Post by Xxsuperheroxx on Apr 5, 2024 13:56:26 GMT -6
1MC: The overhead public address system on US Navy ships.
3rd Deck Dive Team: Mainly a Marine Corps term, meaning someone is suicidal and should dive off of the third deck.
11 Bang-Bang: Army infantryman
5 Fingers of Death: Beef franks with beans served in some MREs. Named for the number and unpleasant taste
99: Navy term meaning the information being discussed is pertinent to all personnel
100mph Tape: Standard Army green duct tape
AAV: Amphibious Assault Vehicle
ACU: Army Combat Uniform
Ali Baba: Iraqi term for the bad guy, criminal, or insurgent
Alpha Charlie: Verbally reprimanded
Angel: Used in Iraq to refer to a soldier killed in combat
An Imperial FU An Imperial Fuck Up
Anymouse An ‘anymouse' is a locked box that sailors in the US Navy use to share anonymous comments while on board. It's a safety system to encourage honesty, keeping tension off the ship in case someone has a particularly heavy displeasure to let off his chest.
AOR: Area of responsibility
As you were: Return to your previous task or posture.
ASAP As Soon As Possible
Ate-up Someone with no military bearing who is messy is said to be "ate-up." Related nicknames include: chopped up, chewed up, Chewie, and Chewbacca.
AWOL: Absent Without Official Leave; leaving post without permission
Azimuth Check: A procedure designed by the Army to help soldiers assess their own well-being and readiness
BAH: Basic housing allowance
Bang Bang: Pistol or a Rifle
Barney style When an instructor breaks something down "Barney style" for the group, it's explained as if it were to a child, just like the big purple dinosaur would do on the children's television show Barney & Friends.
Barracks Rat: Personnel who stay in the barracks during downtime
Base of Fire Providing a base of fire means providing supporting fire to advancing units, helping to keep enemies occupied and allow advancing units to keep shooting during tactical movements. It could be provided by either a platoon, an armored tank, or an individual soldier.
Battlefield Airman: Air Force Special Operations Command pararescue, combat control, and weather troops
BDU Battle Dress Uniform
Black Water Slang term for heavily caffeinated coffee, often consumed by military personnel to stay awake during operations.
Beans, Bullets, and Band-Aids: Reference to supply items such as food, ammunition, or medical supplies
Beat Feet: Move quickly
Beat Your Face: Push-ups
BFT: Blue Force Tracker; Equipment that connects with a satellite to provide locations of units as well as maps and routes
Big Voice/Giant Voice: Term used to describe the loudspeaker system on a military base. It will often make a range of announcements, such as alerting soldiers of incoming attacks, the schedule of upcoming ordnance disposal explosions, and when and where to take cover as an attack strikes. It also broadcasts Reveille and Retreat when in Garrison.
Bird: Slang term for an aircraft, typically a helicopter.
Birth-Control Glasses This one’s for the poor bastards born without 20/20. If you think the military was going to let you keep your fancy glasses, you’re out of your damn mind. Birth-control glasses is a term used for the glasses the military issues you, and man are they hard to look at. If you can get laid in those, you can get laid in anything.
Blue Buddies The Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force wear blue dress uniforms for formal social events like military ceremonies and parades, particularly in the fall and winter. Hence, "blue buddies" is a term used to describe personnel who leave the base or commonly work together in their blue dresses.
Blue Canoe: Portable toilet
BLUF: Bottom line upfront
Blue Falcon Battle buddy who informs higher command of actions; tattletale slang used to describe a member of the military who's betrayed the rest, soldiers, airmen, marine corps, and sailors who selfishly give their interests or lives more thought than the safety of the group.
Blue-on-Blue: Refers to an attack in which soldiers are unknowingly fighting against their own side, often ending up with injuries and even death
Blue-on-Green: Similar to the ‘Blue-on-Blue’, this means your own forces are accidentally engaging forces friendly to your force.
BOLO: Usually an Army derogatory term for an individual who cannot perform a task or meet basic requirements; also can mean “be on the lookout”
Bone: B1 Bomber
Boots on the Ground Phrase used to describe the presence or deployment of military personnel on the actual battlefield or operational area.
Brad: M2 Bradley Armored Personal Carrier (APC)
Brass Slang term used to refer to high-ranking officers, typically those with brass-colored insignia on their uniforms.
Bravo Zulu: Good Job, Naval signal flag communication for “Well Done” or “Good Job.”
Bubblehead: Personnel in a submarine
Busted term for being demoted in rank or facing disciplinary action.
Butter Bar: 2nd Lieutenant
CAC Acronym for “Common Access Card,” referring to the identification card used by military personnel for access to secure areas and computer systems.
C-Wire: Razor Wire
CAB: (Army) Combat Action Badge; soldiers who perform in the infantry but do not have an infantry MOS
Cat Hole: Hole in the ground dug by a soldier to use as a bathroom
CC: Company commander
CCP: Casualty Collection Point; closest area to action where personnel are triaged
Chair Force Within the Air Force, the "chair force" is a pun that refers to personnel who don’t fly planes but sit behind a desk-the personnel who fight wars from office chairs. This is typically used in a light-hearted manner, although it is sometimes used with a more derogatory tone.
Charlie Foxtrot Phonetic alphabet abbreviation for “Cluster Fuck,” used to describe a chaotic or disorganized situation.
Charlie Mike: Continue Mission; continue with your task
Cherry Term used to describe a new or inexperienced individual, often referring to someone new to military service.
Chest Candy: Ribbons or Medals worn on the chest of the uniform
CHIPS Causing Havoc In Peoples Streets, is a slang term used by the British Army in urban warfare operations, usually in conjunction with FISH (FIGHTING IN SOMEONES HOUSE) as in Fish & Chips.
Chit A written authorization or request, often used in the context of requesting leave or permission.
Chow Slang term for food or a meal, especially when referring to military rations or mess hall meals.
CHU: Small container housing units on large bases
CIB: (Army) Combat Infantryman’s Badge; Award for infantry who is under fire
Civi Abbreviation for “Civilian,”
Clearing barrel: Dirt-filled area used to clear weapons at entry points of FOB.
CO Commanding Officer
Commo: Communications personnel or equipment
CONUS: Continental United States
COP stands for "common operational picture," which is an overview of information (like the position of troops, for instance) shared among multiple military commands. It also means a small military outpost consisting of between 50 and 150 soldiers, typically situated within hostile territory.
