Reverse Dictionary: SERVICES

SERVICES – ADJECTIVES
– aimed at; said of a missile, esp. a shell • ADDRESSED TO 1915 military sl.
– being a member of one of the armed services • IN 1950s US sl. 
– brought up and educated for the life of a soldier • BRED TO ARMS 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– clumsy or awkward in drill • GROSS 1833 US Military Academy usage
– common, private; said of soldiers • RASCAL 1578 obs.
– confused, dim • ATE UP 1998 US Army sl.
– connected with the  Royal Aircraft Factory • RAFFISH 1915 Air Force usage
– dedicated to service in the US Air Force • ATE UP 1998 US sl.
– deserting for the merchant service; said of a naval seaman • SILVER-COOPED L18 nautical colloq.
– dishonourably discharged • BOBTAILED 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– dishonourably discharged • KICKED 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– engaged in private business or sexual liaisons during duty hours • OVER THE SIDE 1970 UK sl., orig. navy usage
– enlisted • MARRIED TO BROWN BESS L18 Brit. military sl.
– fit for war; of military age • WAR-HABLE 1590 obs.
– great in numbers, numerous; powerful in arms; said of an army • MAIN a1400-50 obs.
– having a high security classification • HOT 1956 USAF usage
– maritime; naval • NAVIGABLE 1642 obs. rare
– mentally unhinged from serving too long on a (Pacific) island • ROCK-HAPPY 1946 US services’ sl.
– mercenary; said of soldiers • WAGED c1440 obs.
– navy • HAZE GRAY 1971 Amer. Navy sl.
– not listed on the daily frag order specifying the military objectives of the day • UNFRAGGED 1986 Vietnam war usage
– nuts from manoeuvres • BIVOUCKY Bk1944 services’ sl.
– on furlough • ON THE DAGS L19 Royal Navy sl.
– out of the services • OUTSIDE L19 sl.
– overly concerned with the enforcement of petty regulations • HORSESHIT 1959 US military usage
– over-staffed; said of a military unit • FAT 1977 US Vietnam war usage
– performing duties typically performed by a woman, as typing, etc.; said of a man • BALL-BEARING a1945 US sl., esp. military usage
– pert. to military or naval tactics; tactical • TACTIC 1604 obs.
– pert. to or characteristic of light-armed troops • VELITARY 1600 obs.
– pert. to stratocracy (see nouns) • STRATOCRATIC M19
– reduced in rank • BUSTED Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– said of a person or unit that saw combat • BLOODED 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– sedentary; assigned to rear-echelon clerical or administrative duty • CHAIRBORNE 1943 US military sl.
– slow or reluctant to follow orders; said of troops • STICKY 1898 military usage rare
– soldierly, gallant, brave, admirable; said of military exploits • HANDSOME 1665 obs.
– superior in force; said of an army • MASTERING 1711 obs.
– that may be hired for military service, mercenary • WAGEABLE 1614 obs.
– to have been under enemy fire for the first time; to have received one’s first wounds • BAPTIZED BY FIRE 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– underage; said of an enlistee • BADGY 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– unsoldierly; slack • QUIMP 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– very keen on or dedicated to military life in all its aspects • ADDRESSED TO c1955 army sl.
– very strict in one’s military appearance and grooming • STRACK 1970s US Army sl. 
– waging war; taking part in war; militant • WARFARING 1549
– warlike; military; pertaining to war • STRATIOTIC 1656 obs.

