So we’ve all seen Full Metal Jacket and other military movies and sometimes, as you’re watching them, you may think “What the hell are they saying?” For me, as an active duty service member of the Marine Corps (Oorah), that jargon is second nature. I suppose you could call me your intermediary between civilian and all things military. So let's dive into a few military sayings you may not understand.
1. Birth Control Glasses
I fall victim to them as well. They work, yet look absolutely horrible. They are the shining definition that can turn anything attractive into something atrocious, hence, birth control glasses.
2. Blue Falcon
To be politically correct.
3. Civvies
In the military, any article of clothing not considered a uniform are called civvies, or civilian attire. The picture on the right is not doing that guy any favors. He just looks like a blue falcon.
4. Drug Deal
It's not an actual drug deal. A drug deal in the military simply means sneakily exchanging one thing for another, such as a hard drive for a computer in exchange for bolts that attach to a humvee.
5. Field Strip
It doesn't mean start taking your clothes off in the middle of an OP, it means break down your weapon to it's smallest part to be cleaned. Although the first option sounds better, HA!
6. Gear Adrift Is A Gift
Don't let your Sergeant find your pack laying around or you're in for one hell of a time.
7. NJP
It stands for non-judicial punishment and is meant to take the place of a court martial. Most Marines consider it a right of passage... fuck that.
8. Skate
A term you'll hear from many Lance Corporals. It means you don't do anything; you just hide, take naps, or act like you're doing something so you don't actually have to work.
9. Voluntold
You have been volunteered by your Staff Sergeant for a working party... congratulations. Sucks to be you.
10. Zero Dark Thirty
"Gunny please, it is way too early to be swapping batteries!" "What do you mean? It's only 0200!" Zero dark thirty actually means that it's way too early for this shit and I should be in bed.
11. Jody
A Jody is a man or woman who has relations with your significant other while you're away.
I hope you found these to be informative and humorous. Some of them can be common sense, others plain cruel. All in all, Semper Fi you nerds!
