-
SABRE :
-
North American F-86 jet aircraft; see SUPER SABRE.
-
SABER-RATTLING :
-
a show or threat of military power; see GUNPOINT, GUNBOAT
DIPLOMACY, BIG STICK DIPLOMACY, COVER, DIME, CAT AMONG THE
PIGEONS, NEUTRALIZE; compare WATCH MY SMOKE. [cf: bellicose,
antagonistic, hostile, pugnacious, Firebrand, fire-eater]
-
SABOT :
-
(say-bot, not "sah-bow") a specially designed projectile
carrier (derived from "shoe") to accommodate a CALIBER or to
enhance AMMO effectiveness. An anti-tank SABOT round will delay
detonation to permit inertial penetration, which greatly
increases target damage. A small arms SABOT cartridge enables a
smaller bullet to be fired from a larger bore with equal accuracy
and greater velocity, with the encasement discarded enroute to
the target. SABOT was formerly a wooden or metal disc attached to
the projectile in a muzzleloading cannon; but now is a soft metal
ring at the base of a projectile that makes the projectile
conform to the rifling grooves of a gun.
[nb: RIFLEd guns are denoted "inch" (eg: 3" Field Gun called
"three incher"), which is the diameter of the projectile, while
SMOOTHBORE cannons are denoted "pound" (eg: 12# Mountain HOWITZER
called "twelve pounder"), which is the weight of the projectile]
-
SABOTAGE :
-
the disguised or surreptitious but deliberate damage of
materials, products, equipment, machinery, facilities, or
conveyances, so as to disrupt or incapacitate normal function in
aid of social, religious, political, economic, or military ends;
also known as undermining, wrecking, ruination, and subversion,
and a saboteur is also called an underminer, wrecker, spoiler.
See BOOBY-TRAP, IED, GUERRILLA WARFARE, UW, TERRORIST, BAD GUYS,
CI, PROVOCATEUR, SOF.
[v: during the CIVIL WAR, sabotaged steel rails, called Sherman's
"Hairpins" or Sherman's "Bowties", which were twisted with
Poe's railroad hooks, made railroad service inconsistent and
inefficient; ]
[nb: on 13 June 1942, four Nazi saboteurs were landed by
submarine near Amagansett on Long Island, New York, and four more
were INFILtrated on 17 June 1942 onto Ponte Vedra Beach near
Jacksonville, Florida with enough explosives, incendiaries, and
operating funds to conduct a two-year campaign of sabotage and
terrorism on defence-related production sites, but due to FBI
collaboration, codenamed "Pastorius", all eight were arrested by
27 June 1942, were tried by military commission from 8 July 1942,
and six were executed on 8 August 1942, with the two
collaborators imprisoned until April 1948 when they were granted
Executive Clemency and repatriated; only two more spies were
landed by the Axis, but were captured in 1944 near their Maine
beachhead before they could accomplish any part of their mission]
[nb: during WWII, the German Brandenburg Division was composed of
linguists who were specially trained to infiltrate foreign armies
(eg: French, Italian, Russian, Dutch, Greek, etc) as impostors to
perform SABOTAGE; "Brandenburger" trainees were tested on the
effectiveness of their aculturated disguises in exercises called
"Masquerade Balls"]
-
SAC :
-
(sack) Strategic Air Command; assets reorganized into the Air
Combat Command (ACC) and Air Mobility Command (AMC) in 1991. SAC
motto was "Global Reach, Global Power".
-
SACO :
-
Sino-American Cooperative Organization; WWII clandestine force
operating behind enemy lines. See OSS, SECRET AGENT, CRYPTO,
SPOOK, TRADECRAFT.
-
SACON :
-
Security Alert CONdition; see DEFCON, ESP, FOOTBALL, TOCSIN,
STAND-DOWN, STAND-TO.
-
SACRED COW :
-
the NICKNAME of the first "Air Force One" aircraft, a DC-3 DAKOTA
so called by Harry S. Truman; see BIRD.
-
SADDLE-UP :
-
informal expression by leaders to MISSION READY and COMBAT LOADED
troops that the operation is about to commence or continue, that
everyone should don their GEAR and check their weapons enroute to
the ASSEMBLY or departure area; also phrased as "slap a hat".
This expression is preliminary to the informal command MOVE OUT.
See GOOD TO GO, UNLIMBER, LOCK 'n' LOAD, FAT, OP TEMPO,
JUMP-START, BATTAILOUS.
-
SAD SACK :
-
an award-winning cartoon strip created and drawn by George Baker
for YANK magazine, name is derived from the "sad sack of shit"
reference for many new reCRUITs and DRAFTEEs during WWII. See
DUD, MAGGOT, TURD, SOS.
-
SAF :
-
abbreviation for Small Arms Fire. Also, Security Assistance
Force, being SOF elements with regional specialization for
selective investment or intervention under USSOCOM; replaced in
2007 by "global expeditionary forces", being amalgamated
interservice elements without the limitation of regional
orientation for worldwide application.
-
SAFE :
-
acronym representing Selective Areas For Evasion, being
proposed routes of escape from North Vietnam, including food,
shelter, medicine, and escort; as derived from SAC plans for
USSR, and OSS plans for INDOCHINA. See E&E, BRIGHT LIGHT,
BLOOD CHIT, HOME RUN, POINTIE TALKIE, IRC, DP, BOAT PEOPLE,
YELLOW BIRD.
[nb: the "human railway" was an escape network established by the
Resistance (French, Belgian, Czech, and others) to rescue or
conceal downed Allied aircrewmen so as to escort them to neutral
nations (Switzerland, Spain, Turkey, or Sweden) for repatriation
during WWII; also known as the "underground railroad"]
-
SAFE HOUSE :
-
a secure location reserved for undetected and uninterrupted
meetings, such as pre-mission briefing or post-mission isolation;
which is always called a "house", regardless of configuration or
physical location, whether apartment or townhouse or separate
dwelling. Compare BUBBLE, SAFE ROOM, BOLT HOLE, HIDE.
-
SAFE ROOM :
-
a concealed area or a secure enclosure in a building that is
setup for protective or defensive shelter during intrusion or
attack; also known as "panic room" or "hidey-hole" (or
"hidy-hole"). Such a room or hideout, like a bomb-shelter, is
usually supplied with survival necessities, communications
equipment, tools and weapons; a precaution installed against home
invasion or other terroristic threat. See BOLT HOLE, SAFE HOUSE,
HIDE, BUBBLE; compare CACHE, GLORY HOLE. Also, a living or
recreation room, den or library, decorated or accented with
militaria, especially mementos and souvenirs of service, also
called "trophy room" or "shrine"; see POWER WALL.
-
SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE :
-
a scale indicating the speed or pressure of cyclonic storms,
enumerated 1-5, and commonly expressed as "Category #" [ie:
Category 1: 65-82 kts/74-95 smph @ 980 mb/28.94" hg; Category 2:
83-95 kts/96-110 smph @ 965-979 mb/28.50-28.91" hg; Category 3:
96-113 kts/111-130 smph @ 945-964 mb/27.91-28.47" hg; Category 4:
114-135 kts/131-155 smph @ 920-944 mb/27.17-27.88" hg; Category
5: +135 kts/+155 smph @ 919 mb/27.16" hg]; also cited as
"Safford-Simpson Scale". See BEAUFORT SCALE, FUJITA SCALE, STORM
WARNING, WINDSOCK, TELLTALE.
[nb: a 'typhoon' is a tropical cyclone or hurricane occurring in
the western Pacific ocean area,including the seas of China and
India; derived from "great wind" in Chinese dialect that was
altered by association with "violent wind" in Greek; cf: "divine
wind" (kamikaze) that prevented Kublai Khan's Mongol armada from
invading Japan in 1274 and 1281]
-
SAFU :
-
literally Self Adjusting Fuck Up, or more euphemistically as "...
foul up"; see FUCK-UP, FUCKED-UP, CLUSTER FUCK, WTFO, SOL,
BOHICA.
-
SAIGON TEA :
-
any pretense drink simulating an alcoholic beverage, such as
colored water, tea, or wish-wash ("eyewash") sold as whiskey,
served to bar girls or hostesses earning a commission on customer
sales, so as to make entertainment of the "lonely American" as
profitable as possible. See WASH, HOOCH, DEAD-SOLDIER, DUTCH
COURAGE, BREW, BYOB, TOAST, SPLICE THE MAINBRACE, HOIST, HATCH,
CLASS SIX, THE DRINK.
-
SAIL :
-
slang for the CONNING TOWER of a SUBMARINE; also known as
FAIRWATER.
-
SAILOR :
-
see SWABBY, SQUID, NUGGET, CHUM, FRESH CATCH, POLLYWOG, BOOT,
CRUIT, SNOTTY, SHELLBACK, MOSSBACK, PLANK OWNER, MASTER-AT-ARMS,
SP, SEA LAWYER, SHIPMATE, SEA DADDY, MISTER, MUSTANG, OLD SALT,
HANDY, CHIEF, DOG ROBBER, BLUE JACKET, WHITE CAP, DIXIE CUP,
HOISE, AHOY, CHANTEY, SEAL, BROWN SHOE, AIRDALE, BLACK SHOE,
BROWN WATER sailor, WATER WINGS, SKIMMER, DIPPER, BUBBLEHEAD,
DOLPHIN, BOOMER, THE DRINK, HOIST, SPLICE THE MAINBRACE,
SUNDOWNER, ON THE BEACH.
[v: mariner, seafarer, seaman, sea dog, anchor clanker, gob /
gobshite, jack-tar, tar] [nb: a sailor who entered the 19th
Century Navy to escape poverty or problems ashore was said to be:
"purser rigged and parish damned"; while a foppish or
unseamanlike officer of that time was called: "rosewater sailor"]
[nb: the Cantonese expression "gwai-lo" for 'white ghost'
initially referred to Occidental seamen on sailing ships, which
disappeared ghost-like on the nighttime tide]
-
SAILOR'S DISEASE :
-
symptoms of prostate gland disorder (prostatism) or inflammation
(prostatitis); also called "priest's disease".
-
SALH :
-
Semi-Active Laser Homing, a LASER AIMING DEVICE and guidance
system.
-
SALLY :
-
a sudden or rushing excursion, especially a sortie of troops from
a besieged place against the enemy; as derived from "leap
forward". Also, NICKNAME for the volunteer Salvation Army women
who dispensed coffee and doughnuts to the men in the FRONT LINE
trenches and elsewhere during WWI; this ministering program was
initiated in 1917 by SA National Commander Evangeline Booth. The
Salvation Army began assisting American troops during the
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR, and persists, despite the fact that
"Sallies" are not as well recognized in their efforts as the
"Donut Dollies" of the American Red Cross. In 1939, with WWII
seemingly inevitable, the Salvation Army helped form the
interfaith movement that established the United Service
Organization (USO), which is most notable for entertaining
soldiers and sailors serving overseas in time of war. See
DOUGHNUT DOLLY, ROUND EYE; compare CAMP FOLLOWER, SKIRT. [v: the
protagonist of Major Barbara by George Bernard Shaw (1905)
is the pacifistic daughter of an armaments factory owner, which
hypocrisy leads to an epiphany; cf: "whited sepulcher" (Matthew
23:27)]
-
SALTING :
-
the hazing or induction ceremony conducted by BOOMERs
(experts) for new "plugs" (novices), who are harassed by false
signals, bogus messages, increased traffic, and increased speed
of transmission. See CW, TWX, HAND, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH; compare
PROP BLAST, SHELLBACK, GOLDEN DRAGON, WINGING, DOLPHIN DIVE,
EARRING.
-
SALTY :
-
to be sharp, witty, or piquant. Also, to be vulgar or
coarse. Also, to be SHIP SHAPE or SQUARED AWAY. Also, to be
experienced or knowledgeable, be "HANDY as an OLD SALT". [nb:
possible derivation from Bible (Matthew 5:13) as: "You are the
salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can
it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except
to be thrown out and trampled by men.".]
-
SALTY DOG :
-
any item declared as a battle loss, or destroyed as a
result of enemy action; see ADRIFT, DX, CHARGE SHEET.
-
SALUTE :
-
a formal gesture of respect exchanged between RANKs, with
protocol being explicit, including SALUTEs under ARMs and from
passing vehicles or craft; see HIGH BALL, THE BIBLE, MANUAL OF
ARMS, PASSING HONORS, BEATERS 'n' BLEATERS, TOOTER. Also, a
ceremonial gesture of respect shown to standards, the honored
dead, and visiting dignitaries; see SALVO, FIRING SQUAD, FACE THE
MUSIC. Originated as an open-handed sign of disarmament, and
evolved into a sign of loyalty or respect; derived from
'salutation'. See HOIST, TOAST, HORS DE COMBAT.
[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 military maxim that 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.]
Also, an acronym for Size, Activity, Location, Unit/Uniform, Time
observed, Equipment; being a specific type of SPOT REPORT. See
SITREP.
-
SALVO :
-
a simultaneous or successive discharge of gunfire or
ROCKETs, as a VOLLEY; see FUSILLADE, BROADSIDE, STORM, ENFILADE,
FPL, DRUMFIRE, AT CLOSE QUARTERS, CROSSING THE T. Also, a SALUTE
or hail by gunfire; see FIRING SQUAD, FACE THE MUSIC. Also, a
round of cheers or applause; as derived from "salute".
-
SAM :
-
Surface-to-Air MISSILE; see STINGER, RED EYE, AVENGER, CHAPARRAL,
HAWK, PATRIOT. Phrase later altered to "Man-Portable Air Defense
System" (MANPADS).
-
SAM BROWNE BELT :
-
a weapon or equipment belt with an integral cross-body strap
passing over the wearer's shoulder opposite its hip attachment on
the side where a holster or sheath is mounted. Most often seen as
part of the uniform of border guards or military police (MP); it
was originally intended to enable Sam Browne, a one-armed British
general, to draw his weapon single-handedly. The design,
reminiscent of the old baldric, was so attractive to MIL-PERS
that its WWI imitation was widely and popularly spread. Soldiers
would dress like peacocks if they didn't have to get "down and
dirty" every once in a while when actually fighting wars! [nb:
"Fine feathers don't make fine birds." by Aesop]
-
SAME-SAME :
-
pidgin for identical; the same as, alike, likewise.
-
SAMPAN :
-
a Far Eastern style of small BOAT, usually propelled by a
single scull sweeping over the stern, and roofed by bamboo
matting; derived from Chinese (saambaan) for a "three plank"
boat. Sometimes called "hen boat" due to its profile. Compare
JUNK, SMACK, GIG.
-
SANDBAG :
-
a sand-filled sack used as fortification, or a container
of ballast; see GUNNY, BERM, REVETMENT, BLAST WALL. [v: gunny,
gunnysack, gunny-bag, burlap bag, crocus sack, croker bag, croker
sack, grass sack, towsack, barley sack, hopsack]
Also, an improvised blackjack or cudgel. Also, to dupe or deceive
for attack or entrapment; see CAT'S-PAW, GOAT, FALL GUY. Also,
slang for any mandatory object or person, being obstructive or
superfluous, such as a derogatory reference to "trainee" copilots
required to be present with "advisory" IP during combat flights;
see BLOB, DIRTY THIRTY, STRAP-HANGER, DEADHEAD, POB.
-
SANDBOX :
-
sardonic slang for the Mid-East / Near East operational area,
being a desert theme park, also known as "Camel Land"; see "Task
Force Troy" at GHOST UNIT, GULF WAR, FRONT LINE, MLR, FEBA,
BOONIES, INDIAN COUNTRY, DOWN RANGE.
