Military 'Catch Phrase' - Best & Worst

SGM Matthew Quick — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 01:56:57 -0400

Whether it's "Suck it up and drive on" or 'Talent Management'...what is your favorite catch phrases?

What catch phrase can you not stand?

Response by MSG Cameron Davis made Apr 25 at 2014 2:59 AM

MSG Cameron Davis — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 02:59:56 -0400

"Take a knee and drink water"

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 25 at 2014 6:25 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 06:25:36 -0400

How about "hurry up and wait"? I don't like that one.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 8:01 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 08:01:36 -0400

OH dark thirty

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 8:14 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 08:14:28 -0400

The military "catch phrase" that I loathe the most is "Be Flexible." It just reeks of I dropped the ball and now you have to pay for my inability to disseminate information. Just my opinion!

Response by MSG Cameron Davis made Apr 25 at 2014 8:46 AM

MSG Cameron Davis — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 08:46:03 -0400

"Last mission men"

Response by SSG James Flynn made Apr 25 at 2014 10:12 AM

SSG James Flynn — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 10:12:07 -0400

The one I hate most is "stand fast"

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 25 at 2014 10:17 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 10:17:55 -0400

"Don't be a hero" -- that used to annoy me, because people used to get told this when they were trying to make something better or more efficient.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 11:07 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:07:36 -0400

Best: "If everything is going according to plan....you are walking into a trap!"

Worst: "Is this the hill you wanna die on?"

Response by 1SG Shane Hansen made Apr 25 at 2014 1:15 PM

1SG Shane Hansen — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 13:15:35 -0400

My current chain of command uses "Care to Love to Lead" as their phrase or mantra. It has grown on me.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 2:11 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:11:56 -0400

False motivation is better than no motivation.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 2:14 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:14:41 -0400

I hate people that use HOOAH constantly. At the end of every sentence etc.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 2:15 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:15:41 -0400

Also it's not always military or a catch phrase per se but military are the most likely to use it:

Cache. It's pronounced CASH. Not CASH-AY.

It drives me up a wall.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Apr 25 at 2014 3:55 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:55:50 -0400

One that has recently gained popularity in my AO, "It is what it is".

I have come to realize this translates into, "I don't care enough to do anything about it".

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 25 at 2014 5:40 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 17:40:56 -0400

A soldier isn't happy unless s/he is bitching about something.
Or, If it ain't raining we ain't training. And then there is "An Army of one." WTF does that mean anyway? Stand Down, I tried that once I fell up again.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 5:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 17:44:15 -0400

Absolute worst one: "the military didn't issue you a family"

Response by SGT James Elphick made Apr 25 at 2014 5:52 PM

SGT James Elphick — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 17:52:42 -0400

Favorite: Take a knee, drink water, face out and pull security. Don't know why, I just always thought this was funny

Least Favorite: There's a method to my madness. Usually meant suffering for no apparent reason

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Apr 25 at 2014 10:25 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 22:25:02 -0400

I detest the word "Caveat" it has become so trite in my own opinion because 10 people seem to use it at every training meeting or in other group/unit discussions.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 25 at 2014 11:54 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 23:54:26 -0400

Car lots outside off post/base - "buy here, pay here".

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 26 at 2014 12:04 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 00:04:55 -0400

Synergistic integration

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 26 at 2014 9:47 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 21:47:07 -0400

Fall out is also one that has confused me. Just exactly why would someone want you to fall, let alone fall out. Just a poor attempt at humor. Forgive me.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 2:38 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 14:38:05 -0400

Best: "Expectations Management".

Worst: "You want Comp Time? Look at your LES!" I heard that one from an outstanding leader in USAREC. Not a shocker

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 2:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 14:57:45 -0400

Don't know if anyone said this one: "pain is weakness leaving the body..."

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Apr 27 at 2014 7:29 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 19:29:33 -0400

I must say the old cliché "good to go and squared away" Powerful words throughout my career, and life after the military.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 8:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 20:07:30 -0400

"train to standard, not to time..." immediately followed by "hurry up and get this training done, we have important stuff to do..."

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 11:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 23:54:56 -0400

We had a class motto for our Captain's Career Course which summed up the class "ECCC: Where dreams come to die".

