amity and non-violence,
which has been mocked as the "footprint of the great American
chicken"! See PEACE, CEASE-FIRE, TRUCE, ENTENTE, DETENTE,
APPEASE, RAPPROCHEMENT, THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME,
KUM BA YAH, WE SHALL OVERCOME, HIPPIE, PACIFIST, CO, NEUTRAL,
BEST AND BRIGHTEST, PROTESTOR, NEW MOBE, FIFTH COLUMN, RUNNING
DOG, YIPPIE. Also, an informal two-finger gesture that was used
during the VIETNAM WAR to represent 'peace' and friendship, being
a HAND SIGN that expressed a patriotic tolerance of "do your own
thing" diversity; also known as a V-SIGN.
-
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. [nb: "An army can lose
its best leaders, but the lowest soldiers will never lose their
opinions." ancient Chinese proverb]
-
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.
-
PEB :
-
Physical Evaluation Board [not "physical examination board"];
also known as a "medical review board" for the determination of
temporary (TDRL) or permanent (PDRL) impairments that disqualify
a servicemember for DUTY. See WHOLE MAN, HORS DE COMBAT, MILLION
DOLLAR WOUND, PROFILE, LINE OF DUTY. [nb: Service-Connected (SC)
disability compensation and Combat-Related Special Compensation
(CRSC) are benefits provided to military medical retirees]
-
PECKER CHECK :
-
slang for a medical exam to detect venereal disease, commonly
called a "SHORT ARM inspection", which was undertaken by entire
units before the VIETNAM WAR; formerly each individual was
required to expose his penis to a medical corpsman, and briefly
"milk" it for any discharge or emission; contracting VD was
punishable by an Article 15, and chronic infection was grounds
for a "less than honorable" dismissal from the military. Also,
slang for an inquiry into or a determination of the mood, mental
attitude or emotional well-being of the members of a military
unit, being a survey similar to an EYE-CHECK; this is a crude
(but usually reliable) indication of the morale of the troops ...
an organization is in trouble when the men stop complaining! See
BRAVO ZULU, ATTABOY, BRAGGING RIGHTS, A-OK, A-1, UP CHECK,
BLUE-SKY, SMILEY, V-CAMPAIGN, BATTLE CRY, JODY CALL, GUSTO,
HOOAH, YUT, OORAH, GUNG-HO, SUCK IT UP, FIDO, WETSU, A FINE AND
PLEASANT MISERY, ESPRIT DE CORPS, KEEP THE FAITH.
-
PECKER-CHECKER :
-
slang reference to the Morale Officer, a secondary duty assigned
to a unit officer (eg: XO) for improving the spiritual and
emotional satisfaction of unit members by rewarding performance
and encouraging recreation. Recreation can include sports, games,
travel, sightseeing, and informal parties. Rewards can include
light duty, extra time off, priority of issue, preference in
formation, eligibility for informal awards (eg: STREAMER), as
well as recognition by official decorations (eg: GONG). The
morale Officer is broadly responsible for unit hygiene and
welfare, so he conducts meetings on substance abuse, sexual
misconduct, conflict resolution, and personal finances. The
Morale Officer also schedules gripe or grumble sessions after
DUTY hours to resolve minor problems before they magnify or
fester ... this can also be accomplished by an "open door policy"
offering private counseling. One of the best uses of the
anonymous suggestion box is to invite possible solutions from
lower ranking unit members, which gives them insight on military
methodology and guidance on leadership (LDR) solutions. The
Morale Officer takes the "pulse" (PECKER CHECK) of the unit,
works with the chaplain (ie: SKY PILOT), and advises the unit
commander (CO) of any issues that will impair performance or
mission accomplishment.
Also, slang for a medical aidman or hospital CORPSMAN, a "shank
mechanic" or "pill pusher", a MEDIC, BAND-AID, DOC, BABY DOC,
BONE CUTTER, or SAWBONES, especially the urologist (as for VD/STD
treatment) who's also called a "dick doc" or "penis machinist".
[cf: canoe inspector as slang for gynecologist]
-
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",
"pug / pug marks", "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, jitney,
jingle, gharry, fiacre, tonga, gig, trap, dogcart, calash,
growler, runabout, palanquin/palankeen, jiao, gama, sedan chair,
hand truck, pushcart, tug-truck, pull-truck]. 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.
-
PEEPHOLE :
-
an opening in an entrance door or the door of a prison cell
that's used for inspection or examination; also called a "view
port" or "spy hole", "eyehole" or "inspection hole", this
aperture may be combined with an interview system or may be large
enough to admit the presentation of credentials. See POSTERN,
HATCH, MAN-TRAP, VESTIBULE. [cf: judas hole, wicket, interviewer]
-
PEEP SIGHT :
-
|
target alignment through 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 or LEG. 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 :
-
a bronze coin that serves as the hundredth part of the dollars of
various nations, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the
United States; also represented as one cent; see LEGAL TENDER.
Also, a former bronze coin and monetary unit of the United
Kingdom and various other nations, being the twelfth part of a
shilling: replaced in 1971 by the "new penny", equal to a
hundredth part of a pound under decimalization.
-
PENNY-NICKEL-NICKEL :
-
155mm HOWITZER, may also be spelled "penny nickel nickel";
including M-109 SP at ranges to 14,600m. See SP, ARTY.
-
PENTAGON :
-
see PUZZLE PALACE, WHITE WAY, SUICIDE ALLEY, GROUND ZERO,
HEADSHED, MADHOUSE, DOG 'n' PONY SHOW, DOD, JCS, IVORY TOWER,
KAFCA, HEADQUARTERISM, ACETATE COMMANDO, CHAIRBORNE, PENCIL
PUSHER, CHAIR FORCE, TICKET-PUNCHER. [v: bastion]
-
PENTAGON PAPERS :
-
a top secret study of U.S. military involvement in southeast Asia
that was stolen by Daniel Ellsberg, a civilian analyst at the
Defense Department, and published piecemeal from 13 June 1971
onward in the "New York Times"; the Supreme Court determined that
news articles based upon materials classified by the Pentagon may
be published by a free press, and Ellsberg escaped prosecution
for espionage due to investigative irregularities. Disclosure of
the PENTAGON PAPERS seemed to confirm long held suspicions that
the government had misled and misinformed the public about
American involvement in the VIETNAM WAR. Since this was a series
of self-serving memoranda written at the direction of Secretary
of Defense Robert S. McNamara to defend the [incompetent]
decisions of U.S. involvement in Vietnam from 1954 to 1968,
its exposure of policymaking was not as devastating as the
revelation of sources and techniques, which created a diplomatic
crisis amongst America's allies, because negotiations were no
longer trustworthy ... any confidence might be divulged in the
media, which repercussions persist.
-
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
consecutive 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 EXERCISE, 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; the "attack"
periscope on a submersible is smaller, with a lower profile to
help prevent detection, than the regular observation periscope,
and includes a reticle for use as an aiming device (v: SIGHT
PICTURE), but not when serving as a view-port. This term is a
back-formation from periscopic, meaning to view indirectly or
obliquely. See PEEPERS, GLASS. [nb: during WWII, dentists were
not only responsible for the repair of teeth, but they 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.
-
PERSONNEL :
-
the administrative section (S-1/G-1/J-1) dealing with MIL-PERS
and their assignments, duties and performance, pay and benefits;
now designated "human resources" in common with civilian
institutions, it is responsible for documenting the military life
of servicemembers. See 201 FILE, FITREP, EER, OER, MORNING
REPORT, PROFILE, LINE OF DUTY, BILLET, MOS, LEAVE, BP, PRO PAY,
FIELD ALLOWANCE, PAY-GRADE, RATING, RANK, ORDER.