CP: Check Point
Crank: term for a military cook or someone working in the food service section. (Navy) Temporary galley duty
Crypto: Code that scrambles a radio signal, or those who work in intelligence gathering
CSH: Combat Support Hospital
DAP: Deltoid Auxiliary Protection. Shoulder armor
Dash Ten: An army publication; usually a user or technical manual
Deadhead Term used to describe a soldier or individual who is traveling on a military aircraft without official duties.
Dear John: Break-up letter sent to a soldier from a significant other.
Demilitarized Zone: Area where military forces and equipment are banned from
Dependa: Dependents of a military personnel
Detail: Referring to a usually unappealing task such as cleaning
Deuce Gear standard combat gear and equipment carried by soldiers, often including a rucksack and weapon.
Devil Dog Slang term used by Marines to refer to themselves or fellow Marines.
DFAC: Dining facility
Digies: Digital Camouflage
Double-Digit Midget The term comes in the variant "two-digit midget" and applies to anyone who has only double digits remaining to serve. In other words, whether you've only got ten days left or you're counting down from 99, be prepared to be called a double-digit midget!
Double Dip Phrase used to describe an individual who is simultaneously receiving multiple benefits or entitlements.
Double Gates: The task of referring to individuals with names not of their own when around detainees
Doughnut Dollie A term used during the Vietnam War to refer to Red Cross or USO female volunteers who provided support and recreation to troops.
Dress right dress drill command that signals a formation.
Drive On: To keep going
Drug deals are the exchange of military information or material through unofficial means. You can easily see where the correlation with an actual drug deal stems from-it’s a secret and unofficial activity that may get military personnel in trouble, depending on what the deal is about.
Dustoff: Helicopter medical evacuation
Duty Station: Location where a service member is temporarily or permanently conducting work
Echelon Refers to a level or rank within a hierarchical organization or formation, indicating different levels of command or responsibility.
Eggbeater Slang term for a helicopter, often used to refer to the rotating blades resembling an eggbeater’s motion.
Embed: Term for a reporter who is provided security, shelter, and transportation by military personnel so they can observe and report on firsthand operations
ERB: (Army) Enlisted Record Brief; a document containing information such as rank, ASVAB details, promotion points, etc.
ETS: Expiration Term of Service; the date a soldier completes their contract
Farmer Armor- Improvised armor for a vehicle
Fart Sack: Sleeping Bag, or in some cases a mattress cover.
Fast Mover: Fighter jet
Fat Cakes: Unhealthy desserts or sweets
Field stripping is slang for taking things apart on the battlefield. It originally describes the process of stripping down guns for cleaning and lubrication, but the term has been expanded to cover pretty much anything that needs to be torn down either for repair or for its spare parts.
File 13: Garbage can
First Shirt: First Sergeant
FISH FIGHTING IN SOMEONES HOUSE as in Fish & Chips (Causing Havoc In Peoples Streets).
Five-Sided Puzzle Palace: The Pentagon
FNG “Fucking New Guy,” used to describe a new and inexperienced individual.
FOB: Forward operating base; a mid-size base with basic provisions
Fobber Someone who does not leave the FOB
Fobbit a military personnel who prefers to fight from the safety of the forward operating base (FOB). The Times explains that the term originates from a David Abrams satire and merges the words "FOB" and "hobbit." It's generally used as an amusing way to refer to cowardly army members.
Fourth Point of Contact: Butt; the term comes from a parachute drop in which the fourth point of contact is the butt.
FRED Fucking Ridiculous Eating Device, is a slang term in the Australian Army used to refer to the Field Ration Eating Device attached to each ration pack
Fruit Salad: Refers to the display of ribbons on a dress uniform (similar to “Chest Candy”)
FST: Forward Surgical Team
FTWGA is an acronym meaning “For Those Who Gave It All”. Wearing and using this phrase is a sign of support and appreciation for all the men and women who gave their lives protecting our freedom.
FUBAR Fucked/Fouled Up Beyond All Repair/Recognition/Reason
FUBU Fucked/Fouled Up Beyond all Understanding
Full Battle-Rattle When someone says “full battle-rattle”, they’re talking about gear. When servicemen and women head outside the wire, there’s a ton of gear they’re usually bringing with them. 9 times out of 10, they’ll be heading out in a flak jacket with protective plates, 180 rounds of ammunition, water, Kevlar, rations, and a rifle. Why is it called “battle-rattle”? Because unless you’re a Navy SEAL, all that shit is going to make a ton of noise when you’re walking around.
Galley: Kitchen on a ship
Geardo: Soldier who spends a large amount of money on military gear that is generally not needed/Slang term for a military enthusiast or someone overly obsessed with military equipment and gear.
Gedunk: Snack Food that can be purchased, usually used by Navy sailors on a ship
G.I. “Government Issue,” referring to equipment, supplies, or personnel provided by the government.
Glass House: An example of a target house for rehearsing assaults
Goat Locker A "goat locker" is the designated area where naval chief petty officers go to socialize, eat, and relax. The US Navy says this is a well-intentioned term, coming from the nickname "old goats," which has long since been given to long-serving naval personnel.
Goat Trail: Dirt road
Gofasters: Sneakers
Good Cookie: The Good Conduct Medal
Green Beans: A civilian coffee shop company common on larger bases, especially in the Middle East
Green-on-Blue: Forces “thought to be” friendly to your force accidentally, or not so accidentally, engaging your forces.
Green Zone Refers to a designated area or region considered safe from enemy attacks or hostilities.
Good Initiative, Bad Judgment This is basically the military version of “nice try, dumbass”. The term “good initiative, bad judgment” is used when there’s a problem that needs to be solved, but the way someone chose to solve it just made things worse. People will say “good initiative” because usually, the problem is above someone’s pay grade.
Groundhog Day: Referring to the movie by the same name, and the feeling that each day is the same during deployment
Grunt: Infantryman
Grunt By Association a compliment describing someone who doesn’t have the official qualification in an infantry field, but they’ve worked regularly with the infantry.