As far as worst catch phrase would be "at ease" and "hooah". They are overused with so many meanings nobody really knows what someone is trying to express. At ease could be for a 1SG or CSM entering a building or is it that everyone is talking too loud so be quiet or maybe it is someone telling you to lock it up and respect who you are talking to. Hooah could mean anything from yes I am excited to go put that where the sun does not shine but you have no idea based on the word, but only through their body language if you happen to see it.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 7:12 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 07:12:59 -0400

Flexibility is the KEY to Air Power...hated hearing it when I first came in because it usually meant the next thing said was going to suck pretty bad, it is second only to the “opportunity to excel.”

Response by 1SG Eric Rice made Apr 28 at 2014 10:05 AM

1SG Eric Rice — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 10:05:19 -0400

"Move out and draw fire"....who wants to be that guy/gal?

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 3:20 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 15:20:33 -0400

I cannot stand, "It's the individual's responsibility". That's just a cop-out way of saying, "don't expect the SMEs to know thier job, and certainly don't expect them to be accountable if they screw up".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 10:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 22:53:10 -0400

Most Loathed: "Be that as it may" (means I know you are absolutely correct in your assessment that this is completely retarded)

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 29 at 2014 11:42 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 23:42:23 -0400

The best is still the Marine Corps - We're looking for a few good men"

The Navy used to be cool. It's not just a job, its an adventure. Accelerate your life. Now? America's Navy, a global force for good. That is currently the worst of all the services...by the way, no one asked me my opinion on this. No emails, phone calls, etc. I would have said no.

Response by SFC James Rigdon made May 8 at 2014 8:54 AM

SFC James Rigdon — Thu, 08 May 2014 08:54:12 -0400

At Fort Stewart in 2000 my CSM used to always say "If you can't get out of it, Get into it" I used to use that when I would get put on detail as a young Soldier and also as a Supervisor made since to me " Why get pissed about something that you can't get out of might as well do you best at it. Always worked for me? Wish I would have known this in 88-91 when I was a Cav Scout probably would've stayed in and been retired right now

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 10:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 22:15:45 -0400

Worst terms.. the ones that I just make me want to kick people..

Hooah
Notionally
Sarge
Roge (instead of Roger)

Favorites.. I've always been a fan of standby to standby. I'm guilty, even at my civilian job, of overusing "trackin'".

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Jul 30 at 2014 12:37 PM

PFC Zanie Young — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:37:26 -0400

Favorite: Shoot, Move, Communicate
Loathed: "Front leaning Rest", "Beat your Face", "Ate Up"

Response by PFC Jason Rodrigues made Jul 30 at 2014 3:22 PM

PFC Jason Rodrigues — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 15:22:08 -0400

Some great ones are "Do you have the intestinal fortitude for _____________?"

"Men we're gonna assault that position, I want to see extreme violence of action."

"Listen up Bravo, Charlie Company fucked up again so we gotta go in there and help them out."

"Pop smoke"

"Are you hurt or injured?"

"Are you stupid or just pretending to be?"

(In Garrison) Weekend safety briefings: "Do not hit your wife, girlfriend, wife's girlfriend, boyfriend, wife's boyfriend, fuck buddy, buddy fucker, etc." "Do not get arrested on the weekend because the CO and Top will not come to get your dumb ass." "Always wear your seat belt, don't drink and drive."

Oh not sure if anyone else has noticed this but does it seem like ALL Drill Sergeants are required to use some of R. Lee Ermey's lines from Full Metal Jacket?

Response by PFC Jason Rodrigues made Jul 30 at 2014 3:40 PM

PFC Jason Rodrigues — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 15:40:05 -0400

When I was in a NG MP unit one of the best ones was:

"Sir, with all due respect don't confuse your rank with my authority."

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2014 6:36 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 18:36:38 -0400

FUBAR & SNAFU

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2014 11:25 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 11:25:45 -0400

I think the worst I've heard is "The "H" word". I mean, seriously, Hooah is supposed to be a motivational word. It's supposed to be positive. Sure some people overuse it, but don't make it into something bad.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2014 11:26 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 11:26:51 -0400

The best I think would be, "Suck it up Buttercup".

Response by SGT Mitch McKinley made Aug 4 at 2014 2:26 PM

SGT Mitch McKinley — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 14:26:36 -0400

There are several that still stick with me.

Negative connotations.

"Tore up from the floor up."

"left me flapping in the breeze, like a towed jumper."

Every time we loaded into the back of a 5-ton I would hear: "Pack it in. There is always room for one more. Make your buddy smile."

