MILSPEAK: Certainly, we’ve all heard of the U.S. Marine Corps’
“Semper Fi” – always faithful – but what would you make of the
terms, “Semper I” “Semper Gumby,” or even “Semper Knife”?

The terms are part of a new jargon emerging out of our ongoing
war in Iraq, what is known as “warrior slang” or “milspeak.”

We heard about this clever and insightful jargon on National
Public Radio in a report on a new book, “Embrace the Suck: A Pocket
Guide to Milspeak,” which was compiled by Morning Edition
commentator Austin Bay, a retired colonel in the Army Reserve and a
veteran of the Iraq war.

In it, are definitions of such terms and phrases as “embrace the
suck,” “fobbit,” and “Marineland.”

But first, what’s the definition of “Semper I”?

“Semper I” is pejorative Marine lingo for being overly concerned
with one’s own personal interests, the books says. “Semper Gumby,”
means “always flexible” and “Semper Knife,” “backstabbing.”

“Marineland” is Anbar province in Iraq, which is patrolled
mainly by Marines.

“Embrace the suck” – Translation: The situation is bad, but deal
with it.

“FOB” is the Forward Operations Base, a protected area for Iraqi
or coalition soldiers. And, thus, “fobbits” is a derogatory term
for soldiers who never leave a FOB.

“FUBAR,” is a familiar World War II acronym still in use –
“f***** up beyond all recognition. And “FUBIJAR,” is a play on
FUBAR which gives a sarcastic jab by a reservist at criticism from
a regular – “f***** up, but I’m just a Reservist.”

Here’s some others:

Mookie: Nickname for Iraqi Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr. (“Hey,
the Cavs going back into Najaf. Mookie and the Mookie Army are
restless again.”)

“Pig looking at a wristwatch” is slang for a dumbfounded look.
(“Stop looking at that mop like a pig looking at a wristwatch, and
clean the floor.”)

Ranger candy: An 800-milligram Motrin (ibuprofen) pill.

Turkey peek: To glance around or over an object or surface, such
as a corner or wall. (“Now, once you’re in there, do a turkey peek
around the wall then move to the next building.”)

Beltway clerk: A derisive term for a Washington political
operative or civilian political hatchet man – in other words,
someone who trades on his supposed political connections. May refer
to so-called “Washington defense experts” who have never served in
the armed forces.