Got a wild idea? We build for service members — not the brass, not shareholders. If it's good, it ships.
Suggest a Feature →Glossary & FAQ: Military Decoded
The military runs on acronyms. Here's every term you'll encounter before and during the enlistment process — explained without the jargon inside the jargon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — job selection (MOS/rating/AFSC) happens at MEPS. Your ASVAB line scores determine eligibility. Get your job in writing in the contract. "They'll take care of you" is not legally binding.
Failure to complete basic training typically results in one of: being "recycled" (restarted), voluntary separation with an Entry Level Separation (ELS), or in some cases medical discharge. ELS within first 180 days usually means no veterans' benefits.
Waivers allow people with disqualifying conditions (medical history, minor legal issues, etc.) to still enlist. They require documentation and approval — sometimes taking weeks. A recruiter who promises a waiver before it's approved is making a promise they can't keep.
Yes — if you're in DEP (before shipping to basic), you can exit with no criminal consequence. Once you ship to basic training, you're on active duty and the legal picture changes significantly. Call the GI Rights Hotline (1-877-447-4487) for specifics.
Tuition Assistance pays up to $4,500/year while you're on active duty. The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays full in-state tuition + housing allowance after separation (requires 36 months of service for full benefit). These are real and valuable — but require you to actively use them.
No. Deployment depends heavily on your MOS, branch, and global situation. Combat arms (infantry, armor, special operations) deploy more frequently. Many support MOS serve entire careers without combat deployment. Ask specifically about your MOS's typical deployment rate.
Military Terms & Acronyms
A percentile score (1–99) derived from four ASVAB subtests. This is the primary gate to enlistment — each branch has a minimum AFQT score.
The job-specific school you attend after BCT. Duration varies from 7 weeks (infantry) to 52+ weeks (intelligence, medical). Also called "A-School" (Navy), "Tech School" (Air Force).
10-subtest exam used to determine job eligibility. AFQT is derived from 4 subtests; line scores from all 10 determine specific MOS/rating eligibility.
Monthly tax-free housing allowance paid to service members living off-base. Amount varies by duty station ZIP code and dependency status. A major portion of total compensation.
Monthly tax-free food allowance. 2026 enlisted rate: ~$460/month. Paid regardless of where you eat.
Army term for boot camp — 10 weeks at one of several training posts. Other branches: "Boot Camp" (Navy/Marines/Coast Guard), "BMT" (Air Force/Space Force).
Air Force and Space Force boot camp. 8.5 weeks at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX.
The military retirement system for service members who joined after Jan 1, 2018. Combines a pension (at 20 years) with TSP matching up to 5%. If you leave before 20 years, you keep TSP matching but no pension.
Physical test required for service academy applications. Includes pull-ups/push-ups, sit-ups, shuttle run, and 1-mile run. Standards vary by academy and gender.
Award given to infantrymen who engage in active ground combat. Highly respected infantry credential.
The 48 contiguous states (excludes Alaska, Hawaii, and territories). "OCONUS" = Outside CONUS — any assignment outside that area.
You enlist but don't ship to basic training immediately. Up to 12 months. You are NOT in the military during DEP and can leave with no criminal consequences before your ship date.
The critical document you receive when you separate from the military. It proves your service, discharge characterization, and eligibility for veterans' benefits. Guard yours carefully.
The civilian agency that oversees all U.S. military branches. Led by the Secretary of Defense.
Discharge within the first 180 days of active duty. Usually characterized as "Uncharacterized" — which doesn't mean bad, it means the service member didn't serve long enough to warrant a characterization. Typically results in no veterans' benefits.
Your contract end date — when you're legally free to leave. Soldiers eagerly count down ETS dates. A new member's ETS is typically 4 years after they enter active duty.
Outdoor tactical training that simulates real-world scenarios. Involves camping, land navigation, and simulated combat. A recurring part of many MOS.
Umbrella term for education benefits for veterans. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full in-state tuition, housing allowance, and book stipend after 36 months of service. Usable 15 years after separation.
One of the ASVAB composite scores that determines job eligibility. Calculated from VE + AR. Required for many leadership, intelligence, and technical roles. A score of 110+ is strong.
Military scholarship for medical, dental, and other health professional students. In exchange for service time after graduation. Highly competitive.
The military's legal system and its lawyers. JAG officers handle military law, courts-martial, and provide free legal assistance to service members.
The facility where you take the physical, take the ASVAB (if not already done), select your job, and swear in. ~65 locations nationwide. Typically a 2-day process.
Army term for your specific job. A 3-character alphanumeric code (e.g., 11B = Infantry, 25U = Signal). Other branches use different systems: Navy = Rating, Air Force = AFSC, Marines = MOS, Coast Guard = Rating.
Packaged field rations. Often mocked. Technically edible. You'll eat them in the field.
Enlisted leaders (E-4/Corporal through E-9/Sergeant Major). They are the backbone of the military — running day-to-day operations. Treat them with respect.
Signed before access to classified information. Breaking an NDA is a criminal offense, not just a policy violation.
Post-college program to become an officer. Army/Navy/Marines = OCS. Air Force/Space Force = OTS. Duration: 10–17 weeks. Requires a bachelor's degree.
Any assignment outside the 48 contiguous states — including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Germany, South Korea, Japan, etc.
An official move to a new duty station. Happens every 2–3 years on average. The military pays for household goods moving, but the process is notoriously chaotic.
Daily mandatory physical fitness. Typically mornings, 5–7 AM. Running, calisthenics, pushups. Failure to pass PT tests can result in adverse actions.
The Navy and Coast Guard use "Rating" instead of MOS or AFSC. Examples: IT (Information Technology Specialist), HM (Hospital Corpsman), BM (Boatswain's Mate).
Army program for reporting and responding to sexual misconduct. All branches have equivalent programs. These are legal protections you're entitled to use.
Pre-deployment administrative review — updating records, wills, dental, medical, insurance, and pay information.
Short-term assignment away from your home station. You receive per diem (daily allowance) for lodging and meals. Called "TAD" in the Navy.
Comprehensive healthcare for active duty service members (free) and their families (low cost). Covers medical, dental, and vision with access to both military and civilian providers.
The federal government's 401(k) equivalent. Under BRS, the government matches up to 5% of base pay after 2 years of service. One of the best retirement tools available — use it.
The legal system that governs all service members. Going AWOL, insubordination, and misconduct are punishable under UCMJ — often more severely than civilian law.
The civilian agency that manages veterans' benefits — including healthcare (VA hospitals), disability compensation, education (GI Bill), and home loans.
Beyond the official acronyms: the informal language soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen actually use.
Browse Grunt Speak