Positive connotations:

??? Can't think of any. LOL

Response by TSgt John Stokes made Aug 7 at 2014 9:33 PM

TSgt John Stokes — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 21:33:05 -0400

Trackin with Tracers!!

Response by SGT Richard H. made Aug 7 at 2014 11:11 PM

SGT Richard H. — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 23:11:44 -0400

SGM Matthew Quick You already mentioned my favorite. "Suck it up and drive on."

Response by SSG Saun Lehar made Aug 8 at 2014 4:22 PM

SSG Saun Lehar — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 16:22:15 -0400

Not sure if any one has posted this yet but I heard and used several time, "See if you can push the Earth out of orbit." I always use, "Don't thank me, thank your recruiter." Those two are my favorite.

Response by SGT Greg Gold made Aug 9 at 2014 11:51 AM

SGT Greg Gold — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 11:51:15 -0400

'Embrace the suck' is my personal favorite. Others include:

Suck it up, cupcake!
One, one, one.....
You are a go, preceded by a no, at this station.
Can someone help this Soldier out?

There are others, but most of them aren't used in the modern Army any more.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 9 at 2014 12:15 PM

SPC David S. — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 12:15:17 -0400

Hate: you look like a bag of smashed.... you know the rest. So unprofessional as I don't see how this is mentoring in any way.
Like: while not a true catch phrase either what is your major malfunction or God I love the smell of napalm in the morning.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 12:04 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 12:04:41 -0400

the good idea fairy

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 12:31 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 12:31:38 -0400

"Come up on the net". Like nails on a chalk board... Every. Single. Time.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 9:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Aug 2014 21:39:09 -0400

I can not stand when people use "At ease" to try and quiet people down. "At ease" is a drill command and requires movement when given.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2014 3:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 15:58:53 -0400

I hate "however, comma, pause for effect."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2014 7:30 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 07:30:36 -0400

Expectation Management is my favorite. I use it so much that even my wife picked it up.

Low hanging fruit is the one I wished would go away.

Response by MSG Sommer Brown made Aug 17 at 2014 3:59 PM

MSG Sommer Brown — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 15:59:38 -0400

It is not personal

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 17 at 2014 4:18 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 16:18:32 -0400

ZONK! Pack sand. Move out! SEEK LIFE ELSEWHERE!!! How many can we use?? I'm having flashbacks.

Response by MSG Sommer Brown made Aug 17 at 2014 7:20 PM

MSG Sommer Brown — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 19:20:43 -0400

Back in the day we did it like this.............

Response by SFC Jeff L. made Sep 19 at 2014 8:49 AM

SFC Jeff L. — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 08:49:47 -0400

"Check or hold?!" I had a 1SG with disproportionately tiny hands who said that all the danged time when asking if we understood the words that were comin' outta his mouff.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 2:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 02:16:52 -0500

After reading this thread I am convinced everything I ever say in the military pisses at least one person off!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2014 8:05 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 08:05:40 -0500

BLUF, or "bottom line up front".

Especially amusing when leadership sends you a three page, single-spaced email, then includes "BLUF" at the bottom of the wall of text.

Many of the CGOs in the squadron took to putting in a BLAB in our emails..."bottom line at bottom".

Response by CSM David Heidke made Dec 24 at 2014 8:18 AM

CSM David Heidke — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 08:18:34 -0500

Best... "Mission First, Men Always." And by men I mean Soldier, but that's how I learned it. No offense to our female warriors.

Worst... "Hooah" never liked it.

Response by LCpl Brandon Barnes made Jan 10 at 2015 8:40 PM

LCpl Brandon Barnes — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 20:40:20 -0500

Devil Dog. If you were in the Corps, you'd understand. Only generations of bored SNCO's could manage to turn what was once a compliment into a dirty word. And "World's smallest violin." Can't we be more original?

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 11 at 2015 1:51 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 13:51:55 -0500

I think My all time worst was always hearing " Eusaeur policies supersede Army policies unless Army Policy is needed" . I always thought...WTF...if we are going to have policy then keep it, dont be a chicken shit commander and play with policies as you see fit.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2015 9:24 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 21:24:06 -0400

"Trust but verify" makes no sense to me

Response by SSG Kenneth Randolph made Dec 8 at 2018 10:08 AM

SSG Kenneth Randolph — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 10:08:46 -0500

Motivated and dedicated to the cause.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 9:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 21:32:20 -0500

My favorite: Every swinging Richard (you can fill in the blank)!
My worst favorite: This is why you joined.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Jan 19 at 2019 9:33 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 21:33:57 -0500

