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Thursday, December 23, 2010
Warfighters?
You don't want to know what
they call them privately.
“
Deacon
BluesHas anyone noticed that the MSM,
including PBS, has stopped using the words soldier, sailor, marine or
air force and are now just using War Fighter?
The term "War Fighter" has been in wide use in the military for around 25 years. At least its better than what the newstwits usually call military folks.
Twenny years or so ago, it was Pentagonese for warriors at the pointy end of the spear as opposed the support folks, mainly as a way of designating something specifically intended for use while engaged in combat. LtCol DougM (USAF ret.)
Uncle Sam's Mis-guided Children also dislike the term "naval infantry" for some unknown reason. Same reason U.S, artillerymen prefer the title "cannoneer" over "gunner". 11Bravos don't like it when DAT's call them "Crunchies" either (DAT= Dumb-Assed Tanker). Everybody's sensitive about something.
LTC DougM is correct in his recollection of "warfighters'" use. I should've included that.
..and Distinguished Armor Technicians generally ignore the Crunchies and Redlegs until we need someone else to stay awake all night while we catch some righteous rack time in our snug cozy heated vehicle...
RetRsvMike (who used to be THE MAJMike back when i first started commenting around Headmissy's place)
*hem* Beggin' the Bigadier Major's pardon, ma'am, but the culturally correct abbr. in the USAF (PBUI) is LtCol, not the older and probably wiser Army (PBUI) abbr. LTC. Long story. Has to do with the color of one's shoes, I unnerstan'. Or penmanship, not sure. (What? Me sensitive? Never been called sensitive before. Okay, yeah, whiney.)
To all DAT's, Crunchies, Redlegs, Zoomies, Squids, Coasties, and Staff Weenies, a most Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
Definition of a veteran -- Any person, male, female, regular, reserve, National Guard, who once signed a check payable in the amount of his/her life in a promise to defend and protect the Constitution of the United States. That check is still good and we will gladly pay it in full upon demand.
Brig Maj Mike, In th'Ayahfowace* a'muh day, the term "Zoomie" usually referred to a ring-knocker. You know, an AF Academy grad. (What? No, nobody referred to the rest of us at all. AF is kind'a short on traditions. Heck, I'm a month older than the AF.) * see: No Time for Sergeants
The term "War Fighter" has been in wide use in the military for around 25 years. At least its better than what the newstwits usually call military folks.
ReplyDeleteMAJ Mike
Thanks Major, I had never heard the phrase used that way before. Consider yourself official Barn Army historian -- with the rank of Brigadier Major!
ReplyDeleteTsk, tsk, RKOF. Does this post require an added rosary?
ReplyDeletemary
I'm honored! I'll endeavor to be worthy.
ReplyDeleteBrigadier Major Mike
Official Barn Army Historian
I heard it used during my last iteration at Boeing. With the closer integration of the services, it makes sense.
ReplyDeleteI usually call them "Sir" or "Madam" and thank them for their service.
ReplyDeleteTwenny years or so ago, it was Pentagonese for warriors at the pointy end of the spear as opposed the support folks, mainly as a way of designating something specifically intended for use while engaged in combat. LtCol DougM (USAF ret.)
ReplyDeleteThey needed a service neutral term.
ReplyDeleteCall a Marine a soldier, and you will be corrected immediately.
Uncle Sam's Mis-guided Children also dislike the term "naval infantry" for some unknown reason. Same reason U.S, artillerymen prefer the title "cannoneer" over "gunner". 11Bravos don't like it when DAT's call them "Crunchies" either (DAT= Dumb-Assed Tanker). Everybody's sensitive about something.
ReplyDeleteLTC DougM is correct in his recollection of "warfighters'" use. I should've included that.
Brigadier Major Mike
Barn Army Historian
..and Distinguished Armor Technicians generally ignore the Crunchies and Redlegs until we need someone else to stay awake all night while we catch some righteous rack time in our snug cozy heated vehicle...
ReplyDeleteRetRsvMike
(who used to be THE MAJMike back when i first started commenting around Headmissy's place)
I think the term they are looking for is "Hero"
ReplyDelete*hem* Beggin' the Bigadier Major's pardon, ma'am, but the culturally correct abbr. in the USAF (PBUI) is LtCol, not the older and probably wiser Army (PBUI) abbr. LTC. Long story. Has to do with the color of one's shoes, I unnerstan'. Or penmanship, not sure.
ReplyDelete(What? Me sensitive? Never been called sensitive before. Okay, yeah, whiney.)
@DougM -- Whatever.
ReplyDeleteHow 'bout "Piecrust Colonel"? That'd be a reference to the silver oak leaf insignia. Culturally neutral and easy for the DAT's to inderstand.
Brigadier Major Mike
Official Barn Army Historian
To all DAT's, Crunchies, Redlegs, Zoomies, Squids, Coasties, and Staff Weenies, a most Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
ReplyDeleteDefinition of a veteran -- Any person, male, female, regular, reserve, National Guard, who once signed a check payable in the amount of his/her life in a promise to defend and protect the Constitution of the United States. That check is still good and we will gladly pay it in full upon demand.
Brigadier Major Mike
Official Barn Army Historian
Brig Maj Mike,
ReplyDeleteIn th'Ayahfowace* a'muh day, the term "Zoomie" usually referred to a ring-knocker. You know, an AF Academy grad.
(What? No, nobody referred to the rest of us at all. AF is kind'a short on traditions. Heck, I'm a month older than the AF.)
* see: No Time for Sergeants