Australian Military Slang: A Dictionary

Publisher Marketing: Australian Military Slang is a window into the rank and file culture of the Australian Army and to some extent the Navy and Air Force. It is an honest, confronting and often humorous look into a culture that most civilians never experience. Australian military culture has its origins in the traditions of the British military, though over more than a century it has evolved into its own distinct culture. The Australian military has the fundamental values of courage, initiative, respect and comradeship. There is an ethos of courage and toughness built on a foundation of loyalty and fairness. Around the world, the Australian military is respected for its professionalism, integrity, initiative and esprit de corp. Though relative small compared with other countries, the Australian military is known to "punch above its weight" as the old boxing metaphor goes. Like any military, there is strong hierarchy. Much of the language is concerned with establishing and reinforcing the military hierarchy. It is essential that everyone accepts their place in the hierarchy. There is hazing implied in the language. A fighting unit depends on each member to withstand the pressure of combat and do their job. Everyone is tested, and tested again. Anyone found wanting is weeded out before they have a chance to get anyone killed. The men and women of the Australian Defence Force have a colorful language all their own. Full of profanity and wry humor, it has developing over time, taking influences from the broader Australian dialect, as well as the militaries of other nations, principally Britain and the United States with whom Australia has worked most closely over time. Readers of Australian Military Slang are warned that there is much strong language. If you are likely to be offended by this, then you have been made aware. This dictionary makes no judgment on the appropriateness of the language in relation to community standards. It simply documents it as it is. It is worth preserving for posterity. In recent times, the Chief of the Defence Forces has made it clear that the culture of 'bastardisation' must end. The military has to be able to recruit new members from the community, competing favourably with civilian careers. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia. It is comprised of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) plus a several 'tri-service' units. While the Australian military is relatively small compared to many of its Asian neighbors, it is one of the most technologically advanced militaries in the world, giving it the capability to operate effectively in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) operates around 70 vessels of various sizes, from frigates, submarines, to patrol boats. There are two parts to the RAN's structure; Fleet Command (operational) and Navy Strategic Command (support). The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. While the Australian Army is principally a light infantry force, it is in the process of being 'hardened and networked' to enable it to conduct higher-intensity operations. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is the air force branch of the ADF. The RAAF has up to date combat and transport aircraft plus a network of bases in strategic locations across Australia.