Gum Shoe: Sailor Cryptology Technician
Haji: Indigenous Iraqi or person of Arabic descent
Hardball: Paved Road
Hangar Queen: Aircraft used for replacement parts
Hawk: Cold weather
Head: Bathroom on a ship
Helo: Helicopter
Hesco: Dirt-filled bins for absorbing explosions
High Speed: An individual who is highly motivated and at or near peak efficacy. Can be used sarcastically. Often includes “Low Drag”
HMMWV: High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle
Hooah The US Army University Press understands that this is a phonetic variant of the acronym H-U-A, which means "heard, understood, acknowledged." Ultimately, it's just an enthusiastic way to say you're getting on a task.
Hot A Slang term for an active or ongoing situation that is dangerous or in progress.
IDF: Indirect fire
IED: Improvised Explosive Device
IG “Inspector General,” referring to an independent agency responsible for inspections and investigations within the military.
In Country Term used to describe being deployed or stationed in a foreign country, particularly during wartime.
Ink Stick: Pen
INTSUM- Intelligence Summary given after events happened
Iron Rations: Rations used in an emergency situation
Jarhead Slang term used to refer to a U.S. Marine, often associated with the high and tight haircut resembling a jar’s lid
Jawa- Soldiers stationed in a desert area
JDAM: A bomb dropped from a U.S. aircraft
Jody Slang term for an individual who takes advantage of a service member’s absence, typically by pursuing a romantic relationship with their partner.
Joe: Soldier
JOP: Joint Operation Planning; Military forces joining for operations
JTF: Joint Task Force
Kevlar/Kpot/ACH: Helmet
Kinetic: Violent military action
Kicks- Kilometers
Klick Slang term for a kilometer, used to measure distance.
Knees in the Breeze: Airborne term for exiting an aircraft
Knuckledragger An infantry soldier or marine that doesn't have much in the way of book smarts. He's usually a special case (i.e., problem child).
KP: Kitchen Patrol; kitchen duty
Lands: Raised spiral surface in the bore of a weapon
Latrine Queen: (Air Force) Term for a trainee during basic training who is a team lead responsible for bathroom duty.
Left (or Right) Flank: The far left or right edge of troops in relation to the enemy
LES: Leave and Earnings Statement; holds information similar to a civilian pay stub
Leatherneck Slang term used to refer to a U.S. Marine, derived from the high, stiff collar on the Marine Corps dress uniform.
Leg Slang term used to refer to someone who is not a paratrooper or airborne-qualified.
Lima Charlie: Loud and Clear
Meat Wagon: Medical Emergency Vehicle
Midnight Rats: Late night food from the chow hall
Mike: Minutes
Moonbeam- (Marines) Flashlight
MOPP Acronym for “Mission-Oriented Protective Posture,” referring to the protective gear and clothing worn in chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) environments.
MRE: Meal Ready to Eat. A vacuum-sealed meal with a long shelf life
MSR: Main supply route
Mustang: Officer promoted from enlisted ranks
MWR: Morale, Welfare, and Recreation; military department in charge of recreational facilities
Naval Landing Party: Navy personnel for ground-force operations ashore
NCO Acronym for “Non-Commissioned Officer,” referring to a military rank below commissioned officers and above enlisted personnel.
Net: Radio Network
NGO: Non-government Organization
No-Go: Failure at a training station or job task
No Impact, No Idea This is when a shooter on the range is missing their target by so far that spotters don’t even see an impact. You’ll also hear this one when a speaker doesn’t understand an idea, or to describe someone that’s a complete moron.
Nut to Butt: Standing very close together
O' Dark Thirty Sometimes called "zero dark thirty," this slang aptly refers to the times "00:30" or "12:30 AM". However, "O' dark thirty" is used more loosely these days, with The Guardian decoding it to simply describe a time after darkness has fallen.
Oscar Mike: On the Move
Oconus: Overseas; not in the continental U.S.
OCS/OTS: Officer Candidate School; Officer Training School
Officer’s Candy: Scented cake placed in urinals
OIC Acronym for “Officer in Charge,” referring to the person who holds temporary or permanent command or responsibility for a unit or operation.
On Point Phrase used to describe the individual or element at the forefront or leading position during a mission or patrol.
Operation STEAL Strategically Take and Extradite to Alternate Location. Military personnel don't steal things, they skillfully acquire them.
OPTEMPO: Operating Tempo; the pace at which one is working
OPSEC Operational Security
Oscar-Mike Phonetic alphabet abbreviation for “On the Move,” indicating movement or relocation.
OTV: Outer Tactical Vest
PCC: Pre-combat check
PCS: Permanent Change of Station
People Tank: (Navy) Inner hull of a submarine
Pill Pusher: (Navy) Hospital Corpsman; or a medic
PLF: Parachute Landing Fall
POG: Person Other than Grunt. Anyone who’s not Infantry. In other words, if you ain’t Infantry you’re a POG
Pogey Bait: Tasty snacks that are not normally available to soldiers in the field.
Police Call Basically, your SO lines up your entire unit and has you walk around an area, picking up trash.
POO Site: Point of Origin site
Pop smoke During helicopter extractions, rangers pop smoke grenades to mark their location so pilots know where to land. That's the primary definition, but "pop smoke" is also slang for the end of a service member's term of service. And the phrase can also refer to leaving a location in a hurry.
Pond Water- The speed at which a slug / laggard is moving
Pop Smoke: To leave without being seen
PSD: Personal Security Detail
PX Acronym for “Post Exchange,” referring to the military store or shop where service members can purchase goods and supplies.
QRF: Quick Reaction Force; ready to react
Quay- Man-made structure between shore and land
Quick Time: Cadence at 120 steps per minute, or also, double time march
Rack: Refers to a bed; soldiers ‘rack out’, meaning they go to sleep
Ragman Slang term for a supply or logistics specialist responsible for managing and distributing clothing and equipment.
Ranger Candy Slang term for any type of candy or sweet treat consumed for a quick boost of energy.
REDCON Acronym for “Readiness Condition,” referring to the level of alertness or preparedness of a military unit or installation.
Red on Red: Enemy on enemy fire
Release Point: A geographical point where soldiers change from central command to that of their commander
REMF: Rear Echelon Mother F**ker — a solider far from the front line
Roach Coach Slang term for a mobile food truck or snack van that provides food and beverages to military personnel.
Rocks and Shoals: (Navy) Rules and regulations
Roger Term used to acknowledge or confirm a message or order, indicating understanding and compliance.
Roger wilco "roger" when responding on the radio, "wilco" It's short for "will comply," and is usually preceded by repeating the order given.
