I would love to look up the websites for some of the soldiers I frequently get letters from.  But I can't understand what the letters and numbers mean in their addresses.  I try putting the numbers and letters into my search engines and sometimes get lucky, but am never sure I really have the right group info.  I just recently looked up one of my penpals addresses and found out he is a paratrooper (red devil) with the 1st  508th  PIR.  I still can't tell you what those letters and numbers mean.  Anyway we can get some idea where these things are coming from?   Mary

 

That's a good idea! I think somebody can have a lot of fun making a glossary of terminology for the civilians using that military humor I love so much. Also not a bad idea to explain rank and responsibilities too!

I would like to see a separate forum for the military jargon and slang.  I was in the military at a time when you had a P38 to open a C-ration. ( a can opener to open a can ration(food). Are P38's still used???

I have been out of the military for 22 years now so I am out of the loop on the new lingo and I need to know what the TEMPO means. I hear that acronym a lot.  Different services have their own acronyms and slang.

Dan

Sorry Dan, the amazing P-38 has been gone for years.  Since the MRE is in foil packs, no cans, the P-38 is just a cool thing on a keychain now.  Show you how good those were, you can't bring one on a plane!

I'll keep an eye on your idea, see if others are interested.  One problem is that this is a very fluid language as you remember, and a good share of it is not "G" rated.  Thanks for the idea!!

1/508th PIR in close-to-English is:

First Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, which was one of the units of the 173rd Airborne Brigade stationed in Italy, now with the 82nd Airborne Division in North Carolina.

Just so happens to be the same unit Sergeant Brian Horn was in, the guy who started the idea of Any Soldier.

In the Army, unit sizes go (smallest to largest):

Team - Squad - Platoon - Company - Battalion - Brigade - Division - Corps

There are other 'in between' sizes specific to special groups but the above is pretty much the standard.

Now, how big are each of the above?  Again, depends on the type of unit.  A Division is the same as a medium city.

Confusing?  Yes, but that helps confuse the enemy....and us  ;) 

Hi:

 I have a P38 on my key chain, bought it at a Fair here a few years back.

 I would think you can get one online at a military surplus site.

Annie

Marines used to call the P38 "John Wayne".  John Wayne to the rescue!

I buy them at the local military surplus store, they cost .50 cents for the small one and $1.00 for the large one.  Besides a can opener I always include some P38's in a couple of packages.  Especially the packages going to transportation units - this way they always have a can opener handy.

Jo

Thanks so much, Marty, for the info on the 1st 108th.  This is where one of my lonliest and most unsure of himself soldiers is.  I write to him almost every other day and get at least two letters a week from him.  He needs lots of love and support and I am happy if I can supply some of that.  Now I think I've found a webpage for his group so I can add their logo to the top of the letters I send him.  Aren't these computers fun?

What would we do without you, Marty, Sue and Brian and Scott and his wife too.  Those are the only ones I've "talked" to so far, but I'm so happy this forum is here.  Now I'm not only addicted to the AnySoldier site and read it everyday - but I read the forum additions every day too. 

 Have a good day everyone.

Mary

 

I've had a P-38 on my keyring for many years.  I've lost count of the number of times it has saved the day, whether on a camping trip, or while working with a Community Players theater group - someone always forgot the can opener!  I like the idea of including them in packages.  MRE's may not require them anymore, but the soldiers might be getting canned items in care packages and not have a can opener handy.

Just bought two pack of P38's at a local camping store though that's not what they call them.  The clerk, an experienced camper, knew they were initially designed for the military but wasn't aware of the P38 designation.  He was rather young.  Store is known for military friendly.  They were 1.99 for the 2 pack.  One of my contacts requested canned veggies and not all of his requests come in pop top cans. 

Ann   

http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/page52.shtml#p38

 Just found this site on my browser.  They sell P-38s for 25 cents each or a box of 25 for $6.25.  They also have the P-51 which is it's big brother for 50 cents each.  Just in case we all want to send them now.  I know I'm thinking about it.  I have troops asking for canned food too and the can's don't have those pull top lids.

Mary

Thanks for the link, I've been sending can openers from the dollar store with my canned goods, but these are a much better size!

I guess manual can openers would be best, but don't most/all of the trrops have Multi Tools that have a can opener blade?

Some pocket knives and multi-tools have a can opener blade, but the key-chain can opener modeled after the P-38 is faster, cleaner and easier to use.

I want one! I can think of countless times when that would have been handy, especially when camping.  I always either forget the darn can opener or the one that is permanently in my camping gear seems to get lost and only shows itself when I get home and I am cleaning up. I am going to order those, keep a few for myself and put them in packages.