SERVICES – NOUNS
– a 21-year period of service in the armed forces • PONTOON 1948 sl.
– a barrage balloon • SILVER SAUSAGE 1938 sl.
– a battle tank • HELL BUGGY 1941 US Army jocular usage
– a body of troops or a unit of a regiment • CRUSH 1916 military sl.
– a break in formation during which a soldier can rest or smoke • BENNY Bk1944 services’ sl.
– absence without leave • ANCHOR-CHAIN LIBERTY 1952 Amer. navy sl.
– absence without leave; a desertion • BACK-DOOR FURLOUGH 1927 US military sl.
– a bugle call • ANGEL’S SCREAM 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a bugle call • ANGEL’S WHISPER 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a bugle call • BRASS LIP ECHO 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a bugle call • DEVIL’S VOICE 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a building used to accommodate Wrens • WRENNERY 1943 Brit. jocular usage
– a cadet issued overcoat • HORSE BLANKET Bk1969 US Air Force Academy cadets’ sl. 
– a cash bonus paid to US soldiers who re-enlisted during the Vietnam war • GREEN BAIT 1991 US sl.
– a centre for the initial training of US naval or Marine recruits • BOOT CAMP 1916 US sl.
– a chevron indicating rank • TAPE 1943 Brit. sl.
– a colossal military blunder with contributions from the Army and the Navy • JANFU 1940s US World War II usage (Joint Army-Navy Fuck-Up)
– a combat aircraft landing zone, esp. an improvised one • LZ 1971 US sl.
– a company of soldiers • VENLIN 1541 obs.
– a confused situation caused by American and British military personnel • JAAFU 1940s World War II usage (Joint Anglo-American Fuck-up)
– a confused situation caused by American military personnel • JACFU 1940s World War II usage (Joint American-Chinese Fuck-Up)
– a conversation between two unit commanders • SIX-TO-SIX 1991 US sl.
– a destroyer commanding officer’s term for his ship • CAB 1940s World War II Royal Navy usage
– a detonator • HELL BOX 1992 Amer. military sl.
– a discharge certificate • EAGLE 1864 Amer. military sl.
– a discharge from the army under section eight of the US Army Regulations 615-360 on the grounds of insanity or inability to adjust to army life • SECTION EIGHT 1943 US sl.
– a discharge without honour from the Army, not as desirable as a discharge with honour, but more desirable than a dishonourable discharge • BLUE TICKET c1930 US Army usage 
– a disciplinary charge • FIZZER a1935 Brit. army sl.
– a dishonourable discharge • BOB TAIL Bk1944 services; sl.
– a dishonourable discharge from the Navy • SMALL TICKET 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a diversionary demonstration or attack • CHINESE SHOW 1918 Amer. army sl., usually offensive
– a drab olive military uniform • OD’s 1955 US sl.
– a draft board official during World War II • DAVY CROCKETT 1940s African-American sl.
– a dug-out with a semi-circular corrugated-iron lining • ELEPHANT (DUG-OUT) 1917 Brit. sl. 
– a fear of transfer to an assignment overseas • GANGPLANK FEVER 1945 US military sl. 
– a fight between two or more airplanes • DOGFIGHT 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a file of soldiers • RAT 1646 Sc. obs.
– a fine imposed by a court-martial • ALCY 1906 US military sl.
– a fine imposed by a court-martial • ELSIE 1942 US military sl.
– a formation of several military aircraft flying in the same mission • GAGGLE 1942 US sl.
– a form of retribution in which a soldier is surprised, covered with a blanket, and beaten • BLANKET PARTY a1969 Amer. military sl.
– a gang of flight-deck workers on an aircraft-carrier who prepare aircraft for take-off • PIN-PARTY 1942 naval sl.
– a garrison • WARD c1500 obs.
– a German long-range gun of the heaviest calibre; broadly, a heavy artillery piece • BIG BERTHA 1914 military usage
– a good conduct stripe for the consumption of liquor • CANTEEN MEDAL Bk1891 military sl.
– a graves-registration detail • BUZZARD DETAIL 1948 Amer. army usage
– a group of highly qualified military advisors • BRAIN TRUST 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a half holiday • ROPE YARN HOLIDAY Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a heavy artillery piece, shell, bomber, tank, etc. • BIG BOY 1917 US military usage
– a heavy artillery shell • ASHCAN 1918 US army sl.
– a heavy artillery shell fired by a Big Bertha gun • BIG BERTHA 1915
– a helicopter gunship • GUNS 1990 US Army Aero Weapons Platoon (Vietnam) usage
– a high-angle, anti-aircraft gun on board ship • GWENNIE  • GWENNY 20C Royal Navy usage
– air patrols • BLITZES Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a jeep • BANTAM 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a jeep • BEEP 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a large red circle painted on side of Japanese aircraft • FLAMING ARSEHOLE 1942 Aust. airmen’s usage
– a leave for rest and recreation  • A AND A 1966 US military sl. (Ass and Alcohol)
– a letter home from a military recruit to his girlfriend • BEHAVIOR REPORT 1945 US sl.
– a light tank • DOODLEBUG 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a line or file of soldiers • RATT  • RATTE 1775 Sc. obs.
– a listening device; a bug; also, interception radar or sonar • EAR 1934 US military usage
– a loafing in quarters • BARRACKS 13 Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a machine gun cart • THE BABY CARRIAGE Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a major engagement • BIG SET-TO 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a major engagement • BIG SHOW 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a manoeuvre or training exercise involving numerous vessels or aircraft • GROUP GROPE 1945 US Navy jocular usage
– a medal awarded to all the members of a force SPAM MEDAL 20C military sl.
– a military blunder • S.A.P.F.U. 1940s World War II US military sl. (Surpassing All Previous Fuck-Ups)
– a military camp, esp. one engaged in a siege; an investing force • LEAGUER 1577
– a military company, army, followers • BARNAGE 1790 Sc. obs.
– a military decoration • DINGLEBERRY 1953 US sl.
– a military discharge certificate • BUZZARD 1888 Amer. military usage
– a military discharge certificate • BUZZER 1918 Amer. army usage
– a military engagement • PARTY 1942 sl.
– a military force • MAIN a1000 obs.
– a military inspection of the male genitals for venereal disease • TOOL-CHECK E20 Brit. military sl.
– a military investment, a siege • LEAGUER 1598
– a military mess which will straighten itself out in time  • SAMFU 1940s World War II Brit. usage (Self-Adjusting Military Fuck-Up)
– a military operation • OP 1925 sl.
– a military prison • MOOSH 1917 sl.
– a military prison • MUSH 1917 sl.
– a military prison • THE GLASS-HOUSE 1925 Brit. sl.
– a military punishment in which the culprit had to run stripped to the waist between two rows of men who struck at him with a stick or a knotted cord • GANTLOPE 1646 rare
– a military self-service supply centre • COUNTRY STORE 1968 US sl., Vietnam war usage
– a military service record • JACKET 1930s US sl.
– a military service stripe • HASH-MARK 1909 US sl.
– a military stockade • DACHAU 1968 US Vietnam War usage
– a military training ground • BULL-RING 1899 sl.
– a military unit • MOB 1916 sl.
– a military unit with a reputation for running under fire • BUGOUT UNIT 1982 US Korean war usage
– a minute of frenzied bayonet-practice • MAD MINUTE 1942 military sl.
– a mobile army kitchen • SLUM-GUN 1917 military sl.
– a mobile army kitchen • SOUP GUN 1918 US military sl.
– a mounted cavalry or artillery drill, often involving trick riding • MONKEY DRILL 1901 US Army sl., now Hist.
– a muster or display of troops • PARADA 1625 obs.
– a muster or display of troops • PARADO 1625 obs.
– a mythical award for those who got no special honours or decorations • BARBWIRE GARTERS 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– an air base • AIR PATCH 1951 US Air Force sl.
– an air-launched guided missile • BIG BULLET 1985 US military usage
– an anti-aircraft gun • ARCHIBALD 1917 US military sl.
– an anti-tank obstacle consisting of an array of strong metal bars set in concrete at an angle of 45 degrees • ASPARAGUS  • ASPARAGUS-BED 1939 Brit. sl.
– an armoured personnel carrier, esp. the M-113 • TRACK 1971 US sl.
– an armoured personnel carrier used as a field ambulance • ANGEL TRACK 1971 US Marine Corps usage
– an army captain’s insigne bars • RAILROAD TRACKS 1940s World War II US usage
– an army cook wagon • MULLIGAN BATTERY Bk1942 Amer. sl.
– an army necktie • BLACK HAWK Bk1944 services’ sl.
– an army supply truck • BUG 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– an artillery bombardment • HATE 1915 Brit. sl.
– an artillery shell • NAIL KEG 1894 Amer. military sl.
– a naval rating • ERK  • IRK 1925 Brit. sl.
– a naval shore establishment or barracks • STONE FRIGATE 1917 Brit. sl.
– a naval warship, esp. a destroyer • TIN CAN 1937 US Navy sl. 
– a navy • NAVEY 1387 obs.
– an entrapping or coercing men into services in the army or navy • CRIMPAGE 1815
– an entrapping or coercing men into services in the army or navy • CRIMPING 1795
– an epaulet of a naval officer • SWAB US Civil War usage
– an extremely bad situation • TAFUBAR 1940s World War II military usage (Things Are Fucked-Up Beyond All Recognition)
– an honourable discharge from military service • BIG TICKET 1860s US Civil War usage
– a nice easy job in depot • LOAFING NUMBER 20C Royal Navy sl.
– an identity disc; in reference to use of the identity disc in identifying dead service personnel • MEAT TICKET 1919 sl.
– an immense military blunder • IMFU 1940s World War II usage (Imperial Military Fuck-up)
– an infantryman’s haversack • LITTLE CHARLEY M20 army sl.
– an infantryman’s pack • CHARLEY  • CHARLIE 20C army sl.
– an infantryman’s pack • OLD CHARLEY 20C army sl.
– an infantryman’s pack • UNCLE CHARLEY 20C army sl.
– an inspection of soldiers’ kit-bags, etc. • RAG FAIR 1785 military sl.
– an inspection to detect symptoms of venereal disease • SHORT-ARM INSPECTION c1910 military sl.
– an interview or selection board • MURDER BOARD 1944 US sl., orig. Army usage 
– an irreconcilable mess • NABU E20 Brit. military usage (NonAdjustable Balls-Up)
– an M-3 battle tank • MAE WEST 1941 Amer. Army usage
– an observation balloon • OBBO  • OBO 1925 sl.
– an officer’s club • O CLUB 1986 US armed forces sl.
– an officer’s insignia • COSTUME JEWELRY 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– an official army communiqué • DAILY EYE-WASH 1910s World War I services’ usage
– an overseas cap • MONKEY CAP 1919 Amer. Army sl.
– an overseas cap • MONKEY HAT 1917 US military sl.
– anti-aircraft fire • TRIPLE-A 1983 sl., orig. US
– an unpleasant feature of army life; used with obvious irony • BENEFIT 1968 US sl.
– an untidy bunk and bunk area • BOAR’S NEST 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– any discharge other than an honourable discharge • BAD PAPER 1971 US military sl.
– any gun • GWENNIE  • GWENNY 1940s World War II Royal Navy usage
– any military reminiscence • WORY c1950 army usage
– any wound that guarantees the victim a passage out of a war zone and back to the USA • MILLION-DOLLAR WOUND 1940s US military sl.
– a parapet fortified to protect artillery • GUN PET 1990 US sl.
– a partiality for soldiers or soldiering • SCARLET FEVER M19 sl.
– a pass OLD IRON (AND BRASS) 1992 UK rhyming sl., military usage
– a perfect landing • DAISY-CUTTER c1930 Royal Air Force usage
– a period of service, as in the armed forces • HITCH 1835 sl., chiefly US
– a period or duty or service; a period of enlistment • HITCH c1905 Amer. military sl.
– a platoon with an unusually large number of radios assigned to it • ANTENNA PLATOON 1989 US sl., Vietnam war usage
– a projectile consisting of about ten incendiary shells shot upwards in quick succession • FLAMING ONIONS 1917 sl.
– a promotion due to sudden expanse of the army • BLITZKRIEG RATING Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a public-address system • GROWLER 1945 US Navy sl.
– a radio communications transmission • GROWL 1962 US Navy sl.
– a rating badge • GADGET Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a reconnaissance car, esp. a midget truck manufactured by the Ford Motor Company for the Army • BLITZ BUGGY 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a regiment or other military unit • OUTFIT 1916 sl.
– a representation of the usual pronunciation of NAAFI –  Navy, Army, and Air Force Institution, and organization providing canteens, shops, etc. for British forces personnel • NAFFY 1937 Brit. sl.
– army fatigues; army uniform, esp. that which is green in colour • ARMY GREENS 1945 colloq.
– army regulations • ARMY BIBLE Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a rough approximation of the percentage of troops actually in combat at a given moment • ASS-IN-THE-GRASS TEST 1990 US Vietnam war usage
– arrangement in ranks or rows; esp. in order of battle; battle array or a mode of battle array; also, a display of military force; a host in array • ORDINANCE c1330 obs.
– arrangement in ranks or rows; esp. in order of battle; battle array or a mode of battle array; also, a display of military force; a host in array • ORDINANCE c1330 obs.
– a sailor’s ration of food and drink • POUND AND PINT 1865 Brit. naval sl.
– a scaling or climbing drill • MONKEY DRILL 1982 US Army sl.
– a searchlight that diffuses • BEARDED LADY Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a Self-Adjusting Balls Up • S.A.B.U. 1940 army sl.
– a separation from the armed forces that is earlier than anticipated • EARLY OUT 1991 US sl.
– a sergeants’ mess • SNAKE-PEN 1941 Aust. sl.
– a sergeants’ mess • SNAKE-PIT 1941 Aust. sl.
– a sextant • HAM-BONE 1938 naval sl.
– a shell that ‘sighs’ in its distant flight • SIGHING SARAH 1910s World War I military usage
– a shop catering to the needs of servicemen and women • CHOGGY SHOP 1995 UK military sl.
– a short time remaining on a term of military service, esp. the last morning • WAKE-UP 1950 US sl.
– a shot from a rifle which strikes the outermost division by one of a target, and is signalled by a black and white flag • MAGPIE 1884 military sl.
– a small river craft carrying light guns • MOSQUITO BOAT Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a small task force • HIT TEAM 1987 Amer. military sl.
– a small tent or any temporary shelter for troops • BIVVY  • BIVY 1916 sl.
– a soldier’s first experience ‘under fire’ in battle • BAPTISM OF FIRE 1881
– a squad of newly recruited soldiers • BOOB SQUAD 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a staff car • BLITZ WAGON 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a star worn on an officer’s epaulette • PIP 1917 sl.
– a stretch of road made treacherous by enemy fire • AMBUSH ALLEY 1952 US Military usage
– a strong desire to throw oneself upon the ship’s deck during a dive-bombing attack • C.G.I.  • CORTICENE-GRABBER’S ITCH 1940 Royal Aust. Navy usage
– a temporary hut or cabin for the use of soldiers during a siege, etc. • BARRACK 1686 obs. exc. N. Eng. dial.
– a term of service on a ship or in the forces • TRICK 1942 US sl.
– a time devoted to reprimand or evaluation of subordinates; a disciplinary session • OFFICE HOURS 1898 US military sl.
– a transfer or leave from a fighting military unit to a base or town removed from the fighting; a short leave or vacation given a soldier from the front lines to a rest camp or town • R AND R 1940s World War II US Army usage (Rest and Rotation)
– a troop transport ship • CATTLE BOAT 1944 US military sl.
– a trumpet call or musical strain to rouse soldiers and others in the morning • LEVET a1625 obs.
– a typical army mess • TABU 1940s World War II Brit. military usage (Typical Army Balls-Up)
– a uniform red beret of the Parachute Regiment • CHERRYBERRY 1979 UK sl.
– a weapons squad or platoon; used by marines in Vietnam • GUNS 1990 US sl.
– a written reprimand or record of misconduct • NASTYGRAM 1966-67 US sl., chiefly military usage
– basic training received in a boot camp • BOOT 1944 US sl.
– before girls enlisted and complicated the army • B.G. Bk1944 services’ sl.
– bombardment, gunfire • DAMN-DAMN 1982 US military in Vietnam usage
– bombers • DOGS OF WAR 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– bread and water in confinement • ANGEL CAKE AND WINE Bk1944 services’ sl.
– campaign ribbons • STRING OF BACON 1976 US military sl.
– cargo flown on military aircraft; hence a routine supply flight • ASH-AND-TRASH 1983 US military sl.
– chevrons • CROW TRACKS 20C US army usage
– civilian clothes worn by a naval officer on shore leave • DOG-ROBBERS 1898 sl.
– compulsory military training • NASHO 1962 Aust. sl.
– confinement to quarters as punishment, esp. for officers • HACK 1944 US Navy & Marine Corps sl.
– defaulter’s punishment • THE DAY’S PACK 20C military sl.
– dismissal of a soldier; cashiering • CASSATION 1602 obs.
– enlisting, being taken on as a soldier • ONTAKING 1710 Sc. 
– foot inspection • DOG SHOW 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– fourteen days confinement to the ship’s cells • CABIN L19 Royal Navy usage
– government or political control by the army; military rule • STRATOCRACY M17
– government wages • EAGLE SHIT 1980 US military usage
– hardtack • ANGEL CAKE 1963 Amer. military sl., now hist.
– hardtack • ANGEL FOOD 1899 US military, jocular usage
– illicit goods smuggled ashore by Naval ratings going on leave • RABBITS 20C Royal Navy usage
– in a fleet, a destroyer accompanying an aircraft carrier • BABYSITTER 1965 US sl.
– insignia of a US Army colonel or a US Navy captain • CHICKEN 1940s World War II US sl., disparaging usage
– in the military, a red flag or disc used on a firing range to indicate failure to hit the target; hence, a complete miss on such a range • MAGGIE  • MAGGIE’S BRITCHES  • MAGGIE’S DRAWERS  • MAGGIE’S PANTS 1942 Amer. military sl.
– introduction into one of the services (after being drafted) • UNCLE SAM’S ACTION 1940s African-American sl.
– joint consideration of equipment and personnel for the field and non-field positions • FACES AND SPACES 1986 US military usage
– leave of absence • LEAF  • LEEF 1846 military sl.
– married quarters • CALICO ROW 1893 US Army sl.
– married quarters • SOAPSUDS ROW 1890s Spanish-American War era
– married quarters in permanent barracks • THE MARRIED PATCH 20C Brit. army sl.
– military conscription • BLOOD-TAX 1890 derogatory
– military duties or exercises • FEATS OF WAR 1511-2 obs.
– military force as distinguished from diplomacy • BLOOD AND IRON 1872
– military intelligence • INTEL 1961 Aust. sl.
– military marching and drill • SQUARE-BASHING 1943 Brit. sl.
– military materials, stores, or supplies; implements of war;  missiles discharged in war; artillery • ORDNANCE 1390 obs.
– military medals • CHEST HARDWARE 1940s World War II US Armed Forces usage
– military power • BIG STICK 1890s Spanish-American War era
– military supplies, stores, provisions • BASTIMENT 1598 obs.
– military tattoo • PIPE-DOWN Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
– military transport to Saudi Arabia or Kuwait during the first Gulf war • SAND BOX EXPRESS 1991 US sl.
– military uniform • WARPAINT M19 sl.
– money received as longevity pay on completing five years of military service in peacetime, or three years in wartime • FOGEY  • FOGY Bk1974 Amer. sl.
– navy, shipping, fleet • NAVIN 1375 Sc. obs.
– neglecting to study a subject in the hope that there will be no quiz or test • CADET ROULETTE Bk1969 US Air Force Academy cadets’ sl. 
– officer’s quarters • OFFICER’S COUNTRY 1945 US Navy usage
– one minute of rapid fire against enemy positions; broadly, any short period of intense military bombardment • MAD MINUTE 1917 Amer. military sl.
– one of the two gold bars that are the insignia of the rank of second lieutenant • BUTTERBAR 1983 US military sl.
– operations of an army in the field during a season • CAMPANIA 1679 obs.
– pay continued to a soldier, etc. no longer in active service • DEAD PAY 1585 obs.
– payday • EAGLE DAY 1941 Amer. sl.
– personnel and equipment flown by military aircraft • ASS-AND-TRASH 1983 US military sl.
– punishment for a defaulter • JANKERS 1916 Brit. services’ sl.
– rifle calisthenics • BLACK WEDNESDAY Bk1944 services’ sl.
– service personnel assigned to miscellaneous tasks or not regularly classified • ODDS AND SODS 1930 sl.
– service rations • SCRAN 1916 naval sl.
– shore stations where men await drafting to ships • LOAFING STATIONS 20C Royal Navy sl.
– shoulder straps as insignia of military rank, usually yellow • PUMPKIN RINDS Bk1913-17 Amer. dial.
– steak and eggs • BATTLE BREAKFAST 1910s World War II Amer. Navy sl.
– suspension of hostilities • PROROGATION OF WAR 1517 obs.
– the act of trying to teach cadets faster than they can forget • ACADEMIC OVERKILL Bk1969 US Air Force Academy cadets’ sl. 
– the act or practice of impressing or forcibly taking for the public service • IMPREST 1610 
– the air force • AIR FARCE 1965 US sl.
– the armies of the North and the South • THE BLUE AND THE GRAY 1860s US Civil War usage
– the army • BROWN JOB 1943 sl., orig. Royal Air Force usage
– the army • DAFT AND BARMY 1960s UK rhyming sl.
– the army • FIRING LINE 1923 Amer. dial.
– the Army • JUNIOR SERVICE 1915
– the Army Field Manual • BIBLE Bk1944 services’ sl.
– the baggage or portable equipment of an army, a party of travellers, etc. • HARNESS a1300 obs.
– the breakfast bugle call • PEAS ON A TRENCHER 1860s US Civil War usage
– the bringing of a vessel alongside bow-to-stern or down-current • CHINESE GANGWAY 1951 Amer. navy sl., usually offensive
– the bringing of a vessel alongside bow-to-stern or down-current • CHINESE LANDING 1949 Amer. navy sl.
– the British army • THE KATE L19 sl.
– the British army • THE KATE CARNEY  • THE KATE KARNEY  • THE KATE KEARNEY 20C rhyming sl.
– the Confederate battle cry; a prolonged, high-pitched cry issued before combat • REBEL YELL 1860s US Civil War usage
– the daily staff conference at Headquarters • FAMILY PRAYERS 1940s World War II British army usage
– the degree of a soldier’s acceptance, contentment, eagerness • THE CHUFF FACTOR 1940s World War II sl.
– the dinner bugle call • ROAST BEEF 1860s US Civil War usage
– the dinner bugle call • THE GUTS-HORN E20 army sl.
– the dress uniform • CLASS A’s 1968 US Army sl.
– the eagle on petty officers’ sleeves • CROW Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– the eagle worn as insignia by a colonel or naval captain • BUZZARD 1930s US military usage
– the engineer’s force • BLACK GANG Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– the field hat worn by US soldiers in Vietnam • GABBY HAYES HAT 1977 US sl.
– the gold braid on an officer’s cap • FLASH OF LIGHTNING Bk1893 nautical sl.
– the gold braid or insignia on an officer’s dress uniform • SCRAMBLED EGG 1943 sl., mainly services’ usage
– the gold ornamentation on the visor of a senior officer’s cap • EAGLE SHIT 1986 US military usage
– the Good Conduct Medal • NO-CLAP MEDAL 1940s World War II Army usage
– the grave of a soldier who has died on the field of battle • BED OF HONOUR 1663
– the guardhouse • BARRACKS 13 Bk1944 services’ sl.
– the Home Guard (1940-1945) • DAD’S ARMY 1968 UK sl.
– the impedimenta of any army, baggage • FARDAGE 1578 obs.
– the infantry • BUNION BREEDERS Bk1944 Amer. services’ sl.
– the infantry • CALICO ROW 1915 military jocular usage
– the infantry • FANTERIE 1601 obs.
– the infantry • TOLPATCHERY 1864 nonce word
– the insignia of the US Military Academy • FRIED EGG 1908 US sl.
– the laundresses’ quarters • HAYBAG ROW 1925 Amer. army sl.
– the main body of an army • MAINWARD 1563-87 obs.
– the making of soldiers’ clothes • SANK WORK L18 sl.
– the marines • MARITIME REGIMENT 1668 obs.
– the military password of the day, a watchword • ORDER-WORD 1898
– the morning sick-report • RACE-CARD World War I Army jocular usage
– the Naafi (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) • GADAFFI 2002 UK Royal Air Force rhyming sl. 
– the Navy • BLUE JOB 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– the navy • PUDDING AND GRAVY 20C Brit. rhyming sl.
– the North and its army • THE BLUE 1860s US Civil War usage
– the number of dead, wounded, missing etc. • BOX SCORE 1951 Amer. military sl.
– the orientation week preceding eight weeks of basic military training • ZERO WEEK 1968 US sl.
– the part of the camp frequented by members of the WAAF; also, the billets occupied • WAAFERY 1939 Royal Air Force sl.
– the pay of an enlisted man when retired • CHICKEN MONEY Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– the pennant flying during meals • THE RED DUSTER Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– the rabble of an army; camp-followers • RANGALE 1375 Sc. obs.
– the ranks or main body of an army • RANGALE c1330 chiefly Sc. obs.
– the red ensign, the flag of the British merchant navy • THE RED DUSTER 1925 sl.
– the roll or beat of a drum to summon soldiers to arms • RAPPEL 1848
– the Royal Air Force • THE RAFF 1918 Royal Air Force colloq.
– the Royal Navy • ANDREW (MILLAR) 1867 naval sl.
– the Royal Navy • THE ANDREW 1867 sl.
– the Royal Navy • THE NAUTICS 1951 Brit. sl., orig. Royal Air Force usage
– the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve • THE WAVY NAVY 1918 sl.
– the South and its army • THE GRAY 1860s US Civil War usage
– the staff of general headquarters • BRAIN GANG 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– the standard US Army helmet • K-POT 1990 US sl.
– the steel helmet • ARMOR Bk1944 services’ sl.
– the uniform of a naval rating • SQUARE RIG 1951 sl.
– the US Air Force Academy • ALUMINUM WOMB 1965 US Air Force usage
– the US Air Force Academy • BLUE ZOO Bk1969 US Air Force Academy cadets’ sl. 
– the US Air Force Academy • DISNEYLAND EAST Bk1969 US Air Force Academy cadets’ sl. 
– the US Army M-1 tank • CADILLAC 1991 US sl.
– the US Naval Academy • CANOE U. 1963 US military sl.
– the US Naval Academy • THE CANOE COLLEGE 1969 US Navy sl.
– the wee hours of the morning, before or roughly at dawn • ZERO-DARK-THIRTY 1980 US military sl.
– the wild behaviour of some military personnel on shore leave • ANIMAL RUN 1987 UK sl.
– the women’s reserve of the Marine Corps • JUNGLE JULIETS 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– the women’s reserve of the Marine Corps • LEATHER-NECTARINES 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– troops mounted on elephants • ELEPHANTRY 1747
– trying to impress an officer • BLOWING SMOKE Bk1944 services’ sl.
– US Army staples of hardtack, salt pork, and coffee • IRON RATIONS 1860s US Civil War usage
– US Marines combat fatigues • UTILITIES 1991 US sl. 
– warships • DOGS OF WAR 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– wheels on 3 inch anti-aircraft gun • BOGGIES Bk1944 services’ sl.
– where backward rookies receive elementary instruction • AWKWARD SQUAD Bk1944 services’ sl.
– written order from the commanding officer • BLITZKRIEG Bk1944 services’ sl.