ROE: Rules of Engagement
Romeo Mike Phonetic alphabet abbreviation for “Roger, Message,” used to acknowledge receipt of a message.
Ropeyarn Sunday: (Navy) Half-holiday
ROTC: Reserve Officer Training Corps
Rotorhead: Helicopter pilot
RTB Acronym for “Return to Base,” indicating the need for aircraft or personnel to return to their home base or station.
RTO: Radio Telephone Operator or RO-Radio Operator
Ruck: Rucksack; backpack
Sad sack term is used to describe a superior who makes military life unnecessarily difficult, usually by insisting on strict adherence to rules.
Sandbox: Iraq, Afghanistan, or other desert area
Sandcrab Slang term used to describe someone who is deployed or stationed in a desert or sandy environment.
Scrambled Eggs: Embellishments on Officer’s caps
Scuttlebutt: (Navy) Rumors or gossip
Sea Bag Refers to the duffel bag or large bag used by sailors to carry their personal belongings and uniforms.
Secret Squirrel Secret squirrel can refer to either intelligence personnel, secret communications, someone with a higher classification than you, or a classified op. These are the heavy hitters, with the classified intel that your average service member doesn’t need to know.
Semper Gumby a play on the United States Marine Corps Latin motto "Semper Fidelis," which means "Always Faithful." Referring to the animated clay character Gumby, the pun refers to someone who's always flexible.
Short-timer Term used to describe a service member approaching the end of their military service or nearing the completion of a deployment.
Sick call ranger Someone who is in and out of the medical clinic daily is fondly dubbed a "sick call ranger." This is because they go to sick call at first formation every morning, but somehow still show up for meals.
SITREP Acronym for “Situation Report,” referring to a report or update on the current situation or status of an operation.
Skivvies Slang term for underwear or undergarments.
Sky Blossom: Deployed parachute
Slick Sleeve A military personnel who's slick-sleeved is someone who has never been deployed for combat before. The term describes the absence of combat patches-more precisely, the absence of the former wartime service (FWS) shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) on a personnel's right shoulder.
Smoked: Physical punishment for some sort of infraction
SNAFU Situation normal: all fucked up.
Snake Eater The US Army's Special Forces caught and ate snakes in a show-off of survival skills to President Kennedy, and the name "snake eater" has stayed with them ever since. It’s a nickname representative of how the Special Forces adapt to harsh conditions to survive.
Sniper Check a sniper check is a salute to an officer while out on the fields. When reciprocated by an undercover officer, you risk blowing his disguise and, hence, exposing him to a sniper that may be lurking.
Snivel Gear: Cold weather gear
Soup Sandwich: Something has gone extremely wrong/Phrase used to describe a situation or individual that is disorganized, messy, or in a state of confusion.
Speedball: Refers to a bag dropped from a plane or helicopter for soldiers in the field that contains supplies
Spook Slang term for an intelligence officer or someone involved in clandestine or covert operations.
Spoon: A cook or culinary specialist
Squared away means that one has outstanding military bearing, and whatever task they are accomplishing is completed to the letter.
Squid or Swabbie: U.S. Navy member
SRB: Selective Reenlistment Bonus; Bonus offered to enlisted members as an incentive to reenlist
Standby to Standby Phrase used to indicate that someone should be prepared and ready for a future action or event.
SUSFU Situation Unchanged: Still Fucked Up
Taco: (Air Force) Receiving an unsatisfactory grade during training; shape of the letter resembles a taco shape
TAD: Temporary Additional Duty
Take a Knee: Rest
Tango Mike- Thanks much
TARFU Totally And Royally Fucked Up or Things Are Really Fucked Up
Target Discrimination: Ability of a surveillance system to choose an individual target when there are multiple options
TCP: Traffic Control Point
TDY: Temporary Duty – refers to a short-term assignment, and is sometimes expressed as “Temporary Duty Yonder”
TIC: Troops in a contact fight; can relate to a firefight or IED
TOC: Tactical Operations Center
Topside Refers to the upper deck or higher level of a ship or submarine.
Turtleback: Swimming on your back to watch for direction and a compass
Twidget: Sailor who works on electronic equipment
UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Unauthorized Absence Refers to a soldier’s absence from duty or military installation without proper authorization or permission.
Underground: Individuals who support resistant movement through secret operations
Unit Identification code: Six character code that identifies military active, reserve, and guard units
UXO: Unexploded Explosive Ordnance; potential to explode
VBIED: Vehicle Borne IED; car bomb
Vector Refers to a specified direction or course of movement, often used in navigation or mission planning.
Vertical Envelopment Military tactic involving the use of airborne or helicopter assault to encircle or attack the enemy from above.
Voice in the Sky: Military base broadcast announcements
Voluntold: Assignment that is presented as voluntary but is seen as mandatory
Wake-Up When someone talks about a “wake-up”, they’re talking about the last day you’ll be somewhere. When someone’s deployed, let’s say they’re going to bed on a Monday and flying out on Saturday. That service member would have 4 days and a wake-up ahead of them.
Walkie-talkie Portable two-way radio used for short-distance communication, typically consisting of a handheld transmitter and receiver.
Wall-to-wall counseling Informal disciplinary practice involving a one-on-one conversation or reprimand, often physically conducted against a wall.
Watch your six When using clock directions, one imagines their body at the center of a clock with their eyes facing the 12 and the 6 directly behind them. So "watch your six" literally means "watch your back."
Weapons of Mass Destruction: Advanced weapons with the capability of causing mass destruction of casualties.
Weekend warrior Army National Guard soldier or Navy or Air Force Reservist.
Wilco Acronym for “Will Comply,” used as an acknowledgment to indicate that an order or instruction has been understood and will be followed.
Wingnut: Term for USAF members — WINGNUT comes from the shape of the Air Force E2 rank with single stripes, which looks like a wingnut.
Wire: Term referring to the base; a person is inside or outside the wire
Woobie: (Army) Issued poncho liner used as a blanket
Yankee Phonetic alphabet abbreviation for the letter “Y,” often used to represent “Yes” or affirmatively in radio communications.
XO: Executive Officer; just below the Commanding Officer
Zero dark thirty Informal expression used to refer to a time very early in the morning, typically before sunrise.
Zone of Action: Small Section of the total tactical area
Zonk: Released after formation/Term used to indicate the abrupt end or cancellation of a planned activity or formation, often referring to physical training.
