Posted on Jul 19, 2017
Do military "nicknames" from civilians bother you?
87.5K
347
114
24
24
0
An American Legion friend of mine gets very upset when a non-vet civilian refers to a veteran by a service nickname, i.e. swabbie, squid, grunt, weekend warrior, puddle-jumper, fly-boy, etc. He tells them in no uncertain terms they have not earned the right to call veterans or service members anything but what they are. That the nicknames are a sign of military comradeship among the services.
Vietnam War
Military service
Civilians
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 44
6
6
0
I guess that would depend on whether it was a stranger to you or a friend (friends that go way back can do a lot of things to each other or call each other that others might take issue with)
(6)
(0)
SSgt Boyd Herrst
I have a friend that I let get away with some stuff.. some not..
the not stuff I discuss with him later as kind as I can but some sternness
People slip up and try to catch themself. (Oops)So I let them have that..
the not stuff I discuss with him later as kind as I can but some sternness
People slip up and try to catch themself. (Oops)So I let them have that..
(1)
(0)
5
5
0
Perhaps I'm a bit sensitive, but the term weekend warrior has always rubbed me the wrong way. My commitment to Uncle Sam hasn't been one weekend a month since I wore any sort of rank above PFC. It's especially irritating when it's some slick-sleeve who did 4 years in the 90's or a civilian who doesn't have a clue its primarily used in a derogatory fashion. (I would not equate weekend warrior with the rest of the nicknames listed.) With that said, some random civilian calling me a grunt or ground pounder isn't a big deal. While it may feel a little less than genuine, it's certainly not something to lose your mind over. Frankly, I think the more annoying civilian behaviors are questions and/or statements like:
1. "Do you know John Smith? He's stationed somewhere in Texas... I don't know what his rank, job, or service is."
2. "How many people have you killed?"
3. "I thought about joining the military, but then I got accepted into college."
4. "I don't think I could handle the military. I'm too independent and strong willed. I'd yell right back at that Drill Sergeant."
5. "My cousin's boyfriend's brother's roommate's step-son is a Navy Seal/Green Beret/Ranger." and then acting like I'm supposed to be really impressed.
6. "Do you have PTSD?"
1. "Do you know John Smith? He's stationed somewhere in Texas... I don't know what his rank, job, or service is."
2. "How many people have you killed?"
3. "I thought about joining the military, but then I got accepted into college."
4. "I don't think I could handle the military. I'm too independent and strong willed. I'd yell right back at that Drill Sergeant."
5. "My cousin's boyfriend's brother's roommate's step-son is a Navy Seal/Green Beret/Ranger." and then acting like I'm supposed to be really impressed.
6. "Do you have PTSD?"
(5)
(0)
PO2 Richard C.
I think everyone basically agrees that "weekend warrior" is unacceptable across the board, and is different than other nicknames, so i don't think you are a bit sensitive. It's pretty much intended/taken to be derogatory no matter who it comes from.
Your bullet list is interesting in one way. I think over time many veterans hear some or all of them in some fashion or another (My #1 was "Do you know so-and-so? He was in the Navy, too." I was at a banquet 800 miles from home)and, yes, the annoyance factor most of the time is right up there - except with kids. My wife worked (and I sub-taught) in a Middle School, and a number of vets were always invited for Veteran's Day programs. Usually they were breakfast and a school-wide assembly with Q & A, but sometimes we spent time in individual classes, too. Unlike adults, kids ask questions to learn and understand something new to them. Some kid will ALWAYS ask #2. It's a rule, and a great teaching opportunity. I tell them No, but it's a question better left unasked and explain why. I tell them if someone did, they may not want to talk about it because it hurts and brings back bad memories. Kids understand that because they have bad memories of things. I also tell them if someone didn't, they may lie and say they did just to make themselves look braver/more important/special (depends on what I think will work best). Kids understand that, too, because they lie to make themselves look better. Sometimes, you even see teachers/aides become a little thoughtful.
