21 Common Military Terms Civilians Are Clueless About
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Military lingo can seem like a different language to civilians. Knowing these terms can help you connect with veterans and understand military life better.
These words aren’t just slang; they reflect the discipline, strategy, and teamwork that define the military. Learning them can make conversations with veterans more meaningful and give you a deeper understanding of their experiences.
We’ve compiled a list of key military terms every civilian should know. This isn’t just about understanding the words—it’s about appreciating the history and significance behind them.
1. AWOL
AWOL stands for “absent without leave.” It means a service member is absent from their assigned duty without permission or a valid reason. Being AWOL can result in serious consequences, including punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
2. BOHICA
BOHICA is an acronym that stands for “bend over, here it comes again.” It’s a slang term used by service members to express frustration with a situation that is out of their control, such as a new policy or order from higher-ups.
3. DFAC
DFAC stands for “dining facility.” It’s the military version of a cafeteria, where service members can get their meals. DFACs are known for their large portions and variety of food options.
4. FUBAR
FUBAR is an acronym that stands for “fouled up beyond all recognition.” It’s used to describe a situation that has gone horribly wrong and is beyond repair. It’s a more extreme version of SNAFU (situation normal, all fouled up).
5. Grunt
A grunt is a slang term for an infantry soldier. It’s often used by other branches of the military to refer to anyone who serves in a combat role. Grunts are known for their toughness and willingness to do the dirty work.
6. High-Speed
High-speed is a term used to describe a service member who is highly motivated, skilled, and efficient. It’s often used as a compliment, but it can also be used sarcastically to describe someone who is trying too hard.
7. Hooah
Hooah is a term used by the Army as a general expression of agreement, enthusiasm, or motivation. It can be used as a response to a question, a way to show support, or a battle cry. Other branches have their own versions, such as “oorah” for the Marines and “hooyah” for the Navy.
8. Jody
Jody is a slang term for a civilian who is romantically involved with a service member’s spouse while they are deployed. It’s often used in cadences and songs as a cautionary tale about the dangers of infidelity.
9. KP Duty
KP duty stands for “kitchen patrol duty.” It’s a punishment that involves working in the kitchen, often peeling potatoes or washing dishes. It’s a dreaded assignment that no one wants to get stuck with.
10. MRE
MRE stands for “meal, ready-to-eat.” It’s a self-contained, individual field ration that is used by the military when fresh food is not available. MREs are known for their long shelf life and questionable taste.
11. POG
POG stands for “person other than grunt.” It’s a term used by infantry soldiers to refer to anyone who is not in a combat role, such as support personnel or administrative staff. It can be used as an insult or a way to differentiate between different types of service members.
12. PX
PX stands for “post exchange.” It’s a retail store located on military installations that sells a variety of goods, including clothing, electronics, and snacks. It’s similar to a department store but with discounted prices for service members and their families.
13. R&R
R&R stands for “rest and relaxation.” It’s a period of leave granted to service members, usually in the middle of a deployment, to allow them to recharge and decompress. R&R can involve travel to a nearby country or a trip home to see family and friends.
14. Rack
A rack is a slang term for a bed, particularly the bunk beds used in barracks. Service members often have to share racks and have limited personal space, which can be a challenge for those used to more privacy.
15. Sandbox
The sandbox is a term used to refer to the Middle East, particularly Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s a reference to the desert terrain and harsh conditions that service members face when deployed to these regions.
16. Skill Badge
A skill badge is a military badge that is awarded to service members who have demonstrated proficiency in a particular skill or specialty. Examples include the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.
17. Slick Sleeve
A slick sleeve is a term used to describe a service member who has not yet deployed or seen combat. It refers to the fact that their uniform sleeves do not have any patches or badges that indicate overseas service.
18. Soup Sandwich
A soup sandwich is a slang term used to describe a situation that is messy, disorganized, or poorly planned. It’s often used by drill instructors to criticize a recruit’s appearance or performance.
19. TDY
TDY stands for “temporary duty.” It refers to a short-term assignment or travel that a service member must complete as part of their job. TDY can involve training, conferences, or special missions.
20. Voluntold
Voluntold is a term used to describe a situation where a service member is “volunteered” for a task or assignment by their superiors. It’s a way of saying that they didn’t have a choice in the matter and were essentially told to do it.
21. Watch
A watch is a period of time during which a service member is assigned to stand guard or perform a specific duty. Watches are typically rotated among a group of service members to ensure that everyone gets adequate rest.
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