-
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
-
PERVERT :
-
see PREEVERT, INVERT, FAG, DON'T ASK - DON'T TELL, MORALITY,
MORAL COURAGE, MORAL VICTORY, SUBVERSION.
-
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 demerit or "ding" 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 ...
and a truly artful TAC will require that the dead "pet" be shown
proper respect by undergoing a formal (full dress) burial
ceremony! 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].
-
PETN :
-
PentaErythritol TetraNitrate, being a white crystalline solid
(C5H8N4O12) that's water-insoluble; formulated after WWI, it's
used chiefly as the high explosive ingredient in DET CORD [aka:
"Primacord" trademark]. PETN is also used medicinally as a
vasodilator to provide temporary relief from the symptoms of
angina pectoris. Compare NITROGLYCERIN, see EXPLOSIVE.
-
PETROL :
-
fuel; any petroleum mixture, including AVGAS (refined
kerosene), fuel oil, diesel, or gasoline. See POL, JP, MOGAS,
NSFO, BUNKER, 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, THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT, 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]
-
PFIAB :
-
Presidential Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board, an ex-officio
tribunal; see WISE MEN.
-
PFT :
-
Physical Fitness Training; see PT, DAILY DOZEN, EXERCISE,
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 LIMB :
-
the subjective experience of sensations [pseudesthesia] arising
from a peripheral part that's been removed from the body, which
is due to the fact that the amputation has not destroyed the
neural representation of the missing extremity, particularly in
the cortex; hence, many amputees have feelings (including itch
and tickle, temperature and pressure) that are attributed to this
absent part; this illusion of a subjective sensation not arising
from an external stimulus is also called "stump hallucination".
[v: phantom limb pain (paresthesia)]
-
PHANTOM LIMB PAIN :
-
[paresthesia] see REFERRED PAIN.
-
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); abbreviated 'PL'. See FEBA, FLOT, FCSL,
IP, POD, LINE OF DEPARTURE, AIMPOINT, WAY POINT, STRONGPOINT;
compare STAR WARS, MAGINOT LINE, SIEGFRIED LINE, MARETH 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;
"Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate
invites destruction." Proverbs 17:19 NIV Bible]
-
PHI :
-
in Laotian ontology / pneumatology, unseen spirits which inhabit
all things; compare OAN HON, HUNGRY GHOST. [nb: since the
November 1965 battles (SILVER BAYONET) in the Ia Drang valley,
the area has been referred to as the "Forest of Screaming Souls"]
-
PHIL CAG :
-
|
Republic of the Philippines
|
|
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 FLIP, 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 (eg: 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, were 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, FLIP. [nb: the 1946 flag representing the archipelago of
the Philippine Islands is flown inverted (with the red segment
uppermost) whenever the republic is at war]
-
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 (AIM-54) for the long range (over 120 nautical
miles), active RADAR-homing Air-to-Air MISSILE (AAM), sized about
989#s and a thirteen foot length.
-
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, KEK, KEY, 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]
-
PHU-GAS :
-
also spelled "foo-gas" and "fougasse"; see PHOUGAS.
-
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 interservice organization was
part of the Accelerated Pacification Program (Le Loi), announced
by South Vietnam's President Nguyen Van Thieu on 1 July 1968, and
was directed against the Vietnamese Communist Infrastructure
(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.
-
PIC :
-
abbreviation for Personal Identification Code, being a secondary
security feature for access to restricted data or classified
procedures; the military equivalent of the civilian 'personal
identification number' [PIN], it's a unique sequence of
alphanumeric characters and symbols. See CODENAME, CODEWORD,
PASSWORD, CIPHER, CODE, CAC, SMART CARD, SWIPE CARD. [nb: the
Universal Uniform Personal Identification Code (UUPIC) is a "user
name" for database access by a government employee, who must also
include a control password that's equivalent to a PIC / PIN]
-
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, HOTAS.
-
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 (ie: "in a pickle").
Compare THE FARM, COUNTRY CLUB, THE GARAGE, SHANGRI-LA; see
SPOOK, SECRET AGENT, TRADECRAFT.
-
PICUL :
-
a weight equal to 100 catties in China and southeast Asia, or
from about 133 to 143 pounds avoirdupois; as derived from "the
maximum load a man can carry" in Malay [pikull]. See HUMPING THE
RUCK, LIFT, PAYLOAD.
-
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; also expressed as "doesn't know whether
to scratch his watch or wind his ass". See BRASS EAR, EMPTY SUIT,
HOLLOW BUNNY, DRONE, DOESN'T KNOW SHIT FROM SHINOLA, MILICRAT.
[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]
-
PILLOW BOOK :
-
a collection of explicit illustrations depicting sexual
intercourse, which was given to a Japanese bride before her
wedding night as preparation for the impending encounter; this
practical guide to intimacy was considered to be a marital aid,
not unlike the Indian kama sutra, both of which are typically
classified as "pornographic" by Occidentals. See STROKE BOOK,
UP-CLOSE 'n' PERSONAL, TRAINING FILM.
[nb: not to be confused with the literary classic "Makura no
Sôshi" by Sei Shonagon (ca999)]
-
PILLOW TALK :
-
the private exchange of conversation, or the expression of a
confidence in an intimate setting (especially in bed) between
lovers; see DANGLE, DECOY, HONEY TRAP, LIFTED SKIRT, TRADECRAFT.
-
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: Plane Language]
[nb: a BULLETPROOF pilot's braggadocio is often expressed as "big
sky, little bullet"; v: GOLDEN BB, MAGIC BULLET]
Also, a person qualified to steer ships through certain difficult
waters; compare CHIEF, BOATSWAIN. Also, a guide or leader; see
SKY PILOT.
-
PILOTHOUSE :
-
an enclosed structure on the deck of a ship from which it can be
navigated; also known as "wheelhouse"; compare COCKPIT, BRIDGE,
FLYING BRIDGE, HELM.
-
PILOT'S SURVIVAL KNIFE :
-
a smaller and more refined version of the M-2 fighting utility
knife (KABAR) made by various contractors, having a 5" clip-point
carbon-steel blade with sawteeth on back and fuller (BLOOD
GROOVE) on the side, a crossguard with holes bored for lashing, a
stacked leather haft, a heavy hex-hammer pommel, and finished
with a zinc phosphate coating. The sheath features a whetstone
pocket, and a metal plate to help prevent injury from the blade
point, that may also be used as a reflector. It can be worn in
several places, from vest to belt, or simply stowed in a leg
pouch of the FLIGHT SUIT. Issued to Army and Air Force PILOTs and
CREW DOGs, it is variously identified as the "Air Force Survival
Knife", "survival knife", or "emergency knife". See KNIFE.
-
PIN :
-
Personal Identification Number; see PIC, CODENAME, CODEWORD,
PASSWORD, SERVICE NUMBER, DOG TAGS, ID CARD, CAC, SMART CARD.
-
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'] [cf: when
Artemis acted as the deer sent by Apollo to pass as a lure
between the two mischevious giants, Otus and Ephialtes were slain
by each others spears during their attack]
-
PINCHER / PINSCHER :
-
see PINCER, DOUBLE ENVELOPMENT, or double FLANK.
-
PINEAPPLE :
-
see GRENADE.
-
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". See
DON'T DO NOTHING, CLUTCH-UP, PUSH COMES TO SHOVE, CUT THE GORDIAN
KNOT, RISKY-SHIFT EFFECT, BEAT AROUND THE BUSH.
-
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.
-
PINK :
-
prime condition, as being in the highest form or degree; see
SUMMUM BONUM, ABOVE BOARD, CORE VALUES, STRAIGHT ARROW, BEST AND
BRIGHTEST. Also, a slight or minor wound that only draws a little
blood, being a mark of distinction (and a swordsman's INITIATION)
in swordplay; as derived by 'pierce' from a pin prick. Also, to
ornament fabric or leather with pierced holes or slits. Also, a
Leftist in politics, but not a radical or extremist; also called
PINKO.