Zoomie: Army slang for someone in the USAF, normally a pilot
3rd Deck Dive Team: Mainly a Marine Corps term, meaning someone is suicidal and should dive off of the third deck.
11 Bang-Bang: Army infantryman
5 Fingers of Death: Beef franks with beans served in some MREs. Named for the number and unpleasant taste
99: Navy term meaning the information being discussed is pertinent to all personnel
100mph Tape: Standard Army green duct tape
AAV: Amphibious Assault Vehicle
ACU: Army Combat Uniform
Ali Baba: Iraqi term for the bad guy, criminal, or insurgent
Alpha Charlie: Verbally reprimanded
Angel: Used in Iraq to refer to a soldier killed in combat
An Imperial FU An Imperial Fuck Up
Anymouse An ‘anymouse' is a locked box that sailors in the US Navy use to share anonymous comments while on board. It's a safety system to encourage honesty, keeping tension off the ship in case someone has a particularly heavy displeasure to let off his chest.
AOR: Area of responsibility
As you were: Return to your previous task or posture.
ASAP As Soon As Possible
Ate-up Someone with no military bearing who is messy is said to be "ate-up." Related nicknames include: chopped up, chewed up, Chewie, and Chewbacca.
AWOL: Absent Without Official Leave; leaving post without permission
Azimuth Check: A procedure designed by the Army to help soldiers assess their own well-being and readiness
BAH: Basic housing allowance
Bang Bang: Pistol or a Rifle
Barney style When an instructor breaks something down "Barney style" for the group, it's explained as if it were to a child, just like the big purple dinosaur would do on the children's television show Barney & Friends.
Barracks Rat: Personnel who stay in the barracks during downtime
Base of Fire Providing a base of fire means providing supporting fire to advancing units, helping to keep enemies occupied and allow advancing units to keep shooting during tactical movements. It could be provided by either a platoon, an armored tank, or an individual soldier.
Battlefield Airman: Air Force Special Operations Command pararescue, combat control, and weather troops
BDU Battle Dress Uniform
Black Water Slang term for heavily caffeinated coffee, often consumed by military personnel to stay awake during operations.
Beans, Bullets, and Band-Aids: Reference to supply items such as food, ammunition, or medical supplies
Beat Feet: Move quickly
Beat Your Face: Push-ups
BFT: Blue Force Tracker; Equipment that connects with a satellite to provide locations of units as well as maps and routes
Big Voice/Giant Voice: Term used to describe the loudspeaker system on a military base. It will often make a range of announcements, such as alerting soldiers of incoming attacks, the schedule of upcoming ordnance disposal explosions, and when and where to take cover as an attack strikes. It also broadcasts Reveille and Retreat when in Garrison.
Bird: Slang term for an aircraft, typically a helicopter.
Birth-Control Glasses This one’s for the poor bastards born without 20/20. If you think the military was going to let you keep your fancy glasses, you’re out of your damn mind. Birth-control glasses is a term used for the glasses the military issues you, and man are they hard to look at. If you can get laid in those, you can get laid in anything.
Blue Buddies The Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force wear blue dress uniforms for formal social events like military ceremonies and parades, particularly in the fall and winter. Hence, "blue buddies" is a term used to describe personnel who leave the base or commonly work together in their blue dresses.
Blue Canoe: Portable toilet
BLUF: Bottom line upfront
Blue Falcon Battle buddy who informs higher command of actions; tattletale slang used to describe a member of the military who's betrayed the rest, soldiers, airmen, marine corps, and sailors who selfishly give their interests or lives more thought than the safety of the group.
Blue-on-Blue: Refers to an attack in which soldiers are unknowingly fighting against their own side, often ending up with injuries and even death
Blue-on-Green: Similar to the ‘Blue-on-Blue’, this means your own forces are accidentally engaging forces friendly to your force.
BOLO: Usually an Army derogatory term for an individual who cannot perform a task or meet basic requirements; also can mean “be on the lookout”
Bone: B1 Bomber
Boots on the Ground Phrase used to describe the presence or deployment of military personnel on the actual battlefield or operational area.
Brad: M2 Bradley Armored Personal Carrier (APC)
Brass Slang term used to refer to high-ranking officers, typically those with brass-colored insignia on their uniforms.
Bravo Zulu: Good Job, Naval signal flag communication for “Well Done” or “Good Job.”
Bubblehead: Personnel in a submarine
Busted term for being demoted in rank or facing disciplinary action.
Butter Bar: 2nd Lieutenant
CAC Acronym for “Common Access Card,” referring to the identification card used by military personnel for access to secure areas and computer systems.
C-Wire: Razor Wire
CAB: (Army) Combat Action Badge; soldiers who perform in the infantry but do not have an infantry MOS
Cat Hole: Hole in the ground dug by a soldier to use as a bathroom
CC: Company commander
CCP: Casualty Collection Point; closest area to action where personnel are triaged
Chair Force Within the Air Force, the "chair force" is a pun that refers to personnel who don’t fly planes but sit behind a desk-the personnel who fight wars from office chairs. This is typically used in a light-hearted manner, although it is sometimes used with a more derogatory tone.
Charlie Foxtrot Phonetic alphabet abbreviation for “Cluster Fuck,” used to describe a chaotic or disorganized situation.
Charlie Mike: Continue Mission; continue with your task
Cherry Term used to describe a new or inexperienced individual, often referring to someone new to military service.
Chest Candy: Ribbons or Medals worn on the chest of the uniform
CHIPS Causing Havoc In Peoples Streets, is a slang term used by the British Army in urban warfare operations, usually in conjunction with FISH (FIGHTING IN SOMEONES HOUSE) as in Fish & Chips.
Chit A written authorization or request, often used in the context of requesting leave or permission.
Chow Slang term for food or a meal, especially when referring to military rations or mess hall meals.
CHU: Small container housing units on large bases
CIB: (Army) Combat Infantryman’s Badge; Award for infantry who is under fire
Civi Abbreviation for “Civilian,”
Clearing barrel: Dirt-filled area used to clear weapons at entry points of FOB.
CO Commanding Officer
Commo: Communications personnel or equipment
CONUS: Continental United States
COP stands for "common operational picture," which is an overview of information (like the position of troops, for instance) shared among multiple military commands. It also means a small military outpost consisting of between 50 and 150 soldiers, typically situated within hostile territory.
