In your opinion, what is a POG?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:25:54 -0400

I recently saw a comment exchange where someone mentioned POGs and another person took offense. I was intrigued, so I thought I'd ask all of you your opinion... What/who is a POG?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 1:31 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:31:33 -0400

Anybody who isn't a grunt with a rifle, closing with and destroying the enemy, is a POG. It seems to define itself.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 1:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:35:51 -0400

I was called a POG once by someone who is a 11B. He was drunk at the time, so I didn't retort to him that I was a OIF vet with a CAB. I did take offense to it, but I let it go as my skin is thick.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 15 at 2015 1:40 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:40:56 -0400

Person other than GRUNT.

In the USMC, it's anyone without an 03xx (Infantry) MOS.

The person didn't offended at being called POG, they got offended at the phrase "POG Mentality" which implies that somehow Infantry is more special than everyone else. It's divisive in nature, and a "better than thou" attitude, which seems only acceptable from one specific occupational field.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 15 at 2015 1:43 PM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Fri, 15 May 2015 13:43:44 -0400

POG (or pogue) is a perjorative term that has zero real meaning in the post-GWOT military. On an asymmetric battlefield where any service member can be called upon to actively engage in combat, pretty much EVERYone could be "front-line" regardless of MOS.

As for the term "fobbit?" That's another story altogether.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 15 at 2015 2:37 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 15 May 2015 14:37:55 -0400

Its pretty self-contained. Anyone not a grunt.

But then, as I said on this related thread: (https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/quit-calling-us-pogs)

Even grunts argue over who is less of a POG: a rifleman driving the truck? The gunner? The dismounts?

We can all agree someone is more POG than us. If we run out of specialties we can always bash the other services. If we run out of services we can bash the civilians.

Let the grunts revel in their misery. They need it.

"Quit calling us POGs" | RallyPoint

I find this to be humorous and also a legitimate issue. Recently I was at large training compound with multiple units there, basically a "mock up" of a FOB. So while in the latrine some soldiers, that must have been in one of the support units there were talking. They were complaining about the soldiers from the infantry unit calling them "POGs." And without missing a beat someone yells from a stall in the same building "Shut up POG." I...

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 15 at 2015 2:49 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 15 May 2015 14:49:52 -0400

The definition for POG is: Person Other than Grunt. aka: Anyone other than Infantry. The more a person claims to be just like infantry, the more they are a POG. I'm worse than a POG. I WAS infantry and then reclassed to.........being a POG. I'm a traitor...(lol?) The term POG has lost A LOT of meaning after so many years of war. National Guard, Reserves, Active Duty.....no one gets a free ride. We all embrace the suck.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 3:10 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 15:10:00 -0400

"Person Other than Grunt". I fly, therefore I'm a POG, and I don't take offense to it. But if some grunts wanna get airdropped into a place they'll regret, I'll be their ride haha.

Come to think of it, an SF/ST/SEAL/CSO/etc type person is technically a POG, since they're not a grunt. Calling them a grunt would be like calling a surgeon's scalpel a pocket knife, and I'll bet we're all on the same page as to where SOF guys reside on the proverbial totem pole, relative to typical infantry grunts. So being a POG isn't inherently a derogatory term in my opinion, even though some folks will try to use it as such.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 15 at 2015 3:25 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 15 May 2015 15:25:53 -0400

You see I was a POG in an aviation brigade. 2 years later I was a POG again as I rode my 70 ton tank with one superb main gun, 2 machine guns, and a 1500 HP turbine engine. The Infantry just could hang with us because of our speed. I did not make fun of anyone as we will all see our maker in one way or the other.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 3:43 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 15:43:40 -0400

Personal other then grunt- if you're not a infantrymen by trade you are then a pog; black and white as it can be

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 4:04 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 16:04:43 -0400

I would say desk jockeys, you see the 88M's and the dudes running the convoys day after day taking more contact than anything. Especially in the current role we are playing in Afghanistan. So I would have to say the only true POGs left are those who sit back in the A/c and ride the pine the entire deployment.

Response by SFC Josh Jackson made May 15 at 2015 4:33 PM

SFC Josh Jackson — Fri, 15 May 2015 16:33:11 -0400

I'm a POG, and I'm okay with it. I fix computers for the Army; That is as close to G.I. Joe as I get.

But at least I'm not a TOC-roach!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 5:02 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 17:02:33 -0400

I am a POG and proud of it!

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 15 at 2015 5:22 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 15 May 2015 17:22:45 -0400

POG (n.) also: Pogue (Not MOS Specific)
1.) One who secures a light-duty chit in order to avoid PT.
2.) One who would rather inventory the hidden chow in their desk vice care about their promotion board photo.
3.) One who justifies the purchase of the 1-lb bag of M&M's "as it has the RDA for dairy products.
4.) See also: "gold-bricker."