Thanks for your response, Mitch. There's a lot of good stuff there.
Your bullet list is interesting in one way. I think over time many veterans hear some or all of them in some fashion or another (My #1 was "Do you know so-and-so? He was in the Navy, too." I was at a banquet 800 miles from home)and, yes, the annoyance factor most of the time is right up there - except with kids. My wife worked (and I sub-taught) in a Middle School, and a number of vets were always invited for Veteran's Day programs. Usually they were breakfast and a school-wide assembly with Q & A, but sometimes we spent time in individual classes, too. Unlike adults, kids ask questions to learn and understand something new to them. Some kid will ALWAYS ask #2. It's a rule, and a great teaching opportunity. I tell them No, but it's a question better left unasked and explain why. I tell them if someone did, they may not want to talk about it because it hurts and brings back bad memories. Kids understand that because they have bad memories of things. I also tell them if someone didn't, they may lie and say they did just to make themselves look braver/more important/special (depends on what I think will work best). Kids understand that, too, because they lie to make themselves look better. Sometimes, you even see teachers/aides become a little thoughtful.
Thanks for your response, Mitch. There's a lot of good stuff there.
(3)
(0)
SSgt Boyd Herrst
Captain(VTS): Back in high school
I did AFJROTC and I wanted more but did not think people would approve but then was out and stopped by our Commandant’s
When he was out washing his
Vehicle.. we got to talking and while talking I helped him wash
The car and we had a good discussion about my Joining the AF
Reserve and dropping out of the cadet program . Did he dissuade me ? No, he encouraged me and said he could help. He had connections to get me the right waivers (so I could do my Senior year too). I would have completed the basic Cadet program that spring . We were talking in April.
My 11th grade year would be done
That year and I turn 17 that June .
The colonel had brought in asvab tests and we studied snd took them .They were expired tests.. So I went that summer having taken the updated test.. I got a 100 on it and
It got sent in and returned. On my b’day I took my endorsements in and did the papers. And the parents signed too. He had a Reserve Recruiter there that day.
That Wed. I went to Detroit to MEPS. Did my pre-physical, that
Friday did final physical and left that afternoon.. The MSGT. There gave me a medium bag with all our Folders of paperwork.. I had the list with all our names.. Usually they make the guy who has the earliest
Letter starting their name be the leader. I had it and mine started with H. We had 3 stops and nobody took off or accidentally missed getting back on. We got There and I just turned the whole bag of files over.. went through
BMT, toook and passed a SkT bypass test and returned to Mi.
And school.. yeah, I had guys calling me “WeekEnd Warrior”
Some negative and some positive.
My former AFJROTC fellow cadets were supportive .. most 125%.. (I
Believe some who were glad were the ones right behind me and wanting my potential leadership slot. I wore my WeekEnd warrior handle proudly .. A former Advisor that I was under in the program
Related about the negative connotation . I said I don’t have time to let that bother me Chief.. if I do, I will be distracted. I went and did my drills and got school done too. I also had Vo-tech .. I worked at my Great Aunt’s restaurant also.
I was allowed 17-18 hrs a week to work.. I kinda pushed it.. I did 6 hours on the time card and 2 hrs in the book per day. The wknd I had drill that week was screwed up I only got 8 hours on the card.. I did increase the time in the book. Drill counted for 3 days .. on Friday I didn’t work at the restaurant, I took and went to Selfridge that afternoon. and got signed in.. it worked out. Those drill hours were divided over the two weeks.. so the next week I could only put so many on the time card. I had a great Cmdr. And 1SGT. and Sq. Trng NCO. (1SGT & Trng NCO were married to each other). That was hoot.. they lived 2-1/2 blocks from where I did. When I returned home
From BMT she’d already had my next skill books on their way. For the SKT I took I had some hours to do OJT time. Meanwhile ... I got into my new CDCs -(Career Dev. Course, 4 volumes + 4 . Study test books and tests[she had those]).
