Do the phrases Hooah, or Oo-Rah bother you, to the point of causing exasperation?

SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:08:46 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 8:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:12:50 -0500

Not one bit! It's our official answer for most things!

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Nov 5 at 2015 8:40 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:40:22 -0500

No it doesn't

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Nov 5 at 2015 8:43 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:43:06 -0500

They don't bother me all that much but I do think that they sound sort of dumb.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 8:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:53:56 -0500

Not at all... Hooah!

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 8:59 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:59:17 -0500

Nope, I even enjoy the occasional Oorah. That Hooah thing I never quite understood though. I that is bothering you, you may need to loosen the skivvies, they may be too tight.

Response by SPC Mark Beard made Nov 5 at 2015 8:59 PM

SPC Mark Beard — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 20:59:43 -0500

we never had those phrases when i was serveing 1979

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 9:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 21:44:12 -0500

I believe that Hooah has worn out it's welcome. It isn't used in my unit at all. While I was at basic training our drill sergeants smoked us for saying it.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Nov 5 at 2015 10:04 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 22:04:46 -0500

Hell No! These are meant to display exclamations of energy about the branch of military in which we served. As SSG Robert Lee says, it's our answer for most things. I think, and someone please correct me if I'm wrong, this exclamation originated in the U.S.M.C. oo-RAH!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 11:03 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 23:03:50 -0500

Not to the point exasperation, but I think "Hooah" is one thing we should give back to the Rangers... And the berets. I don't like hooah because it is lazy. When guys say hooah to me I always check to see if they are paying attention

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Nov 5 at 2015 11:43 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 23:43:30 -0500

Only time it irritates me is when they mess it up on TV or movies.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 6 at 2015 12:47 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 00:47:00 -0500

Not as much as Roll Tide every other word LOL

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 1:00 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 01:00:43 -0500

No.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Nov 6 at 2015 6:41 AM

PO3 David Fries — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 06:41:16 -0500

Not at all. They can be used as a genuine statement, or a sarcastic response!

Response by SGT William Howell made Nov 6 at 2015 7:17 AM

SGT William Howell — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 07:17:29 -0500

I have hated it since I first heard it. We have about 20 ways to answer in the affirmative. Why would we need another that is nothing more than a grunt?

To go along with it, it was a Ranger thing. Nothing is sacred for those guys anymore. Joe steals their covers, then their speak, now everybody has got Oakleys. We ain't all Rangers. You want to Hoooah something go EARN you a TAB!

A "Yes, SGT." will suffice and at least I know you are least paying attention to who is speaking at you even if it is not sinking into your IBM.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Nov 6 at 2015 8:06 AM

LTC Bink Romanick — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:06:23 -0500

SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD Not really. Just army talk.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 6 at 2015 8:12 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:12:07 -0500

Not at all. They are historical terms that have been used for years and are important to morale

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Nov 6 at 2015 8:44 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 08:44:06 -0500

Well, I say Hooah, but I'd much rather say this sentence: "This We Will Defend."

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Nov 6 at 2015 9:04 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:04:26 -0500

This was something I heard often while I was in training. Afterwards, morale dropped and I never heard it again.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 9:35 AM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:35:13 -0500

It doesn't bother me coming from a fellow veteran, but when a civilian says it, I can't help but think that it is military speak and should be reserved to those. I never say anything, I just quietly disengage.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Nov 6 at 2015 9:46 AM

SrA Matthew Knight — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:46:40 -0500

I've never been annoyed by the terms. At least not other branches usage because it seems like other branches use it a little more sincerely. In the Air Force however the term "Hua" is become nothing but an obnoxious joke generally used by junior enlisted to annoy others. The biggest usage I saw was at Tech School when people would yell it in as ridiculous a way as they could just to annoy the MTLs.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Nov 6 at 2015 11:26 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 11:26:29 -0500

This is an interesting insight into our brave lads who don the Army Blue. You find “Hooah”, boring, unnecessary?

I can see why. It doesn’t come from your guts the way a good “Ooh-Rah!” (also seen spelled “A-rugh!”) does.

I believe I read this years ago in “Landscape Turned Red”, which is about the battle of Antietam. At one point the author notes how the ‘manly hurrahs” of the Union troops contrasted with the ‘yip yip yip’ of the Rebel Yell.

And in the very first narrative we have of the clash of armed bodies of men – the Iliad – it is noted that the Trojans chirped and chittered like birds, as I recall.

We know what happened to them.

I know when I was first associated with that august body of warriors whose birthday is Tuesday next, the ‘ooh-rah’ was well established. When it came into vogue (or back into vogue) I don’t know.

If the Army doesn’t have any kind of war cry, that is just another thing about it that is not very impressive.