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 6:00 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 18:00:42 -0400

I'm what I consider a ride along POG... Civil Affairs is an MOS every infantry unit needs and will be thankful for somewhere down the line.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 8:43 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 20:43:31 -0400

As a former Armor Crewman I can say we didn't consider ourselves POGs. A tank battle in many ways is more dangerous than a typical light Infantry battle. That moniker was typically reserved for the support units. When I transferred over to the Infantry side I caught a fair amount of ribbing. My response was simple: Show me an Infantryman who's not happy when an M1A1 Abrams rolls up on the battlefield.

I do think there's a tangible difference in mentality between support units and combat arms. The cultural differences and a lack of understanding between the two creates some friction. However, I look at the POG v. Infantry or Combat Arms argument a lot like branch rivalry. We may be establishing a pecking order, but that quickly disappears when we need each other. I'd certainly have no problem having a beer with any of our local "POGS" at the VFW.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 8:46 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 20:46:12 -0400

Never heard that one before but I am Air Force.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 9:57 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 21:57:47 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member You forgot an answer for the survey: "Who cares? They're still nonners." Aaaannd I'll show myself out.

Response by SPC Daniel Edwards made May 15 at 2015 10:07 PM

SPC Daniel Edwards — Fri, 15 May 2015 22:07:18 -0400

I personally see a POG as someone that thinks they are badass and they have no real relevance the missions but they keep taking selfies and posting them online and they also tell everyone that they were the most important person in country when they were in a very lowly position. Basically someone who thinks they are special forces when they are nothing more than someone operating a forklift or working in the kitchen.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 4:29 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 04:29:41 -0400

Every time I read a comment where someone is calling someone else a "POG" I just (mentally) roll my eyes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2015 11:44 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 May 2015 11:44:46 -0400

None of the above answers are correct. Personnel other than Grunt. If you're not infantry then you qualify as POG. That's the definition. Yes, even cav scouts. Sorry. If you can't earn a CIB with your current MOS then that's life.

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made May 20 at 2015 11:54 AM

SGT Edward Thomas — Wed, 20 May 2015 11:54:53 -0400

I'm a POG and proud of my service. I've had many opportunities that many in my career field never had. Anyone who gets butthurt over the word POG needs to recheck their life.

Response by SPC Donald Moore made May 20 at 2015 1:50 PM

SPC Donald Moore — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:50:05 -0400

There were plenty of people that were supposed to be combat that were POG ... It is all about the attitude and professionalism.

Response by LCpl Josh McNeill made May 22 at 2015 3:04 PM

LCpl Josh McNeill — Fri, 22 May 2015 15:04:09 -0400

POG-- person other than grunt .

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 6:07 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 18:07:28 -0400

POG = Persons other than Grunts. Grunt = Infantry. Thusly if you aren't infantry, you are a POG by definition.

Even Doc (line medic) is a POG, but considered one of us because he'll go thru hell to save the lives of grunts. Much love to the Docs.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Oct 16 at 2015 4:02 PM

CW4 Guy Butler — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 16:02:38 -0400

Easy one...

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 16 at 2015 4:05 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 16:05:24 -0400

None of the above. Persons Other-than Grunts are any body other than Marine Infantry according to Terminal Lance. It should stay a Marine thing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 2:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 14:21:32 -0500

I consider a POG, a Person of Greatness. I'm wearing that badge with honor.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 2:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 14:29:05 -0500

The term never bothered me. I just tell em I'd rather be a POG than a POS. *S is for support*

Response by SPC Raul Santiago made Jan 3 at 2016 3:28 PM

SPC Raul Santiago — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 15:28:11 -0500

Here a little story. I'm 88m doing train mission at fort polk. Job entailed delivery of water buffalo to the field. First time out there SM told me I had wait till his troop had chow 0500 I had three to make ice cold drinkable water made wait 2 hours. Running late for the other two. Remember I got up at 0300 to prepare all three with 20 50lbs bag each of ice and water. I could leave with a signature. Some of you know how hot it gets summer time at fort Polk. The next morning got there early same thing but this time I went to the co and said sir sign here while you guys have you chow I will be back. By the time I finish the othes it was mid day. I got to site and my sgt. Scream about why didn't I go to that site. I got a signature and explain he ez off and told to take it by the time I got had them line up for water even though it was chow time. Never had any more problems after that got the royal treatment with chow for me too. The moral they grunts when they need.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 3 at 2016 3:39 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 15:39:21 -0500

Meanings change over time, originally it was a term for rear echelon types that got or had the goodies hence the term pogie bait. will now bow out and get some popcorn and watch the show.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 4:28 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 16:28:47 -0500

Because there is so many jobs out there for professional granada tossers

Response by MSG Gerry Poe made Jan 3 at 2016 5:21 PM

MSG Gerry Poe — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 17:21:38 -0500

I personally think the term is used to often to put down any other MOS. I see it to often on Facebook and other media sites. Every MOS contribute to the fight. I'm a POG but I'm not a POS! See it used in that sense to much!

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Jan 3 at 2016 5:31 PM

SGT Justin Anderson — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 17:31:07 -0500

Sweet, sensitive subject matter.

