""A dictionary of soldier talk" is an uncensored compendium of one of the more colorful American idioms -- that spoken by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces ...from the Revolution to the Vietnam War ... Acronyms, oaths, abbreviations, technical terms and slang expressions are all defined and an appendix of terms unique to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps is included ..." -- Inside front cover.

'Soldier Talk' is a dictionary that covers past and present slang, terminology and regimental nicknames.

From the homegrown "boodle" of the 19th century to current "misunderstandistan" in the Middle East, America's foremost expert on slang reveals military lingo at its most colorful, innovative, brutal, and ironic. Author Paul Dickson introduces some of the "new words and phrases born of conflict, boredom, good humor, bad food, new technology, and the pure horror of war." This newly updated reference extends to the post-9/11 world and the American military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recommended by William Safire in his "On Language" column of The New York Times, it features dictionary-style entries, arranged chronologically by conflict, with helpful introductions to each section and an index for convenient reference. "Paul Dickson is a national treasure who deserves a wide audience," declared Library Journal. The author of more than 50 books, Dickson has written extensively on language. This expanded edition of War Slang features new material by journalist Ben Lando, Iraq Bureau Chief for Iraq Oil Report and a regular contributor to The Wall Street Journal and Time. It serves language lovers and military historians alike by adding an eloquent new dimension to our understanding of war.

Lee Kennett provides a vivid portrait of the American soldier, or G.I., in World War II, from his registration in the draft, training in boot camp, combat in Europe and the Pacific, and to his final role as conqueror and occupier. It is all here: the "greetings" from Uncle Sam; endless lines in induction centers across the country; the unfamiliar and demanding world of the training camp, with its concomitant jokes, pranks, traditions, and taboos; and the comparative largess with which the Army was outfitted and supplied. Here we witness the G.I. facing combat: the courage, the heroism, the fear, and perhaps above all, the camaraderie—the bonds of those who survived the tragic sense of loss when a comrade died. Finally, when the war was over, the G.I.’s frequently experienced clumsy, hilarious, and explosive interactions with their civilian allies and with the former enemies whose countries they now occupied.

A top-selling reference now updated and revised to include new and changed terminology of the U.S. Army More than 3,800 terms and acronyms that are key parts of the working language of the U.S. Army are defined in this invaluable guide. It includes handy references for enlisted and officer specialty classifications; the precedence of awards, decorations, and medals; examples of military-style letters and memorandums; and key Army and DOD website addresses. Essential for soldiers, defense contractors, and civilian employees.