-
SAND CRAB :
-
a sideways-walking beach scavenger; when bipedal, term designates
a civil service employee or a civilian contractor on-board ship.
Compare BELTWAY BANDIT, see PORK BARREL.
-
SANDWICH :
-
when current (left sleeve) and combat (right sleeve) shoulder
patches are identical, indicating multiple tours; see TOUR BABY,
COMBAT BUM.
-
SANDY :
-
the navigational name of the northeastern-most corner of the
Saigon Flight Information Region (FIR), of which overflight or
passing assured the crewmembers of receiving combat pay and the
combat zone income tax exemption.
Also, the CALL-SIGN of the SKYRAIDERs flying fire suppression
support on SAR and CSAR missions in Vietnam.
Also, an informal referent generalized for any desert dweller,
civilian or otherwise, in the Near- or Mid-East region, which
term is more descriptive than derogatory, with its usage
dependent upon tone and context, but usually less pejorative than
RAGHEAD; see HAJJI, MUJ, ISAAC THE IRAQ, SCARAB THE ARAB, ALI
BABA, BAD GUYS, INSURGENT, TERRORIST, ALLAH'S WAITING ROOM.
[aka: camel jockey, camel cowboy, goat roper, snake charmer,
carpet pilot, rug rider, sand flea, sand monkey, sand nigger,
desert darky, dune coon, tarsh, ali baba, ahab, aladdin, habib,
zalama, zol]
-
SANTA CLAUS :
-
an undemanding instructor or an easy evaluator; see GOUGE, ZD,
JAWBREAKER, WONK, MILICRAT, MIL-PERS.
-
SAPFU :
-
literally "Surpassing All Previous Fuck-Ups", also known as
Situation Surpassing All Previous Fuck-Ups (SSAPFU), or more
euphemistically as "... foul ups"; see FUCK-UP, FUCKED-UP,
CLUSTER FUCK, WTFO, SOL, BOHICA.
-
SAPI :
-
Small Arms Protective Inserts, being plates added to FLAK VESTs;
see ESAPI, OTV, IOTV, HAPPY SUIT, CHICKEN PLATE, FLAK JACKET.
[cf: flexible 'mail'; v: doublet]
-
SAPPER :
-
a military engineer and explosives specialist who is trained to
construct fortifications, trenches, or tunnels that bear upon or
undermine enemy positions; also called "demolition commando" and
"assault pioneer". Chinese SAPPERs have used hand language for
all communications since the T'ang dynasty. A new SAPPER Q-TAB
was authorized 28 June 2004 (retroactive to 14 June 1985) for
Engineer soldiers in GRADEs E-4 through O-3 who successfully
complete the two-phase 28-day Sapper Leader Course (SLC) at the
Army's Engineer School; course prerequisites include AIR ASSAULT
and RECONDO training to ensure that the Infantry skills necessary
for performance already exist. Like RECONDO, the SLC began as a
proficiency training program for integral NCOs of the 307th Eng
Bn in 1981, was replicated in the 20th Eng Bde, and finally
adopted by the Engineer School, with Q-TAB authorization
coincident with its sponsor's (GEN Robert Flowers) retirement.
See EOD, CE, BREACHER, STAY BEHIND, SATCHEL CHARGE, SEABEES,
PIONEER.
[nb: the elite NVA 305 PIR, trained for AIR-ASSAULT at SON TAY,
was re-trained under USSR ADVISORs to perform SAPPER, rear
security, and counter-RECON operations, including the use of
tracking dogs.]
-
SAR :
-
Search And Rescue; see CSAR, CSARTF, JSARC, JPRC, BRIGHT LIGHT,
RCC, RIT, PJ, BLOOD CHIT, HOME RUN, POINTIE TALKIE, HOT HOIST,
JUNGLE PENETRATOR, GUARD, SAFE, TRAP, MOWING THE LAWN, SWEEP.
[nb: Locate, Assess, Stabilize, Transport (LAST)]
-
SARGE :
-
informal term for all sergeants (E-5 - E-9); see GUNNY, DI, FIRST
SHIRT, CHIEF, TOP, NCO, RANK, RATING.
-
SAS :
-
Special Air Service, developed during WWII with the motto "Who
Dares, Wins" (sardonically rephrased as "Who Cares Who Wins?!");
being the British precursor of U.S. Army SPECIAL FORCES.
-
SASS :
-
(forthcoming);
Semi-Automatic Sniper System (XM-110), 7.62mm 8-shot autoloading
SNIPER rifle with scope and barrel-compensator, which reduction
in signature blast is designed to avoid counter-sniper detection
see LONG RIFLE, STONER, RIFLE.
-
SAT :
-
short for satellite; see COMMO, ANTENNA FARM, NET, SATCOM,
LIGHTSAT, IDCSS, DSCS, NRO, SYNCOM, COMPASS LINK, SDIO, ASAT,
STAR WARS, SQUIRT THE BIRD, GPS, TOPO, COMSAT.
-
SATCHEL CHARGE :
-
an explosive packed bag, which is able to be
slightly shaped and buried without detection, carried or thrown
by shoulder strap, for various triggering methods, as used by
SAPPER elements. Originating as a carrier then utilized as the
container, a SATCHEL CHARGE is inherently less effective than
emplaced munitions due to dissipation; the containment of
explosive material multiplies its effective force by more than
five times, or conversely, it requires five times more of an
equivalent explosive to effect the same result when not
contained. See CHARGE, DEMO, FAE, EXPLOSIVE.
-
SATCOM :
-
SATellite COMmunications, also spelled "SatComm"; see SAT, NRO,
COMPASS LINK, SYNCOM, DSCS, IDCSS, SQUIRT THE BIRD, ANTENNA FARM,
NET; compare COMSAT. Also, any device, such as a TELEPHONE or
RADIO, that utilizes satellite relay in its transceiving.
-
SAT CONG :
-
Vietnamese phrase for "kill communists"; which was often TATTOOed
on their arm or chest by elite RVNAF soldiers and sailors ...
these TATTOOs were excised in REEDUCATION camps and preserved as
souvenirs by the victorious "peace-loving" communists!
[cf: during the KOREAN WAR, many North Korean and Chinese
communist POWs TATTOOed themselves with anti-American or
pro-communist slogans, on their hands, arms, foreheads, or
chests, as an act of defiant solidarity with their homelands, and
with their war against Western ideals; even when they rioted, no
NK or CHICOM POWs were punished for expressing their political
views with signs or TATTOOs]
-
SAUSAGE SIDE :
-
reference by Coalition aircrew to the GULF WAR target area where
"non-friendlies" are turned into small bits (hamburger) suitable
only for sausage-making.
-
SAW :
-
M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon that fires belt or magazine AMMO in
the same caliber (5.56mm) as the primary infantry rifle,
M-16A1/4; an LMG substitute for the M-60 machinegun (PIG, NUMBER
SIXTY). In addition to caliber compatibility, the SAW also
accepts a wide variety of techno gadgets designed to enhance
accuracy. Compare STONER; see MG.
-
SAWBONES :
-
slang for a physician or surgeon, a medico or medical doctor;
also called BONE CUTTER or "medicine man". See DOC, ANGEL,
ORDERLY, MEDIC, CORPSMEN, BAC SI, Y SI, BAND-AID, CHOP SHOP.
-
SAW GRASS :
-
saw-wort or sedge, a rough bushy grass; also spelled "sawgrass".
See BOONIES, TULE, ELEPHANT GRASS, KUNAI, NIPA PALM, PITA.
-
SBCT :
-
Stryker Brigade Combat Team; compare BCT, RCT, FIRE BRIGADE.
-
SBU :
-
(ess-bee-yew) Special Boat Unit
-
SCAP / SCAPP :
-
Supreme Commander Allied Powers Pacific, during post-WWII
occupation and KOREAN WAR era; see CINCPAC.
-
SCAR :
-
. (see CANDLESTICK, BLIND BAT)
-
SCARAB THE ARAB :
-
(scare-rhab the air-rhab, or skay-rhab the ahy-rhab) dismissive
reference by rhyming to any enemy soldier in the Mid-East Theater
of Operations ("Gulf War Part Two"), as word play that denigrates
the Islamic TERRORISTs as "frightened beetles"; see ISAAC THE
IRAQ, HAJJI, ALI BABA, MUJ, RAGHEAD, ALLAH'S WAITING ROOM, HERMAN
THE GERMAN, LUKE THE GOOK, CHARLIE, GOMER, MARVIN THE ARVN, IVAN,
BAD GUYS.
-
SCARED HORSE :
-
NICKNAME for the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR), as derived
from the "rearing horse" design of its shoulder PATCH; also
called "Frightened Pony" and DANCING PONY. See DARK HORSE.
-
SCIF :
-
(skiff) Navy acronym for Specially Compartmentalized Information
Facility; see BUBBLE, ISOFAC.
-
SCOPE DOPE :
-
an Air Traffic Control (ATC / ATRC) or RADAR operator. Also, the
useful data or valuable information produced by such scanning,
and displayed on a SCREEN.
-
SCORCHED-EARTH :
-
the practice of denying safe haven and succor to one's enemy,
their supporters and sympathizers, by the thorough destruction of
food, shelter, and other sustenance; although this phrase
seemingly originates in China, it was a strategy practiced by
American forces in the 19th century under the rubric of "total
war".
-
SCORPION :
-
a self-propelled tracked vehicle with a 90mm recoilless rifle in
an open TURRET, designated M-56, and replaced by the SHERIDAN. It
was used for fire base and convoy security, as well as direct
ground support. See RR, SPONSON, CHAFFEE, WALKER-BULLDOG, TRACK;
compare DUSTER, ONTOS, SPAT.
-
SCOUT DOG :
-
a specially trained dog, with handler called a "Combat Tracker
Team", assigned to the RECON or POINT element of a unit to detect
ambushes, BOOBY-TRAPs, and explosives; a separate category from
"guard" or "attack" dogs used for security. Dog handling is
traditionally conducted using German-language commands
accompanied by unambiguous gestures. See K-9, SAPPER; compare
WEASEL.
-
SCOUTSHIP :
-
OH-13 (SIOUX), OH-23, or OH-58 (KIOWA) helicopters used for
surveillance and reconnaissance; see LOH, CHOPPER.
-
SCOW :
-
any flat-bottomed vessel with a rectangular HULL and sloping
ends, such as a barge [cf: bark, barque], sailboat, rowboat,
johnboat, dory, punt, gondola, dinghy [v: TENDER], and skiff;
as derived from "ferryboat". See LIGHTER, PONTOON, SKIMMER, BOAT.
-
SCRAM :
-
a verbal warning to friendly assets by PILOTs of attack or
intercept aircraft that firing is about to commence (ie: "I am
ready to open fire on the designated target so friendly elements
stay clear."), which may include contact designation, direction
or area of withdrawal, or armament identification (eg: "SCRAM
proximity"). See BOGIE, VISUAL, BANDIT, TALLY-HO, SMOOGE, SPLASH,
IFF, SQUAWK, IR MARKERS; compare PLAY BALL. Also, the rapid
shutdown of a nuclear reactor in an emergency; it's probably an
extension of the 'get out of here' meaning, which may be related
to scramble or derived from "schrammen" (to depart), but some
etymologists allege it to be an acronym for the "Safety Control
Reactor Ax Man" from the safety official at the University of
Chicago stadium who was supposed to chop (with an actual ax) the
suspension rope holding the radioactive rod so it would fall into
the reactor pile and suspend the energy released by fission; see
CONTAINMENT, FALLOUT, NEST, BROKEN ARROW, FOOTBALL.
-
SCRAMBLE :
-
to make a communicated message incomprehensible to
interception by systematically changing transmittal frequencies;
see ENCRYPT, KAK, SHACKLE, RTO, RADIO. Also, to act hastily,
hurriedly, urgently, expeditiously, precipitately; see ASAP, PDQ,
FORTHWITH, CHOGI, CHOP CHOP, RIKI TIK, STAT, GOYA, HAUL-ASS,
DECAMP, BAILOUT, STRIP ALERT, JUICE, STAND-TO, SACON, DEFCON,
AHOY, TOCSIN, TANNOY.
-
SCRAMBLED-EGGS :
-
the decoration (eg: laurel leaves, clouds and lightning) on the
visor of service caps worn by flag and field grade officers
denoting status, and emblematic of an honorary garland or crown;
also known as SPAGHETTI. See BRASS HAT, BILLED CAP, PIP,
HEADGEAR, FRUIT SALAD, TRASH, GONG, BAY. [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]
-
SCRAMJET :
-
a JET PROPULSION engine that's designed to operate at HYPERSONIC
speed using hydrogen fuel; being theoretically three times more
efficient than liquid- or solid-fuel rockets, it's capable of
achieving escape velocity or orbital speed. Additionally, without
the need to carry oxygen, an air-breathing scramjet-powered
vehicle can carry a greater PAYLOAD than a rocket-powered one. A
SCRAMJET is also known as a "supersonic-combustion ramjet".
Compare PULSEJET, RAMJET.
-
SCREAMING CHICKENS :
-
disparaging NICKNAME of the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile),
formally known as Screaming Eagles, from its infantry division
mascot during the CIVIL WAR; also called PUKING BUZZARDS,
"barfing buzzards", ONE-OH-WORST, and "Hundred and Worst".
-
SCREEN :
-
a body of troops arrayed in a protective formation, or an
arrangement of vehicles, vessels, or aircraft serving to
interdict or interpose, as obstructing enemy access or maneuver;
also called "screen line", compare BLOCKING FORCE, CORDON. Also,
a protective body or vehicular arrangement that moves and
maneuvers with a convoy or transient unit; also known as a
"screening force", "screening element", or "screening group".
Also, a security element whose primary task is to observe,
identify, and report information, and which only fights in
self-protection; a guard tasked for surveillance, to provide
early warning to the main body, or to impede, destroy, and harass
enemy reconnaissance within its capability without becoming
decisively engaged. Also, any natural or artificial CAMOuflage
material, that's opaque to surveillance sensors, and is
interposed for CONCEALMENT; see COVER. Also, an array or mask
used in graduated overlay mapping and photography when gauging
proportion and/or placement, as a reticle; see FIELD GLASSES,
PERISCOPE, PEEPERS. Also, the viewing surface where information
or images are displayed; see ANGEL, GRASS, SCOPE DOPE. Also, any
mesh, from a debris filter or a capture seine to a grenade fence
or a mosquito bar [nb: the word "canopy" originally meant net, as
a gauze mosquito barrier; cf: sparver]; see RPG SCREEN. Also, a
systematic examination, a selective review process, or an
investigation; see DOUBTFULS, MOWING THE LAWN, SWEEP.
-
SCREW THE POOCH :
-
an incredibly stupid mistake, a thoroughly thoughtless error,
with consequences ranging from embarrassment to total disaster.
Derived from an old joke concluding with the lover inadvertently
screwing the lady's dog. See FUCK-UP, FUCKED-UP, CLUSTER FUCK,
WTFO, SOL, BOHICA.