-
PINK ELEPHANTS :
-
slang for the psychosomatic symptoms of drug or alcohol
withdrawal, formally known as delirium tremens [D.T.'s]; see
FRENCH FIT, JITTERBUG, JUMPING BEAN, NERVOUS IN THE SERVICE.
-
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, SYMPATHIZER,
PROTESTOR, FRUIT FLY, WHIZ KID, MANDARIN, BEST AND BRIGHTEST,
TURNCOAT, TRAITOR. [cf: apparatchik, nomenklatura, eunuch, 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)]
-
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, BLUE HOUSE.
[v: Argentina's presidential Casa Rosada ("The Pink House"),
together with a museum and assembly hall, is situated on the
Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires; likewise, the presidential palace
of Turkey, located in Istanbul (Constantinople) and faced with a
pinkish stucco, is also called "The Pink House"; cf: White House]
-
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]
-
PINOCHLE :
-
a game of cards played by 2-4 persons with a 48-card deck (two
each of ace through nine in all four suits) that's so-called from
a flush meld of the queen of spades and the jack of diamonds in
this game; also known as penuchle, penuckle, or pinocle, after
the binocular spectacles known as pince-nez. PINOCHLE was
probably derived from bezique (played in Europe with a 128-card
deck), but developed in America during and after the CIVIL WAR.
See PLAYING CARDS, WAR GAMES, PLAY THE GAME.
-
PINNING :
-
slang for the promotion or award ceremony during which a BADGE or
other INSIGNIA is attached to the recipient's uniform by a pin
fastener; sometimes known as "tagging", this term is probably
derived from feather or quill. See FEATHERS, WITH BELLS ON,
FOOFARAW, GONG, TRASH, BOLO BADGE, Q-TAB, RANK, WINGS, TROPHY,
PRECONIZE, INITIATION, BLOODING.
-
PINSCHER / PINCHER :
-
see PINCER, DOUBLE ENVELOPMENT, or double FLANK.
-
PINS IN THE MAP SYNDROME :
-
a mismanagement malady of distorted reality that confuses
quantity with quality, as manifested by either the insertion of
more (and more) assets into an area, or the willful acceptance of
reputed (false) assets in a contested area; a confusion wherein a
seeming increase in assets implies a concomitant increase in
power or authority. This multiplication of "pins in the map"
convinces the abstracted leader (LDR) or commander (CO) that
measurable "progress" is occurring; in the former case by greater
numbers that will be more successful than fewer numbers, and in
the latter case by syntheticly positive statistics that "prove"
that success is imminent. Such self-deceptive, self-deluding lies
ostensibly "work" until the system utterly collapses (eg: Nazi
Germany, Fascist Italy, Soviet Russia, Republican Vietnam, Year
Zero Cambodia, Socialist Greece, etc). See MICROMANAGEMENT,
CASTRATION ANXIETY, REASSURANCE, PLOT, COMICS, TOPO, CHART,
MOSAIC MAP, MAP.
-
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 :
-
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. See
SHORT-TIMER CALENDAR, NOSE ART.
-
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); originally those excavators sent ahead of
the assault force to undermine defensive fortifications, but
later relegated to construction work; 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. Also, the denotative marks or signs
used to differentiate similar items, especially gaming tokens;
also called "spots" or "dings"; see DOMINO / DOMINOES, DICE
GAMES, PLAYING CARDS, WAR GAMES, PLAY THE GAME. Also, slang for
someone extraordinary or something outstanding, that which is
amazing or wonderful, as derived from either 'pippin' (small) or
'pepin' (short). [v: Pepin the Short, king of the Franks and
father of Charlemagne]
-
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,
TOPSIDE, 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); "Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny." by Edmund
Burke, speech at Bristol previous to the election (6 September
1780); "People crushed by law, have no hopes but from power. If
laws are their enemies, they will be enemies to laws; and those
who have much to hope and nothing to lose, will always be
dangerous." by Edmund Burke, letter to Charles James Fox (1777);
"If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog
honest officials is not right." Proverbs 17:26 NIV Bible]
-
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, NOOGIE, 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); aka: "pissoir" urinal; see HONEY BUCKET, LATRINE,
HEAD, BLUE CANOE, CAT HOLE, COMFORT STATION, COUGH DROP, BLACK
WATER, WATERWORKS.
Also, due to resemblance, the setup for a MORTAR, which is
informally known as "vest-pocket artillery", "mortie", and
STOVEPIPE.
-
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", "hog leg" or "hand-cannon",
"rod" or "barker", "shootin' iron" or "barking iron", "sixgun" or
"six-shooter", "heater" or "toaster", "gat" or "Roscoe";
including M-1911A1 .45cal; M-9 9mm; ZIP GUN; DEER GUN; LIBERATOR;
GYROJET;
; . See MAGAZINE, MUZZLE, MUZZLE-BRAKE, KICK, HANG FIRE,
FIREPOWER, SILENCER, PISTOL GRIP, TUPPERWARE, JOHN WAYNE RIFLE,
PISTOL BELT, ZERO, OFFHAND; compare RIFLE, SMG, MG, BLOOPER, SAW,
STONER, UP-GUN.
[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 :
-
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, BISCUIT,
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, RIPRAP; compare SPALL,
BALLAST.
-
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, MEETING
ENGAGEMENT, BATTLE, BATTLEFIELD, GAMBLER'S FALLACY, 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 TROU-DE-LOUP, TIGER PIT,
TIGER TRAP, BOOBY-TRAP. Also, any concealed danger or obscured
harm that lays in waiting for the unwary.
-
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. Also,
abbreviation for PHASE LINE.
-
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
designation for 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, COA,
FIELD EXPEDIENT, AD HOC, RUN IT UP THE FLAGPOLE, EYE-CHECK, HOUSE
OF CARDS, RAIN ON PARADE, EXIT STRATEGY, CONFUSION, MIND CANDY,
MILITARY MIND, WHITE ELEPHANT, DANCE CARD, ELEPHANT DANCE,
ABSTRACTION; compare PLAN B, CONPLAN, EXPLAN.
[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!";
"A 'plan' is just a bunch of ideas that have been arranged, one
after another, so that they follow in a sequence."; "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 CONPLAN, EXPLAN, FIELD EXPEDIENT, AD HOC, 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". It's a naval tradition to
present original crewmembers (especially petty and commissioned
officers) with a commemorative CRIBBAGE board, formerly made from
scraps of teak decking from a ship's initial construction, when
they depart their assigned MAIDEN VOYAGE. Compare HOMESTEADER.
-
PLANNING :
-
to formulate a program or scheme, to devise a method or
technique, as an intention to be implemented; as derived from
'level ground', groundwork; see THE PLAN, COURSE OF ACTION (COA),
OPLAN, CONPLAN, EXPLAN, PLAN B, AD HOC, EXIT STRATEGY. [nb: poor
planning at the lower echelons usually doesn't constitute an
emergency at the higher levels, but poor planning at the higher
echelons almost always causes an emergency (if not a panic) at
the lower levels!]
-
PLANTATION :
-
a model or "showplace" Prisoner of War camp, that was later
succeeded by the ZOO; see CITADEL, ALCATRAZ, MOUNTAIN, POW.
-
PLASTIC :
-
see PLASTIC EXPLOSIVE, PLASTIQUE, SHAPED CHARGE, CHARGE, DEMO,
EXPLOSIVE.
-
PLASTIC BRAINS :
-
AvnSpeak for the categorized schedule or "to do" list, especially
the power-on pre-flight startup and post-flight shutdown
procedures, that a PILOT is required to accomplish in proper
sequence during both the normal and emergency operation of an
aircraft; formerly contained in a leg-mounted clipboard
(KNEEBOARD) or other ready reference notebook, but now displayed
as a computerized subroutine. See HUD, VD, HOTAS, BITCHIN' BETTY,
UP CHECK, VFR, IMC, IP, WALK AROUND.
