Plain Truth From The Grunts; The Most Noble

What Generals, Politicians, and Newsmen don't know; but Soldiers do!

... as printed in, The American Legion, June 2007 issue

Defining the World as only they know it, and indicating the true state of affairs:

Ali Baba - slang for enemy forces. Originated in first Gulf War but can mean a terrorist or enemy in the CENTCOM area.

Haji - slang for an Iraqi, but can mean any Middle Easterner who hails from a predominantly Muslim country.

Badgeless Wonder - refers to someone who doesn't have a security badge and must therefore be escorted around the classified area for an entire work shift. This ticks off the sodier assigned to escort duty.

Back to the taxpayers - Navy slang for where a wrecked aircraft gets sent to.

Bombaconda - slang for LSA Anaconda, a major supply base near Balad, Iraq. Balad is also called "Mortaritaville" because it is frequently hit by rocket and mortar attacks.

CHU - (Containerized Housing Unit) pronounced "choo". These are the global war terrorism's Quonset huts. Essentially, they are mobile homes about the size of a standard shipping container. A CHU is usually divided into 2 or 3 rooms. The containers are vented and have power outlets, and most can be fitted with an air conditioner.

Dome of Obedience - slang for a military helmet. Also called a "brain bucket" or "skid lid".

Embrace the Suck - Phrase heard in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Translation: The situation is bad, but deal with it.

Gatorade Run - a patrol specifically intended to make positive political contact with the locals. It may render medical aid and provide food. The goal: to win hearts and minds, etc.

Good Idea Fairy - Someone, often anonymous, who generates changes to the plan at the last moment.

Groundhog Day - Every day of your tour in Iraq. Term suggests the days never change - always long and hot, and the same events keep recurring. Like the movie.

In God We Trust, All Others Will Sign Hand Receipts - a sign commonly found on the wall or door of well-run supply rooms or arms rooms. Soldiers must sign a hand receipt for their weapons.

Johnny Jihad - slang for a Muslim or Muslim combatant.

Powerpoint Ranger - usually refers to an Army Captain or Major whose primary mission on a staff is to create Microsoft Powerpoint presentations.

Oxygen Thief - a totally worthless person, usually generals, politicians, or newsmen. (added emphasis)

Mookie - slang for Iraqi Shia leader Moqtada al Sadr.

Marineland - slang for Iraq's Anbar province, which is usually patrolled by U.S. Marines.

Road Toad - a Soldier assigned to road guard duty. A thankless job. It usually involves eating a lot of dust.

Time Vampire - someone who wastes your time through endless chatter and little productivity. The symbol for a Time Vampire is to slap your watch and hold up your pointed fingers on either side of your mouth like Dracula's fangs.

Semper I - pejorative Marine lingo for being overly concerned with one's own personal interests.

September 10 Americans - Americans who are "ostriches" and don't want to confront the reality and challenges of the war on terror; mostly, generals, politicians, or newsmen; All Democrats, of course, and President Bush! (added emphasis)

... remember, GOD Loves the Infantry - more "milspeak" can be found here, and, here.