Acronyms, terms, or slang
Commonly referring to a duty location change, but not the temporary kind.
What is a PCS (Permanent Change of Station)
The newest commissioned officers in the force, leading at the platoon level.
What is a 2LT (Second Lieutenant)
The arrangement of elements of a unit in a prescribed manner and movement in which a number of troops execute movements in unison.
What is a formation
Used to carry essential gear and supplies especially when marching around with friends.
What is a ruck(sack)
They're all over the place at Fort Sill usually pulling strings and making things go boom.
What is 13 series (Field Artillery)
This is the term for where you'd be headed if your service was taking you somewhere like Hawaii or Germany.
What is OCONUS (Outside the Continental US)
Enter the Army with an associate's degree and you can start at this rank. Otherwise, you have to serve for at least a year. Designated by one chevron with a rocker.
What is a PFC (Private First Class)
The name of a hands-on practical training period led by NCOs aiming to build trust between leaders and Soldiers. Might focus on essential skills such as weapons handling, land nav, or first aid.
What is Sergeant's Time Training (STT)
The Army's standard-issue weapon.
What is the M4 Carbine (soon to be replaced by an XM5)
Close-range combat Soldiers who are often referred to as the backbone of the Army. You can find a lot of them at Ft Benning.
What is 11 series (Infantry)
A slang term for being deployed overseas, usually in a war zone.
What is downrange
This individual is a senior non-commissioned officer in charge of a battalion-sized element. They shine just a little brighter than their pay grade equivalent who hold less leadership responsibility.
What is a 1SG (First Sergeant)
A significant military tradition in the Army that celebrates the arrival and departure of personnel. It's also a time to celebrate significant achievements.
What is a hail and farewell
Designed to protect important body parts from ballistic impact, but allow the Soldier to maintain proper field of vision and hearing.
What is an ACH (Army Combat Helmet)
Soldiers in aviation. You might see them overhead at Ft Novosel.
What is 15 series (Aviation)
What is NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge)
A truly unique insignia, this person might have some basic leadership responsibilities.
What is a SPC (Specialist)
The name for a meeting that would likely cover topics like administration, maintenance, personnel, and supply issues and would likely be held on a Monday.
What is Command and Staff
You can find companies/batteries carrying one of these around with them to signify their unit. If you disgrace it in any way, you'll receive a punishment.
What is a guidon
Also known as "Green Berets," they're the best of the best.
What is 18 series (Special Forces)
A term used for a break in action to make sure things are being done the right way, commonly used during land-nav, but you may have heard of it in DCRT.
What is an Azimuth Check
You wouldn't find one of these just walking around (especially since there's a limit to how many there can be in the Army at one time). You might find a couple at the Pentagon or in charge of major commands wearing three stars.
What is a Lt Gen (Lieutenant General / "3 Star")
This gathering is where Brigade combat teams would experience simulated large-scale combat operations for about a month at a time to build readiness to deploy. Maybe they'll have some gumbo while they're there.
This is the name for the regular checking of equipment before, during, and after any type of movement to ensure operational readiness.
What is PMCS (Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services)
Tasked with building the spiritual and moral resilience of the Army and members of the Commander's special staff.
What is 56 series (Chaplains)