-
SCRIPTURES :
-
any authoritative source or reference stipulating practices and
procedures; see PARTY LINE, PLANK, LAWS OF WAR, RULES OF
ENGAGEMENT (ROE), READ-BACK, UNODIR, OVERSIGHT, NO EXCUSE, ZERO
TOLERANCE, CHECKING THE DICTIONARY, WIGGLE ROOM, OFF THE
RESERVATION, VFR DIRECT, NATIONAL SECURITY, TOE THE LINE, LINE OF
DUTY, COMBAT EFFECTIVE, SOP, TM, FM, TC, THE BIBLE, MANUAL OF
ARMS, BLUE BOOK, ORDER.
[cf: vade mecum] [nb: like the distinction between freedom from
(prohibition) and freedom to (permission), MILICRATs interpret
reg's as "all that's permitted" (inclusive), but CAN DO
interprets reg's as "all is permitted that's not forbidden"
(exclusive) ... creativity builds higher morale, wins more
battles, and saves more lives!] [nb: real life always transcends
the rule book]
-
SCROLL :
-
a shoulder PATCH (SSI) in the form of a banner or ribbon, being a
traditional design pattern among RANGER and other SOF units; it
has been said that "The TAB is a school but the SCROLL is a
lifestyle!" Compare Q-TAB, TRIPLE CANOPY [nb: the Ranger
qualification tab is not worn on the left sleeve when a Ranger
regimental scroll is the unit insignia of assignment]. Also, a
roll or list, as a "MUSTER roll", DUTY ROSTER, or SHIT LIST.
Also, a rolled document on parchment or paper containing writing
or printing, such as a certificate or diploma. Also, a spiraled
or coiled ornament, resembling a partly unrolled sheet of paper,
as an heraldic device. Heraldry]
-
SCROUNGE :
-
to forage or trade for needed supplies and equipment; as
distinguished from "borrow without repayment" (theft) by
employing barter economy of exchanged goods and services. See
CUMSHAW, BEGGING BOWL, SOUVENIR; compare MIDNIGHT REQUISITION.
-
SCUBA :
-
acronym for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus; a
portable breathing device for free-swimming divers. An
experimental underwater breathing system was first employed by
Dr. Freminet in 1772. In 1825, a helmeted "diving dress" with a
self-contained air tank was introduced by William James. The
"aqua-lung" was invented (1942) during WWII by Emile Gagnan and
Jacques Y. Cousteau. SCUBA proficiency, earned after a thirty-two
day course of instruction, was recognized by a skill badge on 1
May 1969, and a Special Operations SCUBA qualification badge was
added in 2004. See WET SUIT, Q-COURSE, DIVER, SEAL; compare HARD
HAT, SNORT, SNORKEL.
-
SCUTTLE :
-
a small HATCH or PORT, or its hatchway cover, located in the top,
sides, or bottom of a vessel; as derived from a cutting of cloth.
Also, to deliberately sink something, such as a vessel by opening
seacocks, or to intentionally ruin or destroy something, such as
abandoned plans or foiled rumors; see HARD-AND-FAST, FOUNDER.
Also, a short scurry or DASH, a quick run or hurried movement [v:
scud], as when moving under enemy fire; see ZIGZAG. Also, a broad
shallow bucket or basket, especially one designed for pouring; as
derived from a shallow pan or platter ("scutra").
-
SCUTTLEBUTT :
-
gossip, RUMOR; derived from an open cask of drinking water
on-board ship (the progenitor of the office water-cooler); see
BAMBOO TELEGRAPH, POOP, GOUGE, THE WORD, GREEN GREASE, BACK
CHANNEL, RUMOR, GRIPEVINE.
-
S-DAY :
-
Selective Reserve call-up Day; the unnamed day that the President
authorizes the call-up of not more than 200,000 Selective Reserve
servicemembers. See TIME.
-
SDF :
-
Self-Defense Forces; see SSDF, PSDF, DFS.
-
SDIO :
-
abbreviation for the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization,
commonly called STAR WARS, now known as the Ballistic Missile
Defense Organization (BMDO).
-
SDO :
-
Staff Duty Officer, a mid-grade officer (O-4 to O-6) tasked
for responsibility of higher command during OFF-DUTY hours, and
supervisor of detailed junior officers; compare CQ, OOD, SOPA,
CDO; see BRASSARD, PARADE, DETAIL.
-
SDV :
-
Swimmer Delivery Vehicle, as used by USN to insert or recover
COVERT teams for special operations; see GATOR, TRAWL.
-
SEA :
-
Southeast Asia; including Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Indonesia,
Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Vietnamese
version: "Dong Nam A"; also known as "Little China" (Kun Lun or
Nan Yang). See INDOCHINA.
-
SEA BAG :
-
U.S. Navy and Marine usage for DUFFEL BAG; see FLIGHT BAG, WAR
BAG.
-
SEABEES :
-
mobile Naval construction engineers; acronym derived from the
initials 'C.B.' as abbreviation for Construction Battalion.
Seabee mottoes are "Can Do" and "We Build, We Fight", but are
also known as the "Bees of the Seven Seas". SeaBees in VN were
subordinate to Naval Construction Battalion Pacific Fleet
(CBPAC). See CE, ENGR, SNIPE, SAPPER, NCB, NCFPAC, NMCB, NCDU,
RED HORSE.
-
SEA BOOK :
-
an unofficial commemorative account of a ship and its crew during
a specified period or mission (FLOAT), often including some
historical perspective and anecdotal material; resembles a school
classbook or yearbook, and is also called "cruise book". Compare
AIRBORNE ALBUM, WAR DIARY, JOURNAL.
-
SEAC :
-
SouthEast Asia Command, established 1943; in which theater
OSS detachments (ie: 101, 303, 404, 505) operated during WWII.
The abbreviation was also interpreted as: "Save England's Asiatic
Colonies" and "Supreme Example of Allied Confusion". See CBI.
-
SEA CHEST :
-
U.S. Navy and Marine usage for FOOTLOCKER.
-
SEA COBRA :
-
the US Navy AH-1J, a single-rotor, dual-crew, light attack
helicopter armed with a variety of machine guns, rockets, grenade
launchers, and anti-tank (AT) missiles; used for close air
support (CAS).
-
SEACOCK :
-
a valve in the HULL of a ship for admitting seawater into some
internal chamber, as for ballast.
-
SEACOORD :
-
acronym for SouthEast Asia COORDinating committee; properly known
as Coordinating Committee for U.S. Mission Southeast Asia, being
the authoritative body responsible, effective 7 October 1964, for
approving aerial engagement and overflight policies for the SEA
region.
-
SEA DADDY :
-
superior who functions as a professional military career guide,
counselor, mentor, sponsor, patron, or protector for select and
favored subordinates of great potential, also called "godfather";
see PATRON SAINT, RABBI, LOYALTY UP - LOYALTY DOWN; compare
RING-KNOCKER, TICKET-PUNCHER, KHAKI MAFIA. [cf: apparatchik,
nomenklatura, nabob, nibs]
-
SEA DRAGON :
-
the CODENAME designation given to a joint U.S. Navy and Royal
Australian Navy operation conducted in the Tonkin Gulf portion of
the South China Sea, in conjunction with the Rolling Thunder air
campaign, to interdict the North Vietnamese supply lines;
beginning in October 1966 and ending with the bombing halt of
October 1968. Consisting of paired vessels ranging the coast as
far north as the 20th parallel, American and Australian cruisers
and destroyers, supported by spotter aircraft from nearby
carriers, bombarded infiltration routes, RADAR sites, and coastal
batteries, sinking supply craft, receiving counterbattery fire
but without any losses.
-
SEAGOING MARINE :
-
informal reference to a Marine, specially trained at Sea School,
who is assigned to the Marine Detachment aboard ship as part of
the SHIP'S COMPLEMENT or PERMANENT PARTY, and distinguished by an
insignia showing a golden seahorse superimposed upon a golden
anchor within a crimson lozenge; the USMC discontinued the
assignment of Marine Detachments on-board Naval vessels in 1998,
disbanding a tradition dating from the inception of the Marine
Corps in 1775. See SNUFFY, GYRENE, CHINA MARINE, HORSE MARINE,
JARHEAD, THE CROTCH, MAMELUKE SWORD, USMC.
-
SEA HAWK :
-
USN/USMC SH-/HH-/MH-60 series version of the BLACKHAWK
helicopter; also designated JAYHAWK by USCG, and commonly called
"Hawk". Designation often misspelled "SeaHawk"; see CHOPPER.
-
SEA HUT :
-
SouthEast Asia HUTs. Standardized design buildings made
of horizontally louvered board walls four feet high, with screen
inside from the bottom to the roof, with doors at each end, under
a corrigated tin roof, emplaced on either a block foundation or
concrete pad, and most were protected by a STAND-OFF sandbag
wall. Many added sandbags to the roof for wind-protection (not to
reduce blast effect). There were thousands of these SEA HUTs all
over Vietnam and Thailand, being used for everything from offices
to living quarters, from clubs to storage. See BUTLER BUILDING,
QUONSET HUT, HANGAR, BILLET, TENT; compare HUTMENT.
-
SEAITACS :
-
Southeast Asia Integrated Tactical Air Control System.
-
SEA KING :
-
the US Navy H-3; a single-rotor, medium-lift helicopter used for
air/sea rescue (SAR) and personnel/cargo transport in support of
aircraft carrier operations. Some versions are equipped for
antisubmarine operations (ASW). See CHOPPER.
-
SEA KNIGHT :
-
Boeing CH-46 /-D twin-engine, large-capacity, transport or cargo
helicopter; being the amphibious USN/USMC version of the CHINOOK,
NICKNAMEd "Frog".
-
SEAL :
-
US Navy special warfare force and its members; purported
acronym for "Sea Air Land" or "Special Elite Air Land sailors".
The acronym has also been interpreted as "Suffer Everyday And
Laugh", "Sleep Eat And Lie" / "...Lay", and "Savage Evil Animal
League". During the VIETNAM WAR, the enemy called SEALs "devils
with green faces"; and together with FROGMEN, have been known as
"naked warriors" since their inception. The SEALs' unofficial
motto is "The only easy day was yesterday!". Authorized by
President John F. Kennedy on 8 January 1962 to supplement UDT
elements by developing Unconventional Warfare (UW) and
COUNTER-GUERRILLA warfare operational tactics for maritime and
riverine environments. Originally formed as two teams (ie: SEAL
Team One on west coast, SEAL Team Two on east coast), and now
increased to nine teams, these elite sailors use SCUBA and
AIRBORNE skills in small groups for counterinsurgency,
counter-terrorism, special operations, amphibious support, and
special delivery (SDV / SBU) missions. A trainee or inexperienced
SEAL is commonly called a PUP, as the term for young seals; and
the training course is divided into pre-"Hell Week" (4wks), "Hell
Week" (fifth week), and post-"Hell Week" (11wks) phases. The
official qualification badge for SEALs, called the Special
Warfare Badge, but informally known as the "Trident", and widely
known as the BUDWEISER, was adopted in 1971, incorporating the
UDT badge as its central motif; initially silver for EM/CPO and
gold for officers, but later changed to all gold, like the formal
USN/USMC parachute badge. Instead of the regular "ship
assignment" arc, SEALs wear a "SEAL Team #" shoulder tab on their
uniform. Most SEAL teams have an unofficial mascot patch, showing
a "combat seal" with USN "toys", which may be worn OFF-DUTY. SEAL
Teams One and Two operated on six-month rotations in Vietnam from
1963 to 1973; incurring 46 deaths, which resulted more from
accidents and INTEL failures than from direct enemy fire. The
Vietnamese version: Lien Doi Nguoi Nhai, Lien Doan Nguoi Nhai
(LDNN). Unlike the LLDB (VNSF), which disbanded when its USSF
sponsor departed RVN, the VNN SEALs not only continued their
operations, but withdrew as an intact unit when RVN was defeated.
-
SEA LAWYER :
-
any disgruntled or maladjusted sailor who constantly complains
and persistently quibbles; also called BARRACKS LAWYER.
-
SEALORDS :
-
an acronym for SouthEast Asia Lake, Ocean, River, and Delta
Strategy, being a joint US and RVN Navy operation, formally
designated Task Force 194, and commanded by COMNAVFORV (Commander
of U.S. Naval Forces Vietnam). Its aim was to cut enemy supply
lines and disrupt enemy base areas accessed by waterways. The
SEALORDS operation, beginning in October 1968, consisted of
vessels of the Coastal Surveillance Force (Task Force 115), the
River Patrol Force (Task Force 116), the Mobile Riverine Assault
Force (Task Force 117), some South Vietnamese Navy vessels, the
9th Inf Div Riverine Forces, and some RVN Army and Marine Corps
elements. SEALORDS emplaced patrol barriers, including electronic
sensors, along inland and coastal waterways, paralleling the
Cambodian border, the Cua Dai and Hoi An Rivers, the Saigon
River, the Ca Mau Peninsula, and the Gulf of Siam. This force
also participated in the May-June 1970 Cambodian INCURSION,
reaching the capital of Phnom Penh. The U.S. Navy's role in
SEALORDS ceased in April 1971, and the operation became the
responsibility of the South Vietnamese Navy. See MRF, BROWN
WATER.
-
SEAOR :
-
SouthEast Asia Operational Requirement
-
SEARCH AND CLEAR :
-
offensive military operations to sweep through areas to locate,
drive-out or attack the enemy; compare CLEAR AND HOLD, CORDON AND
SEARCH.
-
SEARCH AND DESTROY :
-
offensive operations designed to find and destroy enemy forces,
headquarters and supply installations, rather than establish
permanent government control; also called SNOOP 'n' POOP and
ZIPPO missions. Compare CLEAR AND HOLD, CORDON AND SEARCH, SEARCH
AND CLEAR.
-
SEASHORE :
-
see SHORE, BREAKWATER [v: beach, tideland, tidal flats, shoal]
-
SEA SPRITE :
-
the US Navy H-2; a single rotor light lift helicopter used for
air/sea rescue (SAR), personnel/cargo transport, and
antisubmarine operations (ASW) from naval vessels. See CHOPPER.
-
SEA STALLION :
-
amphibious USN/USMC version of the Sikorsky CH-53, HH-53, or
MH-53 heavy helicopter series; see SMOKY BEAR, JOLLY GREEN GIANT,
CHOPPER.
-
SEA STORY :
-
in NavSpeak, to brag or lie, usually when the "sun is over the
YARDARM"; compare SHOOT THE SHIT, TALK TRASH, BRAVO SIERRA, TELL
IT TO THE MARINES, CHICKEN SHIT, WAR STORY, COUNT COUP, RUMOR,
ATFU, MIL-SPEAK.
-
SEA SWALLOWS :
-
(forthcoming);
Father Hoa, Vietnamese counterinsurgency;
see COUNTER-GUERRILLA, RF, RF/PF, PSDF.
-
SEATIC :
-
SouthEast Asia Translation and Interpreter Command, a combined
British and American organization in WWII; see DLI.
-
SEATO :
-
SouthEast Asia Treaty Organization, founded 8 September
1954 by the United States, France, Great Britain, Australia, New
Zealand, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Philippines to oppose
further communist expansion in the region of Southeast Asia; see
PENTALATERAL AGREEMENT, ASEAN, ANZUS, FWF, KANZUS, UN.
-
SEAT OF THE PANTS :
-
improvisations after "the plan" or 'normal systems' have failed;
as in "operating by the ..." or "flying by the ...". See PLAN B,
FUCK-UP, FUCKED-UP, CLUSTER FUCK, WTFO, SOL, BOHICA; compare
CIRCLE JERK, CHICKEN SHIT, MICKEY MOUSE.
