-J-

Jack

A flag at the bow of a ship or sometimes a sailor, from the Royal Navy term for sailor--Jack Tar. The Jack of a United States ship has a blue field and 50 white stars and is flown from the bow while in port. During courts martial or courts of inquiry on board the Jack is flown from the yardarm.

Jacksonville

The civilian community adjacent to Camp Lejeune, NC.

JAG

Judge Advocate General. The head of the legal branch of the military services. Military lawyers are generally called "JAGs" in reference to serving in the JAG's organization.

Jarhead

A pejorative term for a Marine. One account suggests that it refers to the Marine high and tight haircut which is cut almost to the skin at the ears with a bit more as it goes up the head giving the appearance of a jar. Another legend says that during World War II the Mason Jar Company stopped making jars and made the helmets for Marines.

Jetsam

The part of a ship, its equipment, or cargo that is cast overboard to lighten the load in time of distress and that sinks or is washed ashore.

JG

Refers to a Navy lieutenant junior grade.

Jody

Traditionally the civilian who moves in on your girl while you are serving in the Marine Corps.

Joe Shit The Rag Man

The generic screw up or an un-squared away Marine.

Joe

Coffee. Josephus Daniels (18 May 1862-15 January 1948) was appointed Secretary of the Navy by President Woodrow Wilson in 1913. Among his reforms of the Navy were inaugurating the practice of making 100 Sailors from the Fleet eligible for entrance into the Naval Academy, the introduction of women into the service, and the abolishment of the officers' wine mess. From that time on, the strongest drink aboard Navy ships could only be coffee and over the years, a cup of coffee became known as "a cup of Joe".

John Wayne Crackerbox Junior

A name used by SSgt. Ed Johnson (the editor’s senior drill instructor) in 1962 to refer to any male person. According to SSgt. Johnson, he had a sister named Suzy Rottencrotch--which was a reference to any female person.

John Wayne

The tool included in each case of C-Rations used to open the cans. See P-38.

Join the Navy and Ride the WAVES

An impolite phrase used to deride women sailors who are known as WAVES

Joint Chiefs of Staff

A Department of Defense organization consisting of the Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Air Force, the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Their chairman is appointed by the President. While each member retains control of their specific service, the JCS commands the Unified Commands.

Jones, James L.

Thirty second Commandant of the Marine Corps served from July 1, 1999 January 2003. General Jones was responsible for the development of the MARPAT combat uniform, better known as DIGIES. He made history by becoming the first Commandant to remain on active duty after the conclusion of his term in office. He served as Commander of U. S. Forces Europe and Supreme Allied Commander of NATO (the first Marine in the two-headed position) until his retirement in 2006. He was named President Obama's National Security Advisor in 2009. The Missouri native was born Dec. 19, 1943.

Jungle Boots

(Vietnam era)Boots designed to meet the peculiar climate of Vietnam. Made from standard field boots the upper leather was replaced with a breathable canvas that would dry while being worn and the sole was reinforced with a steel shank in response to the Punji Sticks.

Jungle Bunny

(Korean War Period) Grunt, infantryman.

Junior Drill Instructor

See Drill Instructor.

Junk on the bunk

An inspection of a Marine’s uniforms and equipment in which everything is laid out in a specified order on the bunk bed. Also called “things on the springs” or “sea bag inspection”.

Links to another web site with more info.
Indicates additional reading on this topic.

Custom Search