Play stupid games win stupid prizes!
None that I can't think of any that I can't stand

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Jan 19 at 2019 9:39 PM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 21:39:19 -0500

Sailors belong on ships and ships belong at sea.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2019 2:12 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 02:12:50 -0500

STFU and push.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 20 at 2019 4:58 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 04:58:56 -0500

Best military catch phrase may well be "lock and load," "dress right dress," "no brass no ammo" my friend SGM Matthew Quick Worst could be blanket party or cutaway [front leaning rest to parade rest] or assume the dying cockroach position.
Thanks for mentioning me, my friend SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL and SGT Private RallyPoint Member
FYI LTC Stephen C. LTC Wayne Brandon LTC Bill Koski Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown Maj Marty Hogan MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SPC Margaret Higgins MSgt Jason McClish AN Christopher Crayne SPC Tom DeSmet SGT Charles H. Hawes SSG David Andrews

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 20 at 2019 8:40 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 08:40:27 -0500

“Tracking?”
Meaning, do you understand?

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made Jan 20 at 2019 10:36 AM

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 10:36:34 -0500

SGM Matthew Quick The one that sticks out for me is when it is payday and last formation of the day. "Picture this ", any one E4 and below are horsing around after dismissal. They are unaware of Top watching and out of Tops mouth he yells , " you Butt Grabbing, Lolly Gaggers just volunteered ! " They should have left the AO ! Learned that lesson to beat feet out of the AO after last formation..... LOL

Another one that is not mentioned is a " Short timer " for PCS or ETS. A very Short timer having less than 100 days is a "Two Digit midget"..... LOL !

Response by PO1 H Gene Lawrence made Jan 20 at 2019 11:51 AM

PO1 H Gene Lawrence — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 11:51:09 -0500

While in formation, I hated, nuts to butts.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jan 20 at 2019 12:56 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 12:56:34 -0500

Worst: Do more with less.

Response by SGT Charles H. Hawes made Jan 20 at 2019 2:33 PM

SGT Charles H. Hawes — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 14:33:30 -0500

Push the earth away from you until I get tired.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2019 4:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 16:51:58 -0500

I've never been fond of "Spot on" (not limited to the military) or "kit" (as opposed to gear). They both sound British to me (second definitely, the first one - just a hunch). But we're not British. So, why the British terms? Might as well start the whole thing with, "Alright lads, we're going to take another crack at Jerry; Group Captain Mandrake, you'll leading Mosquito Squadron 633..."

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 16 at 2021 7:39 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 19:39:40 -0400

Best: We are REDCON1.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2021 9:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 21:22:46 -0400

If it Flies. It DIES.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Mar 17 at 2021 6:03 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 18:03:06 -0400

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Mar 17 at 2021 8:09 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 20:09:04 -0400

Not necessarily a catch phrase, but universally understood, "Oh shit". A phrase, when said by any member of an air crew, warned that things were about to be challenging. When said in the admin shop, that paperwork that needs to go out isn't going to be ready for a while.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Jun 25 at 2021 4:21 PM

1SG Bill Farmerie — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 16:21:26 -0400

While in recruiting for my first few months I was struggling. I hated "work smarter not harder" and "Don't try to reinvent the wheel". I had enough of it from the 1SG who regularly used it and finally said "show me how to work smarter and not harder". It actually shut him up

Response by CWO4 Gene A. made Jun 25 at 2021 4:50 PM

CWO4 Gene A. — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 16:50:09 -0400

Seems like phrases that have been used over the years. Don't understand why most of them bother anyone. Consider the source and move on.

Response by SFC Don Ward made Jun 25 at 2021 10:58 PM

SFC Don Ward — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 22:58:48 -0400

Battle Buddy, or just shortened to Battle.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Oct 12 at 2021 10:14 AM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 10:14:19 -0400

If the Arny wanted you to have a wife, They would have issued you one.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 20 at 2021 7:47 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 19:47:02 -0500

- We all bleed red.
- What is in your heart matters.
- Don't be a buddy fucker.
- Everyone is a safety officer.
- Be world class.
- Don't quit.
- Leave nobody behind.
- Take care of soldiers and families and love them.
- One shot one kill.

Response by SPC Lyle Montgomery made Dec 20 at 2021 10:39 PM

SPC Lyle Montgomery — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 22:39:50 -0500

Cluster fuck. One mortar will get all you guys.