-
SEAT TIME :
-
informal designation among PILOTs since WWII for actual
involvement or active participation, such as when flying in the
"hot seat", instead of just occupying space (BLOB) like a
passenger; being a metonym for experience.
-
SEA WOLF :
-
USN helicopter designation
-
SECDEF :
-
SECretary of DEFense, includes Assistants (ASD); see OSD.
[nb: neither the Secretary of Defense nor any of the Secretaries
of the Army, Air Force, or Navy are in the CHAIN-OF-COMMAND;
compare NSC]
-
SECNAV :
-
SECretary of the NAVy.
-
SECRET AGENT :
-
a covert or clandestine operative of some agency or organization
who gathers intelligence or disseminates false data
(DISINFORMATION) or PROPAGANDA; rarely involved in "direct
action" (often called "wet work" if blood is spilled). Most of
the special programs in the VIETNAM WAR were penetrated by agents
or sympathizers, and some were able to be "doubled" or "tripled"
by various controllers. Special Forces Project Gamma became
notorious when its officers executed a double agent who had
repeatedly cost numerous lives and compromised missions. Also
called SPOOK or CRYPTO; and known as "Jane Bond" when female. See
TRADECRAFT, FLUTTER, SWEAT, BUG, SLEEPER, MOLE, FIX, PROVOCATEUR,
THROW-AWAY, DANGLE, RABBIT, HANDLER, SWEEPER, DECOY, STOOGE,
ESPIONAGE, CE, RUMOR. [v: intelligencer]
-
SECSTATE :
-
SECretary of STATE; see DAO, COUNTRY TEAM, USAID.
-
SECTION EIGHT / SECTION 8 :
-
unsuitability discharge for character or behavior (C&B)
disorders; see DISCHARGE, COG, DUD, YARDBIRD, POGUE, BARRACKS/SEA
LAWYER.
-
SEMAPHORE :
-
a visual signaling system, such as using flags or lights; based
on clock-hands, as developed by Albert J. Myer during the early
19th Century. See WIGWAG, BURGEE.
-
SEMINOLE WAR :
-
the SEMINOLE WAR, beginning in 1835, proved to be the most costly
of the Indian wars in which the United States engaged ... lasting
almost eight years, this war cost the lives of 1,500 American
soldiers and an expenditure of more than thirty million dollars.
The Seminoles are a composite tribe, splintered from the Creek
confederation, and receptive to fugitive slaves, that was
resident in the territory formerly occupied by the Apalachee in
Spanish Florida ("Land of Flowers") during the early 18th
century, and became involved in several confrontations between
Spain and the United States, most notably during 1812 and 1817.
In the retaliatory expedition of 1817-18, Andrew Jackson invaded
Florida to punish the Seminoles, which led to the 1832 Treaty of
Paynes Landing, requiring the Seminoles to move west of the
Mississippi River within three years. Most Seminoles, led by
Osceola, refused to relocate, and resisted by organizing small
raiding parties that attacked American troops who were rendered
helpless by this tactic. Although Osceola was captured in 1837
(while attending an armistice conference) and died in prison a
few months later, resistance continued. When William J. Worth
became the commander of U.S. forces in 1841, a new SCORCHED-EARTH
strategy was adopted: systematically burning the Seminole's crops
and destroying their villages. Subdued by the onset of winter and
the prospect of starvation, the Seminoles surrendered in 1942,
and were removed westward under a new treaty, although some
remained isolated in the Everglades.
-
SEMPER FI :
-
short for "Semper Fidelis", Latin for "Always Faithful"; being
the motto of the US Marine Corps, replacing "Fortitudine", Latin
for "Fortitude". See UCGC, KEEP THE FAITH, ESPRIT DE CORPS, OATH.
-
SENTINELS :
-
NICKNAME of the Army Security Agency (ASA) or U.S. Army Security
Agency (USASA); being the commo-crypto experts. Army Security was
created 15 December 1952, and was merged to form Army
Intelligence and Security on 1 July 1962, which was redesignated
Military Intelligence (MI) on 1 July 1967. See INTEL, CIC.
-
SENTRY :
-
a guard, especially a soldier stationed to prevent unauthorized
passage; as derived from "sentinel" (vigilance). See ARGUS, EARTH
ANGEL, ROADRUNNER, TRAIL WATCHER, DETAIL, FPS, POLICE, OP, LP,
POINT, SPEARHEAD, SUICIDE SQUAD. [v: picket, warder, vedette]
[v: General Orders of a Sentry]
-
SEPARATE RATS :
-
separate rations; a subsidy allocation that includes basic
quarters allowance. This subsidy consists of supplemental money
issued to NCOs and officers for living off-post/-BASE. Although
SEPARATE RATS was only a meager sum added to the base-pay,
married EMs were not eligible, even though they needed it most
... later filing for food stamps in order to provide for the
welfare of their families. See CLASS-B DEPENDENT, DRAG, CAMP
FOLLOWER, BRAT, ARMY SOUP.
-
SERB :
-
acronym for Selective Early Retirement Board, being the review
authority for cutbacks and downsizing to reduce manpower for the
anticipated Armed Forces role; a DISCHARGE within 90-days,
including severance pay, of redundant individuals not slated for
promotion. See DUMP, KICKSTANDED, RIF, PEACE DIVIDEND.
[nb: the military has an involuntary "stop-loss" authority, which
allows each branch to compel soldiers who reach the end of their
enlistment to remain in uniform for "the good of the service"]
-
SERE :
-
(sear) Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape training program of
practical techniques, based upon realistic assessments developed
as a result of POW experiences in Korea and Vietnam; the
Resistance Training Lab (RTL) is the application phase of the
course that simulates imprisonment after capture. This 3-week
program was later expanded to "Survival, Evasion, Resistance,
Escape, Recovery" (SERER) so as to include rescue modalities.
Unlike earlier E&E training, where successful evasion
exempted the student from imprisonment, this course mandates that
everyone experience captivity, so as to practice the coping
mechanisms associated with interrogation and deprivation. See
SAFE, BUG-OUT KIT, ENVIS, BRIGHT LIGHT, HOME RUN, BLOOD CHIT,
POINTIE TALKIE, CODE OF CONDUCT.
[nb: USAF Combat Survival Training, a twenty-day course of
instruction, teaches survival and evasion techniques for any
terrain or climate with the objective of returning to friendly
lines without the intervention of rescue and recovery (SAR/CSAR,
PJ/RIT/TRAP) assets]
-
SERER :
-
Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape, Recovery; see SERE,
TO&E.
-
SERIAL NUMBER :
-
all supply items have stock numbers but accountable
supply items, from optics and commo to weapons and motors, also
have serial numbers. The loss of accountable items could involve
military punishment or pay deductions for reimbursement. During
the VIETNAM WAR, people were no longer issued "serial numbers"
(properly called SERVICE NUMBER, but serial in the sense of
sequential), so the military converted accountability to Social Security Numbers (eg: AFSN, ASSN, SSAN).
-
SERTS :
-
the Screaming Eagle Replacement Training School of the 101st Abn
Div in RVN, being a refresher course for "lessons learned" in the
field; also known as "cherry school" or CHARM SCHOOL. See FTA,
COC, Q-COURSE.
-
SERVICE NUMBER :
-
the accountability number, abbreviated SN, often with a letter
prefix designating status, that was sequentially issued to Armed
Forces personnel from WWI (12 Feb 1918) to the VIETNAM WAR, when
it was replaced by the Social Security
Number (eg: AFSN, ASSN, SSAN). Some of the prefix
designations included: A = WAC EM/NCO; V = WAC WO; L = WAC
officer; R = hospital dietitian; M = physical therapist; N = Army
Nurse Corps; CS = contract surgeon; O = commissioned officer; W =
warrant officer; T = WO Flight Officer; 1/RA = Regular Army;
20/NG = National Guard; 3/US = draftee; S = Army Specialist
Corps. Some notable Army SNs include: O-1 John J. Pershing; O-57
Douglas A. McArthur; O-742 John L. DeWitt; O-1616 George C.
Marshall; O-2605 George S. Patton Jr; O-2686 Courtney H. Hodges;
O-3706 Carl A. Spaatz; O-3807 Omar N. Bradley; O-3822 Dwight D.
Eisenhower; O-5264 Matthew B. Ridgway; O-8431 Maurice Rose;
O-17676 James M. Gavin; OA-1 Oveta C. Hobby. Compare SERIAL
NUMBER; see AGO, ID CARD, DOG TAGS.
-
SEVEN MOUNTAINS :
-
. See U MINH FOREST, HO BO WOODS, CENTRAL HIGHLANDS.
-
7.62 MINIS :
-
the caliber and shape (7.62X39mm) of the CARTRIDGE used by the
KALASHNIKOV or AK-series rifle; see ELDEST SON.
-
SEVENTEENTH PARALLEL :
-
temporary division line between North and
South Vietnam
established by the Geneva Accords of 1954.
-
SF :
-
abbreviation for U.S. Army Special Forces (USSF), preferred
designation is "SFer"; Vietnamese version Luc Luong Dac Biet
(LLDB). See SPECIAL FORCES, SNEAKY PETE, SNAKE-EATER, BLANKET
HEAD, GREEN BERET, ELECTRIC BUTTERKNIFE, BRONZE BRUCE, GABRIEL,
ROBIN SAGE, SFQC, THE GREEKS, A TEAM, DOOR KICKING, SOF, SPECIAL
OPERATIONS.
[nb: The Rangers of World War II and Korea had been designed as
light-infantry shock troops; their mission was to hit hard, hit
fast, then get out so larger and more heavily armed units could
follow through. Special Forces, on the other hand, were designed
to spend months, even years, deep within hostile territory. They
would have to be self-sustaining, without extensive resupply from
the outside. They would have to speak the language and know the
customs of their target area.]
[nb: six A TEAMs or ODAs comprise a company (CO), three SF
Companies comprise a battalion (BN), and four SF Battalions
comprise a group (effective 2007); each active-duty SF Group
specializes in the languages and cultures of a particular region
(ie: 1st SFGA in East Asia; 3rd SFGA in Africa, Mid-East, and
Central Asia; 5th SFGA in Mid-East and Central Asia; 7th SFGA in
South America; and 10th SFGA in Europe)]
-
SFOD :
-
Special Forces Operational Detachment, typically qualified by a
number or letter specifically designating a particular unit (eg:
1SFOD-D = 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta, or
DELTA FORCE).
-
SFQC :
-
Special Forces Qualification Course; designation for SF training,
also called "SF pipeline". The US Army SPECIAL FORCES
qualification sequence is SFPC I: Special Forces Preparation and
Conditioning Course I; Phase I - SFAS: Special Forces Assessment
and Selection; CLT: Common Leader Training; SFPC II: Special
Forces Preparation and Conditioning Course II; Phase II: Small
Unit Tactics and UW Skills / SERE / PG / HD / Language Block I;
Phase III: Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) Specific
Training / Language Block II; Phase IV: Language Block III; Phase
V: Unconventional Warfare Culmination Exercise (ROBIN SAGE);
Phase VI: Graduation (Award of the GREEN BERET and SF TAB). See
Q-COURSE, SQI, Q-TAB, TRIPLE CANOPY.
-
SFTG :
-
Special Forces Training Group, being the teaching CADRE at the
Special Warfare Center and Institute for Military Assistance,
Fort Bragg, NC; see SWS.
-
SGO :
-
Surgeon General's Office; the Surgeon General is the only FLAG
OFFICER authorized to wear specialty branch insignia (ie:
caduceus). The medical department of each military branch is
headed by a Surgeon General (eg: Surgeon General of the Army),
who is a physician promoted into medical administration, and like
other military officers, is confirmed by Congress; which
positions should not be confused with the physician appointed by
the President to the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG) as the
head of the Public Health Service, who need never have previously
served in any military or government post. See BONE CUTTER,
SAWBONES, BAND-AID, CHOP SHOP, HOSPITAL, FEST, USAMRIID.
-
SGT FURY :
-
(forthcoming); Sergeant Nick Fury was a fictional character
featured in the war series produced by Marvel Comics, inaugurated
May 1963
-
SGT ROCK :
-
(forthcoming); Sergeant Frank Rock was a fictional character
featured in the war series produced by DC Comics, inaugurated
January 1959
-
SHACK-JOB :
-
a regular girlfriend set-up in off-base housekeeping, as a common
law wife, marriage of convenience, or marriage of declaration;
such arrangements were often semi-communal and serial upon DEROS
rotation. Compare CLASS-B DEPENDENT; see MIHN OI, SLEEPING
DICTIONARY, CAMPAIGN WIFE, DRAG, SHORT-TIME, CHURNING BUTTER,
BUTTERFLY.
-
SHACKLE :
-
encrypt, a method of encoding sensitive information, such as unit
locations, in order to be able to send the information by radio.
See KAK, SCRAMBLE, ENCRYPT, ALPHABET SOUP, RTO, RADIO.
-
SHADOW :
-
CALL-SIGN of AC-119G GUNSHIP with four 7.62mm MINIGUNs
used for aerial fire support; see FLYING BOXCAR. Also used in the
sense of operating in the real shadow cast by regular forces and
behind physical terrain, so as to be unseen or undetected; see
BUSHMASTER, UNDER THE RADAR, HIDE, SHROUD, compare OPEN WAR.
Also, "Shadowless" is a symbolic reference for death, as ghosts
cast no shadow, so this term is both sinister and portentous,
thus powerfully evocative. [v: sciamachy]
-
SHADOW HOUSE :
-
a Vietnamese dwelling or building that's known to be used by or
occupied by VIET CONG soldiers, also called "House of Dark
Shadows"; compare SHADOW WARRIOR, ALLAH'S WAITING ROOM.
-
SHADOW OF THE FLAGPOLE :
-
to be within the purview of command authority or subject to
military regulations, especially when near senior headquarters
(HQ); this phrase is almost always expressed as "in the shadow of
the flagpole". In contradistinction to the inculcated conscience,
most people accept the postulate of "out of sight, out of mind"
as a license for bending or breaking the rules, hence the ANNEX
or SLOP CHUTE is always located far from HQ, and MIL-PERS are
admonished "Don't SHIT in your own MESS KIT!". See HEADSHED,
LITTLE AMERICA, GARRISON, OVERSIGHT, OFF THE RESERVATION, CLASS-B
DEPENDENT.
-
SHADOW WARRIOR :
-
literary reference for military personnel working in the "gray"
area between light (good) and dark (evil); as attributed to
SNIPER, STROLLER, SF, SOF, PHOENIX, SEAL, CIA, and other covert
operatives. Also used in the sense of operating in the real
shadow cast by regular forces and behind physical terrain, so as
to be unseen or undetected; see BUSHMASTER, UNDER THE RADAR.
Also, "Shadowless" is a symbolic reference for death, as ghosts
cast no shadow, so this term is both sinister and portentous,
thus powerfully evocative. [v: sciamachy]
-
SHAKE 'n' BAKE :
-
any rapidly promoted leader who's been through the prep schools
(eg: LPC, INCOC, NCOCC, NCOA, OCS) but lacks actual field
experience or a combat tour; also called "Ready Whip",
"Insta-Stripe", and "Flash Promo". The lack of "time in grade" is
the greatest problem when rapidly promoting immature MIL-PERS who
show aptitude for development, since it normally takes three to
five years for anyone to garner enough savvy to make reasonably
good decisions. See LITTLE PRICK, BOY WONDER, SHAVETAIL, UP OR
OUT, LDR.