Walt

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Nov 6 at 2015 12:13 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:13:26 -0500

I don't mind it, but don't use it. When it means everything you have to know what version you're getting. Yes, No, or Rodger is fine. But if it's used at the end of a knife hand, I know something's screwed up and I'm about to pay dearly.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 12:14 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:14:29 -0500

I am bothered that it seem to be most frequently used by inexperienced leadership. Somehow it must been indoctrinated to be a moral boost when nothing else works. I do use it myself, but only when it is called for it. I truly loathe it as a conversation filler or a crutch word.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 6 at 2015 12:15 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:15:31 -0500

Never has and never will. The only time is does is when civilians with no affiliation or connection to the Army / Marines try to use it. I laugh when other branches imitate us.....

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 6 at 2015 12:45 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:45:40 -0500

Eh, just take it with humor like everything.... 'Rah?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 6 at 2015 8:14 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 20:14:23 -0500

No it means I do not have the clue what the answer is, but I will get back to you with the answer shortly.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 8:17 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 20:17:13 -0500

I've found "Hooah" to be as multipurpose of a word as the Fuck word.
Beautifully manipulative to the needs of the user. To express understanding, exciting, even disdain.

The word can even be used to occupy time and entertain during a CSMs long worded retirement while standing in the retirement formation.
I use the word. I do this by counting the amount of times it's said, our counting a CSMs "high score" of hooah to sentence ratio.

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Nov 7 at 2015 2:04 PM

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 14:04:39 -0500

yes, it is overplayed; but I always tried to not do the exasperation thing or open display of emotions in front of my Soldiers. Never as a Sergeant. I also think that some of the language we use (at least in the military); is unnecessary. Just address me as my rank and say I got it. I hate that, " roger Sergeant" saying , but we all use it. It just gets old.

You would never tell it bothered me, let's put it that way.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Nov 7 at 2015 2:22 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 14:22:04 -0500

It bothers me when people use it to excess, such as when you see postings on social media that show someone in the military in uniform and there is a "HOOYAH on making service member of the day". I saw this on the Ft. Lee Culinary Service Center, its a place for Navy Culinary Specialists to attend their Class A School. Giving them a shout out on social media and using Hooyah every single time is getting old. I actually had never heard Hooyah until I saw GI Jane, I heard plenty of Marines saying Oo-Rah but I was never around Army personnel much so that's probably why I never heard it until I did in the GI Jane movie. Now its like everyone and their sibling feels they have to say it.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2015 4:30 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Nov 2015 16:30:42 -0500

Seriously? SPC Velazquez, not one bit, use Hooah all the time myself, I guess that makes me bias though.

Response by MSgt Erik Copp made Nov 8 at 2015 4:33 PM

MSgt Erik Copp — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 16:33:43 -0500

Nope. Oo-freekin-rah!!!

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 8 at 2015 5:53 PM

MAJ Alvin B. — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 17:53:21 -0500

At times. To quote a now retired Army General "Dont' give me Hooah, give me results!"

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Nov 8 at 2015 5:58 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 17:58:30 -0500

I can recall an Army when we didn't do it, and frankly prefer it.

Response by SPC Mark Beard made Nov 9 at 2015 6:53 PM

SPC Mark Beard — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 18:53:35 -0500

Hooah, or Oo-Rah question when did they start that ? was in 1979 to 83

Response by PO2 Melanye Francisco made Nov 10 at 2015 7:18 AM

PO2 Melanye Francisco — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 07:18:38 -0500

No, it doesn't bother me when used correctly and by those that have BTDT.

Each branch seems to have their version and the special ops seem to have slightly different ones as well.

Response by PFC Ricky Sumrall made Nov 10 at 2015 7:54 AM

PFC Ricky Sumrall — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 07:54:16 -0500

never use when I was in the army,back in the early 70's. when at Fort Bragg ever thing was // done with an AIRBORNE WAS ANSWER WITH AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY. IN MY YRS IN NEVER ONCE USE THE WORD HOOAH, OR Oo-Rah. don't know where it came form. when it started

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Nov 10 at 2015 8:18 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 08:18:54 -0500

Yeh, I miss WETSU

Response by CAPT Charles Weishar made Nov 10 at 2015 9:37 AM

CAPT Charles Weishar — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 09:37:56 -0500

Their use is overdone. High time they be retired.

Response by LCDR Karl Stout made Nov 10 at 2015 11:10 AM

LCDR Karl Stout — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 11:10:10 -0500

I continue to say it to WW2 vets and other veterans wearing their hats in public to show respect. I don't say it for any other purpose. Personally, as a navy guy, I am very proud when my Command Sergeant Major told me I earned the right to say oooo-raw so I say it with pride and as a way to show continued loyalty to other vets after my retirement. OOOOO RAW! to you all.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 11:14 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 11:14:04 -0500

Hi, SPC Velazquez.