Response by SPC Stephen Gerard made Jan 3 at 2016 6:16 PM

SPC Stephen Gerard — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 18:16:49 -0500

Well, it's not really a subjective term. 100% of voters should have selected its literal definition, which you didn't even have as an option. Persons other than grunts. That doesn't include "all combat arms." It doesn't have to be taken in offense, but it usually seems to be.

It allows us to separate ourselves, which is kind of dumb, really. However, saying you're basically infantry means you're basically an idiot. I'm talking about you, MP's. Just teasing.

Response by MSgt David Webb made Jan 3 at 2016 7:02 PM

MSgt David Webb — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 19:02:18 -0500

I am a POG because I scored high enough on my ASVAB score to have a choice. Being called a POG doesn't offend me, in fact I'm rather proud of the fact that I'm smart enough to be a POG!!

Response by SSG Brian Kresge made Jan 3 at 2016 8:22 PM

SSG Brian Kresge — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 20:22:30 -0500

I had always heard POG was derivative of the British pejorative, "POGO", for "person on garrison orders." It, along with terms like REMF, FOBBIT, etc., all have their place. I'm not going to adopt the Army's newfound PC and play make-believe for feelings...but I think we should use these terms sparingly.

I've been infantry 20 of the last 22 years, switching over to CSS in transportation two years ago. I work hard, but day-to-day life in training doesn't suck in the same way that light infantry did. Nothing compares to it. I'm not humping the tripod, the radio, the mortar base plate, the pig, for miles and miles and miles, and then still having to assault an objective. Combat arms deserves a compartmentalized license to look down on service and support, as those are most definitely not equivalent in their demands overseas, in executing duties, even in day-to-day training.

But we all play our roles. I prefer to reserve these terms for people that skirt the limits of being useful in whatever role they inhabit. If you're a finance guy, own that finance work, and you're honoring your commitment to G-d and County, and I love ya for it. If you're mortuary affairs, and somebody has to do it, I'll never mock you for not being infantry. Sustainment and support are absolutely necessary. But if your only taste of the hard stuff was a ruck march in basic, maybe when you got lucky and got a slot for Air Assault School, we'll have to agree to disagree on whether the duty is on par with infantry.

We all have our place. We're not all warriors, but at least we're all soldiers. Do your job, and no one should mock you when you're doing it well.

Response by SGT Thomas Imholt made Jan 4 at 2016 9:54 AM

SGT Thomas Imholt — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 09:54:06 -0500

Airborne Infantry medic...may not be infantry...but there with ya...doing the same shit...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 11:07 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 11:07:00 -0500

agree with sfc mark merino on this one.

Response by MSgt David Webb made Jan 4 at 2016 1:47 PM

MSgt David Webb — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 13:47:00 -0500

I'm proud to get a POG because my ASVAB score was high enough for me to choose what AFSC (MOS) I went into. POG is by no means an offensive term to me, in fact I'm proud of the fact I had a choice.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 2:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 14:50:02 -0500

I feel that someone could get offended by this. You know the new Army most certainly have an antidote to words that could hurt someones feelings.

But in the short; if you need a definition, then you are one. And that is ok, because there isn't anything wrong with being a POG... unless you try to come across as a Grunt, in front of grunts. Then there is something wrong - something that this examples imaginary Grunts will handle with grace in an expedient manner.

Response by SPC Stacey Lowell made Jan 4 at 2016 6:01 PM

SPC Stacey Lowell — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 18:01:46 -0500

The idea that someone is a POG because they are not in combat arms or straight leg Infantry is absurd. Everyone who volunteers for the military swears allegiance with the same oath. However, I have heard people say that a POG was a term of endearment.

Response by CPT Ed Burns made Nov 4 at 2017 11:50 PM

CPT Ed Burns — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 23:50:40 -0400

From Wikipedia: Pogs, generically milk caps, is a game that was popular among children during the mid 1990s.

The brand name "Pog" is owned by the World Pog Federation. The name pog originates from POG, a brand of juice made from passionfruit, orange, and guava; the use of POG bottle caps to play the game preceded the game's commercialization.
I am currently doing research on a collection of AAFES POGs that have been donated to the Maine Troop Greeters in Bangor, ME. If anyone knows where there is a comprehensive catalog of all POGs printed by AAFES I would appreciate a link. None of the bullet points below fit my definition.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2018 4:39 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 16:39:13 -0500

If you're not an Infantryman, you're a POG. Plain and simple. You can't NOT be a POG (Person Other than Grunt) if you're NOT a Grunt. No more than a Grunt can be a POG.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 8 at 2018 6:02 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 18:02:49 -0500

You know those veterans that put change into homeless combat arms veterans cups on the sidewalks? Those are POG's ;o)

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jan 8 at 2018 6:08 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 18:08:41 -0500

Here is another idea or two.. https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=POG

POG

1) People Other than Grunts (US Army Infantry) or 2) Permanently On the Ground (US Air Force, US Naval Aviation and US Army Aviation). A POG sits c...