-
SHANGHAI :
-
(forthcoming);
compare PRESS-GANG, COMMANDEER, DRAGOON, DRAFT, DRAFT LOTTERY,
McNAMARA'S HUNDRED THOUSAND, MILITIA, DETAIL, DET, AD HOC.
-
SHANGRI-LA :
-
original designation for the presidential rural retreat, a rustic
125-acre portion of Catoctin Mountain Park in Frederick County
Maryland, also known as "Naval Support Facility Thurmont"; so
called by Franklin D. Roosevelt from his first visit on 22 April
1942. Catoctin Mountain Park was acquired in 1936 as a
Recreational Demonstration Area for the New Deal's Works Progress
Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps, which campgrounds
were to be used by crippled children and the families of federal
employees. Like the Congressional COUNTRY CLUB, this remote
facility, designated "Area B" and situated 70 miles from the
capital district, accommodated Phase Two of OSS training.
Officially made a retreat in 1945, a compromise approved by Harry
S. Truman in 1952 resolved Maryland's claim to the land by
subdivision, allocating a segment to be maintained by the
National Park Service and a segment renamed Cunningham Falls
State Park; then in 1953, this secluded retreat was renamed "Camp
David" by Dwight D. Eisenhower to honor his grandson. The
presidential retreat offers an informal setting for rest and
contemplation, relaxation and recreation, as well as casual
entertainment and private meetings. Comparable facilities include
the country residences of the prime ministers of Denmark
("Marienborg"), Sweden ("Harpsund"), Canada ("Harrington Lake"),
and the United Kingdom ("Chequers").
-
SHARPSHOOTER :
-
originally an expert rifleman, as those eligible to wear the
distinctive green uniform of the 1st and 2nd Sharp Shooter
Regiments, commanded by Colonel Hiram Berdan [perhaps imitative
of the green-suited Hessian jaeger scouts from the American
revolution], who used the precision 16 pound Sharps rifle; but in
modern usage, the term designates the intermediate class of
riflemen (above Marksman, below Expert). See SNIPER, DEADEYE,
BULL'S-EYE, POINT-BLANK, KISS THE MISTRESS, KNOCK THEIR SPOTS
OFF, AIMPOINT, MAGGIE'S DRAWERS, BOLO BADGE, TRASH. Also, the
20mm VULCAN cannon installed in the internal weapons bay of the
DELTA DART (F-106A); also spelled "Sharp Shooter".
-
SHAVETAIL :
-
any newly commissioned officer, especially a Second
Lieutenant; derived from the practice of shaving the tail of
unbroken mules for identification.
-
SHAWNEE :
-
Boeing CH-21 helicopter, NICKNAMEd the "Flying Banana"
or "Flying Wiener" by Americans, and called "angle worm" by the
PAVN; see CHOPPER.
-
SHEBANG :
-
any primitive dwelling, such as a shack or shanty, but especially
a lean-to shelter made of natural materials by outdoorsmen for
sleeping and storage, as used during the American CIVIL WAR for
rude or rustic accommodations; see BOHIO [v: bower]; compare
BILLET, HOOCH, HIDE, TENT, LONG HOUSE, VILLE.
[v: bield, bower, cabin, cottage, cabana, lodge, earth lodge,
hogan]
Also, the structure of something, as of an
organization, contrivance, or affair.
-
SHEEP-DIPPED :
-
to be redesignated or reassigned so as to perform a
sensitive or undercover duty; such as military ADVISORs assigned
to a Country Team (CT) on individual passports and wearing
civilian clothes. See LETTER OF MARQUE, compare MIL-PERS, TDY,
CHOP, VULCANIZE.
-
SHEER :
-
in NavSpeak, to swerve or deviate from a course, as a divergence.
Also, in shipbuilding, the fore-and-aft upward curve of the HULL
of a vessel at the main DECK or bulwarks. Also, in NavSpeak, the
position in which a ship at anchor is placed to keep it clear of
the anchor. Also, any very steep perpendicular or vertical
extension; precipitous. Also, unmixed, unmitigated,
unadulterated, unalloyed.
-
SHELL :
-
artillery projectile. Also, common reference for the expended
cartridge case, which is also called BRASS; compare CARTRIDGE.
[nb: RIFLEd guns are denoted "inch" (eg: 3" Field Gun called
"three incher"), which is the diameter of the projectile, while
SMOOTHBORE cannons are denoted "pound" (eg: 12# Mountain HOWITZER
called "twelve pounder"), which is the weight of the projectile]
-
SHELLBACK :
-
any veteran sailor; a "sea dog", MOSSBACK, or OLD SALT. Also, a
POLLYWOG who has "crossed the line" (equator) aboard ship and
undergone the arcane rites decreed by Neptune's representative;
compare GOLDEN DRAGON, PROP BLAST, DOLPHIN DIVE, SALTING,
WINGING, EARRING.
-
SHELL GAME :
-
the dispatch of multiple vehicles, especially helicopters, in
different directions, when transporting classified material,
covert operatives, or VIPs (as in "executive protection") so as
to confuse precise identification. Vehicles may reassemble after
a short distance to serve as escorts, and FALSE INSERTION may be
practiced at the terminus. See FLIP-FLOP.
-
SHERIDAN :
-
M-551A1 light reconnaissance tank, with 152mm MAIN-GUN and
SHILLELAGH guided missile launcher; replaced SCORPION. Sometimes
NICKNAMEd WIDOW MAKER due to flammability when hit. Compare
SHERMAN, GENERAL LEE, STUART; see TANK, TRACK.
-
SHERMAN :
-
M-4 series of heavily armored Main Battle Tanks (MBT), variously
with 75mm, 76mm, and 90mm MAIN-GUNs; NICKNAMEd "Ronson" (a
brand-name of cigarette lighter advertised as "They Light Every
Time") for its tendency to ignite when hit due to using gasoline
fuel. It should be noted that some SHERMANs included thirty
pounds of chemical flame retardant for whatever limited or
palliative effect it might have. See WIDOW MAKER, TANK, TRACK.
-
SHIFT COLORS :
-
to direct that the ENSIGN be moved to its proper place, since a
ship flys the COLORS from the masthead when underway, and hoists
the STARS 'n' STRIPES from the STERN when at anchor or in PORT
[nb: a small ENSIGN positioned at the bow of a boat or ship is
called a "jack", hence "Union Jack" or "National Jack"]. Also, a
phrase expressive of impending change, especially a change of
status.
-
SHILLELAGH :
-
the MGM-51 missile system mounted on the main battle tank (MBT)
and assault reconnaissance vehicle for employment against enemy
armor, field fortifications, and amassed troops.
-
SHIPMATE :
-
serving together on the same vessel, as a companion in mutual
camaraderie; see COMRADE, MESSMATE, BUDDY SYSTEM, TRADE
ENVELOPES.
-
SHIP OVER :
-
NavSpeak for re-enlistment; compare RE-UP.
-
SHIP'S COMPLEMENT :
-
Navy and Marine personnel permanently assigned to a ship, as
distinguished from those temporarily assigned for transport or a
CRUISE; often misspelled "ship's compliment". See CADRE,
PERMANENT PARTY, STAFF, TO&E, HOMESTEADER, CHAIRBORNE.
-
SHIPSHAPE :
-
everything in proper order, trim and tidy; also called SALTY. See
SQUARED AWAY, STRAC.
-
SHIT :
-
a catchall multipurpose term applied to anything, as "in
the shit" was taking fire or being ambushed, as DEEP SHIT was a
bad situation, as SHIT HIT THE FAN was a sudden crisis, as a
"shit storm" was a total disaster, as "got your shit together" or
"got your shit wired tight" was being well prepared, as
"shit-hot" was eager, as HOT-SHIT was terrific, as SHOOT THE
SHIT was talk, as "horseshit" or "bullshit" were lies, as CHICKEN
SHIT was petty harassment, as "shitty" was wretched, as "take a
shit" was a DUMP, as SHITLOAD was humongous, as "shit repellent"
was VULCANIZE. See BRAVO SIERRA, DUMP, TROTS, SLOP CHUTE, CAT
HOLE, SLIT TRENCH, LATRINE, TRA CA, AN CUT.
[v: doo-doo, poop, crap, turd, feces, scat, coprolite, night
soil, dirt, waste, sewage, dung, dreck, guano, manure, muck,
chip, dropping, dingleberry, ordure, defecation, excrement,
dejecta, egesta, stercoraceous; cf: honey bucket, chamber pot,
thunder mug, commode] [nb: "The sun shineth upon the dunghill,
and is not corrupted." by John Lyly, Euphues: The Anatomy of
Wit p43 (1578)]
-
SHIT HAPPENS :
-
another slang phrase popularized during the VIETNAM WAR that was
used both dismissively, in the same manner as "Sorry 'bout that!"
(XIN LOI), and declaratively, in the same manner as "Life is
unfair!", and has since been interpreted as a profound
philosophical comment on existential angst by a bumper-sticker
society with the attention span of a TV commercial! This insight
was formerly expressed by the observation: such is life ("c'est
la vie") or such is war ("c'est la guerre"); also represented as
"stuff happens", and less prosaically as "dumm gelaufen"
(literally 'unfortunate turn of events'). This phrase, and its
euphemistic variants, has been widely featured, as in the films
"Forrest Gump", "Predator 2", and "Scary Movie". In deciding a
case in 1991 concerning a SHIT HAPPENS bumper-sticker, the
Georgia Supreme Court determined that a state law prohibiting the
display of lewd or profane expression was unconstitutional.
Compare A-OK, CHECK IT OUT, GUSTO, FIDO, AMF, ZIP, ZAP.
[nb: various phrases have been used by 20th Century combatants
for protective disassociation, including: "There it is.", "It
don't mean nuthin'.", "It ain't nuthin'.", "It's just a thing."]
-
SHIT HIT THE FAN :
-
a situation or an operation that is rapidly deteriorating or has
suddenly become urgent, with the potential of becoming a "shit
storm"; any circumstance or event that's inadvertently or
intentionally complicated or compounded by stupidity, arrogance,
incompetence, or inefficiency, with potentially disasterous
results. Politely known as the "defecation hit the oscillation".
It is a truism of rotational dispersion that whatever good or bad
hits the fan will NOT be evenly distributed! See FLAP, TAR BABY,
SEAT OF THE PANTS, SHIT MAGNET, SOL, SCREW THE POOCH, CLUSTER
FUCK, FUCKED-UP, DEEP SHIT, BITTER END, BELL THE CAT.
-
SHIT LIST :
-
properly known as a DUTY ROSTER, and politely called a
"Fecal Roster", this is the assignment sheet for extra duty; see
ADY, TURD, SHIT MAGNET, DUD, FUCK-UP, PYHOOYA. [cf: white list]
-
SHITLOAD :
-
any extreme value or great sum (eg: effort, work), or an
unspeakably large amount (eg: poker winnings, defense budget,
etc); synonymous with alot, much, too much, many, too many,
excessive, large, too large, huge, massive, immense, gigantic,
tremendous, stupendous, monstrous, colossal, enormous, humongous,
gargantuan, extreme, prodigious, extravagant, expensive, costly.
See PAYLOAD, SHIT.
-
SHIT MAGNET :
-
any attractant, such as a deed or circumstance, that results in
painful or disastrous consequences; a lure that causes the enemy
to concentrate its response on a specific trigger, including
conspicuous appearance, inappropriate noise, alien odor, abnormal
sequence, incomplete preparation, ineffective execution, and the
like, especially an inept or incompetent person creating or
causing such attractants. See DUD, SOS, MAGGOT, YARDBIRD, FIELD
REJECT, TURD, PYHOOYA.
-
SHOOTING STAR :
-
Lockheed P- / F-80 fighter aircraft; see BIRD.
-
SHOOTING WAR :
-
a real fight, a genuine BATTLE, an actual WAR; see HOT, DODGE THE
BULLET, BLITZKRIEG, FULL-COURT PRESS; compare COLD WAR, FLOWER
WAR.
-
SHOOT THE SHIT :
-
chat, chitchat, talk, prattle, palaver, converse, gossip, banter,
persiflage, falderal, poppycock, tommyrot, tomfoolery, claptrap,
bunk, bunkum (buncombe), malarkey (malarky), bosh, twaddle,
double-talk, drivel, obfuscation, flummery; alternatively "chew
the fat", "chew the rag", or "rap" (probably from beat or drub,
but may be from rapport). See TALK TRASH, BAD-MOUTH, GAS BAG, HOT
AIR, BLOW SMOKE, VERBAL DIARRHEA, MOTOR MOUTH, WOOF, CONFETTI,
SCUTTLEBUTT, TELL IT TO THE MARINES, BRAVO SIERRA, GODDAM, SEA
STORY, WAR STORY, COUNT COUP, ATFU; compare CHICKEN SHIT, RUMOR,
MIL-SPEAK.
[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]
-
SHOOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT :
-
to deliberately handicap yourself, so as to either opt-out or to
cop-out of an intolerable situation; this figurative phrase was
probably derived from the literal act, which entailed the same
results. This act is often considered the "lesser of evils" since
the objections are not confronted and the person in jeopardy
retains his integrity; but it is a FACE-saving compromise for a
moral or physical coward. This act has been characterized
as: "You shot yourself in the foot because they were going to
shoot you anyway!". It is a form of damage control for people who
want to survive, and hope to retain some form of viability or
credibility or capability. See SIW, DODGE THE BULLET, RUN IT UP
THE FLAGPOLE, SHOW THE FLAG, VIETNAM SYNDROME, CYA, MFR, PYHOOYA,
KICKSTANDED, DRAFT DODGER, WHITE FEATHER, FRENCH FLU,
LILY-LIVERED, KHAKI MAFIA, TICKET-PUNCHER, MILICRAT.
-
SHORE :
-
the land along the edge of a sea, lake, or river, including a
beach, tideland, or shoal; especially a 'seashore', being that
ground between the ordinary high-water and low-water marks; see
BEACHHEAD, WATERFRONT, BREAKWATER, MOLE, WHARF. Also, land, as
opposed to water; especially some particular country or homeland.
Also, a supporting post or beam, a prop or strut, especially one
braced against the side of a building or a ship in drydock; see
CHOCK, BLOCK.
-
SHORE PARTY :
-
a work DETAIL or FATIGUE duty, especially one performed on a
BEACHHEAD under the direction of the BEACHMASTER, as off-loading
combat support supplies or on-loading casualties for evacuation;
compare GI PARTY.
-
SHORE PATROL :
-
a rotating duty assignment for sailors in PORT, wearing white
webbing and leggings, "SP" emblazoned helmet and BRASSARD while
armed with a night stick, since Marines normally provide all
other police functions for the Navy; see MASTER-AT-ARMS, POLICE.
-
SHORT ARM :
-
euphemism for penis or PRICK / CU, most often used in the context
of "SHORT ARM inspection", as when inspected for venereal
disease. Formerly, an entire unit underwent the SHORT ARM
inspection, during which each individual was required to expose
his penis to a medical corpsman, and briefly "milk" it for any
discharge or emission. This practice was discontinued during the
VIETNAM WAR, but VD exams retained the name. Contracting VD was
punishable by an Article 15, and chronic infection was grounds
for dismissal from the military. See CLAP, PRO KIT, THE PILL,
ANTIBIOTIC.
[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]
-
SHORT COUNT :
-
number sequence of 1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1 steadily
broadcast to confirm frequency or tune reception; see ZERO BEAT,
LONG COUNT.