SERVICES – NOUNS, PERSON
– a badly wounded soldier • TRAIN WRECK 1978 US sl., orig. Vietnam medical corpsmen usage
– a bandsman • MUSICAL MARINE Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a basic trainee • JEEP 1938 Amer. military sl.
– a battalion sergeant major • WOOF-WOOF 1940s World War II US Army sl. 
– a bird colonel • EAGLE COLONEL 1978 US Army sl.
– a boatswain • PIPES 1856 naval sl.
– a brave soldier in the Vietnam war • BABY HERO 1991 US sl.
– a brigadier general • BUCK GENERAL 1944 US sl.
– a British private soldier • TOMMY 1884 sl.
– a British private soldier • TOMMY ATKINS 1883
– a British sailor • LIMEJUICER L19 jocular usage, mildly derogatory
– a British sailor • LIMEY 20C colloq., mildly derogatory
– a British soldier • TOM 20C sl.
– a British soldier, a redcoat • BLOODY BACK 1770 US sl. derogatory 
– a bugler • BLOW-BOY Bk1975 US Army usage
– a bugler • SNAKE CHARMER 20C Brit. military usage Brit
– a bugler • WIND-JAMMER 1920s US military usage
– a bugler; a soldier responsible for sounding signals on a musical instrument • MUSIC 1915 US Marines usage 
– a cadet before he starts solo flying • DODO 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a cadet in the army • CADDIE  • CADDY  • CADIE  1724 Sc. obs.
– a cadet officer in the US Air Force • ZEBRA 1946 US sl.
– a cadet ordered to walk punishment tours in the barracks area; a cadet who has walked many such tours • AREA-BIRD 1941 US Military Academy usage
– a Canadian soldier • BING BOY 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a captain • FOUR-STRIPER Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a carpenter’s mate • NAILS Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a cavalryman • BUTTERMILK RANGER 1867 US Confederate Army usage, derisive
– a cavalryman • HARDHEAD 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a cavalryman • HAY BURNER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a cavalryman • HORSE-FLY 1926 US Army usage
– a cavalryman • LEATHER BUMPER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a cavalryman • YELLOW LEG 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a cavalryman mounted on a bicycle rather than a horse • CYCLE-MAN 1886 obs.
– a cavalry soldier, esp. a German one, of the kind employed in the wars of the 16th & 17th centuries • RUTTER 1506 hist. 
– a chief warrant officer • BROKEN STRIPER Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a clerk; a yeoman • PINGPONG Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a clerk-typist or administrative officer • CHAIRBORNE COMMANDO 1945 US Army sl., derisive usage
– a clerk-typist or administrative officer • CHAIRBORNE RANGER 1972 US Army sl., derisive usage
– a coloured soldier • WAR-BOY 1889 African
– a combat aviator who brought down or killed twenty-give or more enemy aircraft • ACE OF ACES 1940s World War I Amer. sl.
– a combat replacement • CRISPY CRITTER 1970 US Army sl.
– a combat soldier • GRUNT 1968 US sl.
– a commander • THREE-STRIPER Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a commander, a general, a leader • MARSHAL a1300 obs.
– a commanding officer • THE OLD MAN 1830 US military sl.
– a commissary officer • BEAN SHOOTER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a commissary sergeant • BEANS 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a commissary steward • BELLYROBBER Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a common soldier • BUCK 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a company clerk • CAPTAIN’S MOUTHORGAN 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a company clerk • COMPANY STOOGE 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a company clerk, because he often served as a stand-in for the commander • FIGUREHEAD 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a company wit; one full of ‘wheezes’ (jokes) • ASTHMA 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a competent airman who is almost of top quality • GOOPHER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a comrade in arms • SWORD-BROTHER c1275 obs.
– a Confederate soldier • GRAYBACK 1860s US Civil War usage
– a Confederate soldier • GRAYCOAT 1860s US Civil War usage
– a conscientious objector • CONCHIE  • CONCHY  • CONSHY 1917 sl., derogatory
– a conscientious objector; a person who deliberately avoids military services • CUTHBERT 1917 sl.
– a conscript • NASHO 1962 Aust. sl.
– a corporal • CORP 1909 sl.
– a corporal • JACK 1940s US military sl.
– a corporal • LITTLE JESUS 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a corporal • NARROW GAUGE 1922 US Marine Corps sl.
– a corporal • TWO-STRIPER 1917 sl.
– a corporal in the army • FULL SCREW 1995 UK sl.
– a cowardly soldier; a person too cowardly to become a soldier • COLD-FOOTER 1916 Aust.
– a crew member of a military jet aircraft • WING WIPE 1990 US sl.
– a crew member of a military jet aircraft • ZOOMIE 1948 US infantry & navy usage
– a deserter • CORNER TURNER 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a disbanded soldier; a degraded officer • REFORMADO 1598 sl.
– a discharged serviceman • DISCHARGEE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a doctor; a medical officer or orderly in the services • PILL 1860 sl.
– a drill sergeant • MUSTER-MASTER 1711 obs. rare 
– a driver mechanic • LANCE-CORPORAL TOWROPE c1939 Brit. army sl.
– a drum major • REGIMENTAL MONKEY 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a female recruit in training camp • BOOTIE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a field-marshal • CAMP-MASTER-GENERAL a1569 obs.
– a fighter pilot • AIRPLANE DRIVER 1992 US Gulf war usage
– a first lieutenant • JIMMY 1916 nautical sl.
– a first lieutenant • JIMMY THE ONE 1916 nautical sl.
– a first sergeant • TOP CUTTER 1898 US military sl.
– a first sergeant • TOP KICK 1898 US military sl.
– a first sergeant • TOP KICKER 1898 US military sl.
– a first sergeant • TOPPER 1918 US military sl.
– a first sergeant • TOP SERGEANT 1898 US military sl.
– a first sergeant • TOP SOLDIER 1898 US military sl.
– a flag officer • OLD FLAG 1862 US Navy sl.
– a fledgling female recruit • PULLET Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a flight sergeant • CHIEFY 1942 Royal Air Force sl.
– a flying cadet • WINGLET 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a foppish officer • MIDDLESEX OFFICER Bk1919 Aust. services’ sl.
– a former non-commissioned officer training to become an officer • HAIRY 1981 UK military sl.
– a French soldier • BLUE BOY 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a French soldier • DEEDONC  • DIDONK 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a French soldier, esp. in World War I • POILU 1914 sl.
– a full colonel • BUZZARD COLONEL 1930s US military usage
– a full colonel in the US Army or Air Force • CHICKEN COLONEL 1910s US sl.
– a garrison soldier who frequently spends the night away from camp • SHACK RAT Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a gentleman who entered the army without a commission, to learn the profession • CADET M17
– a German soldier • BOCHE 1914 sl., derogatory
– a German soldier • HEINE  • HEINIE  • HINEY 1904 N. Amer. sl.
– a German soldier • JERRY 1919 sl.
– a German soldier • OLD FRITZ 1910s World War I sl.
– a German soldier • OLD HEINE 1910s World War I sl.
– a German soldier during wartime • KRAUT 1918 US sl., derogatory
– a German soldier during wartime • KRAUTHEAD 1932 US sl., derogatory
– a German soldier in World War I • FRITZ 1915 sl., mainly derogatory
– a German soldier in World War I • SQUAREHEAD 1903 sl., chiefly US, derogatory
– a Ghurka soldier • GUT-SPILLER 1940s World War II Aust. servicemen’s usage
– a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy • ZOOMIE 1991 US sl.
– a great soldier • BAWHAWDER Bk1892 Anglo-Indian sl.
– a group captain • GROUPIE 1943 Royal Air Force sl.
– a group commander • GROUPER 1963 US Air Force usage
– a gunner’s mate • GUN DOCTOR Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a gunnery lieutenant • GUNNERY JACK L19 Royal Navy usage
– a gunnery lieutenant • GUNS c1910 Royal Navy usage
– a gunnery sergeant • GUNNY 1940s US Marine Corps usage
– a hard-bitten outdoorsman fighting for the South, who would, presumably, be quick to ‘wrack and sack’ (ruin and pillage) in a war • RACKANSACKER 1860s US Civil War usage
– a hard-fighting soldier • BEAR CAT 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a hawker or peddler aboard a Navy ship • BUMBOAT 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a highly competent airman • GIMPER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a holder of a soft job in a rear echelon • ECHELON HOUND 1922 US Army usage
– a holder of a soft job in a rear echelon • ECHELON KING 1922 US Army usage
– a homesick boy • CLUCK BUCK Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a homosexual sailor • AGGIE 1980s US homosexual sl.
– a horseman’s or soldier’s boy employed to carry his baggage • BEDET 1633 obs.
– a hospital corpsman • BLISTER MECHANIC 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– airmen • BATTLING SONS OF THE AIR 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a Japanese soldier • CHARLEY  • CHARLIE 1942 US services’ sl.
– a Japanese soldier • TOJO 1942 services’ sl.
– a jet plane pilot • WICK-WILLIE c1950 US Air Force sl.
– a junior detailed to keep a Cadet Captain’s sea-chest tidy for him • CHEST STOOGE 1939 Royal Navy Cadets’ usage
– a junior officer • GOAT US Civil War usage
– a kilted Scottish Highland regiment • LADIES FROM HADES 1982 US Army jocular usage
– a kilted Scottish Highland regiment • LADIES FROM HELL 1918 US Army jocular usage
– a lance-corporal • LANCE-COMICAL c1946 Brit. army sl.
– a lance-corporal • LANCE-JACK 1912 Brit. sl.
– a lance-corporal • ONE-STRIPER 1917 army sl.
– a laundress on a military base • HAYBAG 1865 Amer. army sl.
– a laundry worker • BUTTON CHOPPER 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a lieutenant • BRASS LOOIE 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a lieutenant • LEFTY 1840 US military sl.
– a lieutenant • LIEUT 1759 US
– a lieutenant • LIEUTY 1998 US
– a lieutenant • LOOEY  • LOOIE  • LOUIE 1916 N. Amer. sl.
– a lieutenant • LOOT 1759 US
– a lieutenant • LUFF Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a lieutenant-colonel • HALF COLONEL 1956 US sl.
– a lieutenant-colonel in the US Army • BOTTLE-CAP COLONEL 1986 US Vietnam War usage
– a lieutenant commander • TWO-AND-ONE-HALF STRIPER Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a long-faced person in the Royal Navy • HATCHET Bk1950 nautical sl., nickname
– a long-serving marine • PLANK-OWNER 1901 naval sl.
– a machine gunner • SUICIDE SOLDIER 1940s World War II Amer. sl. 
– a mail orderly • STAMPS Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a major • MAJE 1847 Amer. army sl.
– a male member of the armed forces • ANSWER TO A SHE-GAL’S DREAM 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a man in charge of a bat-horse and its load; a military servant of a cavalry officer • BATMAN 1809
– a man mustered for duty in the army (and thus ‘bound’ for service) but not yet formally enlisted; one temporarily hired to supply a deficiency at the muster, or on the roll of a company or regiment • FAGGOT  • FAGOT 1672 military sl. obs.
– a man who has sent his wife away from the war zone for safety • BLITZ BACHELOR Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a man who is afraid to fly in an airplane • FISH 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a man who is slow in passing the bottle • CAPTAIN CORK Bk1891 military sl., nickname
– a man who ran from combat • LEG CASE 1860s US Civil War usage
– a marine • GRUNT 1968 US sl.
– a marine • GULPIN B1900 nautical usage
– a marine • GYRENE  • JYRENE 1894 Amer. sl., orig. Navy usage
– a marine • JARHEAD 1947 Amer. sl., derogatory
– a marine • JOLLY 1829 sl.
– a marine • LEATHER-NECK 1914 Amer. navy sl.
– a marine • PONGO 1917 Brit. naval sl.
– a marine, used by sailors and soldiers of other corps • MALTOOT  • MALTOUT 1785 sl. obs., nickname
– a marine who is eager to go on shore leave • LIBERTY HOG 1992 Amer. sl.
– a marine who is eager to go on shore leave • LIBERTY HOUND 1939 Amer. sl.
– a marine who postures toughness • HAIRY-ASSED MARINE 1956 Amer. dial.
– a Marine Wren • HANNAH Bk1950 nautical sl.
– a married man with a home near camp • COMMUNTATOR Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a married man with a home near camp • SHACK MAN Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a married man with a home near camp • SHACK PAPPY Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a married serviceman • BROWN BAGGER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a master at arms • JIMMYLEGS Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a medical corpsman • BEDPAN COMMANDO 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a medical officer • BUTCH 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a Medical Officer • MO 1910s World War I Brit. army sl.
– a medical officer or orderly in the services • PILL 1860 sl.
– a medical orderly in the sick-bay • SICK-BAY TIFFY 1914 Royal Navy usage
– a member of an aircrew • ZOOMER 1940s World War II Aust. Air Force sl.
– a member of an air force, esp. a pilot • FLY BOY 1937 US sl.
– a member of an amphibious Martine Corps unit • AMGRUNT 1971 US Marine Corps usage
– a member of an antiaircraft unit • BUZZARD-BUSTER 1942 Amer. army usage
– a member of an Australian militia during World War II who did not serve in a theatre of war • CHOCOLATE SOLDIER 1943 Aust. sl., derogatory
– a member of a tank crew • TREADHEAD 1970s US Army sl. 
– a member of a US Army long-range reconnaissance patrol unit • SNEAKY PETE 1990 US sl.
– a member of a warship’s crew who does not stand watch • FANCY-MAN 1818 Amer. nautical sl.
– a member of the armed or uniformed services • UNIFORM 1940s homosexual sl.
– a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, a British army corps consisting of women • ATS 1941 Brit. sl.
– a member of the Coast Guard, i.e. one who patrols or ‘pounds’ the shore • BEACH POUNDER 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a member of the ground staff in an air force, as opposed to one of the flying personnel • STRAIGHT LEG 1951 US sl.
