Opinion: Should civilians ever use Grounder Pounder / Squid / Flyboy / Jarhead / Coastie terms?

2014-10-04T00:51:08-04:00

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.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Oct 4 at 2014 1:02 AM

2014-10-04T01:02:50-04:00

No, civilians need to keep their pie hole shut in that respect or possibly get some time studying the clouds.......when they wake up.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2014 6:51 AM

2014-10-04T06:51:40-04:00

I realize some civilians want to be associated with Military types but I'm not one to give those that have not earned the privilege to joke around in that manner.

Response by TSgt Terry Hudson made Oct 4 at 2014 9:11 AM

2014-10-04T09:11:07-04:00

Ultimately they can say whatever they want. We can't stop them from saying it. All we can do is let them know we don't like it when they attempt to use military jargon. I get your frustration though. I hate people claim they know the struggle because their spouse, parent, grandparent, or sibling is a service member. That REALLY grinds my gears. I don't like when baby service members come in and claim vet status. I think until you've deployed, you aren't a vet.

I try to be nice it about it that way they understand and they don't get offended. Kill them with kindness.

Response by SGT Steve Oakes made Oct 4 at 2014 9:49 AM

2014-10-04T09:49:40-04:00

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.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Oct 4 at 2014 9:51 AM

2014-10-04T09:51:47-04:00

How would they even understand the History behind our terms of endearment for each other.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Oct 4 at 2014 10:10 AM

2014-10-04T10:10:44-04:00

It depends. If I tell someone that I am a Marine, and they respond with something like "You don't look like a jarhead!" I don't much mind. But if the conversation is nothing but military vernacular I will be a little miffed.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 4 at 2014 1:15 PM

2014-10-04T13:15:44-04:00

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.

Response by 1stSgt Ron Gallegos made Oct 4 at 2014 6:45 PM

2014-10-04T18:45:31-04:00

"NEGATIVE"

Response by TSgt Bob Dalpe made Oct 5 at 2014 8:22 AM

2014-10-05T08:22:25-04:00

Only those that have earned the right, by serving, should use those terms. I volunteer in a Navy youth program and whenever one of the cadets use those terms, they get a lesson in military history, and on the spot corrective counseling that may or may not include pushups

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Oct 5 at 2014 4:22 PM

2014-10-05T16:22:23-04:00

US Constitution and First Amendment...freedom of speech...

Much of our American iconic celebs to include all other Hollywood wanna bees and special types emulate the military slang and/or lingo. Cartoons like Beatle Bailey or Big Box hits like Jarhead and Captain America are examples of how Americans perceive the military life style. At least the military jargon grabs the public's attention. Who were the Japs during WWII? America called them Nips too...They were our enemy, the Japanese, yet there was a US All American Japanese unit that distinguished them selves in Europe fighting the Heinies, aka...Germans. Walt Disney and Warner Brothers both got in the act ...Donald Duck and the Navy and an Army draftee named Bugs Bunny.

It is what Americans say and do during war and peace.

Response by SGT Sarah Hoyt made Oct 5 at 2014 6:22 PM

2014-10-05T18:22:38-04:00

Short answer-no.

Longer answer-HELL no. I have no problem with a Marine calling me a POG. I'll tell him to go eat some more crayons; he seems cranky. But if some civilian calls me the same, it is ON.

Response by SSG Robert Pierce made Oct 6 at 2014 9:14 AM

2014-10-06T09:14:40-04:00

I have the utmost respect for jarheads...they are the only ones who did not drop their standards in panic...unlike the army....no fat chicks in the marines!!!!lol

Response by CPO Joshua Balter made Oct 6 at 2014 9:50 AM

2014-10-06T09:50:14-04:00

I understand your point and for me it is more of the intent and purpose of those who never wore the uniform when they say certain things. But, I will admit it does make the hair on the back of my neck stand up when those who haven't severed use certain terms.

Response by PO2 Gregory Lee made Oct 6 at 2014 10:44 AM

2014-10-06T10:44:40-04:00

I know a guy who got kicked out of Marine boot camp. And he still talks shit about the Navy. I don't even think he has the right to. Let alone someone who was never on that bus we all remember.

Response by LCDR Patrick P. made Oct 6 at 2014 1:10 PM

2014-10-06T13:10:30-04:00

If they haven't walked in our shoes, they have no right to talk about us in the way that we like to poke at each other. We have all earned that right. They have not.

