21 Military Slang Terms Every Veteran Knows

I spent 22 years in the Marine Corps, and these 21 military slang terms still shape the way I speak. In this video, I explain the acronyms, nicknames, and expressions veterans know—from FUBAR and SNAFU to blue falcon, grunt, and “what makes the grass grow?” I share what these terms meant in boot camp, the Gulf War, field exercises, and everyday military life. I also explain how language differs between generations and branches, including terms like ROE, OPSEC, FOB, MOS, PT, FRAGO, NCO, PCS, and Jody. These words carry stories about teamwork, discipline, humor, hardship, and the bond between service members. I also share a few personal memories from my time as a Marine, drill instructor, and gunnery sergeant. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 21 Common Military Slang Terms 1:00 FUBAR 2:05 SNAFU 3:07 blue falcon 4:15 bohica 5:08 POG 6:05 Grunt 6:48 URA 8:07 ROE 8:52 OPSEC 9:54 FOB 10:56 PX 11:55 MOS 12:59 PT 14:13 FRAGO 15:01 NCO 16:07 PCS 16:56 Jody 18:00 chow hall 18:56 sick call 19:41 gear adrift 20:45 What makes the grass grow