– a member of the Royal Air Force • CRAB 1983 UK sl.
– a member of the Royal Air Force • GLAMOUR BOY 1941 Brit. sl.
– a member of the Royal Naval Air Service, later the Fleet Air Arm • AIRY-FAIRY 1979 UK sl.
– a member of the Royal Navy Reserve • ROCKY E20 nautical sl.
– a member of the US Marine Corps; a marine • GYRENE  • JYRENE 1894 Amer. sl., orig. Navy usage
– a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force • WAAF 1939 colloq.
– a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps • WAAC 1917 colloq.
– a member of the Women’s Royal Air Force, the women’s corps of the Royal Air Force • WRAF 1921 sl.
– a member of the Women’s Royal Army Corps, the women’s corps of the British Army • WRAC 1956 sl.
– a member of the Women’s Royal Naval Service, the women’s service of the  Royal Navy • WREN 1918
– a mercenary soldier • MERC 1967 sl.
– a mercenary soldier • SUDDART 1542 Sc. obs.
– a mercenary soldier • WAGER 1375 Sc. obs.
– a mercenary soldier • WARMONGER 1590 obs. rare
– a mercenary soldier • WILD GOOSE Vietnam war usage 
– a mess sergeant • B BOY Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a midshipman • MIDDY 1860s US Civil War usage
– a midshipman • REEFER 1834 nautical sl.
– a midshipman • SNOTTIE  • SNOTTY 1903 Brit. navy sl.
– a midshipman, esp. a junior midshipman or naval cadet • BUNGEE 
– a midshipman having the lowest academic standing in his class • ANCHOR 1906 US Naval Academy usage
– a midshipman of four years’ service • OLDSTER 19C nautical sl.
– a military chieftain or commander • WAR-HEADLING a1300 obs.
– a military guard • CHRISTMAS CARD 1950s rhyming sl.
– a military-looking man • W2 L19 sl.
– a military man; one skilled in warfare; a warrior • MARTIALIST 1576 rare
– a military or naval officer who is a stickler for strictness of discipline • MARTINET 1779
– a military policeman • ARMY DICK 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a military policeman • JACK 1919 sl.
– a military policeman • MED HEAD 1998 NZ sl.
– a military policeman • PROVO 1943 Aust. sl.
– a military policeman • REDCAP 1919 Brit. colloq.
– a military policeman • SNOWDROP 1944 sl.
– a military policeman; so called because his other names are unfit for publication • BLANKET SOLDIER 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a military ruler • STRATOCRAT L19
– a military servant of a cavalry officer • BATMAN 1809
– a military serviceman assigned to noncombat duty, esp. far from danger • BARRACKS COMMANDO 1969 US military sl.
– a military serviceman assigned to noncombat duty, esp. far from danger • BASE-CAMP COMMANDO 1972 US military sl.
– a military serviceman assigned to noncombat duty, esp. far from danger • HEADQUARTERS COMMANDO 1955 US military sl.
– a military volunteer • SATURDAY SOLDIER L19 sl.
– a militiaman • PARISH SOLDIER L18 sl.
– a militiaman • TAME JOLLY 19C sl.
– a militiaman or conscripted soldier • CHOCKO  • CHOCO 1943 Aust. sl.
– a money-lender aboard ship • FIVE-FOR-SIXER Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a motor mechanic or machinist’s mate • MOTOR MAC 1953 Amer. navy sl.
– an acting corporal • ACTING GADGET Bk1944 services’ sl.
– an acting corporal • HOLLYWOOD CORPORAL World War II US Army 
– an acting sergeant; a soldier wearing the insignia of and having the authority of a sergeant but without the official rank; a temporary sergeant • ACTING JACK 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– an admiral; the commander of a fleet • NAVARCH 1828-32 Greek Antiq., rare
– an aircraftman of the lowest rank • A.C. PLONK 1941 Royal Air Force sl.
– an aircraftman second class • PLONK 1941 Royal Air Force sl.
– an aircrewman • AIR-KNOCKER 1975 US Army sl.
– an Air Force Academy cadet • PROP TOP Bk1968 US students’ sl. 
– an air force ground-crew member • PADDLEFOOT 1948 US sl.
– an air force serviceman • ANGEL FOOD 1960s US homosexual sl.
– an airman • BUCK PRIVATE 1874 US Air Force sl.
– an airman • BUCK-ASS 1965 US Air Force sl.
– an airman • BUCK-ASS PRIVATE 1945 US Air Force sl.
– an airplane pilot; an aircrewman • AIR JOCKEY 1960 US military sl.
– an ambitious serviceman • CUTTHROAT Bk1947 US Army sl.
– an ambitious serviceman • FILEBONER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– an ambitious serviceman • NUMBER JUMPER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– an American who fell under the regulation height but was allowed to enter the service • BANTAM DOUGHBOY 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– an Annapolis midshipman • ANCHOR CLANKER Bk1969 US Air Force Academy cadets’ sl. 
– an antiaircraft gunner or crewman • ARCHIE 1919 US military sl.
– an armed foot-soldier; an armour-bearer • GALLOWGLASS 1716 Sc. & Ireland obs.
– an armed serving man • JACKMAN 1820 Sc.
– an armourer or engineering officer • PLUMBER 1941 Royal Air Force sl.
– an Army captain, whose insignia is two parallel bars • DOUBLE-SILVER-BAR JOHN 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– an army chaplain • CAMP-CHAPLAIN 1679-88 obs.
– an army chaplain’s clerk • AMEN-WALLAH B1900 sl.
– an army commander • BARON 1919 sl.
– an army cook • SLUM BURNER 1930 military sl.
– an army man; used by other services • JOHN DOGFACE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– an Army mess officer • BEAN KING 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– an army officer • PONGO 1943 Brit. sl.
– an army officer; the most important person • CHIEF ITCH AND RUB 20C Amer. sl.
– an army staff officer • RED HAT 1916 Brit. sl.
– an artillery driver, irrespective of height • SHORT-ARSE DRIVER c1910 artillerymen’s sl.
– an artilleryman • GUNBUNNY 1970s US Army sl.
– an artilleryman • RED LEGS 1900 US sl.
– an artillery soldier • GUN APE 1988 US sl.
– an Asidic (Anti-Submarine Detection Investigation Committee) officer or rating • PING 1946 naval sl.
– an Asidic (Anti-Submarine Detection Investigation Committee) officer or rating • PINGER 1946 naval sl.
– an Asidic (Anti-Submarine Detection Investigation Committee) officer or rating • PING-MAN 1946 naval sl.
– a native Egyptian soldier • GIPPO  • GYPO  • GYPPO 1916 sl., usually derogatory
– a native Egyptian soldier • GIPPY  • GYPPIE  • GYPPY a1889 sl., usually derogatory
– a native soldier • JACK 1853 Anglo-Indian colloq.
– an Australian or NZ soldier, esp. with the Gallipoli service • ANZAC 1915
– an Australian soldier • BILL-JIM World War I US Army sl. 
– an Australian soldier • WALTZING MATILDA 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a naval gunner • OLD BLUE LIGHTS 1916 sl.
– a naval petty officer • BUZZARD 1894 US Navy usage
– a Naval physical training instructor • BUNGEE 1915 sl.
– a navigator • NAV 1956 Royal Navy and Royal Air Force usage
– an avionics tradesman in the Royal Air Force • FAIRY 2002 UK sl.
– a navy diver who is not SCUBA qualified • GUPPY 1991 US Navy usage
– a navy or army officer’s orderly • DOG-ROBBER 1863 sl., orig. US
– a navy pilot • AIREDALE 1942 US sl.
– a navy recruit • BOOB 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– an awkward recruit • PLOWMAKER’S MATE Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– an awkward soldier • GALLOOT  • GALOOT 1812 sl.
– an easy-going naval officer • JACK SHALLOO  • JACK SHILLOO 1904 naval sl.
– an electrician • DYNAMO BUSTER Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– an elite, full-time Viet Cong soldier • HARD HAT 1965 US sl.
– an enemy pilot who refuses aerial combat • PLEEP 1942 military sl.
– an engineer officer turned over to gun-mounting • GUNGINEER c1930 Royal Navy usage
– an engine room artificer • TIFFY 1899 nautical sl.
– an engine-room hand, aircraft mechanic, or other below-decks crew member • SNIPE 1920 US Navy usage
– an English soldier • CHOOM 1916 Aust. & NZ sl.
– an English soldier • GODDAM M19 arch.
– an English soldier • WOODBINE 1919 Aust. sl.
– an English soldier during the Napoleonic Wars; from the colour of the flints in their musket-locks • BLUE FLINT 1827 obs., nickname
– an enlisted man • BLOW JOE c1940 US Army usage 
– an enlisted man • WHITE HAT 1956 US naval sl.
– an enlisted man in the army employed on specialized duties; a specialist • SPEC 1958 US sl.
– an enlisted man short in mentality • OFFICER MATERIAL 1945 US military jocular usage
– an ensign • ONE-STRIPER Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a new cadet at Virginia Military Institute • MINK 1863 US sl.
– a new cavalry recruit • GREEN HORSE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a newcomer to the army • JOHN 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a newly arrived cadet • ANIMAL 1871 US Military Academy usage
– a newly arrived soldier • FRESH MEAT 1908 US sl.
– a newly arrived soldier • NEW MEAT 1908 US sl.
– a newly commissioned officer • SHAVETAIL 1891 Amer. dial.
– a newly commissioned second lieutenant • BOOT SECOND LIEUTENANT 1910s US military sl.
– a new member of a unit • EGG 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a new recruit • MACAROON 1943 World War II Brit. sl.
– a new recruit • SHAVETAIL 1891 Amer. dial.
– a new recruit • SPROG 1941 sl., orig. & chiefly military usage
– a new soldier in a desert war; a soldier new to the desert in wartime • DESERT CHERRY Bk2006 US sl.
– an executive officer’s yeoman • SHIP’S SHEENY Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– an ex-serviceman • VET 1848
– an Indian Army soldier • QUI-HAI  • QUI-HI  • QUI-HY 19C Anglo-Indian
– an inexperienced junior officer; a newly trained naval aviator • NUGGET a1966 US nautical sl.
– an inexperienced, untested soldier • BABY-SAN 1990 US sl.
– an infantryman • BEETLE-CRUSHER Bk1933 sl.
– an infantryman • BEETLE-SQUASHER Bk1933 sl.
– an infantryman • BLISTER FOOT 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– an infantryman • BUNION BREEDER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– an infantryman • CRUNCHIE Bk2006 US military sl.
– an infantryman • DOG 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– an infantryman • DOGFACE 1940s World War II US sl.
– an infantryman • DOGFOOT Bk1947 US Army sl.
– an infantryman • DOGGIE 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– an infantryman • DUST DISTURBER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– an infantryman • FOOTPOUNDER 1986 US sl.
– an infantryman • FOOT SLOGGER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– an infantryman • GRAVEL AGITATOR 1898 sl., derogatory
– an infantryman • GRAVEL CRUNCHER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– an infantryman • GRAVEL-CRUSHER 1889 sl., derogatory
– an infantryman • GRAVEL-GRINDER 1890 sl., derogatory
– an infantryman • GROUND-POUNDER 1942 US Army & US Marine Corps usage
– an infantryman • LEG US Vietnam War Army usage
– an infantryman • LEGS 1969 US military sl., derogatory
– an infantryman • MUD CRUNCHER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– an infantryman • P.B.I. 1916 sl. (Poor Bloody Infantryman)
– an infantryman • PADDLEFOOT 1946 US sl.
– an infantryman • PAGE c1330 obs.
– an infantryman • STONE CRUSHER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– an infantryman • TOLPATCH 1705
– an infantryman • TOLPATZ 1705
– an infantryman • WOBBLER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– an infantryman • WORM-CRUSHER M19 US sl.
– an infantryman, esp. as described by a cavalryman • FOOT-WABBLER  • FOOT-WOBBLER L18 sl.
– an infantryman, esp. as described by a cavalryman • WAGER L18 sl.
– an infantryman in the trenches • GROUNDHOG 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– an infantryman marching on a drill field packed with cinders • CINDER SHIFTER 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– an inspecting officer, or one prone to veto the men’s leave; hence, any unpopular officer • WIND-JAMMER 1910s World War I Eng. sl.
– an intelligence officer • BRAINS 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– an investigative agent from the Army Criminal Investigation Division in the Vietnam war, most likely working undercover to identify drug users • BABY 007 1991 US sl.
– an Irish irregular soldier, of the kind prominent during the war of 1688-92 • RAPPAREE 1690
– an irregular soldier • ACCRUE CHOCOLATE 1604 obs.
– an Italian soldier • MACARONI 20C Brit. sl., derogatory
– an officer • GRUNTER c1915 Royal Navy sl.
– an officer • GUSSIE c1930 army sl., nickname
– an officer • HIGHER-UP 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– an officer allegedly promoted after being captured by the enemy, because he is a hero • BARBED-WIRE CAPTAIN 1940s World War II US sl. 
– an officer either young or boyish looking • ANGEL FACE 1910s World War I Eng. usage
– an officer, esp. a cadet officer, who has been reduced in rank • B.A. 1900 US Army sl. (Busted Aristocrat)
– an officer in the armed forces employed in administration rather than on active service • WHITEHALL WARRIOR 1973 Brit. sl.
– an officer in the Royal Navy or the US Navy of a rank designated by the stated number of stripes on the uniform, and in the army to a lance-corporal (one-striper), corporal (two-striper), or sergeant (three-striper) • STRIPER 1917 sl
– an officer in the US forces who has been promoted from the ranks • MUSTANG 1847 sl.
– an officer of an Air Force wing who serves as one of the commander’s principal staff assistants • WING WEENIE Bk1984 US Air Force
– an officer of high rank in the armed services • BRASS-HAT 1893 sl., orig. Brit.
– an officer’s messenger • CARRIER PIGEON Bk1947 US Army sl.
– an officer who is a graduate of one of the United States military academies • RING KNOCKER 1958 US military sl.
– an officer with general duties • SALT HORSE 1914 Brit. naval sl.
– an ‘Old Buffer Over Forty’ • OBOF 1916 military sl.
– an old officer • OLD FILE 1907 Amer. military sl.
– an old shipmate • OLD SHIP 1927 naval sl.
– an old soldier • OLD ISSUE 1909 US Army sl.
– an old soldier; any veteran • OLD SWEAT 1919 sl., orig. military usage
– an old soldier, esp. if with heavy, drooping whiskers • OLD BILL 1915 military colloq.
– an old soldier who constantly hangs about by the canteen, in order to be treated • CANTEEN RAT 20C military colloq.
