Marine Corps Slang
Language of the United States Marine Corps
Marines use a lot of acronyms and slang that make conversations sound like another language. This page will help you speak Marine.
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1st Civ Div
1st Civilian Division. Civilian life, usually applied to Marines facing discharge or retirement. As in "getting assigned to 1st Civ Div." Also occasionally referred to as "1st Couch Company."
360
Forming a complete circle (as in on a compass (360°)) or covering avenues of approach/fire sectors in all 360 degress (every direction)
4th Marine Dimension
Derogatory term for the 4th Marine Division, the division to which the ground combat element of the Marine Forces Reserve is assigned; used by active duty Marines to denote displeasure with the difference in culture and operating procedures within the division as opposed to active duty units.
5.56 hickey
Also known as the 5.56 kiss, this refers to the burn, scar, or blister resulting from a burn suffered (usually on the neck) due to hot brass ejected from a rifle
72
A three day weekend. you can request out of bounds travel to travel anywhere generally on the same coast. In bounds travel is typically considered a 350 mile radius.
8th & I
Nickname for Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. so named from its street address at the corner of 8th and I Streets SE.
96
A four day weekend. You can typically request special liberty out of bounds and travel cross country. In bounds is considered a 500 mile radius around base.
ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test. Scores on this test are used to determine qualification for MOS's and overall service.
To learn more, visit the ASVAB page.
ASVAB waiver
Insinuates someone's inability to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Above my/your pay grade
Expression denying responsibility or authority (indicating that the issue should be brought to higher-ranking officials); alternatively, a semi-sarcastic way of telling someone that they're not authorized to receive certain information
Acquire/Tactically Acquire
When an item is not quite stolen, but definitely "grew legs" away from its rightful owner, which is almost always another unit or the government itself
Air Crew
Personnel that work on board any aircraft that can carry a crew (i.e. UH-1, C-130, CH-53, V-22, etc.), and are normally charged with loading gear, passengers, and manning the door/ tail guns