-
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 putty-like substance that contains an explosive charge, and is
detonated by fuse or remote control; this is a stable explosive
compound, such as C-4 or HEP, COMPOSITION C or RDX, GELIGNITE or
SEMTEX, that is malleable at normal temperatures; also known as
"plastique". See SHAPED CHARGE, CHARGE, DEMO, EXPLOSIVE.
-
PLASTIQUE :
-
(plass-teak) see PLASTIC EXPLOSIVE, C-4, RDX, SEMTEX, GELIGNITE,
HEP, SHAPED CHARGE, CHARGE, DEMO, EXPLOSIVE.
-
PLATOON :
-
see PLT.
-
PLATOON GUIDE :
-
see GUIDE.
-
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. [cf: the
Basque defeat of Bretons and Franks at the Battle of Roncevaux
Pass (778)] [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. [v: misericord /
misericorde; cf: catatonia, catalonia, catalepsy, narcolepsy]
-
PLAYING CARDS :
-
pasteboard parts of a set or deck, used in playing various games
of chance or skill; see DEATH CARD, KNOCK THEIR SPOTS OFF, KISS
THE MISTRESS, TURN THE JACK, PIP, POKER, PINOCHLE, CRIBBAGE,
ACEY-DEUCY, FAN-TAN, WAR GAMES, PLAY THE GAME, PIN-UP, TRENCH
ART, SOUVENIR; compare CHECKERS, CHESS, DOMINO,
BATRACHOMYOMACHIA.
[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: "But cards are war, in disguise of a sport." by Charles Lamb
(1820-23); "The poker player learns that sometimes both science
and common sense are wrong; that the bumblebee can fly; that,
perhaps, one should never trust an expert; that there are more
things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of by those with an
academic bent." by David Mamet (1986); "Because people have no
thoughts to deal in, they deal cards, and try and win one
another's money. Idiots!" by Arthur Schopenhauer (1851)]
[nb: "I've seen a game iv cards start among frinds, but I never
see frinds in a game iv cards." by Finley Peter Dunne (On the
Game of Cards 1919); "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); "A man's idee in a card game is war -- crool,
devastatin', an' pitiless. A lady's idee iv it is a combynation
iv larceny, embezzlement, an' burglary." by Finley Peter Dunne
(On the Game of Cards 1919)]
[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: the prohibition against gambling on the sabbath was
compounded by a 1397 edict preventing the people from playing
certain games (including cards) on work days; hence the rise of
illicit casinos and the instigation of excise taxes]
[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]
-
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, PLAYING
CARDS, DICE GAMES, CRAPSHOOT, GAME THEORY, GAME PLAN, GAMBIT,
BATRACHOMYOMACHIA, FLOWER WAR, BALL GAME, VIETNAM SYNDROME,
PISSING CONTEST, HAT TRICK, WHIPSAW, TALLY-HO, PLAY BALL, BATTER
UP, BODY COUNT, TRAIN HARD FIGHT EASY, KNOCK IT OFF, TS CARD,
POWER WALL, PAY DUES, TOY SOLDIER, THEY'LL GIVE A WAR AN'
NOBODY'LL COME.
-
PLAY WITH FIRE :
-
see HEAD IN THE LION'S MOUTH.
-
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.
-
AS PLEASED AS PUNCH :
-
greatly delighted, as derived from the gloating self-satisfaction
of Mister Punch (re: "Punch and Judy") at the success of his evil
actions; smug schadenfreude. See SENSE OF HUMOR. [nb: not to be
confused with 'punch', a spicy fruit drink mixed with spirits, or
a sharp blow with the fist] [nb: the "Punch and Judy" puppet
play, typically performed for children (in common with fairy
tales), is an allegorical comedy introduced to England during the
Restoration from the Italian character Pulcinella ("young
chicken"); Punch, a cruel hunchback, who's coarse and grotesque,
first kills his nagging wife and annoying child, escaping
imprisonment by use of a golden key, and then in a later series
of episodes, triumphs over ennui (in the shape of a dog), disease
(in the disguise of a doctor), death (who is beaten to death),
the hangman (who is hanged in his stead), and the Devil himself
(who is outwitted)]
-
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE :
-
a solemn oath of allegiance or fidelity that's sworn by a citizen
to his nation, and forming part of many flag-saluting ceremonies
observed in the United States of America; its recitation is a
public promise of allegiance to the nation as represented by its
flag; originating in 1892, with the wording changed (from "my
flag" to "The flag of the United States of America") in 1923, and
with a phrase added ("under God") in 1954, as codified in the
federal Flag Code. See PROMISE, CREED, OATH, CODE OF CONDUCT,
DUTY, PATRIOT, LOYALTY OATH, KEEP THE FAITH, SEMPER FI, CUSTOMS
AND COURTESIES OF THE SERVICE, STARS 'n' STRIPES, COLORS, ENSIGN,
BLOCK THE COLORS, HALF-MAST, SHIFT COLORS, FLAG DAY.
[nb: after the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks, Dr
Pepper produced its soft drink in patriotic cans depicting
the Statue of Liberty and the words: One Nation ...
Indivisible for a limited period (from November 2001 to
February 2002) in an area covering parts of only twelve states;
the company was criticized and threatened with boycott for
exhibiting its support for national unity; the company was also
criticized for quoting the Pledge of Allegiance incompletely]
-
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 despoiled by PILLAGE or PLUNDER, as in war;
stolen goods, such as loot or booty, swag or boodle, takings or
filchings.
-
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 by the host government; such
irrevocable expulsion is in lieu of prosecution under local laws
[v: SOFA] for the precipitating incident, which could interfere
with larger national issues. [cf: renvoi]
[v: Diplomatic Terms]
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!"]
-
POAG :
-
misspelling of POGUE.
-
POAGY BAIT :
-
misspelling of POGY BAIT.
-
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 [v: accommodation address]. Also, PAC / PAC TIME
(qv).
-
POCKETKNIFE :
-
a knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle, which
is suitable for carrying in the pocket or on the belt; of the
several styles of military POCKETKNIFE made for electricians or
mountaineers or other specialists, the most popular is the all
stainless steel, scout patterned utility folder (MIL-K-818D) that
was first introduced in 1944. Contrary to the stereotype of the
well-armed warrior charging into battle with a KABAR clenched in
his teeth, the POCKETKNIFE is the most common knife carried by
MIL-PERS ... during the VIETNAM WAR, it was the heavy-duty "Buck
110 Hunter" lockback featuring a single blade. The POCKETKNIFE is
more functional and less expensive than a combat knife, and in
the modern era of super technology and high mobility, a
POCKETKNIFE is less likely to be abandoned as an encumbrance.
Although the combat knife will always be a highly cherished
symbol of warfare, the humble POCKETKNIFE is the unassuming
device that really gets the job done for most people most of the
time. See KNIFE.
[nb: the first multi-tool was the Swiss Army Knife, developed by
a medical equipment supplier when he learned that Switzerland's
cutlery was manufactured in Germany; because American soldiers
couldn't pronounce the name of the pocketknife (Offiziersmesser),
they renamed it, and it became the most popular multi-blade knife
in the world]
-
POCKET LITTER :
-
personal oddments or accouterments that are time specific and
region appropriate for LEGEND consistency on a covert mission,
such as pen, pocketknife, handkerchief, wallet, currency,
receipts, tokens, and keys. See CLEAN, COVER, TRADECRAFT.