– a non-combatant • GOLD BRICK 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a non-combatant army officer • STAFF WALLAH 1951 Brit. sl.
– a non-commissioned officer fresh out of training • SHAKE AND BAKE 1985 US sl.
– a non-conformist who is excused Church parade • NO-CAN-GO-IST 20C Royal Navy sl.
– a non-flying Air Force officer • GRUNT 1968 US sl.
– a non-flying member of an air force • KIWI 1918 sl.
– a non-flying member of an air force, as a member of a ground crew • PENGUIN 1918 Royal Air Force sl.
– an orderly corporal, a corporal attending an officer to carry orders or messages • ORDERLY DOG 1925 Brit. sl.
– an orderly officer; the officer of the day • ORDERLY PIG 1943 Brit. services’ sl.
– an orderly sergeant, the sergeant acting as officer of the day • ORDERLY BUFF 1925 Brit. sl.
– an ordinary sergeant of the lowest grade • BUCK SERGEANT 1934 US sl.
– a Northern soldier in the US Civil War • AB 1862 US South
– a North Vietnamese or Vietcong soldier • CHARLEY  • CHARLIE 1965 US services’ sl.
– an underage recruit (under eighteen years old) • EIGHTEEN-POUNDER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– an uninfluential or sycophantic aide or executive officer • HORSE-HANDLER 1984-88 US Army usage
– an uninfluential or sycophantic aide or executive officer • HORSE-HOLDER 1982 US Army usage
– an unsatisfactory soldier • KING’S BAD BARGAIN 18C Eng. sl.
– an unsatisfactory soldier • QUEEN’S BAD BARGAIN 18C Eng. sl.
– an upstate farm hand now in infantry • APPLE KNOCKER Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a paratrooper • BLOOMER BOY World War II US usage 
– a person always at the head of a mess line • CHOW HOUND 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a person awaiting to be drafted into the armed service • DRAFT-BAIT 1942 US sl.
– a person exempt from military action, even if in uniform • DEADBEAT 1860s US Civil War usage
– a person in the Royal Air Force, not usually applied to officers • RAFFER 1939 colloq.
– a person nearing the end of their military service • SHORT-TIMER 1906 US sl.
– a person of lowest rank, an aircraftman • ERK  • IRK 1928 Royal Air Force sl.
– a person on office duty • DOLLY DANCER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a person on office duty • GERTRUDE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a person on sentry duty • STAG Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a person who carries shells or gunpowder from the magazine to the gun • POWDER MONKEY 1860s US Civil War usage
– a person who cleans or who is responsible for kitchen equipment • ADMIRAL OF THE VESSELS 1944 US military sl.
– a person who cleans or who is responsible for urinals • ADMIRAL OF THE HEAD 1980 US military sl.
– a person who cleans or who is responsible for urinals, kitchen equipment, etc. • ADMIRAL 1939 US military sl.
– a person who deliberately avoids military services; esp. in the war of 1914-18, one who did so by securing a post in a Government office or the Civil Service; a conscientious objector • CUTHBERT 1917 sl.
– a person who fakes his way out of combat and into a military hospital • HOSPITAL BUMMER 1860s US Civil War usage
– a person who grew up the child of a career member of the army • ARMY BRAT 1931 US sl.
– a person who has burned to death or has suffered extensive third-degree burns • CRISPY CRITTER 1967 US sl. esp. military usage
– a person who is advancing quickly through the ranks • FAST BURNER 1986 US Air Force usage
– a person who is better in theory than in practice • JAWBONE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a person who is impatient of inaction • TURF TAMPER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a person who is very dedicated to service • MAGGOT 1998 US Air Force sl.
– a person who pretended to be sick or disabled so he could avoid drill and take life easy in a hospital tent • OLD SOLDIER 1860s US Civil War usage
– a person who requests repeated leaves; i.e., one who seeks the bright lights and good times of the city • BRIGHT-LIGHT FELLOW 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a person who supplies military stores; a supply officer • MUNITIONER 1632 
– a person who takes it easy or expends a minimum of effort • FEATHER MERCHANT Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a person who went in advance of an army, etc. to secure and arrange accommodation, etc. • FURRIEL 1598 obs.
– a person who went in advance of an army, etc. to secure and arrange accommodation, etc. • FURRIER 1525 obs.
– a person with many service stripes • HORNED TOAD Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a petty officer responsible for fuel levels, records, etc.; the man detailed to check oil aboard ship • OIL KING 1947 Amer. nautical sl.
– a physical fitness instructor in the navy • SPRINGER 1935 nautical sl.
– a physical training instructor • BASHER 1943 UK military usage
– a pilot; a marine who serves with an aviation unit • WING WIPER Bk1984 US Marines
– a pilot, gunner, or bombardier, when in flight • BOY UPSTAIRS 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a private • TWO-LEGGED MAVERICK Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a private; a common soldier • BUCK 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a private soldier • BUCK PRIVATE 1874 US sl.
– a private soldier • BUCK-ASS 1965 US sl.
– a private soldier • BUCK-ASS PRIVATE 1945 US sl.
– a private soldier • COOLIE M19 sl.
– a private soldier • SINGLE SENTINEL 1721 Sc. obs.
– a private soldier • SQUADDIE  • SQUADDY 1933 Brit. sl.
– a private who tries to issue orders • LATRINE SERGEANT Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a professional soldier who is especially dedicated to the service • LIFER PUKE Bk1971 US students’ sl. 
– a provost-sergeant • HOBO 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a quartermaster(-sergeant) • QUARTER-BLOKE 1919 services’ sl.
– a radio operator • ARMY LID 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a raw recruit/soldier • BESOGNIO  • BESONIO 1591 obs.
– a rear-echelon member of the US Army Medical Corps • CC PUSHER 1941 US Army sl.
– a rear-echelon troop or civilian who dressed the part of a combat soldier but did not experience combat • SAIGON COWBOY 1977 US sl.
– a rear-gunner in an aircraft • TAIL-END CHARLIE 1941 Royal Air Force sl.
– a recruit • BARBER-BAIT 1945 US sl.
– a recruit • BIMBO Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • BOZO Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • CONSCRIPTEE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • CROOT Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • DRIFTEE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • DRIP CAUGHT IN THE DRAFT Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • DUDE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • DUMB JOHN Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • FRESHMAN Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • GOON Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • HANDCUFF VOLUNTEER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • ICICLE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • JEEP 1938 Amer. military sl.
– a recruit • MOTHBALL Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • NIPPER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • ONE-YEAR WONDER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • REFUGEE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • SELECTEE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • YEARLING Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit • YEARO Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a recruit; a newly-enlisted serviceman • YARDBIRD 1941 US military sl.
– a recruit from the country • BIG JOHN Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a recruit in basic training • LADY 1965 US sl., esp. US Marine Corps usage, contemptuous usage
– a recruit worth more than what he stands up in • CARPET-BAG RECRUIT c1875 military sl.
– a re-enlisted cavalryman • RE-MOUNT Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a regimental sergeant-major • BIG BOW-WOW 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a regular soldier of the North Vietnamese army or the Viet Cong • HARDCORE 1991 US sl.
– a retired soldier recalled to service • RETREAD 1941 sl., chiefly Aust., NZ & US
– army recruits drilling • AWKWARD SQUAD B1890 Eng.
– army soldiers in Iceland • F.B.I.’s 1940s World War II Amer. sl. (Forgotten Boys of Iceland)
– a Royal Marine • CABBAGE HAT 1979 UK sl.
– a Royal Marine • ROYAL JOLLY 19C sl.
– a rural or backwoods soldier • STRAWFOOT 1860s US Civil War usage
– a Russian private soldier • IVAN 1914 military colloq.
– a sailmaker’s mate • SAILS Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a sailor assigned to menial tasks; a mess-steward • PEGGY 1902 naval sl.
– a sailor having a soft job, such as compartment cleaner, storeroom keeper, etc. • POLITICIAN 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a sailor on shore leave • BEACH COMBER 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a sailor who is a foul-up or a screwball • DILBERT 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a sailor whose duties keep him on the deck • DECK APE 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a Scottish soldier • JOCK L18 sl.
– a second lieutenant • BRASS LOOT 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a second lieutenant • BUTTERBAR 1973 US sl.
– a second lieutenant • HALF-LOOT 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a second lieutenant • ONE-PIPPER 1937 Brit. services’ sl.
– a second lieutenant • SHAVETAIL 1891 Amer. dial.
– a second-year cadet in H.M.S. Britannia • PASSING-OUT NUMBER Bk1950 nautical sl.
– a section chief or sergeant who signals to fire • ARM DROPPER Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a senior lieutenant • TWO-STRIPER Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a senior non-commissioned officer whose career is in military service • LIFER 1962 Amer. military sl.
– a senior non-commissioned officer whose career is in military service • LIFER DOG 1989 Amer. military sl.
– a senior officer • TIN HAT 1910s sl.
– a sergeant • SARG  • SARGE  • SARJ 1867 sl., orig. US
– a sergeant • SERG M19 sl.
– a sergeant • SNAKE 1941 Aust. military sl.
– a sergeant • THREE-STRIPER 1917 army sl.
– a serviceman • V MALE Bk1942 US sl.
– a serviceman under discipline for a misdemeanour • YARDBIRD 1941 US military sl.
– a serviceman who frequents the canteen in order to visit with the servicewomen attendants • CANTEEN COWBOY Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a serviceman who lives with or marries a native girl • BAMBOO AMERICAN Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a serviceman who lives with or marries a native girl • SHACKMASTER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a serviceman who lives with or marries a native girl • SQUAW MAN Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a servicewoman • DRAFTETTE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a servicewoman • G.I. JEAN Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a servicewoman • G.I. JOAN Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a servicewoman • G.I. JOSEPHINE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a servicewoman • G.I. LADY Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a servicewoman • G.I.  JANE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a servicewoman • JANE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a servicewoman • SOFT LEGS Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a shipmate who is a good sport • REGULAR FELLER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a ship’s corporal or policeman; a regulating petty officer • CRUSHER 1908 navy usage
– a sick-bay nurse • BAYMAN 1888 US nautical usage
– a signal quartermaster • FLAGS Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a signaller • BUNTING 1909 navy sl.
– a signaller • SIG 1910s World War I army usage
– a signaller • SIGNAL BASHER c1930 army sl.
– a signalman • RAG-TEARER 20C Royal Navy usage
– a sloppy soldier • BENNY Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a sniper at the front • BODY SNATCHER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a soldier • ABSENT-MINDED BEGGAR 1899 Eng. sl.
– a soldier • BAYONET 1860s US Civil War usage
– a soldier • BIT OF RED 18C sl.
– a soldier • BOY IN BROWN 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a soldier • BROWN JOB 1943 sl., orig. Royal Air Force usage
– a soldier • CAMPFIRE GIRL 1970s US homosexual sl.
– a soldier • FILE 1837 military sl.
– a soldier • GUY NAMED JOE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a soldier • JOE BLOW Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a soldier • KHAKIWACK Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a soldier • OLIVER DRAB Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a soldier • OSTEYOUR a1450 obs.
– a soldier • QUEEN’S MAN 1900 Eng. dial.
– a soldier • RED 1899 sl.
– a soldier • RED-COAT c1485 sl.
– a soldier • RED-HERRING Bk1903 sl.
– a soldier • SCARLET RUNNER L19 sl.
– a soldier • SNODDY L19 sl.
– a soldier • THINKING BAYONET 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a soldier; a fighting-man, a warrior • WAR-MAN 1456 rare
– a soldier; a marching infantry soldier • CRUNCHIE Bk2006 US military sl.
– a soldier; a martial person • MARTIAL c1611 obs.
– a soldier, a ‘red-coat’ • PARTAN-BACK 1847 Sc. obs.
– a soldier, a term of address • JACKSON Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a soldier, a warrior, a military man, a fighter • SWORDMAN a1616
– a soldier, a warrior, a military man, a fighter • SWORDSMAN 1701
– a soldier, a warrior; a fighting man • MAN-OF-WAR 1449 obs. exc. arch. or jocular usage, obs.
– a soldier, a warrior; a heavy-armed soldier on horseback • MAN-AT-ARMS 1390
– a soldier detailed to patch up the holes in targets on a firing range • PASTER 1920s US military usage
– a soldier, esp. a low-ranking soldier • PONGO 1890 UK military colloq.