CP: Check Point
Crank: term for a military cook or someone working in the food service section. (Navy) Temporary galley duty
Crypto: Code that scrambles a radio signal, or those who work in intelligence gathering
CSH: Combat Support Hospital
DAP: Deltoid Auxiliary Protection. Shoulder armor
Dash Ten: An army publication; usually a user or technical manual
Deadhead Term used to describe a soldier or individual who is traveling on a military aircraft without official duties.
Dear John: Break-up letter sent to a soldier from a significant other.
Demilitarized Zone: Area where military forces and equipment are banned from
Dependa: Dependents of a military personnel
Detail: Referring to a usually unappealing task such as cleaning
Deuce Gear standard combat gear and equipment carried by soldiers, often including a rucksack and weapon.
Devil Dog Slang term used by Marines to refer to themselves or fellow Marines.
DFAC: Dining facility
Digies: Digital Camouflage
Double-Digit Midget The term comes in the variant "two-digit midget" and applies to anyone who has only double digits remaining to serve. In other words, whether you've only got ten days left or you're counting down from 99, be prepared to be called a double-digit midget!
Double Dip Phrase used to describe an individual who is simultaneously receiving multiple benefits or entitlements.
Double Gates: The task of referring to individuals with names not of their own when around detainees
Doughnut Dollie A term used during the Vietnam War to refer to Red Cross or USO female volunteers who provided support and recreation to troops.
Dress right dress drill command that signals a formation.
Drive On: To keep going
Drug deals are the exchange of military information or material through unofficial means. You can easily see where the correlation with an actual drug deal stems from-it’s a secret and unofficial activity that may get military personnel in trouble, depending on what the deal is about.
Dustoff: Helicopter medical evacuation
Duty Station: Location where a service member is temporarily or permanently conducting work
Echelon Refers to a level or rank within a hierarchical organization or formation, indicating different levels of command or responsibility.
Eggbeater Slang term for a helicopter, often used to refer to the rotating blades resembling an eggbeater’s motion.
Embed: Term for a reporter who is provided security, shelter, and transportation by military personnel so they can observe and report on firsthand operations
ERB: (Army) Enlisted Record Brief; a document containing information such as rank, ASVAB details, promotion points, etc.
ETS: Expiration Term of Service; the date a soldier completes their contract
Farmer Armor- Improvised armor for a vehicle
Fart Sack: Sleeping Bag, or in some cases a mattress cover.
Fast Mover: Fighter jet
Fat Cakes: Unhealthy desserts or sweets
Field stripping is slang for taking things apart on the battlefield. It originally describes the process of stripping down guns for cleaning and lubrication, but the term has been expanded to cover pretty much anything that needs to be torn down either for repair or for its spare parts.
File 13: Garbage can
First Shirt: First Sergeant
FISH FIGHTING IN SOMEONES HOUSE as in Fish & Chips (Causing Havoc In Peoples Streets).
Five-Sided Puzzle Palace: The Pentagon
FNG “Fucking New Guy,” used to describe a new and inexperienced individual.
FOB: Forward operating base; a mid-size base with basic provisions
Fobber Someone who does not leave the FOB
Fobbit a military personnel who prefers to fight from the safety of the forward operating base (FOB). The Times explains that the term originates from a David Abrams satire and merges the words "FOB" and "hobbit." It's generally used as an amusing way to refer to cowardly army members.
Fourth Point of Contact: Butt; the term comes from a parachute drop in which the fourth point of contact is the butt.
FRED Fucking Ridiculous Eating Device, is a slang term in the Australian Army used to refer to the Field Ration Eating Device attached to each ration pack
Fruit Salad: Refers to the display of ribbons on a dress uniform (similar to “Chest Candy”)
FST: Forward Surgical Team
FTWGA is an acronym meaning “For Those Who Gave It All”. Wearing and using this phrase is a sign of support and appreciation for all the men and women who gave their lives protecting our freedom.
FUBAR Fucked/Fouled Up Beyond All Repair/Recognition/Reason
FUBU Fucked/Fouled Up Beyond all Understanding
Full Battle-Rattle When someone says “full battle-rattle”, they’re talking about gear. When servicemen and women head outside the wire, there’s a ton of gear they’re usually bringing with them. 9 times out of 10, they’ll be heading out in a flak jacket with protective plates, 180 rounds of ammunition, water, Kevlar, rations, and a rifle. Why is it called “battle-rattle”? Because unless you’re a Navy SEAL, all that shit is going to make a ton of noise when you’re walking around.
Galley: Kitchen on a ship
Geardo: Soldier who spends a large amount of money on military gear that is generally not needed/Slang term for a military enthusiast or someone overly obsessed with military equipment and gear.
Gedunk: Snack Food that can be purchased, usually used by Navy sailors on a ship
G.I. “Government Issue,” referring to equipment, supplies, or personnel provided by the government.
Glass House: An example of a target house for rehearsing assaults
Goat Locker A "goat locker" is the designated area where naval chief petty officers go to socialize, eat, and relax. The US Navy says this is a well-intentioned term, coming from the nickname "old goats," which has long since been given to long-serving naval personnel.
Goat Trail: Dirt road
Gofasters: Sneakers
Good Cookie: The Good Conduct Medal
Green Beans: A civilian coffee shop company common on larger bases, especially in the Middle East
Green-on-Blue: Forces “thought to be” friendly to your force accidentally, or not so accidentally, engaging your forces.
Green Zone Refers to a designated area or region considered safe from enemy attacks or hostilities.
Good Initiative, Bad Judgment This is basically the military version of “nice try, dumbass”. The term “good initiative, bad judgment” is used when there’s a problem that needs to be solved, but the way someone chose to solve it just made things worse. People will say “good initiative” because usually, the problem is above someone’s pay grade.
Groundhog Day: Referring to the movie by the same name, and the feeling that each day is the same during deployment
Grunt: Infantryman
Grunt By Association a compliment describing someone who doesn’t have the official qualification in an infantry field, but they’ve worked regularly with the infantry.
Gum Shoe: Sailor Cryptology Technician
Haji: Indigenous Iraqi or person of Arabic descent
Hardball: Paved Road
Hangar Queen: Aircraft used for replacement parts
Hawk: Cold weather
Head: Bathroom on a ship
Helo: Helicopter
Hesco: Dirt-filled bins for absorbing explosions
High Speed: An individual who is highly motivated and at or near peak efficacy. Can be used sarcastically. Often includes “Low Drag”
HMMWV: High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle
Hooah The US Army University Press understands that this is a phonetic variant of the acronym H-U-A, which means "heard, understood, acknowledged." Ultimately, it's just an enthusiastic way to say you're getting on a task.