-
SHORT ORBIT :
-
aircraft circling to land; small, close orbit by
aircraft overhead. See ORBIT; compare STACK.
-
SHORT-SHEET :
-
a bed made with only one sheet folded back on itself so it
appears to be complete; a prank to torment, harass, or beset an
uncooperative SQUAD member or unpopular CADET. See BLANKET PARTY.
[nb: if debris (eg: dirt, crumbs) or substances (eg: jelly, soap,
wax, shaving cream) are insinuated between the sheets of a
re-made RACK, it is called an "apple pie bed"]
-
SHORT-SHOT :
-
one or more rounds of ammunition, bombs, or other ordnance
landing away from the intended target, by misunderstanding or
miscalculation, frequently falling with inadvertent impact upon
Allied forces or noncombatant civilians, resulting in
unintentional death or injury. Also known as "short-round". See
FRIENDLY FIRE, FRATRICIDE, DUD.
-
SHORT SNORTER :
-
originating in WWII among ferry and transport aircrew, wherein a
dollar bill [nb: it's illegal to deface, disfigure, or deform
U.S. currency] was signed and dated by the entire crew attesting
to any completed passage, whence this summary affidavit would be
produced (ie: COINING) at the bar to determine who pays for the
round of drinks. Determination was made on the basis of date of flight,
number of flights (additional bills), type of aircraft, the
denomination of the bill, or the absence of same. If the trip
included passengers, especially notable ones, then they too would
sign the dollar bill, and comparisons would be made over the
relative status of the signatories. If the flight had
intermediate landings in foreign countries, then a bill of
currency from that nation would be attached to the base dollar
bill ... in some cases, making a chain of notes also signed by
ground personnel. As the war expanded, the more unusual routes
would best the plethora of ordinary transports. Eventually
everyone on the flight wanted such a SOUVENIR, and the accounting
became onerous. And, as with any valuable commodity, they were
naturally counterfeited. See CHALLENGE COIN, PISSING CONTEST,
HARD TIMES TOKEN.
-
SHORT-TIME :
-
one-night stand or "quickie" sex with a prostitute, same as
BOOM-BOOM; as contrasted with "long-time" for an all-night /
overnight session or a semi-regular SHACK-JOB. See CHURNING
BUTTER, FUCK, DIDDLY, TRICK, BUTTERFLY, CHOCOLATE BUNNY, DU,
STEAM 'n' CREAM, HOOKUP, HELL ON WHEELS, ACT OF CONGRESS.
[nb: many young women during WWII, enthralled by the wartime
drama and excitement, became "uniform groupies" who were
sufficiently "khaki wacky" to express their ardor by casual favor
or intimacy bestowed upon almost any serviceman for simple
companionship; such patriotic chippies or amateur trollops were
known as "V-girls" (probably by analogy to B-girl), with the dual
implication of "victory" and "venereal"] [nb: the American GI's
standard reference for a "woman of easy virtue" during WWII was
Mary Quicklay, during Vietnam was Susie Rottencrotch or Mary
Meatgrinder, while any Asian was either Madam Butterfly or Suzie
Wong] [cf: vivandière] [nb: the "comfort girls" who were
employed as contract prostitutes to serve the sexual needs
(TRICKs) of Imperial Japanese troops in the field, usually at a
COMFORT STATION or SIN CITY, were called "shock absorbers" by the
Allied POWs who happened to observe their (mis-)treatment]
-
SHORT-TIMER :
-
any individual with little time remaining IN COUNTRY (or the
assigned area or unit on HARDSHIP TOURs); also called
"double-digit / single-digit midget" or "next", and typically
abridged to "short". An expression which indicated you were close
to your FINI FLIGHT and the FREEDOM BIRD. In your last couple of
weeks, you were so "short" you were practically invisible. See
WAKE-UP, TURTLE, PFC.
-
SHORT-TIMER PIN :
-
an oversized (ranging from about 3" - 6") brass
safety-pin, attached to uniform, gear, or hung from belt, to
signify the wearer's status as "short" ... reduced to counting
down the remaining days with only two digits. These pins were
initially used on baby diapers, but became fashionable with
women's wrap skirts, hence the dual association with a TROPHY for
past or future sexual conquest. This safety-pin should not be
confused with the large (about 2") black safety-pins, included
with triangular bandages (often used as sweatbands or head
scarfs), which were worn on BOONIE HATS so they could be quickly
and easily pinned onto a shirt tail or pants leg during HELIBORNE
operations. [nb: safety-pin invented 1849]
[nb: the kilt pin dates from the 19th century desire of Queen
Victoria's military advisors to imbue Her Majesty's soldiery with
modesty, since men traditionally wore no underwear beneath their
kilts; the kilt pin was intended to control the fly of the skirt
during all conditions, preventing inadvertent exposure]
-
SHOT :
-
a projectile for discharge from a firearm or cannon; see
CARTRIDGE, BULLET, AMMO. Also, a small ball or pellet of metal or
other material, a number of which are loaded in a CARTRIDGE and
used for one charge of a SHOTGUN. Also, the range or distance
that a missile or projectile will travel. Also, commo
confirmation of an executed FIRE MISSION, often includes TOT
impact time, also called SHOT OUT; see FDC, SPLASH. Also, a unit
of measure for anchor chain equal to 15 FATHOMs (90 feet, 27m);
see CABLE, NAUTICAL MILE, KNOT, KLICK. Also, an obsolete unit of
measure equal to a league (3 NAUTICAL MILEs or 4.8km); as derived
from 1.5 Roman miles, which seems to be the origin of the
conventional claim for a three-mile limit of territorial waters
extending offshore. Also, any attempt, try, effort, or turn, as
an aimed stroke.
[nb: 12 inches = 1 foot, 3 feet = 1 yard, 6 feet / 2 yards = 1
fathom, 16.5 feet = 1 rod (aka: pole or perch), 66 feet / 4 rods
= 1 chain (90 feet / 15 fathoms = 1 anchor chain), 10 chains /
660 feet (1/8 statute mile) = 1 furlong, 120 fathoms / 720 feet =
1 land cable, 101 fathoms / 606 feet (1/10 nautical mile) = 1
cable, 3 statute miles = 1 land league, 3 nautical miles = 1 sea
league / shot] [nb: a "geographic mile" is the length of a minute
of longitude on the equator]
-
SHOTGUN :
-
the armed guard on or in a vehicle who watches for enemy activity
and returns fire if attacked, also called "shotgunner"; compare
SLACK, DRAG. Also a machinegun (MG) firing door gunner on a
helicopter. Also, any commercial pump or automatic shotgun,often
10-12ga, also called "trench gun" and "street sweeper", as used
since WWI by the POINT, despite its prohibition by the Geneva
Convention; see BLOOPER, THUMPER, OVER 'n' UNDER; compare BIG
SHOTGUN, RR, LAW, CLAYMORE.
[nb: the "fire lance" flamethrower of AD 905 China utilized
propulsion to launch small objects and pellets, like a shotgun,
becoming a prototype firearm; with a three-barreled version for
repeat firing developed later]
[nb: The new Automatic Assault Tactical Shotgun (AA12 c2006) is a
gas operated and air-cooled weapon ruggedly constructed of
corrosion resistant stainless steel and high-impact plastics; it
fires fully automatic, burst, or single-shot (without selector
switch) from the open bolt at a rate of 6 rounds a second or 360
rounds per minute using box (8) or drum (20/32) magazines, even
when wet. This 12 gauge cylinder bore shotgun has a barrel length
of 19" that incorporates a positive feed and a counter recoil
mechanism, and weighs approximately 11lbs loaded with 8-round
magazine or 13lbs loaded with 20-round drum. This weapon normally
operates without lubricants, requires no tools for field
maintenance, and may be cleaned with soap and water. Location of
safety and magazine release is conventional; and no cocking
levers or bolt handles protrude from the body.]
-
SHOT IN :
-
the bracketing of indirect fire support, such as mortar,
artillery, or naval gunfire, on a target, that's often adjusted
from farther (long) to nearer (short) in order to avoid FRIENDLY
FIRE casualties; see FO, ANGLICO, SALVO, ARTY; compare SHOT OUT,
MARCHING FIRE, LIFT, SPLASH, SCRAM, PLAY BALL. Also, the target
so bracketed.
-
SHOT OUT :
-
mortar and artillery commo confirmation of executed FIRE MISSION;
often includes TOT impact time. See FDC, SPLASH.
-
SHOVE-OFF :
-
NavSpeak for "launch" (as in "launch the boat") or "execute" (as
in CARRY-ON), sometimes expressed as CASTOFF. Also, slang for
leave / depart or go away / get away / get out.
-
SHOWBOAT :
-
anyone or anything that stands-out; anything done more
for attention than for practicality or function, as a show-off or
razzle-dazzle. Formerly a flamboyantly theatrical steamboat.
-
SHOW THE FLAG :
-
a demonstration of force or presence; see FLOWER WAR, RUN IT UP
THE FLAGPOLE, VIETNAM SYNDROME, FALSE FLAG, BLACK FLAG, RED FLAG,
WHITE FLAG, YELLOW RIBBON, COLORS, STARS 'n' STRIPES. Also, slang
for "making an appearance", as when a duty officer tours through
his assigned post or a general officer inspects the troops and
their equipment, which noblesse oblige visitations are so
infrequent that they generate much more fanfare than such routine
duties warrant, and are consequently mocked; see PARADE, TROOP
THE LINE, SHOWBOAT, FACE TIME.
-
SHRAPNEL :
-
fragments scattered by a bursting SHELL, MINE, or BOMB;
eponymously derived from Henry Shrapnel, an English Army officer
and the 19th century inventor of a hollow projectile that
contained bullets and a bursting charge, which was designed to
explode in the air and shower the target with missiles. See FRAG,
GRENADE, GAMMON GRENADE, FLAK, CASE SHOT, CANISTER, FLECHETTE,
BEEHIVE, NAILS, DIRTY RAIN, ALUMINUM RAIN.
-
SHRIKE :
-
designation for the AGM-45 Air-to-Ground MISSILE.
-
SHROUD :
-
in sailing parlance, any of a number of fixed ropes or wires that
converge from the head of a ship's mast and keep it from swaying;
compare RATLINE; see LINE, ROPE, CORD, GUY, CABLE, HAWSER. Also,
any of a number of suspension lines or cords of a parachute that
attach the load to the canopy; also known as "shroud lines"; see
PARA-CORD, PARACHUTE. Also, something covered, concealed, or
protected, as in secret, covert, or clandestine operations that
are veiled in obscurity or mystery; see UNDER THE RADAR, SHADOW,
CONCEALMENT, DECEPTION; compare OPEN WAR. Also, to enshroud, as
to conceal or shelter; see GILLIE SUIT, HIDE, DUGOUT, BOLT HOLE.
Also, a cloth, sheet, or other covering in which a corpse is
wrapped for burial, see BODY BAG, BODY COUNT, BUTCHER'S BILL,
ZULU, KILL CREDIT.
-
SICK CALL :
-
the military formation for medical treatment, or the time to hold
this medical treatment formation; such MIL-PERS report to their
unit medical clinic or DISPENSARY for evaluation, disposition, or
care. See AID STATION, MASH, EVAC, FST, CSH, FIELD HOSP, MEDEVAC,
CHOP SHOP, BAND-AID, ASA, APC, COMFORT STATION.
-
SIDEARM :
-
any weapon carried at the person's side (eg: in a scabbard or
"hip holster") or on a waist belt; also spelled "side-arm". See
SMALL ARMS, TUPPERWARE, PISTOL BELT, CLUTCH BELT, "Sam Browne
Belt" at GREEN TAB.
[v: Firearms Glossary]
-
SIDE-SCAN SONAR :
-
a SONAR system that efficiently creates an image of a large area
of the sea floor, as in nautical charting and marine surveys or
in the detection of underwater objects and identification of
bathymetric features; also known as "side-looking sonar"
(probably on the model of side-looking radar/SLAR). In addition
to its military applications (eg: mine detection), SIDE-SCAN
SONAR is also used for fisheries research, seabed cable and
pipeline inspections, dredging operations, and environmental
studies. SIDE-SCAN SONAR uses a sonar device that emits
fan-shaped pulses down toward the seafloor across a wide angle
perpendicular to the path of the sensor through the water, which
may be towed from a surface vessel or submarine, or mounted on
the ship's hull. The intensity of the acoustic reflections from
the seafloor of this fan-shaped beam is recorded in a series of
cross-track slices, which when stitched together along the
direction of motion, become an image of the sea bottom within the
coverage width of the beam. Simple side scan methods are
increasingly being replaced by more effective multibeam sonar
units which can simultaneously measure the depth as well as the
intensity at a number of locations on each cross-track swath or
slice, generating a three-dimensional bathymetric image detailed
onto a plotter. Classified development of SIDE-SCAN SONAR began
after WWII at the US Navy Mine Defense Laboratory, Panama City
Florida; and were manufactured in the 1950s by Westinghouse.
Experimental SIDE-SCAN SONAR systems were made during the 1950s
in laboratories, including the Scripps Institution of
Oceanography, the Hudson Laboratories, and MIT, but the first
commercial side scan system was the Kelvin-Hughes "Transit
Sonar", a converted echo-sounder with a single-channel,
pole-mounted transducer introduced around 1960. From 1963 to
1966, a team at Edgerton, Germeshausen & Grier developed the
first successful towed dual-channel SIDE-SCAN SONAR system for
commercial use.
-
SIDESLIP :
-
to slide an aircraft or airfoil sideways on a turn with a
concomitant loss of altitude toward the inside of the curve,
being the result of excess speed and improper angle of approach,
which may be the result of an inadvertent loss of control or may
be a deliberate combat maneuver; also called a "slip", and
similar to a sliding or skid turn by a ground vehicle. See
AEROBATICS.
-
SIDEWINDER :
-
designation for the AIM-9M infrared heat-seeking Air-to-Air
MISSILE. [cf: "Atoll" infrared heat-seeking Air-to-Air
Missile (AAM) from the Soviet Union / USSR]
-
SIERRA HOTEL :
-
the phonetic representation of "shit-hot" or "super-hot", being
enthusiastic or proficient, aggressive or awesome; not to be
confused with HOT-SHIT, which means wonderful, terrific,
outstanding, or sensational, as well as the latest information.
See HARD CHARGER, FAST MOVER, BOOMER, BALLS TO THE WALL, HOT
SHOT, SHIT.
-
SIGG :
-
acronym for Social Incest in the Golden Ghetto, as used by senior
diplomats and defense officials to characterize the round of
parties, celebrations, and other ritualistic functions at which
attendance is mandatory; see USAID, USDAO, CT, DINING-IN.
[aka: occasion, gathering, get-together, celebration, festivity,
gala, shindig, reception, banquet, soirée, festal, mixer,
fete, fête champêtre, garden party, open house, house
party, housewarming, splore, potlatch, frolic, gaiety, frisk,
gambol, revel, funfest, wingding, corroboree, bash, blast,
blowout, orgy]
-
SIGHT PICTURE :
-
adjusted for elevation and windage, the proper firing alignment
of the shooter's eye from a SPOT WELD through the rear sight
aperture, over the front sight blade, and centered on the TARGET;
see BORESIGHT, DEFLECTION, BULL'S-EYE, ZERO, POINT-BLANK, BASS,
KD RANGE, DRY FIRE, TRAIN. [v: Firearms
Glossary] Also, the TARGET image properly centered in the
guidance system's or aiming system's optical or electronic
display as when directing "smart bombs" or MISSILEs from a HIDE,
an aerial or ground platform, or a remote control station; see
HUD, WSO, TOW, LOSAT, PREDATOR, DRONE, AWACS.