I went through and did those and making study cards for my use..
I stayed on top by studying my cards.. e’y 3-1/2 weeks I did a volume test and did more on the CDCs and cards..At 3-1/2 weeks I did another volume test at the Tng
NCOs home. They were always going to Selfridge.. and she could go to graphics and they got the test card sent in. And it’d be back in a few days and forwarded that I passed. The dates I took the tests
Were timed out just right so no tests were done the same month. I think one month had 5 weeks.. So I got the test done and she waited to get it sent in.. The EoC test I had to take at Base education. We had 4 proctors there were so many of us we tested at base gym. My Tng NCO was one of the proctors. I was in the quarter of the room furthest from her.. the EoCs would be graded at Maxwell.. I don’t know who she knew at Maxwell.. the 6 of us that tested got our results and certificates back first..
I had highest score of the Cooks that tested ; 100%.. We had guys that seemed to take forever to do their books.. Maxwell noticed that!
And sent some staff up.. Somebody insinuated I cheated..
Sure I was seen reading my books., not for long.. They never seen me at the orderly room taking my volume test(in my days ‘70 the volumes were closed book as was the EoC).. the Maxwell people determined it was jealousy is why those Airmen complained.. There was NO evidence of cheating on my behalf. .. Those Airmen complained to I.G . That I seemed to get a lot of perks.. Hey ! rewards for the 100%s on my tests.. study and do good and they can earn perks too!
Is what I.G. told them. Get a weekend trip to W-P AFB and other bases. Some other Airmen and myself went and did a drill with those units .. nice extra money $$!
I earned several of those ... Also got up to Cold Lake CFB for a 2 week. stay. Had a lot of school to
Make up. (One week was in one month, 1 in another). CAught flak from some teachers. They complained and Superintendent vetted me. A few times.. they finally gave up for awhile.. in the spring I did 3 more sorties .. Something great come out of that..
In another sitrep.. the Reg. AF had a prob and had to solve it. The asked several Reserve and Air Guard ic they’d consider going Active duty and I was one of those asked. When can I be ready? By June 5?
Ciould I do it June 1st?... I checked with school I had all the credits..
Actual class hours? Hmmm maybe! I was short 10 hours of 180 hours required.. the State Superintendent waived them. Some teachers were beside themselves.. some other parents were too.. So June 1st I was on my
Way to a base on the East Coast.
I needed TIS and TIG.. I was assigned to a reserve unit temporarily at my gaining base.
Then s’body in Personnel (A&C) looked at my extra drill hours those added up to days for TIS and TIG .
Date of entry and TIG were moved so I had met the requirements. I
already was in the gaining Sqdn barracks. So I was changed. From the Reserve Sqdn to the Regular AF Sqdn on paper. Officially and I had other things to do... like being sworn into be an Active Duty A1C.
It was nice for a while.. no roomy not until December ‘71.. then only for 5 or 6 days. and then I would be gone PCS to Vietnam after 30 days leave.
I did AFJROTC and I wanted more but did not think people would approve but then was out and stopped by our Commandant’s
When he was out washing his
Vehicle.. we got to talking and while talking I helped him wash
The car and we had a good discussion about my Joining the AF
Reserve and dropping out of the cadet program . Did he dissuade me ? No, he encouraged me and said he could help. He had connections to get me the right waivers (so I could do my Senior year too). I would have completed the basic Cadet program that spring . We were talking in April.
My 11th grade year would be done
That year and I turn 17 that June .
The colonel had brought in asvab tests and we studied snd took them .They were expired tests.. So I went that summer having taken the updated test.. I got a 100 on it and
It got sent in and returned. On my b’day I took my endorsements in and did the papers. And the parents signed too. He had a Reserve Recruiter there that day.