-
POCKET PATCH :
-
informal reference to a skill qualification badge (eg: JUNGLE
EXPERT, RECONDO, PATHFINDER, etc), a special assignment badge
(eg: General Staff, Joint Chiefs of Staff, etc), or an
unauthorized novelty insignia (eg: BEERCAN, MORALE PATCH, etc)
that's displayed on the breast pocket of a uniform; see PATCH,
CREST; compare CORD, BRASSARD.
-
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, STAGE, 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]
-
POGE :
-
misspelling of POGUE.
-
POGIE BAIT :
-
misspelling of POGY BAIT.
-
POGUE :
-
dick, cock; dickhead, PRICK, putz; PUKE, DUD, CREEP, 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, SUGAR
PILL, HERSHEY BAR, TRACK PAD, CANDY BAR, RAT BAIT, CLARK BAR,
NECCO, JAWBREAKER, HOOAH! BAR, SINKER, SNIVEL GEAR, CREATURE
COMFORTS, GUNS OR BUTTER, 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 judgment takes maturity]
Also, abbreviation for a Person Of Interest, being a potential
TARGET.
-
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]
-
THE POINT :
-
informal reference to the United States Military Academy (USMA),
commonly referred to as WEST POINT; see HUDSON HIGH, CADET, TRADE
SCHOOL, RING-KNOCKER, MULE. [nb: According to Alden Partridge,
the West Point academy, that "nursery of aristocracy" and "public
charity school", possessed a system of education designed to
produce "military pedants and military dandies", and would form
the basis of a "military aristocracy" that would threaten
national values and republican institutions; and as its first
superintendent, he repeatedly recommended curricular reforms, and
after resigning his commission, he proposed its closure and
replacement by an American System of practical education, that
later became ROTC.] [v: Siwash ("At Good Old Siwash" by George
Helgeson Fitch (1911)] [v: West Point slang]
-
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 more efficient alternative to the booklet
format was later developed as a set of illustrative cards (or a
playing card deck) called VISUAL LANGUAGE TRANSLATOR that
featured a single word or phrase per each card in the several
languages of a region, so that they might be more easily arranged
into a question or statement by a non-linguist. See BLOOD CHIT,
DLI, SEATIC, E&E, SERE, SAR, CSAR, SAFE, 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, DANGER CLOSE, DELIVERY ERROR, CEP, HORIZONTAL ERROR,
DISPERSION ERROR, DEVIATION, 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 :
-
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]
-
POKER :
-
a card game played by two or more persons, wherein the players
bet on the value of their hands, with the winner taking the pool;
believed to have originated in Asia, it was seemingly influenced
by the games of braggart or bluffer when adopted by Americans
during the 19th century; the game of brag has been used to
recount battle action as a test of knowledge or gullibility since
before the American CIVIL WAR. POKER is a gambling game of
tactics and deception with many variations (eg: draw, stud,
spit-in-the-ocean, high-low, straight, red dog, etc); it's not a
game of strategy (like chess) or computation (like blackjack);
see TIGER, BLUFF, PLAYING CARDS, WAR GAMES, PLAY THE GAME.
[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: "But cards are war,
in disguise of a sport." by Charles Lamb (1820-23); "The poker
player learns that sometimes both science and common sense are
wrong; that the bumblebee can fly; that, perhaps, one should
never trust an expert; that there are more things in heaven and
earth than are dreamt of by those with an academic bent." by
David Mamet (1986); "Because people have no thoughts to deal in,
they deal cards, and try and win one another's money. Idiots!" by
Arthur Schopenhauer (1851)]
-
POKER DICE :
-
dice marked on their faces with representations of the six
highest PLAYING CARDS (ie: ace, king, queen, jack, ten, nine),
instead of conventional PIPs (1-6), as used for playing various
gambling games. Compare LIAR'S DICE, DOMINO; see DICE GAMES, PLAY
THE GAME, WAR GAMES. [nb: not to be confused with its homophone,
'poltergeist', despite all the mysterious indications to the
contrary whenever players "rattle the bones"!]
-
POKER FACE / POKER-FACE :
-
an expressionless countenance or inexpressive visage; see
FLINT FACE, QUARTERDECK FACE, HALF-MAST, WAR FACE, FACE.
[nb: the pan is the depressed part of the lock holding the
priming in old guns, so a "deadpan" facial expression derives
from a musket's flash-pan being empty, that is, without any
primer to set-off the charged barrel when the hammer falls to
strike a spark of ignition]
-
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]
-
POLARIS :
-
a two-stage ballistic missile that's usually fired from a
platform (SHERWOOD FOREST) aboard a submerged submarine; as
derived from the astronomical name for the polestar or North
Star, situated in the constellation Little Dipper (Ursa Minor).
-
POLICE :
-
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, FLETC,
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] [nb: the sworn duty of every police officer is to protect
and serve each member of society, no matter how guilty or
complicit, stupid or selfish, loathsome or despicable]
-
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 CLUTTER and LITTER, especially
cigarette BUTTs (which, when filter-tipped, are called
"mini-tampons"); also called simply "police", as to "police the
area" or "police up". See FAG, FIELD STRIP, BUTT CAN, GI PARTY,
SQUARED AWAY, SHIPSHAPE, FOD, KP, SWEAT, SCRUB, ELBOW GREASE.
-
POLISH REVEILLE :
-
a politically-incorrect reference to a wake-up call made at the
wrong time, being a signal to arise that disturbs sleep without
purpose; not an alert for early duty or an alarm to defend
against surprise. See REVEILLE, POLISH SALUTE, REDNECK CREDIT
CARD, WHITE TRASH, THIRD ESTATE.
-
POLISH SALUTE :
-
a politically-incorrect reference to a demonstrative shrug, being
expressive of ignorance or indifference, disregard or disdain,
discountenance or disapprobation; compare ITALIAN SALUTE; 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 should wear
uniforms like NASCAR drivers so everybody can identify their
corporate sponsors."; "A politician is like a banana: when he
first comes in, he is green, then he turns yellow, and then he
goes rotten!"; "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; "One politician's truth is
another pol's lie."; "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 are the same the world
over: they promise to build a bridge even when there is no
river." by Nikita Khrushchev; "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 gangrene that
infects history was put there by politicians. They seek havoc for
personal gain. They serve only a handful of masters and abandon
all the others to die of the gangrenes they fostered ... the
wars, the inflations, the unemployment, the suffering, the
corruption, the shame, but most of all war. It is humanity's most
degraded work." by Richard Condon; "People will tolerate an
incompetent politician, but not a failed hero ... heroes are too
rare to be so readily cast aside."; "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; see THE IMMORTALS.
-
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].
-
POMP :
-
a stately or splendid display of dignity or importance, typically
ostentatious; formerly a procession, pageant, or parade. [v: pomp
and circumstance]
-
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] [nb: there
were rarely enough BODY BAGs when needed, so corpses were often
wrapped and tied into ground-sheets, PONCHOs, PONCHO LINERs,
sleeping bags (FART SACK), or even TARPs and SHELTER-HALves as
improvised winding sheets (ie: SHROUD) for removal from the
field]
-
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.
[nb: there were rarely enough BODY BAGs when needed, so corpses
were often wrapped and tied into ground-sheets, PONCHOs, PONCHO
LINERs, sleeping bags (FART SACK), or even TARPs and
SHELTER-HALves as improvised winding sheets (ie: SHROUD) for
removal from the field]
-
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 EXPRESS :
-
USAF 20th Special Operations Squadron; based at Udorn Royal Thai
Air Force Base in support of LIMA SITE 85 and other special
operations.
-
PONY SOLDIER :
-
a 19th century colloquialism 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, DOG SOLDIER, LONG KNIFE,
ACR, MECH, CAMPAIGN HAT, CAVALRY WHISKERS, 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 (and deserving) specimen of
targetable game. See WIDOW MAKER, BLACK MAGIC, TUPPERWARE, OVER
'n' UNDER, BURST, 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, WRITING ON THE WALL, 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, EQUALIZER.