– a soldier, esp. an ordinary infantryman in the US army • DOUGHFOOT 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a soldier, esp. one on parade marching to music • BOOMALALLY 1952 Amer. dial.
– a soldier freshly arrived in Vietnam • FANOOGIE  • FENUGIE 1991 US sl.
– a soldier, from the leather stock he used to wear; a sailor’s term • LEATHER-NECK 1890 Brit. nautical sl.
– a soldier from the northeast (to westerners) • PAPER COLLAR SOLDIER 1860s US Civil War usage
– a soldier, i.e. his red coat • YARMOUTH CAPON E19 sl.
– a soldier in full armour • CATAPHRACT 1671
– a soldier in the Confederate army • JOHNNY REB 1860s US Civil War usage
– a soldier in the Federal army during the Civil War • BLUECOAT 1865 US
– a soldier in the lowest category in army classification • GOON Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a soldier in the lowest category in army classification • GRUBBER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a soldier in the next to lowest category in army classification • ZOMBIE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a soldier in the US civil war who is a deserter, straggler, or malingerer • BUMMER 1861 US
– a soldier of a colonized country in the army of the colonizing power • JOHNNY L17 colloq., derogatory
– a soldier of a regiment of light infantry • LIGHT BOB 1778 US Army usage
– a soldier of the Confederate States • BUTTERNUT 1862 US Army sl.
– a soldier of the Parachute Regiment • CHERRYBERRY 1979 UK sl.
– a soldier; one who belongs to a camp; a military man • CAMPER 1631 obs.
– a soldier responsible for sounding signals on a musical instrument; a trumpeter; a bugler • MUSIC 1915 US Marines usage 
– a soldier unwilling to fight • CHOCOLATE SOLDIER 1940s Aust. sl.
– a soldier who argues with those in authority • BARRACK-ROOM LAWYER Bk1999
– a soldier who, by feigned sickness or other pretenses, evades his duty • SKULKER 1785
– a soldier who can quality on a rifle range but not in combat • JAWBONE CORPORAL Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a soldier who crossed the main line of resistance to find and retrieve prisoners of war • LINE CROSSER 1967 US sl., Korean war usage
– a soldier who does not see active service, esp. a reservist • CUT-LUNCH COMMANDO 1952 Aust. sl., contemptuous usage
– a soldier who exposes himself to fire in battle • SALAMANDER 1705
– a soldier who fails on the firing range • BOLO Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a soldier who feigns illness to avoid combat duty • SICK-BAY COMMANDO 1997 US sl.
– a soldier who fights with a sword • SWORDSMAN 1859
– a soldier who got into trouble so much that he was a liability to his unit • EIGHT BALL 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a soldier who has been considered for promotion as fully qualified, but not selected • PASSOVER Bk1984 US military usage
– a soldier who joins a fighting unit after conflict has ceased • RAINBOW 1919 Aust. sl.
– a soldier who lives nearby and goes home on the weekends • BACK-YARD SOLDIER Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a soldier who participates in a drill on a barrack-square • SQUARE-BASHER 1943 Brit. military sl. 
– a soldier who remains at home during a war and does not go into combat • CARPET KNIGHT 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a soldier who spends his money freely with this poorer comrades • A GOOD BOAT Bk1890 military sl.
– a soldier who stays overseas to  police enemy countries • GI JOHN Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a soldier who thinks he can referee war manoeuvres; one who is continually giving advice on how the war should be managed • AN ARTHUR DONOVAN Bk1944 services’ sl.
– a soldier who wears non-regulation clothing • CANTEEN SOLDIER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a soldier who works for an officer • STRIKER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a soldier with a job that excuses him from assemblies and musters • POLITICIAN 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a soldier with a Technician 3rd Class Rating • MODEL T SERGEANT 1944 services’ sl.
– a soldier with ideas • WOLF IN JEEP’S CLOTHING Bk1942 US sl.
– a soldier with too much of a sense of drama and too little intelligence • RAMBO 1989 US sl.
– a South Vietnamese soldier • ARVIN 1966 US sl.
– a southern soldier • REB 1860s US Civil War usage
– a southern soldier • REBEL 1860s US Civil War usage
– a special forces soldier trained in survival and commando tactics, the initiates of which actually kill and eat snakes • SNAKE EATER 1970s US Army usage
– a staff officer • TAB 1910s World War I army sl.
– a staff worker at the US Military Army Command, Vietnam • MAD MONKEY 1991 US sl.
– a stereotypical fearless soldier • MACHINE GUN MURPHY 1971 US sl.
– a steward in charge of the linen • RAGS L19 nautical sl.
– a stoker in the navy • CINDER-KNOTTER 1909 Royal Navy sl.
– a stretcher bearer • BODY SNATCHER 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a student having the lowest academic standing in his class • ANCHORMAN 1928 US Naval Academy usage
– a student pilot • EAGLE 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a stupid or blundering soldier • HARLEY c1945 Amer. sl.
– a stupid soldier • BLANK FILE 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a superannuated officer, etc. recalled for temporary military service • DUG-OUT 1915 Brit. sl.
– a super-military cadet • MARVIN MILITARY Bk1968 US students’ sl. 
– a tail gunner in a bomber • BUTT-END CHARLIE 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a tank corpsman • ARMORAIDER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a tank driver • CARE BOY 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a tank driver • CINDER-KNOTTER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a tank driver • COWBOY Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a tank driver • GASOLINE COWBOY Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a tank driver • GEAR JAMMER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a tank driver • JOCKEY Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a tank driver • JUICE JOCKEY Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a tank driver • PUSHER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a tank driver • SHOVER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a tank driver • SUICIDE JOCKEY Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a tank-crew member  • DAT 1970s US Army sl. (DumbAss Tanker)
– a temporary second lieutenant • PIPSQUEAK 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a tent-mate • SKEESICKS 1860s US Civil War usage
– a Territorial • TERRIER 1908 Brit. army sl.
– a third-classman • CAITIFF 1834 US Military Academy usage
– a top sergeant • TOP 1898 US military sl.
– a trainee in a military boot camp; a recruit • BOOT 1915 Amer. dial.
– a Turkish soldier, esp. during World War I • ABDUL 1915 Aust., nickname
– a Turkish soldier, esp. during World War I • ABDULLAH 1915 Aust., nickname
– a typical private solder in the British army • ATKINS L19 sl.
– a Union soldier • DOODLE 1860s US Civil War Confederates’ usage
– a Union soldier in the American Civil War • GENTLEMAN IN BLUE 1847
– a Union soldier who deserted the ranks temporarily to forage illicitly from Confederate farms and settlements • BUMMER 1861 US
– a US Air Force Basic, who wears no stripes • SLICKSLEEVES Bk1970 US Air Force sl. 
– a US Air Force cadet • GADGET 1944 US sl. 
– a US combat infantryman in Vietnam • BOONIE RAT 1960s US sl., orig. military usage
– a US infantryman • DOUGH 1909 US Army sl.
– a US infantryman • DOUGHBOY 1847 US sl.
– a US infantryman • DOUGHFOOT 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a US Marine • BULLET-STOPPER Bk2006 US sl.
– a US Marine • DEVIL DOG 1915 colloq.
– a US Marine • GIRENE 1894 US sl.
– a US Marine, esp. a clumsy trainee • GOMER 1984 US sl.
– a US military serviceman on duty in China • CHINESER 1941 US military sl.
– a US Navy chief or captain who wears the eagle in various insignia • CROW 1910s World War I US Navy usage
– a US Navy hospital corpsman • DICKSMITH 1974 US sl.
– a US serviceman • ARMY TANK 1942 Aust. rhyming sl., prisoners-of-war usage, in the Far East
– a US soldier • ATTABOY 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a US soldier • GUY 1918 military sl.
– a US soldier, esp. an enlisted soldier of and since World War II • GI JOE 1942 Amer. sl.
– a US soldier in World War I • SAMMY 1917 Brit. sl.
– Australian soldiers • EGGS-A-COOK 1915 Aust. military sl.
– a veteran • OLD SWEAT 1919 sl., orig. military usage
– a veteran • SWEAT 1910s sl., orig. military usage
– a veteran; any old soldier, esp. if with heavy, drooping whiskers • OLD BILL 1915 military colloq.
– a veteran from World War I • WONNY 1959 
– a veteran soldier • OLD DIG 1940s Aust. & NZ sl.
– a veteran soldier; a person full of warlike memories • WAR-HORSE 1884
– a volunteer soldier • SATURDAY NIGHT SOLDIER 1917 sl.
– a warrant officer in the Royal Air Force • WOBBLY ORANGE 2002 UK sl.
– a warrant officer W-1 • WOBBLY ORANGE Bk1984 US military usage
– a White serviceman • ACE 1966 US Army sl.
– a wing commander • WINCO  • WINGCO  • WINKO 1941 Royal Air Force sl.
– a wireless operator • SPARKS Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a woman Marine • BAM 1940s World War II Amer. sl. (broad-assed Marine)
– a woman Marine • JUNGLE JULIET Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a woman Marine • LEATHER-NECTARINE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– a yeoman • QUILLS Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– a young aviator • EAGLET 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a young, inexperienced airman or officer • BEEP Bk1970 US Air Force sl. 
– a young marine • GALLOOT  • GALOOT 1812 sl.
– a young recruit • BLUEBEAK 1898 army sl.
– a young sailor • CHICKEN 1888 Amer. dial.
– a young soldier • CHICKEN 1888 Amer. dial.
– bomber personnel • BOMB-A-DEER Bk1944 services’ sl.
– Confederate soldiers • BOYS IN GRAY 1860s US Civil War usage
– desk men in general • CHAIRBORNE INFANTRY 1944 US Army sl., derisive usage
– fellows that go to Sick Bay to avoid Divisions or studies • SICK-BAY LOUNGERS 20C Dartmouth Royal Naval College usage
– ground-staff engineers • MAGIC DOCTORS c1930 Royal Air Force sl.
– infantrymen • FANTERIES a1577 obs.
– infantrymen • PUTAYLE a1425 obs. 
– marines on the march, esp. in battle • DEVIL-DOGS ON THE MARCH 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– men in the armed forces who have been dumped by their girlfriends • BRUSH-OFF CLUB 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– naval cadets; they were given a condensed edition of an etiquette book by Emily Post • EMILY POSTERS 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– naval men • NAVALS 1836 rare
– naval officers who have risen from the lower-deck • HAWSCHOLERS Bk1950 nautical sl.
– officers of high rank in the armed services • BIG BRASS 1899 sl., orig. US
– officers of high rank in the armed services • BRASS c1864 sl., orig. US
– officers of high rank in the armed services • HIGH BRASS 1941 sl., orig. US
– officers of high rank in the armed services • TOP BRASS 1949 sl., orig. US 
– senior officers • SCRAMBLED EGGS 1940s World War II Amer. services’ sl.
– soldiers • UNCLE SAM’S PETS 1940s African-American college sl.
– soldiers, esp. infantrymen, regarded as expendable • CANNON FODDER World War I Amer. sl.
– soldiers of the Federal army; used by Confederates • YANKEE  • YANKEY  • YANKY 1765 US
– the adjutant general • AGGIE 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– the backup man for the point man of a column of troops; he provides security for the point man and also keeps him on the proper route • SLACK MAN Bk1984 US military usage
– the camp storekeeper • JANE-OF-THE-DUST Bk1947 US Army sl.
– the colonel’s orderly • EAGLE WALKER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– the co-pilot of an airplane • METER-READER 1946 US Air Force sl., mildly derogatory
– the director of tank movement • SPOTTER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– the director of tank movement • STOOGE Bk1947 US Army sl.
– the director of tank movement • TURRETHEAD Bk1947 US Army sl.
– the first officer • NUMBER ONE 20C Aust. navy sl.
– the General • BIG BOOT Bk1944 services’ sl.
– the general’s orderly • STARGAZER Bk1947 US Army sl.
– the gunner • GWENNIE  • GWENNY c1918 Royal Navy usage
– the man who weaves backwards and forwards above and behind the Squadron, to protect them from attack from the rear • ARSE-END CHARLIE 1939 Royal Air Force usage
– the Marines • DEVIL-DOGS OF THE SEA 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– the Marines • DOGS OF WAR 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– the Marines • HUMAN CYCLONES 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– the master-at-arms on board ship • JAUNDY  • JAUNTY  • JONTY 1902 Brit. navy sl.
– the midshipmen of the Royal Navy • THE YOUNG GENTLEMEN Bk1950 nautical sl.
– the militia • INISKILLEN MEN L17 sl., derogatory
– the navigator’s assistant, or the captain of the hold • TANKIE  • TANKY 1909 Brit. naval sl.
– the paymaster • PAYBOB 1916 Brit. naval sl.
– the paymaster, a term of address • PAY 1878 Brit. sl., orig. & chiefly naval usage
– the pilot of a military transport aircraft • BUS DRIVER 1944 US sl.
– the quartermaster • OLD FOUR-BY-TWO E20 army sl.
– the quartermaster sergeant • GRUB BOSS 1899 US Army usage
– the rating who made the cartridge bags • GUNNER’S TAILOR 1867 naval usage obs.
– the soldier immediately behind the lead soldier in formation, in a military patrol • SLACK 1971 US sl.
– the soldier on point in the front of a patrol • MOUSE 1991 US sl.
– the typical private soldier in the British army • CHEVALIER ATKINS L19 sl. 
– the U.S. Marines • YELLOW LEGS 1969 US Korean war usage
– the weapons officer on a military aircraft • WIZZO 1989 US military sl.
– the women’s reserve of the Marine Corps • FEMARINES 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– the youngest member of a class of cadets • BABE 1871 US Military Academy usage
– Union soldiers • BOYS IN BLUE 1860s US Civil War usage
– your supervising officer  in the US Army • DADDY 1968 US sl.