That Wed. I went to Detroit to MEPS. Did my pre-physical, that
Friday did final physical and left that afternoon.. The MSGT. There gave me a medium bag with all our Folders of paperwork.. I had the list with all our names.. Usually they make the guy who has the earliest
Letter starting their name be the leader. I had it and mine started with H. We had 3 stops and nobody took off or accidentally missed getting back on. We got There and I just turned the whole bag of files over.. went through
BMT, toook and passed a SkT bypass test and returned to Mi.
And school.. yeah, I had guys calling me “WeekEnd Warrior”
Some negative and some positive.
My former AFJROTC fellow cadets were supportive .. most 125%.. (I
Believe some who were glad were the ones right behind me and wanting my potential leadership slot. I wore my WeekEnd warrior handle proudly .. A former Advisor that I was under in the program
Related about the negative connotation . I said I don’t have time to let that bother me Chief.. if I do, I will be distracted. I went and did my drills and got school done too. I also had Vo-tech .. I worked at my Great Aunt’s restaurant also.
I was allowed 17-18 hrs a week to work.. I kinda pushed it.. I did 6 hours on the time card and 2 hrs in the book per day. The wknd I had drill that week was screwed up I only got 8 hours on the card.. I did increase the time in the book. Drill counted for 3 days .. on Friday I didn’t work at the restaurant, I took and went to Selfridge that afternoon. and got signed in.. it worked out. Those drill hours were divided over the two weeks.. so the next week I could only put so many on the time card. I had a great Cmdr. And 1SGT. and Sq. Trng NCO. (1SGT & Trng NCO were married to each other). That was hoot.. they lived 2-1/2 blocks from where I did. When I returned home
From BMT she’d already had my next skill books on their way. For the SKT I took I had some hours to do OJT time. Meanwhile ... I got into my new CDCs -(Career Dev. Course, 4 volumes + 4 . Study test books and tests[she had those]).
I went through and did those and making study cards for my use..
I stayed on top by studying my cards.. e’y 3-1/2 weeks I did a volume test and did more on the CDCs and cards..At 3-1/2 weeks I did another volume test at the Tng
NCOs home. They were always going to Selfridge.. and she could go to graphics and they got the test card sent in. And it’d be back in a few days and forwarded that I passed. The dates I took the tests
Were timed out just right so no tests were done the same month. I think one month had 5 weeks.. So I got the test done and she waited to get it sent in.. The EoC test I had to take at Base education. We had 4 proctors there were so many of us we tested at base gym. My Tng NCO was one of the proctors. I was in the quarter of the room furthest from her.. the EoCs would be graded at Maxwell.. I don’t know who she knew at Maxwell.. the 6 of us that tested got our results and certificates back first..
I had highest score of the Cooks that tested ; 100%.. We had guys that seemed to take forever to do their books.. Maxwell noticed that!
And sent some staff up.. Somebody insinuated I cheated..
Sure I was seen reading my books., not for long.. They never seen me at the orderly room taking my volume test(in my days ‘70 the volumes were closed book as was the EoC).. the Maxwell people determined it was jealousy is why those Airmen complained.. There was NO evidence of cheating on my behalf. .. Those Airmen complained to I.G . That I seemed to get a lot of perks.. Hey ! rewards for the 100%s on my tests.. study and do good and they can earn perks too!
Is what I.G. told them. Get a weekend trip to W-P AFB and other bases. Some other Airmen and myself went and did a drill with those units .. nice extra money $$!
I earned several of those ... Also got up to Cold Lake CFB for a 2 week. stay. Had a lot of school to
Make up. (One week was in one month, 1 in another). CAught flak from some teachers. They complained and Superintendent vetted me. A few times.. they finally gave up for awhile.. in the spring I did 3 more sorties .. Something great come out of that..
In another sitrep.. the Reg. AF had a prob and had to solve it. The asked several Reserve and Air Guard ic they’d consider going Active duty and I was one of those asked. When can I be ready? By June 5?
Ciould I do it June 1st?... I checked with school I had all the credits..