Hot A Slang term for an active or ongoing situation that is dangerous or in progress.
IDF: Indirect fire
IED: Improvised Explosive Device
IG “Inspector General,” referring to an independent agency responsible for inspections and investigations within the military.
In Country Term used to describe being deployed or stationed in a foreign country, particularly during wartime.
Ink Stick: Pen
INTSUM- Intelligence Summary given after events happened
Iron Rations: Rations used in an emergency situation
Jarhead Slang term used to refer to a U.S. Marine, often associated with the high and tight haircut resembling a jar’s lid
Jawa- Soldiers stationed in a desert area
JDAM: A bomb dropped from a U.S. aircraft
Jody Slang term for an individual who takes advantage of a service member’s absence, typically by pursuing a romantic relationship with their partner.
Joe: Soldier
JOP: Joint Operation Planning; Military forces joining for operations
JTF: Joint Task Force
Kevlar/Kpot/ACH: Helmet
Kinetic: Violent military action
Kicks- Kilometers
Klick Slang term for a kilometer, used to measure distance.
Knees in the Breeze: Airborne term for exiting an aircraft
Knuckledragger An infantry soldier or marine that doesn't have much in the way of book smarts. He's usually a special case (i.e., problem child).
KP: Kitchen Patrol; kitchen duty
Lands: Raised spiral surface in the bore of a weapon
Latrine Queen: (Air Force) Term for a trainee during basic training who is a team lead responsible for bathroom duty.
Left (or Right) Flank: The far left or right edge of troops in relation to the enemy
LES: Leave and Earnings Statement; holds information similar to a civilian pay stub
Leatherneck Slang term used to refer to a U.S. Marine, derived from the high, stiff collar on the Marine Corps dress uniform.
Leg Slang term used to refer to someone who is not a paratrooper or airborne-qualified.
Lima Charlie: Loud and Clear
Meat Wagon: Medical Emergency Vehicle
Midnight Rats: Late night food from the chow hall
Mike: Minutes
Moonbeam- (Marines) Flashlight
MOPP Acronym for “Mission-Oriented Protective Posture,” referring to the protective gear and clothing worn in chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) environments.
MRE: Meal Ready to Eat. A vacuum-sealed meal with a long shelf life
MSR: Main supply route
Mustang: Officer promoted from enlisted ranks
MWR: Morale, Welfare, and Recreation; military department in charge of recreational facilities
Naval Landing Party: Navy personnel for ground-force operations ashore
NCO Acronym for “Non-Commissioned Officer,” referring to a military rank below commissioned officers and above enlisted personnel.
Net: Radio Network
NGO: Non-government Organization
No-Go: Failure at a training station or job task
No Impact, No Idea This is when a shooter on the range is missing their target by so far that spotters don’t even see an impact. You’ll also hear this one when a speaker doesn’t understand an idea, or to describe someone that’s a complete moron.
Nut to Butt: Standing very close together
O' Dark Thirty Sometimes called "zero dark thirty," this slang aptly refers to the times "00:30" or "12:30 AM". However, "O' dark thirty" is used more loosely these days, with The Guardian decoding it to simply describe a time after darkness has fallen.
Oscar Mike: On the Move
Oconus: Overseas; not in the continental U.S.
OCS/OTS: Officer Candidate School; Officer Training School
Officer’s Candy: Scented cake placed in urinals
OIC Acronym for “Officer in Charge,” referring to the person who holds temporary or permanent command or responsibility for a unit or operation.
On Point Phrase used to describe the individual or element at the forefront or leading position during a mission or patrol.
Operation STEAL Strategically Take and Extradite to Alternate Location. Military personnel don't steal things, they skillfully acquire them.
OPTEMPO: Operating Tempo; the pace at which one is working
OPSEC Operational Security
Oscar-Mike Phonetic alphabet abbreviation for “On the Move,” indicating movement or relocation.
OTV: Outer Tactical Vest
PCC: Pre-combat check
PCS: Permanent Change of Station
People Tank: (Navy) Inner hull of a submarine
Pill Pusher: (Navy) Hospital Corpsman; or a medic
PLF: Parachute Landing Fall
POG: Person Other than Grunt. Anyone who’s not Infantry. In other words, if you ain’t Infantry you’re a POG
Pogey Bait: Tasty snacks that are not normally available to soldiers in the field.
Police Call Basically, your SO lines up your entire unit and has you walk around an area, picking up trash.
POO Site: Point of Origin site
Pop smoke During helicopter extractions, rangers pop smoke grenades to mark their location so pilots know where to land. That's the primary definition, but "pop smoke" is also slang for the end of a service member's term of service. And the phrase can also refer to leaving a location in a hurry.
Pond Water- The speed at which a slug / laggard is moving
Pop Smoke: To leave without being seen
PSD: Personal Security Detail
PX Acronym for “Post Exchange,” referring to the military store or shop where service members can purchase goods and supplies.
QRF: Quick Reaction Force; ready to react
Quay- Man-made structure between shore and land
Quick Time: Cadence at 120 steps per minute, or also, double time march
Rack: Refers to a bed; soldiers ‘rack out’, meaning they go to sleep
Ragman Slang term for a supply or logistics specialist responsible for managing and distributing clothing and equipment.
Ranger Candy Slang term for any type of candy or sweet treat consumed for a quick boost of energy.
REDCON Acronym for “Readiness Condition,” referring to the level of alertness or preparedness of a military unit or installation.
Red on Red: Enemy on enemy fire
Release Point: A geographical point where soldiers change from central command to that of their commander
REMF: Rear Echelon Mother F**ker — a solider far from the front line
Roach Coach Slang term for a mobile food truck or snack van that provides food and beverages to military personnel.
Rocks and Shoals: (Navy) Rules and regulations
Roger Term used to acknowledge or confirm a message or order, indicating understanding and compliance.
Roger wilco "roger" when responding on the radio, "wilco" It's short for "will comply," and is usually preceded by repeating the order given.
ROE: Rules of Engagement
Romeo Mike Phonetic alphabet abbreviation for “Roger, Message,” used to acknowledge receipt of a message.