SERVICES – NOUNS, PERSON, OTHER
– a camp-follower • RASCAL 1552 obs. rare
– a civilian who followed the Army to pick up the discarded coats, blankets, and other items shed by soldiers, esp. when the weather turned hot; term was used by Union troops • READY-FINDER 1860s US Civil War usage
– a girl interested in servicemen • KHACKY-WACKY Bk1942 US sl.
– a girl interested in servicemen • MORALE BOOSTER Bk1942 US sl.
– a girl interested in servicemen • MORALE BUILDER Bk1942 US sl.
– a girl or a woman who follows the naval fleet or who follows a particular sailor; this includes sailors’ wives • GULL 1940s World War II US naval sl.
– Australian women hoping to attract the affections of American servicemen • YANK BAIT Bk1999 Aust. sl., World War II usage, derogatory 
– an agent whose business was to secure men to enlist as substitutes for men called to serve • SUBSTITUTE BROKER 1860s US Civil War usage
– a person who procures seamen, soldiers, etc., esp. by entrapping or coercing them • CRIMP 1718
– a person who tricked men into joining the navy • GUY M19 sl.
– a straight-up, no-nonsense, rigidly devoted, not-too-bright military enthusiast • ROGER RAMJET Bk1968 US students’ sl. 
– a woman attached to a camp • LEAGUER-LADY 1702 obs.
– a woman attached to a camp • LEAGUER-LASS 1822 Sc.
– a woman attached to a camp • LEAGUER-LAUNDRESS 1629 obs.
– a woman attached to a camp; a soldier’s wife • LIGGER-LADY 1702 obs., contemptuous usage
– a woman who bigamously marries servicemen in order to unlawfully collect pay allotments as a dependent • ALLOTMENT ANNIE 1970 US sl., military usage
– a woman who enlisted in the Marines to do clerical work • MARINETTE 1910s World War I Amer. sl.
– a woman who follows the fleet • FLOATER 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– a woman who is attracted to men in military uniform • V GIRL 1960 US sl.
– a young woman popular with several classes of cadets • CADET WIDOW 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– officers’ wives or mistresses • PIGS’ MEAT c1930 Royal Navy sl.

