Military Lingo

'Tis well-known that military blokes speak a lingo of their own, But it has served them well over the years, it has been shown! To a General or a Private, such jargon is totally sensible, But to ordinary citizens, 'tis utterly incomprehensible! "Yard birds" know all about "policing the area" and "kitchen police." A seasoned "grunt" knows what it means to "clean his piece." The "head" is a sanctuary for musing to a sailor or marine, But to an airman or soldier, 'tis better known as the "latrine." When on the firing line the Sergeant yells, "Fire at will!" Guys aim not to kill Will but to improve their shooting skill! When a Corporal invites his squad to a "GI Party" on Friday night, There'll be no beer but you'll scrub the floor and do it right! From the dreaded "Reveille" to "Retreat" (when troops must salute), Bugle calls herald tidings quickly learned by even the rawest recruit! Everyone scans the "Daily Bulletin" for the latest "scuttlebutt." On parade, troopers snicker watching "second louies" strut! Essential to national defense, the brass concoct acronyms galore, And there are geniuses in the Pentagon always begetting more, Word forms from (A)WACS to (Z)ULU and betwixt ad infinitum! Ah! Those handy acronyms! How could we fight a war without 'em! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (© All Rights Reserved)