Posted on Dec 3, 2013
Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
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It's no secret, we're big on nicknames in the military, and there's some really great ones out there... so, what's your favorite?  It could be a nickname that you had, or someone you know, from a move or tv show; it could be a nickname for a rank, base/location, career field, position/title, weapon system, piece of gear, personnel, or just about anything else under the sun. Perhaps it was a nickname for a mascot, civilian personnel, military family member, or something altogether different that has to do w/ the military, military life, or life from the military perspective.  Well, this should be an absolute blast folks; so, feel free to share any related info, facts, photos, links, historical context, or just plain entertaining sea stories.  The idea here is simple, to share fun and interesting info and to learn a thing or two in the process; now let's get this thing started, so pull up a keyboard, and... see you all in the discussion threads! 
Edited 12 y ago
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Responses: 325
MAJ Brents Pepper
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One year we were using Motorola hand helds and were using simple call signs that most had given themselves. Our motor sgt's last name was Spears and since he wasn't around to give us a call sign I wrote down Brittany beside his name. Later on when he came in to get his radio and cheat sheet he saw that his call sign was Brittany. He said "who came up with that?" Everybody pointed at me. He said "come on sir, that is the kind of name that sticks with a fellow." That was around 2004 and people still call him Brittany.
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SPC Ron Williams
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I was given the nickname of " Baby Face" by our platoon of females. We were at USAMPS at Ft. Mc Clellan, Alabama ( 1977).Every morning at formation, they regaled me with that old song...most flattering, even though I was only 22 at the time.☺
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SFC John Hill
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Edited >1 y ago
After SINGAARS came into being and the Army went back to "Hollywood" call signs, one of my favorites was our FIST team "Bonecrusher 6." My last tour in Iraq as a SPTT, we went by "Streetgang."
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SSgt Fighter Aircraft Integrated Avionics (A-10/U-2/F-15/F-16)
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In basic thanks to BCGs I was nicknamed Ralphie like from the Christmas Story. Made for an interesting weapons qual. Somewhat related our unit is the "Stingers" with a bee as our mascot. The unofficial hand sign was what we called the Stinger. Most everyone else would call it the shocker. Needless to say higher ups but an end to that
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SSgt Fighter Aircraft Integrated Avionics (A-10/U-2/F-15/F-16)
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In basic thanks to BCGs I was nicknamed Ralphie like from the Christmas Story. Made for an interesting weapons qual. Somewhat related our unit is the "Stingers" with a bee as our mascot. The unofficial hand sign was what we called the Stinger. Most everyone else would call it the shocker. Needless to say higher ups but an end to that
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Capt Michael Greene
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As a flightline officer, my call sign was boring, Blue Lead, based on the color on the aircraft tails. But as a aviator, the aircraft I flew in were always Peter Rabbit.
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SrA Edward Vong
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My nickname is V12, because there is twelve letters in my last name. If only I owned a vehicle that suited my name.
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SFC Jonathan Surprise
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Because of my last name, I always was referred to as SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE! Almost all of the Soldiers and peers I have worked with usually refer to me a the "Satellite Chief" or Old Crusty.
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MSgt Richard Rountree
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D15bae90
When I was assigned to the 511th Tactical Fighter Squadron (USAFE) (aka The Vultures) during Operation Desert Storm at KFIA, I was required to carry a 'brick' (portable FM 2-way radio). My assigned call sign was 'Vulture Scrounge'. I was also referred to around the squadron as 'Sgt Bilko'. I was the 'go to' guy when the unit needed something/anything ASAP. I would beg, borrow, barter, trade, use 'midnight requisition' techniques, etc., to get whatever we needed as fast as possible. My one rule/request to my superiors was to never ask me how I 'did it'.
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SPC Sheryl Koch
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Mine are what they are. Despite my MOS'S I was called "cookie" and "Frog Priencess" some commented they couldn't get over they let me out of camp with out "Bubble Wrap" protection. they were all clowns!
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