Actual class hours? Hmmm maybe! I was short 10 hours of 180 hours required.. the State Superintendent waived them. Some teachers were beside themselves.. some other parents were too.. So June 1st I was on my
Way to a base on the East Coast.
I needed TIS and TIG.. I was assigned to a reserve unit temporarily at my gaining base.
Then s’body in Personnel (A&C) looked at my extra drill hours those added up to days for TIS and TIG .
Date of entry and TIG were moved so I had met the requirements. I
already was in the gaining Sqdn barracks. So I was changed. From the Reserve Sqdn to the Regular AF Sqdn on paper. Officially and I had other things to do... like being sworn into be an Active Duty A1C.
It was nice for a while.. no roomy not until December ‘71.. then only for 5 or 6 days. and then I would be gone PCS to Vietnam after 30 days leave.
(0)
(0)
5
5
0
PO2 Richard C. Can't Say I've Had the Experience. I'm Rather Proud of being a Squid, Swabby, Cryppie, Spook, Twidget, Fleety.
(5)
(0)
PO2 Richard C.
Been called half of them myself, plus scope-dope and bat-boy (because of the environment in CIC, aka The Bat Cave, cold, dark and silent).
(2)
(0)
5
5
0
Great question Richard... Can I repeat some of the nicknames my DI had for our platoon in basic.... It's amazing how a nickname will follow you once tagged with it. In most cases you are stuck with it no matter how hard you try an shed it.
(5)
(0)
PO2 Richard C.
Maybe that's part of the reason why it bothers some vets. We worked hard to earn some of those nicknames, and they have a special meaning for us.
(4)
(0)
(4)
(0)
PO2 Richard C.
PO3 Bob McCord - What the hell, Bob, "Boats" has been around longer than water. To me it is a sign of respect, and every sailor should know and use the title whenever addressing one. That's history! I'd be proud to be able to have earned a moniker with so much meaning behind it. "Scope-dope" just doesn't cut it for tradition.
(2)
(0)
SPC Jon O.
We use to call our 1st Sgt, Top. Of course that was pretty common though out the Army during my time as I'm sure it still used today. But when calling your 1st Sgt Top, it was never done out of disrespect always in the highest regard. Military nicknames are a right of passage and should be worn as a badge of honor. I have friends that still call me a "Grunt". I love it.
(1)
(0)
4
4
0
I have worked with Marines and Navy since leaving the Army, there has only been a few occasions when any of them have tried to make an Army joke that are usually tossed between Army and Marine personnel. I usually tell them in a non angry manner, if you want to make jokes like that, you need to actually serve in the Military unless you want to see someone get pissed.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
No. I was proud to be known as a swabbie, squid, bubblehead, knuckledragger, tubes, warhead. Just don't call me late for chow.
(4)
(0)
CWO3 (Join to see)
Good answer and what came to mind with me. Mail call, pay call, and chow time. DFAS thanks me once a month for my service, so the rest is optional.
(1)
(0)
4
4
0
Mehh. I tend to ignore the foul mouthings from the unwashed ignorant masses.
(4)
(0)
PO2 Richard C.
They are not necessarily foul-mouthed, but they are definitely ignorant on occasions.
(3)
(0)
4
4
0
No,most if not all of my friends and extended family don't even know the terms described and since I seldom mention my Service time the subject hardly comes up,and besides in my heart I'll always be a "grunt "and proud of it,they don't have to know diddley but I know and that's good enough for me.
(4)
(0)
PO2 Richard C. I have only been called jarhead and other names by fellow brothers and sisters. If a civilian did call me a jarhead, etc., I would not be upset. I have been called much worse a long time ago.
(4)
(0)
3
3
0
I let it ride .. some I know don’t do to
be mean.. they may not understand..
I consider the source and try not to be butthurt over it.. some do try to be ‘mean’. And showing you’re butthurt
... you just let them win !
be mean.. they may not understand..
I consider the source and try not to be butthurt over it.. some do try to be ‘mean’. And showing you’re butthurt
... you just let them win !
(3)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google