Even though everyone in the Corps speaks and writes English most of the time, there is also a layer of Marine-only language on top. If you spend enough time with Marines, you’ll hear someone being called a “boot” or dozens of them yelling “yut.” ”.
This word is short for “Oohrah,” which is a Marine greeting or way of showing excitement similar to “Hooah” or “Hooyah” in the Army or Navy. ” Rah, however, is a bit more versatile. You could be agreeing with someone, by saying “rah. If you say “Rah!” you could be excited about going on a mission, or you could be asking your platoon if everyone gets it.
The term ‘pork’ has a unique meaning in military slang specifically within the U.S. Marine Corps. It refers to Marines who have undergone advanced Scout Sniper training.
The Origins of ‘Pork’
‘Pork’ originated from the acronym PIG, which stands for Professionally Instructed Gunman. PIG is used to designate Marines who are in the process of completing the intense Scout Sniper basic course.
The PIG acronym was coined in 1977 by Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, a legendary Marine sniper during the Vietnam War. He used it to refer to new candidates going through Scout Sniper training under his instruction.
Upon graduation, PIGs earn the military occupational specialty (MOS) of ‘Scout Sniper’ and become HOGs – Hunters of Gunmen. So within the sniper community, calling someone ‘pork’ means they are qualified from the PIG course and are now HOG status.
Who Can Be Called ‘Pork’?
Not all Marines can be called ‘pork’. The term is exclusively used for those who have earned the Scout Sniper MOS by completing all required PIG training. This includes:
- 10-week Scout Sniper basic course
- Meeting high standards in fieldcraft, marksmanship, stalking, and mission planning
- Passing comprehensive performance evaluations
The Marine Scout Sniper Association estimates only about 100 Marines per year successfully complete Scout Sniper training and become HOGs.
So being called ‘pork’ confers an elite status, as most Marines will never have the opportunity even if they wanted to attend the course.
Tradition and Culture of Scout Snipers
The Scout Sniper community has its own distinct culture within the Marine Corps. Traditions include
- Wearing cowboy hats instead of regular covers
- Carrying an ‘HOG Leg’, the customized M-40 sniper rifle
- Having hog or razorback tattoos
- Passing down tales of legendary Marine snipers
Scout Snipers take pride in being part of this exclusive group and will often refer to each other as ‘pork’ as a sign of mutual respect.
The PIG course itself involves many unique training rituals, like crawling through pig entrails and drinking cobra blood during the jungle phase. These rites of passage bond those who survive the demanding curriculum.
Use of ‘Pork’ Outside the Marines
Since ‘pork’ refers specifically to Marine Scout Snipers, it is not generally used or understood in the same way among other branches. However, the term may occasionally pop up in joint environments where Marines interact with other service members.
Army snipers have their own nicknames like HOG hunter, and may not appreciate Marines being called ‘pork’ around them. So Marines need to exercise tact when using the designation outside their own branch.
“Errrr.” This is an even more shortened-down version of “rah.” But it’s most often used as a lazy-man’s version of agreement. Your platoon sergeant may ask if everyone understands the plan of the day, to which everyone will respond with “Errrr.” Translation: Yeah Gunny, we got it.
Photo: Life is like a box of Chocolates
“Kill!” Sure, it can literally mean kill. But in Marine-speak, kill can mean “yes, I understand,” “hell yeah,” or “let’s do this.” Marines will even say “kill” as a half-joking version of hello. Using this one outside of the Corps can get plenty of strange looks, so don’t try this one on your local college campus.
Photo Credit: Terminal Lance
Military Word of the Day – POG
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