Military Jargon and Phrases

I have been asked a few times now to explain some of the terms and abbreviations I have used in this website. Many people who have read thru my site are not military or associated with the military. So I will list just a few; some that I have used already, and some I may use in the future. I hope you find it interesting.

OJT - On the Job Training
TDY - "Temporary Duty" Assignment
PCS -Permanent Change of Station
Grunt - An Army soldier
Jarhead - A Marine
Zoomie - An Air Force member
Flyboy - An Air Force member
Squid - A Navy member
Pickle - A new Air Force person beginning basic training
Newbie or Greener - new member of the military or group
Air Force Form 1 - toilet paper
Tactical - Quick moving and fast reacting unit
CONUS - Continental United States
OCONUS - "Outside" the Continental United States
DoD - Department of Defense
TS - Top Secret
Drill Sergeant - Teaches basic training. Someone you should be afraid of.
TI - Technical Instructor
MTI - Military Training Instructor (Air Force)
NCO's - Non-Commissioned Officers
CO - Commanding Officer
XO - Executive Officer
HAG - Heavy Artillery Gun
HALO - high altitude, low opening (parachute)
LALO - low altitude, low opening
HAWK - homing-all-the-way-killer
IED - improvised explosive device
LOS - line of sight
LRF - laser range finder
MILSTAR - Military Strategic & Tactical Relay
MRE - meals ready to eat
APC - armored personnel carrier
BITE - built in test equipment
A/D - analog to digital
AO - area of responsibility
BDU - battle dress uniform
DISA - Defense Information Systems Agency
ECM - electronic counter measures
FM - field manual (Army)
TM - technical manual (AF)
FSV - fire support vehicle



Differences in Rank between branches: (there are many ranks in between the ones I will mention, so; military people, don' get upset if I don't mention a few ranks).
Air Force - Basic ranks are from Airman (different ranks) to Sergeant (NCO'S)(different ranks) to Commissioned Officers
Navy - Ranks include Seamen (different ranks), petty officers (different ranks), Warrant Officers (different ranks) to Commissioned Officers
Marines - Ranks include Private (different ranks), corporals, Sergeants (different ranks) to Commissioned Officers
Army - Ranks include Private (different ranks), corporals, Sergeants (different ranks) to Commissioned Officers

I did not mention every single level in the system, but only the main ones. Each rank obtained takes time, experience, and a growing level of training and testing to receive. Some advance quicker than others. Some services have the same ranks or titles, with the same pay grade. Some ranks and titles are only for that specific branch of the service. An example would be a Captain; in the Air Force, this is a Commissioned Officer of middle tier rank. But in the Navy, a Captain is a much higher rank (usually the Commander of a ship). In the Air Force, a Captain wears two silver bars.  In the Navy, a Captain wears a silver Eagle (equivalent to a Colonel in the Air Force). Another example would be a Sergeant. In the Army, a Sergeant is an E-5 pay grade, and consists of three stripes; while in the Air Force an E-5 is a Staff Sergeant, and consists of four stripes. So there are many differences in rank in the branches, and part of our training is to recognize each others rank in order to show proper respect and courtesy. Many civilians get confused when looking at our different types of uniforms, our ranks, and our own set customs and courtesies for each branch. It's ok; we get confused too sometimes.

Every Commissioned Officer must be saluted as required, regardless of what branch he is in, by every other branches members. You must know the insignia of all officers of all branches.  NCO's are not saluted, but are given higher respect because of their achievements, time in service, abilities, and leadership. Younger service members are all given respect simply for the fact that they are part of the military.  But that's about it! They know they haven't earned certain rights yet. But they will!

There are many similiarities between branches, but, at the same time, there are big differences.  All have been born by years of learning and by tradition. Of course, each branch exists to do it's certain type of mission. But they ALL exist for one purpose; to protect America and it's citizens.

You should always be proud to see a military member in uniform anywhere.  It should make you smile! They are sharply dressed, in shape, and professional. Take the time to say hello,and thank them for their service.  They will definitely appreciate it! They represent YOU, and our country, all over the world. If you do not feel this way, please go to another country to live. We'll be fine without you. You are definitely not an American at heart!