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. Also, (forthcoming) an animated cartoon featuring a
sailor, being more popular than MICKEY MOUSE; see FICTIONAL
CHARACTER.
-
MARY POPPINS :
-
|
novelty Mary Poppins
HAHO para JSD
|
|
by reference to the children's nanny who was possessed of magical
powers, which were best exemplified for High-Altitude
High-Opening (HAHO) parachuting by her use of an umbrella to
descend back to earth after whirling around in the atmosphere.
Introduced in 1934 by P.L. Travers, this FICTIONAL CHARACTER
could not only slide up banisters, but could walk into a picture,
understand what dogs are saying, and travel around the world in
seconds. Julie Andrews played the part of this nanny in the 1964
namesake film, which was shown to troops in Vietnam. An informal
(and very unofficial) skill badge depicting this nanny with her
deployed umbrella was adopted during the Vietnam-era as a
sardonic symbol of High-Altitude High-Opening (HAHO) parachuting.
-
POP SMOKE :
-
activating a smoke grenade, to conceal movement, to
mark a target or sighting, to indicate the location of ground
elements for aerial observation, or to identify a secure Landing
Zone (LZ). The SOP for AIR-ASSAULT, EXTRACTION, DUSTOFF, or
airlift resupply consisted of the CHOPPER crew identifying the
color of smoke used, which would be confirmed by the ground
element before landing; because the enemy attempted to lure
CHOPPERS into an AMBUSH by POPPING SMOKE whenever possible.
Masking and marking smoke was usually yellow, purple, or green;
since most units reserved red smoke for GUNSHIP or TAC-AIR
targets. See SOUP CAN, MIGHTY MITE, SMOKY BEAR, GRENADE, WATCH MY
SMOKE, BRING SMOKE.
-
POPULAR FRONT :
-
an anti-fascist political alliance against reactionary
dictatorial governments that was organized by left-wing parties
at the behest of the 1935 Communist International; being a
precipitating factor in the Spanish Civil War (1936-9) and the
collaborative collapse (1936-8) of France [Léon Blum].
-
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, NGO, GOCO, COCO, QUANGO, OGA, 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.
-
POSEIDON :
-
a submarine-launched U.S. Navy ballistic MISSILE with up to ten
WARHEADs and a range of 2800 miles; named after the ancient Greek
god of the sea with the power to cause earthquakes.
-
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, COMPOUND,
OUTPOST, GARRISON, RESERVATION. Also, the command directing
subordinates to take (or to 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 small gateway or "people
sized" door (also called "pocket door" or "wicket") in a large
portal or HATCH cover. Compare EMBRASURE; see PEEPHOLE.
-
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, SACRED COW, 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 :
-
a colloquialism for strike or beat, batter or thump, as in a
forceful manner. Also, a unit of weight and of mass that has
varied over time in different countries (eg: avoirdupois, troy,
etc); see WT, KIP, PICUL, CALIBER. Also, 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" or gold
"guinea" (from 1663 to 1813), 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 erroneously abbreviated "PW" (qv),
being an allied 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, WALKING GHOST, TAP
CODE, HOMECOMING, MIA, CIL, JPAC, POW MEDAL, POW-MIA DAY, POW-MIA
BRACELET, 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 judgment, 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, WALKING GHOST, TAP
CODE, HOMECOMING, MIA, CIL, JPAC, 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", "wall of
honor","bragging wall", "wall of glory", "ego wall", and "I love
me shrine". Such displays, especially when containing photographs
of influential personages, were officially discouraged as
"political statements" under the Hatch Act after the VIETNAM WAR;
so these displays have since been confined to SAFE ROOM dens or
libraries in private homes. See ATTABOY, GONG, TRASH, Q-COURSE,
BRAGGING RIGHTS, TRENCH ART, FEATHERS. [v: fanfaronade]
-
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 ACCOUNTABILITY :
-
see Central Identification Laboratory (CIL), Joint POW/MIA
Accounting Command (JPAC).
-
POW-MIA BRACELET :
-
a copper or aluminum (later enameled) cuff engraved with the
identifying particulars of individual POWs or MIAs, which were
sold to the general public for fund- and consciousness raising by
non-profit organizations; the original cuffs were bare metal, but
with enameling, an informal system of color-coding enabled
specific audiences to be discriminated and targeted: red for the
VIETNAM WAR, blue for the KOREAN WAR, khaki for the GULF WARs,
and black for those killed-in-action (KIA). See BRACELET,
COINING, SOUVENIR, YELLOW RIBBON, POW-MIA DAY.
-
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: consistory] [cf: back-formation of "calumet" for AmerIndian
"peace pipe"]
-
PPA :
-
Popski's Private Army, being a small (about 120 men) British
raiding and reconnaissance force that was formed in October 1942
under Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Peniakoff (familiarly known as
'Popski'), who had previously worked with the Libyan Arab Force;
this Belgium-born Russian was educated at Cambridge, and resident
in Egypt since 1924. An element of the PPA, together with the
Long Range Desert Group (LRDG), reconnoitered the route by which
Montgomery conducted his surprise attack around the MARETH LINE;
the PPA subsequently operated in Italy and Austria.
-
PRAB :
-
Phan Rang Air [Force] Base
-
PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH :
-
see ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS, WALKS THE WALK, WATCH MY
SMOKE, BRING SMOKE, ROOT HOG OR DIE, RISKY-SHIFT EFFECT. [v:
"Well done is better than well said." attributed to Benjamin
Franklin (June 1921); "Fear not, my lord, we will not stand to
prate; Talkers are no good doers: be assured We come to use our
hands and not our tongues." by William Shakespeare in Richard
III (1594)] [cf: "talk a good game", "all talk and no
action", "all blow and no go", "all mouth and no trousers"; v:
BLOW SMOKE, LIP SERVICE, SMOKE 'n' MIRRORS]
-
PRAETORIAN GUARD :
-
in ancient Rome, the court guards for the civil magistrate
(praetor) ranked next below a consul; see CONSTABULARY, PROVOST
GUARD, PALACE GUARD, POLITROOPER, THE IMMORTALS.
-
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, as "They haven't got a prayer!"; see
DOG'S CHANCE, CHINAMAN'S CHANCE, SNOWBALL, TAR BABY, BITTER END,
SHIT HIT THE FAN, DEEP SHIT, LAST STAND.
[nb: "God is With Us" (Gott Mit Uns) was the motto of the
Prussian Emperor, and was used by German soldiers during WWII;
"O Lord, Thou knowest how busy I must be this day. If I forget
Thee, do not forget me." by Jacob Astley at the Battle of
Edgehill (1642)] [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 CPVF, CCF, GOOEY,
LAUNDRYMAN, CHINK, BAD GUYS.
-
PRCT :
-
Parachute Regimental Combat Team, such as the 517th PRCT; see
BDE, RCT, RGT, PIB, PIR, AIRBORNE, PARACHUTE.
-
PRECONIZE / PRECONIZATION :
-
to proclaim or commend publicly, to herald or laud conspicuously,
to declare or praise overtly, to promulgate or endorse openly, as
when announcing an appointment or publishing a promotion, when
conferring a certificate or presenting a decoration; see IMPACT
AWARD, GONG, BAY, CROWN, CROWN OF WILD OLIVES, PARADE, SALUTE.
-
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,
GLORY HOLE, HIPPIE, TRIPPIE, YIPPIE, THE PILL; compare STRAIGHT
ARROW.
-
PRE-FLIGHT :
-
see WALK AROUND, PLASTIC BRAINS, KNEEBOARD, UP CHECK, CHECK RIDE,
NICKEL RIDE.
-
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,
SIEGFRIED 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.