-
SIGINT :
-
SIGnal INTelligence, information developed from eavesdropping or
other intercepts; also known as "COMMunications INTelligence"
(COMMINT). See RDF, COMSEC, COMMO, SOTA.
-
SIGNAL PANEL :
-
a double-sided rectangular fabric, showing either reflective or
flourescent side, used to signal aircraft or to spell message
codes; also called "recognition panel" or "rescue panel". A white
"ground panel" was used to signal aircraft in WWI, but it proved
to be too visible, marking AIMPOINTs that Forward Observers
targeted. Compare IDENTIFICATION PANEL.
-
SIGNATURE :
-
any distinctive signifier or identifier, such as a sound or
image, act or effect, having a unique or distinguishing aspect,
feature, or mark; see IR, SMG, KALASHNIKOV, HAND, CALL-SIGN,
GROUND OBSERVER CORPS, BATTLE CRY, TOAST, CREST, BADGE, PATCH,
INSIGNIA.
[nb: some affectations of style are deliberately adopted as
indications of individuality, affiliation, or achievement; such
stylistic marks include: swagger stick, tanker boots, medico
tarnished (contaminated!) brass, aviator 50-mission crushed hat,
aircrew spurs and Stetson, custom-made items or privately
purchased accessories, and even extends to a cultivated
informality or intentionally relaxed military bearing]
-
SILENCER :
-
a noise reduction device, containing baffles and wadding (eg:
foam rubber, polystyrene, steel wool, fiberglass, glass wool,
mineral wool, rock wool, etc), attached to a gun MUZZLE to deaden
the report of the firearm's discharge; it is properly called a
"sound suppressor", but the word SILENCER avoids any confusion
with FLASH SUPPRESSOR when only the single word SUPPRESSOR is
used. Sometimes called "sound arrester", "noise reducer", or
"report suppressor", but not "muffler". SILENCERs are prohibited
by the Geneva Accords. [nb: a revolver, which is more
mechanically reliable than an autoloader, must suppress the
cylinder as well as the MUZZLE, inhibiting reloading, so
automatics are preferred mounts. Because a SILENCER adversely
affects velocity and accuracy, subsonic and infrasonic (including
caseless) AMMO has been developed for specialized applications.]
-
SILENT INSOLENCE :
-
the expression of disrespect or contempt for authority by
posture, expression, or deportment; formerly a court martial
offense, but now only indicative and contributive. See UCMJ,
BEARING, SMACK, BUTT, MOTOR MOUTH, TALK TRASH, CONFETTI, SNOW,
BLOW SMOKE, SHOOT THE SHIT, FIGHTING WORDS.
[cf: impertinent, impudent] [nb: before international
homogenization by cultural admixture in global communications,
when racial and ethnic characteristics were still discrete, the
French expressed contempt by shitting on something or someone,
the British by pissing on it, and the Americans by spitting,
which was a factor considered when determining the extent of
legitimate response or reprisal to alleged provocation]
-
SILENT MAJORITY :
-
a phrase made notorious in a 3 Nov 1969 TV address about the
VIETNAM WAR by Richard M. Nixon: "And so tonight, to you, the
great silent majority of my fellow Americans -- I ask for your
support." Nixon had previously used the phrase, along with such
variants as "silent center" and "quiet majority"; but the phrase
seems to have been coined by John F. Kennedy, in "Profiles in
Courage" (1956), when referring to Congressmen who "may have been
representing the actual sentiments of the silent majority of
their constituents in opposition to the screams of a vocal
minority." Using a similar metaphor, Franklin D. Roosevelt said,
in a 7 April 1932 radio speech, that "the nation must regain
faith in the forgotten man at the bottom of the economic
pyramid." The symbol of the "forgotten man" was coined in 1885 by
William Graham Sumner in a speech at Yale University: "The
forgotten man works and votes -- generally he prays -- but his
chief business in life is to pay .... Who and where is the
forgotten man in this case, who will have to pay for it all?"
Before the modern era, the great or silent majority referred to
that body of persons who had already passed-on, and outnumbered
the living: "Death joins us to the great majority" ["The Revenge"
by Edward Young (1721)]. See DINOSAUR, MOSSBACK, OLD BREED, OLD
SALT; compare BEST AND BRIGHTEST, WISE MEN, HIPPIE, PROTESTOR,
APOCALYPSE.
-
SILO :
-
an underground installation, typically a cylindrical structure,
designed to house a MISSILE; term derives from "subterranean
storage", but also refers to the launch platforms (eg: SLBM)
concealed below DECK on-board ships.
-
SILVER BAYONET :
-
operational CODENAME for the mid-November 1965 set-piece battle
in the Ia Drang valley, which the NVA Regulars instituted to
ascertain US airmobility tactics, and to evaluate heliborne
vulnerabilities; which proved to be an expensive lesson, but
informative enough to alter PAVN strategy. This firefight,
involving NVA regulars with ChiCom ADVISORs against elements of
the 1st Cav Div (Airmobile), was subsequent to an attack on the
A-Camp at Plei Me, which was originally intended to bisect SVN.
-
SILVER EAGLES :
-
designation for the US Army Aviation Precision Demonstration
Team, organized in May 1972 for public display of typical
helicopter skillcraft, performed nationwide at air shows,
patriotic events, and other fairs. A precision flight
demonstration, averaging thirty-five minutes, of the capability
and versatility of rotary winged aircraft normally involved seven
OH-6A Cayuse (aka: LOH) helicopters (ie: Lead, Left Wing, Right
Wing, Slot, Lead Solo, Opposing Solo, and Bozo the Clown) that
kept at least one WHIRLY BIRD performing between set piece
formations and maneuvers. The team consisted of 25 crew and 12
aviators; and was disbanded in November 1976. See BARNSTORMER,
AEROBATICS.
-
SILVER STAR / SS :
-
the nation's third highest award for valor; was originally a
small "silver star" added to the WWI campaign medal, in the same
manner as battle stars, but was converted into a pendant medal in
1932. The design of the Valorous Unit Award (VUA) symbolizes this
medal because it is equivalent to everyone in the unit earning a
Silver Star. See BSM, DSC, MOH, PH, DEVICE.
-
SILVER TRIANGLE :
-
the major illegal drug production area in South America, a region
consisting of Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia. See STICK, CAN SA,
DOPE, STONED, SMACK, HOT SHOT, CHINA WHITE, DEA; compare GOLDEN
TRIANGLE, TRI-BORDER, GOLDEN CRESCENT.
-
SIM-AMMO :
-
practice and training ammunition that's specially manufactured
for SMALL ARMS that can be used safely by military and
paramilitary personnel in KILL HOUSE and CLOSE QUARTERS BATTLE
scenarios. Unlike BLANKs and MILES targeting, SIM-AMMO provides
the trainee with a realistic sense of shooting live-ammo,
including ricochets. Made in standard military and police service
CALIBERs in lower-velocity (eg: Simunition, Greenshield, Short
Stop, Close Quarters Target ammunition), some SIM-AMMO is
designed to mark the target while others are designed to
disintegrate upon impact. Some SIM-AMMO is available as TRACERs
for tracking in dark rooms or at night, and there is even a 40mm
polymer projectile (ie: DragonFly) for use with grenade
launchers. SIM-AMMO is imitative of the recreational paint-ball
marking rounds used in civilian WAR GAMEs, and serves the same
purpose of assessment and scoring. SIM-AMMO should not be
confused with "rubber bullets", which is non-frangible ammunition
designed for non-lethal crowd control; not for training. It is
sometimes called "training ammo" or "faux ammo". See AMMO.
-
SINCGARS :
-
SINgle Channel Ground [to] Air Radio System; with built-in Global
Positioning System (GPS), automatic frequency-hopping (HOPSCOTCH)
and spread-spectrum transceiver; as AN/PRC-119 (backpack model
2-5mile range) or AN/PRC-6745 "Leprechaun" (pocket sized model
1-5mile range). See WALKIE-TALKIE, RADIO.
-
SIN CITY :
-
a secure COMPOUND, situated outside Pleiku near Camp Enari and
Camp Holloway, that was policed and regulated by competent allied
authorities, where OFF-DUTY regional troops could shop and revel
in an "entrepreneurial district" that was managed for their
benefit, offering laundry, gambling, drinking, and prostitution
services without fear of victimization. This relaxation area had
price controls and public health inspections. This was a more
formal version of Hooker's CAMP FOLLOWERs, but unofficially
condoned. Ironically, George Washington asked for six "camp
ladies" per Revolutionary War company, but the Continental
Congress would only authorize separate rations for four women per
unit ... the revolutionary militia was more candid than the
modern military! Also, any similar relaxation and recreation
center that's operated as a regulated concession by local
businessmen ("on the economy") near a military installation; also
called "soldier city", "sporting district", "stews", "red-light
district", HELL'S HALF ACRE, and HELL ON WHEELS; compare LITTLE
AMERICA, FOUR CORNERS.
-
SINGLETON :
-
a sole agent or lone operative; derived from card playing usage,
where it is the only one of its suit (type). See CIA, NOC.
-
SINKER :
-
a sweet heavy doughnut, usually greasy or underdone ... and like
a hot cup of GI JOE, is a MESSHALL treat that's never refused!
See PITA, HARDTACK, POGY BAIT, SLIDER, SOS, SLOP, WASH, BEANS,
CHOW, RATIONS.
[v: biscuit, croissant, bun, roll, cracker, cracknel, pretzel,
shortbread, cookie, wafer, roly-poly, shortcake, cupcake,
pandowdy, cobbler / grunt, funnel cake, friedcake, doughnut (eg:
beignet, bear sign, bear paw, cruller, etc)]
-
SIN LOI :
-
see XIN LOI, and also misspelled "sin loy"; as pidgin SIN LOY
MINOY for "too bad honey", also see MIHN OI.
-
SIOUX :
-
Bell OH-13 helicopter SCOUTSHIP; NICKNAMEd "bubble".
-
SITE 85 :
-
designation given to RADAR site in Laos.
-
SITREP :
-
SITuation REPort, also spelled "SIT-REP"; a summary notification
of unit activity or status that's transmitted on schedule or on
demand. See SPOT REPORT, SALUTE, MISREP, FRAG REPORT.
-
SIW :
-
Self-Inflicted Wound, being an act of cowardice that's ipso facto
grounds for a court martial; compare WIA, GSW-TTH, SHOOT YOURSELF
IN THE FOOT, PH, DUSTOFF, MEDEVAC, MILLION DOLLAR WOUND, PROFILE,
LINE OF DUTY, DOW, KIA.
-
SIX :
-
a clock-face position, most often used by pilots, as a
reference to action or cover behind the unit; or, a code word for
unit leader or commander, when derived from CALL-SIGNs.
-
SJA :
-
Staff Judge Advocate, the military counsel on staff; see JAG.
-
SKATE :
-
to get by, pass by, or goof off; see GHOST, GOLDBRICK, REST ON
OARS, TAP-DANCER, HALF-ASSED. [nb: obfuscation and obscurantism
are widely represented by the military maxim: "Bullshit baffles
brains!", sometimes called a "Well sir,..." excuse]
-
SKEETER :
-
slang for the incessantly pestiferous mosquito; also called
"swamp angel", "marsh bomber", "bayou bird", or "state bird" (as
in the "state bird of Florida", the "state bird of louisiana",
the "state bird of Alaska", the "state bird of the Philippines",
the "state bird of Panama", the "state bird of Vietnam", and so
forth); and related to the gallinipper, gall gnat, gall midge,
midge, and crane fly. See BAR, FUO, MALARIA, BONE BREAK FEVER,
YELLOW JACK, CHIKUNGUNYA, HORSE PILL; compare DAPSONE, CORK.
-
SKIDROW :
-
NICKNAME for Xom Cau Bieu, Xa Thanh Liet (geo: 20 57 44N
105 49 04E; UTM: 48QWJ85001800), site of major NVN prison camp
for captive allied population; also known as [nb: some names only
refer to sections within this prison] Thanh Liet, Bang Liet,
B.15. Dates US POWs present: 07 Jul 68 to 19 Aug 71, 09 Sep 71 to
04 Nov 71, and 06 Dec 71 to 01 Jan 72. The Vietnamese commonly
refer to this prison by its location in Cau Bieu Hamlet, Thanh
Liet Village, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi Municipality. As of
mid-1995, this prison was still administered by the Ministry of
Public Security (now Ministry of Interior). See POW.
-
SKIMMER :
-
slang for a USN Boston whaler, shaped like an elongated rowboat
but mounting an outboard motor; see GIG, PBL, SCOW, BOAT. Also,
slang for any sailor aboard a surface ship or boat, for
behavioral similarity to gull-like birds that feed from the
water's surface; compare DIPPER, BOOMER, DOLPHIN, BUBBLEHEAD, see
WATER WINGS, AIRDALE, SHELLBACK.
[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]
-
SKIN :
-
informal usage for the outer covering of a vehicle or craft; the
particular (or peculiar) qualities of its external layer, as
"thin-skinned" for light- / unarmored or "skin paint" for sensor
detected. See CAMO, WAR FACE, COUNTERSHADING, LASER AIMING
DEVICE, PAINT, LADAR, IR, REACTIVE ARMOR, SPALL, SPACED ARMOR,
HILLBILLY ARMOR, HARDEN, HARD TARGET, SOFT TARGET.
[nb: a self-propelled (SP) HOWITZER resembles a TANK, but unlike
a TANK, is thin-skinned]
-
SKINNY :
-
slang reference for the gaunt appearance of the hostiles or BAD
GUYS encountered during Operation RESTORE HOPE in Somalia; term
related to the emaciation caused by malnutrition. Also, slang for
information, facts, news, a true account, sometimes expressed as
the "straight skinny"; also known as POOP, scoop, DOPE, GOUGE,
THE WORD, GREEN GREASE, HOT-SHIT, BULLETIN.
-
SKIP BOMBING :
-
technique of aerial bomb delivery by aircraft against ships and
other floating targets, used in lieu of torpedoes (FISH); as
validated by the 1943 Battle of the Bismark Sea, in the WWII New
Guinea campaign. [nb: a similar technique of "ricochet shooting"
TANK / ARTY gunfire along the ground at enemy troops attacking in
the open was simultaneously developed in the 1943 north Africa
campaign]
-
SKIPPER :
-
the head, leader (LDR), commander (CO), CAPTAIN, or master of a
vessel, aircraft, or unit, which duty is not equivalent to a
specific RANK; sometimes truncated as "Skip", as derived from
Dutch ("schipper") for "he who ships". See ADMIRAL, COMMODORE,
FLAG OFFICER, 10, MC, OVERSIGHT, COMMAND ELEMENT, GOLD STAR.