Response by SSG John Erny made Oct 6 at 2014 2:08 PM

2014-10-06T14:08:41-04:00

Dirty Nasty Goat Smelling Legs

Response by PO2 Harold Marzigliano made Oct 6 at 2014 8:32 PM

2014-10-06T20:32:21-04:00

I never really had a problem with it since it was mostly family, (my father was 28 years US Army). What gets me, is as a civilian working at a power plant. I am familiar with a punk, who says "I was going to join, but my Dad said no". All the while he walks around and denigrates people who served. It's a good thing I'm fully matured.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 8:42 PM

2014-10-06T20:42:29-04:00

It depends. There are numerous civilians that stand side by side with the uniformed services. Those individuals who have done so risked as much as you and I. Some of our missions could not have been accomplished without them. However, if you are not one of those civilians you should refrain from assuming a familiarity that you have not earned.

Response by Sgt Tom Beard made Oct 7 at 2014 12:01 AM

2014-10-07T00:01:57-04:00

Yes because it shows if they know what they are talking about... They wouldn't let me in the military, so I joined the USAF, instead...

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2014 12:29 AM

2014-10-07T00:29:43-04:00

Unless you have raised your right hand and served no not at all.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Oct 7 at 2014 7:36 AM

2014-10-07T07:36:10-04:00

I wholeheartedly agree with you, and with 1LT John Martin . Reminds me of the clip from Animal House. "He can't do that to our pledges", "Only WE can do that to our pledges!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dy2fo6E_pI

Animal House (3/10) Movie CLIP - Only We Can Do That to Our Pledges (1978) HD

Animal House movie clips: http://j.mp/1ux3yfL BUY THE MOVIE: http://amzn.to/rK8A7T Don't miss the HOTTEST NEW TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/1u2y6pr CLIP DESCRIPTIO...

Response by SGT Marvin "Dave" Bigham made Oct 7 at 2014 11:29 AM

2014-10-07T11:29:31-04:00

Sure, why not? At least they recognize the service. Even if they say it with venom, trying to put us down... I earned that nick-name... what do the have? We fight for their right to say pretty much whatever and however they want to as a citizen of this country. We can't take it away just because they don't understand it was US that LET them say it.
I've been shot at... words can't hurt my feelings.

Response by CPO Robert Pauly made Oct 7 at 2014 1:01 PM

2014-10-07T13:01:42-04:00

Lemme put it this way: I'll defend to the death your right to burn the flag - but if you do it in front of me expect an ass-kicking.

Response by SGT Barry Campbell made Oct 7 at 2014 1:20 PM

2014-10-07T13:20:04-04:00

If you didnt serve you don't have the right to talk to those of us that did in our language. Airborne all the way!

Response by MSgt John McDowell made Oct 7 at 2014 9:47 PM

2014-10-07T21:47:17-04:00

That's like those in high school that called us athletes Jocks. I think those who use the slang terms are just trying to identify with a group they could never be a part of. I prefer they just stay respectful, but as long as long as they aren't disrespectful, I'm okay with it. The military needs all the civilian fans they can get these days. There are so many others out there ready to overthrow our constitution and burn our flag to worry about.

Response by SFC Charles Mallory made Oct 8 at 2014 7:47 AM

2014-10-08T07:47:12-04:00

I totally agree with you on that ! the one thing is is that in the forces we might not be born family but we are all family by blood sweat an tears ! there's a difference between calling another branch by certain name from one solder to another out of respect for each other but we all know when enough enough our brother an sisters know when we are jokeing in fun and not to be disrespectful to them ! i would kill for any of them if some one where to try to harm them ! because that is what family does !!!!!!!!!!!

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Oct 9 at 2014 1:30 AM

2014-10-09T01:30:28-04:00

fantastic im going to book mark that if i can hehehehehehe especially about the marines hehehehehehehehe

Response by SgtMaj Emmett Salas made Jul 14 at 2016 8:52 AM

2016-07-14T08:52:08-04:00

If you have not walked in our shoes you nave not earned that right

Response by CPO Robert Henry made Jun 26 at 2017 4:28 PM

2017-06-26T16:28:11-04:00

We joined to support and defend a sheet of paper that allows all of us to say and do certain things. So civvies can say whatever they want.

Response by SN Brian Riter made Jun 13 at 2018 10:14 PM

2018-06-13T22:14:29-04:00

I’m a bit iffy on it I mean why would they?

Response by CPO Nate S. made Jun 27 at 2018 10:09 AM

2018-06-27T10:09:20-04:00

Roger that! and in simpler language 1LT Martin is - SPOT ON! I can pick on my brother or sister but when someone outside the family puts their two cents in - "...them's fighting words..." as they say.

Oh, if it were not for the USN, those dog faces or grunts would have had to swim to Normandy. Just saying (LoL). Again, we can pick on each other, but others need to EARN it!!!

Oh, Maj Petracrca is also spot on. If you don't walk the walk, you are NOT entitled to talk the talk!!!