M I L T E R M S : S : SIERRA

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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 : 101st Abn Div 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 : 2/75 Abn Rngr 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 : SCUBA badge Spl Opns diver badge 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 : 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 : SEAL Team 1 SEAL Team 2 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 : ASA 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 : Army 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 : AA12 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 : SS medal 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