-
SKIRT :
-
slang for a military woman, also known as "G.I. Jane",
regardless of branch of service. As an expression of patriotism
and humanity, more than women's liberation/suffrage, women began
volunteering for nursing and service jobs during the Crimean War
(1853-6) and the American CIVIL WAR (1861-5). More than 1100
women worked as contract nurses during the SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR
due to epidemic diseases, which caused ten times more casualties
than combat. Women served as contract workers in service jobs
(eg: dietetics, communication) during WWI, but didn't qualify for
protected military status under the conventions of war, and were
ineligible for veteran's benefits after the war. On 15 May 1942,
the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) was instituted to fill
needed combat support roles, from clerk and mechanic to
translator and cryptanalyst, but was still a contractual position
without full military status or benefits. On 3 July 1943, the
Army Nurse Corps (ANC), existing since the SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR,
and the Women's Army Corps (WAC) were admitted to full military
status by Congress. Similarly, Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Service
(WAFS) and Women Air Service Pilots (WASP) were transitioned into
the Women's Air Force (WAF). The Navy employed Women Accepted for
Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES); and the Coast Guard utilized
Semper Paratus Auxiliary Reserve (SPAR). All separate women's
military service corps were dissolved in 1978 when female
servicemembers were integrated into the RANKS; and in 1994, the
role of qualified women was expanded from service support
occupations to "combat support", including police, pilots, and
other assignments. During the Vietnam-era, approximately 261,000
women served in all military branches, with about 7,500 serving
IN-COUNTRY, resulting in eight (8) fatalities, including one KIA
(ANC LT Sharon A. Lanz at Chu Lai on 8 June 1969). A Women's
Auxiliary was formed under the leadership of the SVN President's
wife, functioning similar to American models, including only
limited weapons training. See WAAC, WAC, WAF, WAFS, WASP, WAVES,
SPAR, BAM, WM, "GI Jane" @ GI / GI JOE, "Jane Bond" @ SECRET
AGENT / BABY 007, CRYPTO, "Acting Jane" @ ACTING JACK, "Swinging
Dickless" @ SWINGING DICK, "Dear Jane" @ JODY, ANGEL, COMMO,
CRYPER, BAMBOO TELEGRAPH, SQUEAK, RIGGER, QM, WONDER WOMAN,
WINNIE THE WAC, QUEEN FOR A YEAR, RUNTS 'n' CUNTS, MOTHER HEN,
"bra-less" @ HANG LOOSE, PIRATE'S DREAM, LONG HAIR, ROUND EYE,
CAMP FOLLOWER, BITCH, FLYING BRAVO, STRANGE, SPLIT, SNATCH,
SHACK-JOB, SLEEPING DICTIONARY, CLASS-B DEPENDENT, CAMPAIGN WIFE,
DRAG, DISTAFF, DOUGHNUT DOLLY, SALLY, FANY.
[v: amazon, virago; cf: vivandière] [nb: Aussie "Shiela"]
[nb: women have also served the military by working with the
Hello Girls, Office of Civilian Defense, Relief Wings Inc.,
Salvation Army, United Service Organizations, United States Food
Administration, United States Public Health Service Reserve
Corps, United War Work Campaign, Volunteer Army Canteen Service,
Women Veteran's Organizations, Women War Correspondents, Women
War Workers, Women's Ambulance and Defense Corps, Young Women's
Christian Association]
[nb: Jennie Hodgers, an Irish emigrant, enlisted as a private in
Company G/95th Illinois Volunteer Infantry on 6 Aug 1862 as
"Albert D.J. Cashier", serving as an infantryman in all campaigns
with her unit, then discharged into civilian life where she
continued to live as a man, staying in touch with her comrades,
collecting a pension, until infirmity revealed her disguise in
1913, then when she died on 11 Oct 1915, she was buried in
uniform with full military honors; since women who disguised
themselves for military service were discharged when discovered,
usually with their motives or sanity in doubt and reputations
ruined, instances of women who evaded censure in military service
are very fragmentary, such that Hodgers'/Cashier's is the only
documented case of a woman fulfilling an Army enlistment during
the CIVIL WAR] [cf: Molly Pitcher (Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley)]
[nb: a female unit commander is not called the OLD MAN nor "old
lady", not "chieftain" nor "chieftess", not the HONCHO nor
"honchette", not TOP DOG nor "top bitch", but is rather
antonomastically identified by the generic "boss" or "boss lady",
or by her designated NICKNAME or CODENAME]
[nb: "The She-Goats having obtained a beard by request to
Jupiter, the He-Goats were sorely displeased and made complaint
that the females equaled them in dignity. 'Allow them,' said
Jupiter, 'to enjoy an empty honor and to assume the badge of your
nobler sex, so long as they are not your equals in strength or
courage.' It matters little if those who are inferior to us in
merit should be like us in outside appearances." by Aesop
(The She-Goats and Their Beards in Aesop's
Fables] [nb: "Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways
to that which destroyeth kings." Proverbs 31:3 KJV Bible]
-
SKIVVIES :
-
underwear consisting of a shirt and shorts, as derived from a
knit "skivvy" shirt; also called "smalls" or "u-trou". See
T-SHIRT, CIVVIES.
-
SKUNK WORKS :
-
(forthcoming); also spelled "skunkworks"
[cf: saltworks, slopwork]
-
SKY :
-
slang for leave, depart, take-off, SPLIT, CHOGI, PULL PITCH,
JUICE, SCRAMBLE, SCRAM, HAUL-ASS, RABBIT, BEAT FEET, EXFIL,
SHOVE-OFF, BLUE PETER.
-
SKYBLAZERS :
-
(forthcoming);
designation for the
Precision Demonstration Team, organized in
for public display of typical aviation skillcraft, performed
nationwide at air shows, patriotic events, and other fairs. A
precision flight demonstration of the capability and versatility
of aircraft
kept at least one BIRD performing between set piece
formations and maneuvers. The team consisted of aviators;
See BARNSTORMER, AEROBATICS.
-
SKYHAWK :
-
McDonnell A-4 single-engine jet fighter aircraft; see BIRD.
-
SKYHOOK :
-
NICKNAME for the Fulton Recovery System, designed by
Robert E. Fulton; the aerial retrieval (at about 120MPH) of
ground packages or extraction (EXFIL) of passengers by
low-altitude (at 500-800' alt) capture of balloon suspended
tether in forked yoke, as used by special operations. See
GABRIEL, STABO; compare TRAWL.
-
SKY KNIGHT :
-
USNavy F-3D two-engine fighter aircraft used for electronic
surveillance and Electronic CounterMeasures (ECM); compare
SKYNIGHT.
-
SKYLINE :
-
to highlight or silhouette personnel, equipment, or vehicles,
as when standing on or traversing a crest, instead of a defile;
see MILITARY CREST. Also, the division or separation of earth and
sky at the horizon.
-
SKYMASTER :
-
Cessna O-2 aircraft, with two engines, one fore and one aft of
cabin section in split TAILBOOM, also called "push-me-pull-you";
being a STOL used on FAC and VR or radio monitor missions.
-
SKYNIGHT :
-
Douglas EF-10 /-10B fighter aircraft used for photo and
electronic surveillance, and Electronic CounterMeasures (ECM);
also known as WILLIE THE WHALE.
-
SKY PILOT :
-
NICKNAME for a chaplain, padre, clergyman, or cleric in military
or naval service; also known as a "Holy Joe", "sin buster", "soul
catcher", "pulpit pounder", "God walloper", "gospel shouter", or
"sermonizer". The motto of the Chaplain's Corps is "For God And
Country" ('Pro Deo Et Patria'). During WWI, the American
Expeditionary Force was augmented by volunteer chaplains who were
sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the Young Men's Christian
Association, and other altruistic organizations; these chaplains
served the moral and spiritual needs of front line troops,
including combat leadership and sexual prophylaxis. See TS CARD,
GOD SQUAD, SYMPATHY, FOXHOLE CONVERSION, ARMY CHRISTIAN, PRAYER;
compare GHOUL.
[v: abbé, churchman, curé, ecclesiastic,
evangelist, father, guru, hieromonk, man of the cloth, master,
minister, officiant, parson, pastor, preacher, prelate, priest,
prophet, rabbi, rector, reverend, revivalist, swami, vicar,
votary, yogi] [nb: "A chaplain is the minister of the Prince of
Peace serving the host of the God of War – Mars. As such,
he is as incongruous as a musket would be on the altar at
Christmas. Why, then, is he there? Because he indirectly
subserves the purpose attested by the cannon; because too he
lends the sanction of the religion of the meek to that which
practically is the abrogation of everything but brute Force." by
Herman Melville, ch 24 Billy Budd, Sailor]
-
SKYRAIDER :
-
Douglas A1-E / A1-H propeller-driven attack aircraft,
powered by a single reciprocating engine, used for Close Air
Support (CAS); this WWII-era prop-jet was affectionately
NICKNAMEd and sometimes CALL-SIGNed "Spad". The "Spad" was
succeeded by the A-10 WARTHOG. See SLOW MOVER.
-
SKYSPOT :
-
ground directed bombing conducted by the 1st Combat Evaluation
Group of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). Ordnance directed and
released from B-52, B-57, F-4, and other aircraft of the
American, Austrailian, and Vietnamese Air Forces. Ground sites
were located in Vietnam and Thailand.
-
SKYWARRIOR :
-
Douglas A-3 aircraft.
-
SLACK :
-
second man in a patrol, or secondary element in an advancing
unit, situated between the POINT and main contingent, and usually
responsible for the unit's pace and navigation; also called
"slack man" or "swing". See DRAG, POINT.
-
SLANT DISTANCE :
-
the best projection or the most accurate calculation of the true
distance to be traveled in rough terrain, converted from linear
map distance; being the hypotenuse of a right-angle determined by
direct distance and total elevation. A combat-loaded GRUNT will
lose speed to the increased severity of rough terrain, so will
normally advance at the rate of only 1mph or less. See AIMPOINT,
HEADING, AZIMUTH, DEAD-RECKONING, GRID COORDINATES, CONTOUR
LINES, TRUSCOTT TROT, LEEWAY, CONTOUR FLYING, NOE, COMICS.
-
SLAP-FLARE :
-
a hand-held pyrotechnic FLARE that's suspended beneath a small
PARACHUTE during its descent; also called "parachute flare", and
sometimes spelled "slapflare". Used for aerial illumination, it
is contained in a metal tube (about the size of a paper towel
cylinder), and launched by placing the protective cap (with
firing pin) over the propellant primer, and striking sharply.
Compare PEN FLARE, VERY PISTOL.
-
SLAR :
-
Side Looking Airborne RADAR.
-
SLBM :
-
Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile, as from a SILO aboard a
BOOMER; see TRIDENT.
-
SLEEPER :
-
inactive undercover agent; see SECRET AGENT, SPOOK, CRYPTO, MOLE,
PROVOCATEUR, THROW-AWAY, STOOGE.
-
SLEEPING DICTIONARY :
-
a female consort who helps a military or civilian ADVISOR in
learning the foreign language and native customs of the assigned
country; compare MIHN OI, SHACK-JOB, CAMPAIGN WIFE, CLASS-B
DEPENDENT, DRAG, STRANGE, DISTAFF, SKIRT.
-
SLEEVE :
-
slang for the WINDSOCK-like fabric TARGET that's towed by an
airplane for air or ground gunnery practice; see BULL'S-EYE,
POINT-BLANK, IMPACT AREA, AIMPOINT, POINT OF IMPACT, KILL ZONE,
BUTT, TURKEY SHOOT. [v: Aunt Sally, Jack-a-Lent, cockshy, clay
pigeon, sitting duck, mark, gull, dupe, pigeon, prey, quintain,
wand, hit list]
-
SLICK :
-
any helicopter used to transport troops or cargo, such as
HUEY, SHAWNEE, KINGBEE, CHINOOK, with only protective armaments
systems; not a GUNSHIP ... and not "unarmed". SLICK was the term
used to refer to an assault helicopter used to support troops in
combat during AIRMOBILE operations. Troops would ride in the wide
door openings (most assault choppers had their sliding doors
removed) of the aircraft, normally in two rows on each side, and
could exit quickly when landing in a HOT LZ. SLICKS usually
didn't touch down during landing, but troops off-loaded during
the ground effect "bounce" in a matter of seconds. Pilots learned
to reduce risk by spending as little time as possible in hover.
The term derives from the lack of armaments, not from the absence
of seats. See CHASE.
-
SLICK SLEEVE :
-
the lowest ranking enlisted personnel, including "trainee" and
"private / airman / seaman recruit" (novice, tyro, abecedarian);
who are devoid of sleeve insignia until improved skill level
earns promotion to a higher RATING, denoted by stripes, chevrons,
and ROCKERs. Promotion parties usually involve beer and some
informal "tagging" or "pinning" ritual, leaving the happy upgrade
with a headache and bruised arms. See BOOT, TRAIN, CRUIT,
YARDBIRD, BUCK, MOSQUITO WING, MOSQUITO SMILE, MATING MOSQUITOES,
BIRD UMBRELLA, SWINE LOG, BLOOD STRIPE, EM.
-
SLICKY BOY :
-
any civilian employed by the military, especially in Asia, who
steals government property for sale on the Black Market,
sometimes with great ingenuity or audacity; although principally
a thief or swindler, like any rapscallion or rogue, he might also
serve as a pimp procurer. See KHAKI MAFIA, CARPETBAGGERS; compare
CHEAP CHARLIE, SCROUNGE, MIDNIGHT REQUISITION, LITTLE AMERICA.
[cf: comprador/compradore]
-
SLIDER :
-
a greasy hamburger; a "SLIDER with lid" is a cheeseburger. See
SOS, SLOP, WASH, WAD, SINKER, PITA, BEANS, CHOW, IRON RATIONS,
RATIONS.
-
SLIT TRENCH :
-
a narrow LATRINE dug into the ground for extended field use by a
SQUAD; also called "straddle trench" or "spraddle trench". The
most common mistake made by inexperienced MIL-PERS is to dig the
trench too wide, making its use both unstable and uncomfortable,
since it only needs to be as wide as the shovel head of the
E-TOOL itself. The surplus propellent from mortar and artillery
fire can be ignited to sterilize such a cesspool, and thus
maintain local sanitation. In the post-VN era, portable chemical
toilets (variously brand named, from "Porta-John" to
"Porta-Potty") are positioned and serviced by subcontractors
whenever troops are deployed into field training areas or BASE
CAMPs, including overseas combat zones. See LATRINE, HEAD, CAT
HOLE, TROTS, DUMP, CORK, COMFORT STATION. [nb: Chinese archives
document the use of perfumed rice-paper for use as toilet paper
from the sixth century; toilet paper invented 1857; perforated
roll of toilet paper (1877); 2-ply toilet paper (1942); pastel
colors of toilet paper (1956)]
Also, the former name of a hastily prepared prone firing or
fighting position, being obsolete since WWII; compare HASTY
TRENCH, FOXHOLE, SPIDER HOLE.
-
SLING :
-
an adjustable fabric band or leather strap connected by swivel
mounts to SMALL ARMS, usually a RIFLE, to assist in their
handling and performance, as when carrying or shooting; see
STACKING SWIVEL, GP STRAP, SNAP-LINK, UNLIMBER; compare LANYARD.
Also, a strap, band, rope, or chain from which something is
suspended, hoisted, or moved, often forming a loop; see McGUIRE
RIG, HIGHLINE. Also, a net or other hold used for hoisting or
hauling, as for moving something; also called a "sling load"; see
EYE, GP, GP NET, HAMMOCK.
-
SLOP :
-
cheap bedding and ready-made clothing, especially short
baggy trousers ("high-water"), supplied to sailors from the
ship's stores; see RACK, BERTH, BILLET, HAMMOCK, HOSPITAL CORNER,
UTILITIES, FATIGUES, BLOUSE, DRESS. Also, a loose-fitting
overgarment of cheap cloth, as a tunic or smo
|
|