-
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, stinger, fun gun, tallywhacker, wang, wanker, Johnny
jump-up, Johnny on the spot, dick, dickey bird, cock, BIRD,
DIPPER, pecker, bipper, zipper snake, pants python, lizard, worm,
Mister Wiggly, boy toy, little brother, one-eyed monster, clown,
trickster, giggle stick, JOYSTICK, stiffy, 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, jackhammer, knob, tool,
equipment, organ, middle leg, 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, DEAD
STICK, DEAD-SOLDIER.
[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.
-
PRIMROSE PATH :
-
AvnSpeak for the computer-generated attack profile and intercept
vector that's automatically plotted for the PILOT when targeting
an adversary, including armaments for the engagement; this
"school solution" is typically too conservative and conventional,
lacking creativity and aggressivity in its recommendations.
Although this phrase traditionally implies hedonism, in this
context the expression contrasts the (overly) cultivated garden
with the untamed wilderness as an allusion to self-indulgent
dilettantism ... an affectation that will lose the contest [cf:
joust, tournament]. See VISUAL, HUD, BOGIE, BANDIT, JUDY,
TALLY-HO, JOY, BOX HEAD, MILITARY MIND.
-
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, GAMBLER'S
FALLACY, BOYDLOOP, UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE, KNOW YOUR ENEMY, COURSE
OF ACTION, LEAST RESISTANCE, LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS, LAW OF
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES, LORENTZ CONTRACTION, LORENTZ
TRANSFORMATION, PARADIGM SHIFT, OUTSIDE THE BOX, MILITARY MIND;
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, HIDE-AND-SEEK, 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.
-
PRIZE COURT :
-
since the colonial era, a court whose function it is to
adjudicate on prizes taken in war.
-
PROFESSIONAL VETERAN :
-
a person exhibiting arrested development, who's fixated in a
youthful time and place (whether successful or not), and who's
perpetually oriented to a past (pleasant or not), which episode
has become the most significant part of that person's life.
Although this person may have a regular civilian job, a PRO VET
will substitute veteran activities for normal extracurricular
involvements, will wear uniform parts or badges to remind others
of his military service, and will deliberately interlard
MIL-SPEAK argot into regular conversations. While there's a
difference between personal pride and obsessive preoccupation,
the distinction between "war relic" and "superpatriot" lies
within 'appropriate social integration' ... that is, a PRO VET
always aspires toward a public demonstration of his status,
regardless of the setting or reception. While some PROFESSIONAL
VETERANs serve a useful function as the GO TO GUY for military
affairs and veterans' benefits, too many of them are "ignorant
and proud of it!" ... that is, too many PRO VETs are inflationary
WANNABEs who seek authentication and validation of their fiction
by aggressive proclamation. Some disabled veterans PLAY THE GAME
because they want to draw a distinction between their own
service-connected condition and some civilian equivalent. See
ESPRIT DE CORPS, VETERANS' ASSOCIATION, LAST MAN CLUB, PATRIOT,
DINOSAUR, BOY'S CLUB, BROKEN-WING SYNDROME, PAY DUES. [cf:
professional widow, professional student, etc]
-
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, PEB,
TDRL, PDRL, MILLION DOLLAR WOUND, PINK, MONKEY BUTT, EXERCISE, 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, PECKER-CHECKER, 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, PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE, CREED, DUTY.
Also, "Operation PROVIDE PROMISE", the name of the aid/relief
mission in Bosnia.
-
PROMOTION PARTY :
-
see PRECONIZE, PARADE, SALUTE, RANK, RATING, INSIGNIA.
-
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 and tools, its data and interpretations. For example,
the notorious Sand Creek Massacre in Colorado Territory on 30
November 1864, being a reprisal for over 600 settler deaths that
were blamed on the Indians, reported 500 dead hostiles (none of
whom were known to be responsible), but only 123 Indian villagers
(including women and children) actually died in the attack; which
inaccuracy exaggerated the conflict, enhanced the militia's
reputation, placated civilian settlers, redistributed federal
funding commitments, degraded and demoralized the opposition ...
the story was integral to the fight. By contrast, the 1823
punitive expedition that was led by Henry Leavenworth against the
Arikaras resulted in much posturing, no fighting, and a
meaningless treaty that was immediately violated ... persuading
the Sioux that the American soldier was a coward! ... a
conclusion that would become a factor later in the 1876 Battle of
the Little Bighorn. [cf: Wyoming Valley massacre, Pennsylvania
(1778); Mountain Meadows massacre, Colorado Territory (1857);
Camp Grant massacre, Arizona Territory (1871); Wounded Knee
massacre, South Dakota (1890)]
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,
SCAPEGOAT, FALSE FLAG, DECEPTION, RUMOR, BIG LIE, FACTOID,
HOOPLA, CONTROLLED INFORMATION, VIP, 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; cf:
"polingo" as a neologism for political lingo]
-
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 for retention with civilian
employment; also known as "specialty pay" or "bonus pay". The
receipt of awards and earning of qualifications rated additional
pay for the individual during and after the WWII-era. 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 both Air Medals (AM) and 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, MAGIC BULLET]
-
PROPRIETARY AIRLINE :
-
private aircraft and crew contracted to fly missions in support
of governmental operations, including Air America, Continental
Air Service, Civil Air Transport Service, etc; the contract
aircrews and support personnel were called "sky people" by the
HMONG tribesmen. See SHEEP-DIPPED, CUSTOMER, FIRST FLIGHT.
[nb: refugee Chinese were transported from Thailand to Taiwan to
quell cross-border hostilities, and to stabilize the 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,
NANNY STATE, GARRISON STATE, PUPPET, BUFFER STATE, WINNING HEARTS
AND MINDS, GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY, SATELLITE, FLAG OF PROTECTION,
BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, REALPOLITIK. Also, a state or
territory so protected. Also, the office or government of a
protector.
-
PROTESTOR :
-
a person who declares 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, McCARTHYISM, HUAC, SILENT
MAJORITY, UN-AMERICAN, ANTI-AMERICAN, YIPPIE, BLACK BLOC, FIFTH
COLUMN, RUNNING DOG, NIGHTCRAWLER, NCC, NEW MOBE, BULLSHITVIK,
GUERRILLA THEATER, BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY, BURN BABY BURN, DAYS
OF RAGE, SUMMER OF LOVE, COUNTERCULTURE, HIPPIE, THEY'LL GIVE A
WAR AN' NOBODY'LL COME, KUM BA YAH, WE SHALL OVERCOME, PACIFIST,
FLOWER POWER, SILVER-TAIL, BEST AND BRIGHTEST, APOCALYPSE. [v:
agitprop; cf: counter-demonstration]
-
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: Bosnia (1995): 12 battle deaths] [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, NIGHTCRAWLER,
SYMPATHIZER, SPOOK, SECRET AGENT, FIX, DANGLE, STOOGE, DECOY,
SABOTAGE, TERRORIST; compare INVISIBLE, SLEEPER, SWEEPER.
-
PROVOST COURT :
-
a military court, usually composed of one officer, convened in
occupied territory under MARTIAL LAW, and empowered to try both
civilian and military personnel for minor offenses; see WHEN IN
ROME, CIVIL AFFAIRS AGREEMENT, SOFA; compare REGULATOR, VIGILANCE
COMMITTEE.
[cf: kangaroo court, honor court, grievance committee, vigilance
committee, tribunal, sanhedrim] [nb: lynch law is the
summary execution of an accused or convicted person by extralegal
process, originally from the DRUMHEAD trial of royalists by
patriots during the Revolutionary War, eponymously after either
Charles Lynch or William Lynch of Pittsylvania, Virginia]
-
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 permitted to
escalate 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, FLAG OF PROTECTION, INTERVENTIONISM,
CONTAINMENT, DIVIDE AND CONQUER, UNDECLARED WAR, WARS OF NATIONAL
LIBERATION, BRUSH FIRE WAR, LIMITED WAR, COLD WAR, MAD, WAR;
compare TOTAL 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 :
-
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.
