Lost in Translation: Military Lingo

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 16:45:02 -0400

The military has its own lingo, which can cause initial confusion to new soldiers, or soldiers not native to the US. Do you have any stories that involve someone with selective hearing, getting into trouble due to a misinterpretation of words?
Folks named Roger, Charlie or with the last names of Private or Major might have trouble at times knowing when to respond. Context is key, but something as simple as asking someone to "repeat" themselves might invoke a strong responsive dissertation on "Say again vs. Repeat"
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I remember a new soldier who was not native to the US, but was a University-trained Accountant, was more than confused when the team sergeant asked if he was "black" on water. He responded, "Yes I am black on water" proudly with his topped up canteens and full camelbak. He team sergeant thought he was being a smart-ass and told him to start pushing. Later on, I asked him why he said he was 'black' on water, his response was related to accounting; "Black is good, in accounting it means you are positive, red is bad. Just like Black Friday is a good day for retailers." Surely in his mind he was telling his team sergeant that he was topped up on water. Just a story that's stuck with me and I often use that for reference to make sure that I am on the same page with those I'm speaking to.

Response by MSG Jose Colon made Apr 11 at 2014 6:07 PM

MSG Jose Colon — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 18:07:31 -0400

DOD as a whole likes the use of acronyms to a falt.

Recently, I read an email that me, after 27 years army service and 1 civilian service could not understand. Even after spending 15 minutes on Google trying to find the acronyms meaning, I had no clue. Nobody likes to feel like a rookie. But, I email the guy and asked him what in carnation was he asking.

Never received an answe. Reminds me of the movie Renaissance Man with Danny De Vito when he asked the MP if he could buy a vowel.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2014 10:29 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 10:29:32 -0500

I recall a time, whilst stationed in Korea, we had an incoming soldier with the first name of Major. He was met at the bus depot by the Battalion Commander as it was policy to ensure the person picking up an incoming was at least the same rank or higher. So the LTC shows up to the hangar and says, here is your new SPC, so glad i could show him the ropes.

Response by CW4 Larry Curtis made Apr 9 at 2015 11:07 PM

CW4 Larry Curtis — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 23:07:31 -0400

Here is a good example of something getting lost in the translation...this may not be exactly along the lines of your querry but I thought it was worth interjecting. LOL.

On another note, I have served with two people with unique last names, one of which caused a multitude of confusion for many. At one point I knew a Staff Sergeant with the last name of Major...so he was then commonly referred to as Sergeant Major. There was nothing anyone could do about it either because he clearly wasn't impersonating a Sergeant Major. But you wanted to be careful about addressing him by his name and rank when you were within earshot of the CSM.

The other guy I knew with a unique last name was a PFC Steve Army. He had Army on the tags above both pockets of his fatigues. Not nearly as interesting as Sergeant Major, but still unique. :D

Response by Sgt Dennis Gray made Sep 10 at 2019 4:49 PM

Sgt Dennis Gray — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 16:49:50 -0400

So for us poor Air Force folk, what is black on water?