SERVICES – PHRASES

– a naval officer’s self-description • A SIMPLE SAILOR 20C

– an exhortation to desert  • OHIO 1941 US military usage (Over the Hill In October)

– applied to those soldiers who frequented French or Belgian brothels whenever they had the money • THEY’RE BETTER FUCKERS THAN FIGHTERS World War I usage 

– a soldier’s greeting to a shower of rain likely to postpone a parade • DAVID, SEND IT DOWN  • DAVY, SEND IT DOWN 1981 US military sl.

– back to duty after leave • BACK TO THE CACTUS 1930s Aust. navy usage 

– of an officer obtaining his position: entirely through influence  • THROUGH THE CABIN-WINDOW L19 Royal Navy officers’ usage

– on the muster roll • ON THE STRENGTH 1889 military sl.

– put down your elbows; used at mess in the Navy • RIG IN YOUR BOOMS 1910s World War I Amer. sl.

– return to your room or barracks • BACK IN YOUR HOLE 1940sWorld War II Amer. sl.

– to have worked one’s way up from the enlisted ranks in the Navy • UP THE HAWSE PIPE 1860s US Civil War usage ​

– used as a defiant yet proud curse of the marines by the marines • EAT THE APPLE, FUCK THE CORPS 1976 US sl.

– used rhetorically as a representation of the privileges of civilian life • WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? ON YOUR DADDY’S YACHT? 1962 UK military usage

SERVICES – VERBS
– to administer physical discipline or incentive during US Marine Corps basic training • QUARTER-DECK 2004 US sl.
– to avoid combat duty • E AND E 1979 US military use in Vietnam
– to avoid the draft • DUCK UNCLE M19 US sl.
– to be appointed a ship’s officer without having had sea experience • COME IN AT THE CABIN WINDOW 1794 US nautical sl.
– to become unpopular in a naval mess • FALL OUT OF THE BOAT 20C Royal Navy
– to behave towards officers in an obsequious, sycophantic manner • ACCRUE CHOCOLATE 1929 UK Royal Navy usage
– to be killed in action • BECOME A GOLD STAR IN MOTHER’S WINDOW 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– to be put out of action • BE STONKERED 1914 military sl.
– to clean up a camp, barracks, parade ground, etc.; to make neat and orderly • POLICE (UP) 1857 US Army usage
– to cut the lawn, trim the hedge, paint, or the like • BEAUTIFY THE POST Bk1944 services’ sl.
– to demote in the armed services • BUST 1918 sl.
– to destroy an enemy aircraft or other target in combat; to shoot down • BAG 1919 US military sl.
– to discharge from the army under section eight of the US Army Regulations • SECTION-EIGHT 1943 US sl.
– to discharge, to disband troops • CASHIER 1598 military usage, obs.
– to dive over a person or place in order to attack • SHOOT UP 1937 Royal Air Force sl.
– to dress in one’s best uniform • DUDE UP 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– to enlist as a soldier • SHOULDER WALNUT 1838 obs.
– to enlist, to take service • TAKE WAGES c1440 obs.
– to fail to justify one’s existence as a soldier • BLUDGE ON THE FLAG 1919 Aust. sl.
– to furnish with ordnance or military equipment, esp. artillery • ORDINANCE 1531 obs. rare
– to get a haircut, shoeshine, freshly pressed shirt. etc., in preparation for an inspection • CRUMB UP 1940s World War II Amer. sl.
– to get out of the Army; to enjoy veteran status outside the Army • VETERANIZE 1860s US Civil War usage
– to go ashore on leave • HIT THE BEACH Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– to go off ship without leave • SHIN THE CHAINS Bk1913-17 Amer. navy sl.
– to impress for the army or navy • IMPREST 1645 obs.
– to lead a number of squadrons • DRIVE THE TRAIN c1938 Royal Air Force usage
– to man with a garrison; to protect or shield with some work or contrivance • WARD 1340-70 obs.
– to obtain a commission • COME IN THROUGH THE CABIN WINDOW 1940s World War II Amer. Navy sl.
– to obtain one’s discharge from the Army by having oneself adjudged physically unfit • WORK THE TICKET 1890s sl.
– to open sealed orders • CRACK 1958 Amer. Air Force usage
– to pick up American servicemen during World War II; said British women • YANK 1940s sl.
– to pick up your gear and resume a combat patrol • SADDLE UP 1976 US sl.
– to polish the buttons and buckles of one’s uniform; to polish and clean a barracks in preparation for inspection • BLITZ World War II US Army usage 
– to prepare or make an army or navy ready for active service • RIG a1513 obs. 
– to raise an army • LEAVE 1590 obs. rare
– to resign from the Air Force Academy • RUMBLE Bk1968 US sl. 
– to sell Army property illegally • FLAMP L19 army sl.
– to separate someone from military service or employment • RIF 1983 US sl. (Reduction In Force)
– to serve time in the armed forces • PULL 1961 US sl.
– to set one’s leaguer, to encamp • LEAGUER 1629 obs.
– to sleep in a hammock in the gun-room, where one’s chest is kept; said of midshipmen • LIVE IN ONE’S CHEST(S) L19 Royal Navy sl.
– to smarten oneself for guard or parade • DAG UP E20 army sl.
– to substitute airwomen for airmen • WAAFISE 1941 Royal Air Force colloq.
– to suit up for battle; said of a military aviator • WALK 2001 US sl.