Ropeyarn Sunday: (Navy) Half-holiday
ROTC: Reserve Officer Training Corps
Rotorhead: Helicopter pilot
RTB Acronym for “Return to Base,” indicating the need for aircraft or personnel to return to their home base or station.
RTO: Radio Telephone Operator or RO-Radio Operator
Ruck: Rucksack; backpack
Sad sack term is used to describe a superior who makes military life unnecessarily difficult, usually by insisting on strict adherence to rules.
Sandbox: Iraq, Afghanistan, or other desert area
Sandcrab Slang term used to describe someone who is deployed or stationed in a desert or sandy environment.
Scrambled Eggs: Embellishments on Officer’s caps
Scuttlebutt: (Navy) Rumors or gossip
Sea Bag Refers to the duffel bag or large bag used by sailors to carry their personal belongings and uniforms.
Secret Squirrel Secret squirrel can refer to either intelligence personnel, secret communications, someone with a higher classification than you, or a classified op. These are the heavy hitters, with the classified intel that your average service member doesn’t need to know.
Semper Gumby a play on the United States Marine Corps Latin motto "Semper Fidelis," which means "Always Faithful." Referring to the animated clay character Gumby, the pun refers to someone who's always flexible.
Short-timer Term used to describe a service member approaching the end of their military service or nearing the completion of a deployment.
Sick call ranger Someone who is in and out of the medical clinic daily is fondly dubbed a "sick call ranger." This is because they go to sick call at first formation every morning, but somehow still show up for meals.
SITREP Acronym for “Situation Report,” referring to a report or update on the current situation or status of an operation.
Skivvies Slang term for underwear or undergarments.
Sky Blossom: Deployed parachute
Slick Sleeve A military personnel who's slick-sleeved is someone who has never been deployed for combat before. The term describes the absence of combat patches-more precisely, the absence of the former wartime service (FWS) shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) on a personnel's right shoulder.
Smoked: Physical punishment for some sort of infraction
SNAFU Situation normal: all fucked up.
Snake Eater The US Army's Special Forces caught and ate snakes in a show-off of survival skills to President Kennedy, and the name "snake eater" has stayed with them ever since. It’s a nickname representative of how the Special Forces adapt to harsh conditions to survive.
Sniper Check a sniper check is a salute to an officer while out on the fields. When reciprocated by an undercover officer, you risk blowing his disguise and, hence, exposing him to a sniper that may be lurking.
Snivel Gear: Cold weather gear
Soup Sandwich: Something has gone extremely wrong/Phrase used to describe a situation or individual that is disorganized, messy, or in a state of confusion.
Speedball: Refers to a bag dropped from a plane or helicopter for soldiers in the field that contains supplies
Spook Slang term for an intelligence officer or someone involved in clandestine or covert operations.
Spoon: A cook or culinary specialist
Squared away means that one has outstanding military bearing, and whatever task they are accomplishing is completed to the letter.
Squid or Swabbie: U.S. Navy member
SRB: Selective Reenlistment Bonus; Bonus offered to enlisted members as an incentive to reenlist
Standby to Standby Phrase used to indicate that someone should be prepared and ready for a future action or event.
SUSFU Situation Unchanged: Still Fucked Up
Taco: (Air Force) Receiving an unsatisfactory grade during training; shape of the letter resembles a taco shape
TAD: Temporary Additional Duty
Take a Knee: Rest
Tango Mike- Thanks much
TARFU Totally And Royally Fucked Up or Things Are Really Fucked Up
Target Discrimination: Ability of a surveillance system to choose an individual target when there are multiple options
TCP: Traffic Control Point
TDY: Temporary Duty – refers to a short-term assignment, and is sometimes expressed as “Temporary Duty Yonder”
TIC: Troops in a contact fight; can relate to a firefight or IED
TOC: Tactical Operations Center
Topside Refers to the upper deck or higher level of a ship or submarine.
Turtleback: Swimming on your back to watch for direction and a compass
Twidget: Sailor who works on electronic equipment
UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Unauthorized Absence Refers to a soldier’s absence from duty or military installation without proper authorization or permission.
Underground: Individuals who support resistant movement through secret operations
Unit Identification code: Six character code that identifies military active, reserve, and guard units
UXO: Unexploded Explosive Ordnance; potential to explode
VBIED: Vehicle Borne IED; car bomb
Vector Refers to a specified direction or course of movement, often used in navigation or mission planning.
Vertical Envelopment Military tactic involving the use of airborne or helicopter assault to encircle or attack the enemy from above.
Voice in the Sky: Military base broadcast announcements
Voluntold: Assignment that is presented as voluntary but is seen as mandatory
Wake-Up When someone talks about a “wake-up”, they’re talking about the last day you’ll be somewhere. When someone’s deployed, let’s say they’re going to bed on a Monday and flying out on Saturday. That service member would have 4 days and a wake-up ahead of them.
Walkie-talkie Portable two-way radio used for short-distance communication, typically consisting of a handheld transmitter and receiver.
Wall-to-wall counseling Informal disciplinary practice involving a one-on-one conversation or reprimand, often physically conducted against a wall.
Watch your six When using clock directions, one imagines their body at the center of a clock with their eyes facing the 12 and the 6 directly behind them. So "watch your six" literally means "watch your back."
Weapons of Mass Destruction: Advanced weapons with the capability of causing mass destruction of casualties.
Weekend warrior Army National Guard soldier or Navy or Air Force Reservist.
Wilco Acronym for “Will Comply,” used as an acknowledgment to indicate that an order or instruction has been understood and will be followed.
Wingnut: Term for USAF members — WINGNUT comes from the shape of the Air Force E2 rank with single stripes, which looks like a wingnut.
Wire: Term referring to the base; a person is inside or outside the wire
Woobie: (Army) Issued poncho liner used as a blanket
Yankee Phonetic alphabet abbreviation for the letter “Y,” often used to represent “Yes” or affirmatively in radio communications.
XO: Executive Officer; just below the Commanding Officer
Zero dark thirty Informal expression used to refer to a time very early in the morning, typically before sunrise.
Zone of Action: Small Section of the total tactical area
Zonk: Released after formation/Term used to indicate the abrupt end or cancellation of a planned activity or formation, often referring to physical training.
Zoomie: Army slang for someone in the USAF, normally a pilot