-
P6 :
-
abbreviation representing the initial six P's of the common
military maxim: Prior Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance;
also represented as: Proper Planning Prevents Piss-Poor
Performance. See THE PLAN, COURSE OF ACTION (COA), OPLAN,
CONPLAN, EXPLAN, PLAN B, AD HOC, EXIT STRATEGY. [nb: poor
planning at the lower echelons usually doesn't constitute an
emergency at the higher levels, but poor planning at the higher
echelons almost always causes an emergency (if not a panic) at
the lower levels!]
-
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 :
-
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; cf:
"polingo" as a neologism for political lingo]
-
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, EXERCISE, AIRBORNE SHUFFLE,
OBSTACLE COURSE, BIATHLON, TRIATHLON, PENTATHLON, DECATHLON,
MARATHON, BY THE NUMBERS, FIELD HOUSE, PT'S, GO-FASTERS, PT
SHOWER, WAR GAMES.
-
PT BOAT :
-
(pee-tee boat) Patrol Torpedo boat, being a small fast GUNBOAT
with a wooden HULL used during the WWII-era; see PBL, MICKEY
MOUSE BATTLESHIP, SKIMMER, MOSQUITO FLEET, BOAT.
[nb: land lubbers mistakenly believe that this is a special kind
of floating gym where seamen perform Physical Training exercises]
-
P-38 :
-
C-RATIONS can opener; also called a "John Wayne". The P-38 was
preceded by a "bird's beak" blade on the scout pattern military
folding knife, and discontinued after VN by Meals Ready to Eat
(MRE) packaging. Developed in thirty days during the summer of
1942 by the Subsistence Research Laboratory in Chicago; it was
named "P(uncture) 38" for the average cut count when opening a
can, and in imitation of the speed of the "P-38" LIGHTNING
fighter airplane. The P-38 was such a simple and compact device
that it was used for a multitude of applications, from scrape and
gouge to lever and screwdriver. On this principle, a new MURPHY'S
LAW of Combat should be to the effect: "The simpler something is,
then the easier it is to use; the easier to use, the more uses
will be found for it.". A larger (2"L) version of the same design
was introduced during the VIETNAM WAR to make the process of
opening many C-RATION cans in a field kitchen easier; this larger
version continued the analogy with fast attack airplanes, and was
called a "P-51" can opener. Compare CHURCH KEY; see KFS, SPOON.
[nb: the first can-opener, patented in 1858 by Ezra J. Warner, a
two-blade mechanism that was more dangerous than improvised
tools, was rescued from well deserved oblivion by becoming an
issue item to Union troops during the American CIVIL WAR]
-
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 (ie: sweat
suit, track suit) and high-tech running shoes (ie: trainers,
cross-trainers), which are exchanged for the duty uniform after
exercising. See GO-FASTERS, EXERCISE.
-
PTSD :
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; formerly known as "battle
fatigue", "combat fatigue", "combat exhaustion", "shell shock",
or "war neurosis", and now redesignated "Post-Traumatic Stress
Injury" (PTSI). 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 giving them enough
time to use soap. See EXERCISE, MONKEY BUTT, LATRINE, COMFORT
STATION; compare DOUCHE BAG, WHORE'S BATH, GI SHOWER.
-
PTSI :
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Injury, a reaction formation formerly
designated Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (qv).
-
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 being 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 the 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:
medical science has ascertained that the testes of male humans
are nourished by different blood supplies, with the right being
fed from the heart and the left from the kidneys; and as a
further evolutionary adaptation, the left testicle always hangs
lower than the right so as to prevent constriction or injury]
[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, CREEP, 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 AND JUDY :
-
see AS PLEASED AS PUNCH.
-
PUNCHBOWL :
-
a crater at the summit of an extinct volcano on the island of
Oahu in Hawaii, where the National Memorial Cemetery of the
Pacific is located for the interment of those servicemembers who
were killed in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam; see NATIONAL
CEMETERY.
-
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" or
"ride the rocket". 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" or
"duke it out"; see GROUP HUG, BATTLE ROYAL, KING OF THE HILL,
FIGHTING MAD, MASSACRE. [cf: barratry]
-
PUNITIVE ARTICLES :
-
an itemized schedule, indexed and enumerated in the Uniform Code
of Military Justice (UCMJ), of acts forbidden to servicemembers,
together with the punishments for violation of these
prohibitions. [v: UCMJ Punitive Articles]
-
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, SMACK, MAGGOT.
-
PUP :
-
nickname for a SEAL trainee; compare TADPOLE, FROGMAN, LEG,
POLLYWOG, CHUM, NUGGET; see HELL WEEK.
-
PUPPET :
-
a person or government, group or organization (eg: puppet army)
whose actions are prompted and controlled by others, as a pawn,
figurehead, tool, or instrument; see PROTECTORATE, SATELLITE,
NANNY STATE, CLIENT STATE, GARRISON STATE, BUFFER STATE, BETTER
THE DEVIL YOU KNOW.
-
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;
and it also serves as a ground sheet when a TARP or PONCHO is not
available. 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, RED TEAM, 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] [nb: "You'll never get the
Purple Heart hidin' in your foxhole!" unknown Marine]
-
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, UNICOM, SURF, HITCHHIKE, HOPSCOTCH, AIRWAY, RADIO. Also,
to proceed, advance, press, urge, or thrust, as a determined
military action. Also, to medicate optimally; compare STAT.
-
PUSHBACK :
-
(forthcoming); re: towing tractor (tug, MULE), see UNCOUPLE.
-
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. Compare
FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT, DON'T DO NOTHING, CLUTCH-UP, PING-PONG, CUT THE
GORDIAN KNOT, CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER, RISKY-SHIFT EFFECT, BEAT
AROUND THE BUSH.
-
PUSHING UP DAISIES :
-
an idiomatic expression meaning that someone (or something) is
dead and buried, that a person (or project) has been terminated
and disposed of; 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.
-
PUSH ON :
-
to proceed, to continue, to CARRY-ON.
-
PUSH-UP :
-
an exercise performed from the FRONT LEANING REST or prone
position, often directed by the informal command to DROP, to "Hit
it!" or "Kiss concrete!", "Push earth!" or "Beat your face!".
Compare SQUAT, JUMPING JACK; see EXERCISE, 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.
-
PUT TO THE SWORD :
-
an idiomatic expression meaning to execute or slay, being a cause
of punitive death.
-
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)]
-
PW :
-
designation for an enemy Prisoner of War (EPW); see PACKAGE,
TONGUE, SNATCH, PANTY RAID, COUNTERESPIONAGE, PATRIOT ACT, THIRD
DEGREE, SWEAT, SQUEEZE, WARNING SHOT; compare DOUBTFULS,
SQUIRTER, VCS, POW.
-
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, BURY ONE'S HEAD IN THE SAND, CYA, BOHICA, SHOOT YOURSELF IN
THE FOOT, DUD, TURD, SOS, SMACK, MAGGOT, SHIT MAGNET, FIELD
REJECT, FUCK-UP, SHIT LIST, BROWN NOSE.
-
PYLON :
-
a fin-like device used to attach auxiliary equipment (eg: POD) to
an aircraft; compare FAIRING, HARDPOINT, RACK. Also, a marking
post or tower for guiding aviators, frequently used in races; see
WINDSOCK. Also, a steel tower used as a support, or any upright
structure beside a bridge or gate; as derived from the monumental
gateway to an ancient temple.
-
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; this sentiment was
later represented as an "empty victory" by James Longstreet. See
FIGHT LIKE KILKENNY CATS, AUTOTOMY, 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.
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