Posted on Oct 4, 2014
Opinion: Should civilians ever use Grounder Pounder / Squid / Flyboy / Jarhead / Coastie terms?
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What do you think about a civilian, who has never served in any branch of the Armed Forces, using slang terms to reference other branches not by their actual name?
Personally, I believe anyone that has honorably served in any branch; that has put their own ass on the line by taking the oath, has by definition earned the right, by common mission, to respectfully (mostly), and at other times jokingly refer to their fellow brothers in arms in terms, that might otherwise be considered insulting.
I look at it like this: I'm allowed to say pretty much anything I want about anyone in my family; including my extended family. I have that right. But GOD HELP that dumbass outside the family that uses the same language I just did to describe my brother or sister. They don't have that right.
I love my Jarhead, DevilDog, Leatherneck brothers and sisters! Hell, I would have gone into the Marine Corps, but my recruiter found out my parents weren't related!
I love the Squids, Deck Apes, and Anchor Crankers I would have joined the Navy, but my recruiter discovered that I could read!
I love the Flyboys, Zoomies, Wingnuts and Chairforce Warriors! I would have joined them too, but I accidentally passed my PT test!
I love the Coasties, and Puddle Pirates! I would have joined the Coast Guard, but they found out I was allowed to be out overnight.
I was an Army grunt, a grounder pounder and dog faced soldier. I'm proud of my service and the service of my brothers and sisters in all the lesser branches (HA! See what I did there?!) I think you have to earn the right to use these terms - terms that I believe are ultimately ones of endearment and shared sacrifice.
Personally, I believe anyone that has honorably served in any branch; that has put their own ass on the line by taking the oath, has by definition earned the right, by common mission, to respectfully (mostly), and at other times jokingly refer to their fellow brothers in arms in terms, that might otherwise be considered insulting.
I look at it like this: I'm allowed to say pretty much anything I want about anyone in my family; including my extended family. I have that right. But GOD HELP that dumbass outside the family that uses the same language I just did to describe my brother or sister. They don't have that right.
I love my Jarhead, DevilDog, Leatherneck brothers and sisters! Hell, I would have gone into the Marine Corps, but my recruiter found out my parents weren't related!
I love the Squids, Deck Apes, and Anchor Crankers I would have joined the Navy, but my recruiter discovered that I could read!
I love the Flyboys, Zoomies, Wingnuts and Chairforce Warriors! I would have joined them too, but I accidentally passed my PT test!
I love the Coasties, and Puddle Pirates! I would have joined the Coast Guard, but they found out I was allowed to be out overnight.
I was an Army grunt, a grounder pounder and dog faced soldier. I'm proud of my service and the service of my brothers and sisters in all the lesser branches (HA! See what I did there?!) I think you have to earn the right to use these terms - terms that I believe are ultimately ones of endearment and shared sacrifice.
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 31
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Freedom of Speech is one of the coveted treasures we enjoy as a Nation that has been bought and paid for by our military family going back from the beginning. We earn camaraderie that is unparallel to any other civilian job except police, firefighters, and Nurses/EMT's (....and very few others). I would be blown away to hear that anyne from those categories was purposefully degrading to the military though. After 13+ years of constant war, I have become a lot less tolerant in even allowing the playful talk (when I still wore a uniform). Cadences that include "weekend warrior" or other service bashing gets closed down immediately. I think at one time the force in Iraq was 40% Reserves/National Guard. If anything, serving your country is often HARDER. I have seen convoys that are being run by the Navy......the Navy. That is badass. I'm glad I was never needed on the ocean! We have had the Air Force pull security for a downed Kiowa crew. Talk about one team, one fight! Everyone who thinks they served in the best branch of the service.........was 100% correct.
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
SFC Mark Merino,
This is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Just the facts.......
This is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Just the facts.......
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How would they even understand the History behind our terms of endearment for each other.
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Were it possible I would give this multiple thumbs up. Very well put, with some great and respectful inter-service barbs thrown in! I completely agree if you did not serve. It is inappropriate to use the unofficial names we have for each other.
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SGT Steve Oakes
True they CAN. I just do not believe they SHOULD. For me it is about respect. Respect for the job we do/did, and the sacrifices made.
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SFC (Join to see)
I say it depends. Many grew up listening to these terms (military brats) Or the spouses. But other than that I don't see why they should.
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1LT (Join to see)
I think it is super try hard is all. You have to always be relaxed and looking cool.
I don't really use military terms in civilian life. I don't even like using the super moto terms new guys use. I don't wear dog tags with civs, I don't wear combat boots in civs. One kid one Facebook who dropped from OSUT posts all these super Army awesome statuses and how if his neighbors don't stop being loud he wants to show them what loud is with a 240B. I just roll my eyes and keep scrolling really and don't acknowledge.
I don't really use military terms in civilian life. I don't even like using the super moto terms new guys use. I don't wear dog tags with civs, I don't wear combat boots in civs. One kid one Facebook who dropped from OSUT posts all these super Army awesome statuses and how if his neighbors don't stop being loud he wants to show them what loud is with a 240B. I just roll my eyes and keep scrolling really and don't acknowledge.
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