I've had and heard entire conversations with just that expression. If we discontinue it, what are we going to talk about?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 12:09 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 12:09:18 -0500

No, because I learned that HOOAH (or HUA) means I hear, I understand, I acknowledge and is not just a meaningless syllable.

That being said, I wouldn't go around saying it to non-military types.

Response by CW3 Jim Norris made Nov 10 at 2015 2:56 PM

CW3 Jim Norris — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 14:56:15 -0500

I think it is a Pavlovian Response being built into young soldiers, hear the bell salivate. They do it with out thinking. I often hear leaders repeatedly saying 'are we track'en', it is a verbal tic for them and totally meaningless in most cases. Our young people are terrible communicators, most read and write at the 6th or 7th grade level, so the adoption of these crutches must be expected.

Response by PO1 Frank Reiffenstein made Nov 10 at 2015 3:03 PM

PO1 Frank Reiffenstein — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 15:03:25 -0500

Of course not oooah. And Ooorah.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2015 5:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 17:31:27 -0500

I once had an entire conversation responding only with "Hooah" to a two star, I think we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Hooah!

Response by 1SG Rick Davis made Nov 10 at 2015 5:42 PM

1SG Rick Davis — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 17:42:38 -0500

Ooahh is after my time, but do not think it has the strength of oorah. Would like something more masculine!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Nov 10 at 2015 7:14 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 19:14:02 -0500

not particularly.

Response by LCpl Kasey Woods made Nov 10 at 2015 7:17 PM

LCpl Kasey Woods — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 19:17:28 -0500

Only when drinking and yelling Oo-Rah in my valley.

Response by COL Bowman Olds made Nov 10 at 2015 10:04 PM

COL Bowman Olds — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 22:04:36 -0500

My response to "Hooah" has always been "AIRBORNE!" and/or "Rangers Lead The Way"

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Nov 11 at 2015 12:52 AM

CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 00:52:45 -0500

The current version of "hooah" kills me when I hear it: "Hooooooooooooaaaaaaahhhhhhhh" Someone hunt down the guy who started this and punch him in the face.

Response by MGySgt George W Iliffe Jr made Nov 12 at 2015 7:09 PM

MGySgt George W Iliffe Jr — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 19:09:04 -0500

I remember telling my future wife the difference between the two phrases while discussing it's use in the movie "Scent of a Woman"

Response by SFC Stephen King made Nov 12 at 2015 7:23 PM

SFC Stephen King — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 19:23:47 -0500

Roger that

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Nov 13 at 2015 5:35 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 17:35:22 -0500

Only when it's used in the vein of "Huah Huah three bags full" as an excuse or mode of ignoring personal health issues...

Response by PVT Andrew Burd made Nov 13 at 2015 5:47 PM

PVT Andrew Burd — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 17:47:14 -0500

hooah.

Response by SFC Raquel Cates made Nov 13 at 2015 10:50 PM

SFC Raquel Cates — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 22:50:34 -0500

No, why does it bother you so much?

Response by CMSgt Richard B. made Nov 15 at 2015 12:09 AM

CMSgt Richard B. — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 00:09:59 -0500

I enlisted in an Army National Guard Infantry battalion back in 1979 and never heard the word "hooah" until a year later in Legal Clerk AIT and that came from a female MP. Nothing up to my discharge in 1989. The next time was in "Scent of a Woman" uttered by Al Pacino. After that it seemed like it was all over the place.

Response by SSG David Dickson made Nov 30 at 2015 10:26 AM

SSG David Dickson — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 10:26:08 -0500

No, which probably means I'm one of the prime offenders. A habit I haven't yet kicked in civilian life.

Response by SGT Scott Gossett made Jul 28 at 2016 6:17 PM

SGT Scott Gossett — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 18:17:01 -0400

Doesn't bother me a bit! It can be over used of course. If the use of HOOAH or OO-RAH bothers you, consider a transfer to the Air Force, pog!

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Jul 28 at 2016 6:31 PM

SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 18:31:16 -0400

It's all just nonsense. But as long as it's nothing negative, I'm all for it....

Response by MSgt Jon P. (Pat) Hogan made Jul 28 at 2016 7:44 PM

MSgt Jon P. (Pat) Hogan — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 19:44:11 -0400

We had a First Sergeant who used it all the time. I always looked at her with a measure of curiosity and disdain because we were an Air Force unit.

Response by SSG Douglas Smith made Jul 29 at 2016 12:56 PM

SSG Douglas Smith — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 12:56:34 -0400

I put two scoops of Hooah flakes into a steaming cup of Roger that! every morning!!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2016 2:47 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 14:47:48 -0400

Hooah

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 9 at 2018 8:57 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 09 May 2018 20:57:53 -0400

No, its part of the lifestyle, especially with paratrooper, Rangers, etc