Have you ever heard of the terms “PIG” or “HOG” being used in the military?
These are not just any ordinary animal names, but rather they hold a special meaning within the Scout Sniper community.
In this blog post, we will explore the origins and significance of these terms, as well as the tradition of the “Hog’s Tooth.”
So, grab your gear and let’s dive into the world of military slang.
What Does Pork Mean In Military?
In the military, the term “Pork” is used to refer to a Professionally Instructed Gunman (PIG). This is a title given to a Marine who enrolls in the Scout Sniper School. During the course, the Marine is referred to as a PIG until he graduates and becomes a Hunter of Gunmen (HOG).
The term “Pork” may sound derogatory, but it actually holds a significant meaning within the Scout Sniper community. It represents the Marine’s dedication to learning and mastering the skills required to become a successful sniper.
The Scout Sniper Basic Course is one of the toughest challenges that the Marine Corps has to offer. The course lasts for nine weeks and includes long-range, known-distance shooting, stalk exercises, and unknown-distance shooting portions of training.
During the stalk exercise, Marines have to move from 800 yards to within 200 yards of an observation post undetected within a three-hour time frame. They camouflage their entire bodies by cutting vegetation from their surroundings and attach it to their ghillie suit, which is specially designed camouflaged clothing designed to resemble heavy foliage.
The term “Pork” is used until the Marine has killed an enemy sniper in combat and removed the round with his name on it from the enemy sniper’s magazine. That round is then worn as a necklace and symbolizes his new status as a HOG or “Hunter of Gunmen.”
The Origins Of Pork And Hog In Military Slang
The origins of the terms “Pork” and “Hog” in military slang can be traced back to the Scout Sniper School. As mentioned earlier, Marines who enroll in the school are referred to as PIGs until they graduate and become HOGs.
The term “Pork” is believed to have originated from the acronym PIG, which stands for Professionally Instructed Gunman. The term was eventually shortened to “Pork,” which is easier to say and remember.
On the other hand, the term “Hog” is derived from the phrase “Hunter of Gunmen.” Once a Marine graduates from the Scout Sniper School, he becomes a HOG and is recognized as a skilled marksman who can effectively take out enemy snipers.
It’s worth noting that both terms are used affectionately within the Scout Sniper community. They represent the dedication and hard work that Marines put into mastering their craft and becoming successful snipers.
In popular culture, the term “Pork” has been used in various movies and TV shows featuring military characters. However, it’s important to note that these portrayals may not accurately reflect the true meaning and significance of the term within the military community.
The Significance Of These Terms In The Scout Sniper Community
Within the Scout Sniper community, the terms “Pork” and “HOG” hold a significant meaning. The term “Pork” represents a Marine’s dedication to mastering the skills required to become a successful sniper. It signifies the Marine’s willingness to endure the rigorous training and challenges of the Scout Sniper Basic Course.
On the other hand, the term “HOG” is an elite moniker given to those who have graduated from the course and have proven their proficiency as a sniper. It represents their ability to operate as reconnaissance and surveillance professionals and force multipliers on the battlefield.
The HOG’s Tooth trophy is also a significant symbol within the Scout Sniper community. It is earned by defeating an enemy sniper in sniper-on-sniper combat and capturing the round with one’s name on it from the enemy sniper’s magazine. The bullet is then worn as a necklace and symbolizes invincibility on the battlefield.
The Tradition Of The Hog’s Tooth
The tradition of the Hog’s Tooth is a significant part of the Scout Sniper community. It is a symbol of a Marine’s achievement in becoming a Hunter of Gunmen. The idea behind the Hog’s Tooth is that there is one round destined to end the life of each person, known as “the bullet with your name on it.” Until that round is fired, the person for which it is intended is invincible. If a sniper can acquire the bullet with their name on it, they are considered untouchable.
To acquire the Hog’s Tooth, a Marine must go through three steps, each more difficult than the last. The first step is to become an actual sniper by completing the Scout Sniper Basic Course. This means the Marine must deploy to an active combat zone and demonstrate proficiency in long-range shooting, stalking exercises, and unknown-distance shooting.
The second step involves defeating an enemy sniper in sniper-on-sniper combat. Once a Marine has accomplished this, they must make it over to the enemy position where they will hopefully find the scene undisturbed. This will likely be difficult because they’re supposed to be in hostile territory. If they get there before anyone else, they should capture the enemy’s rifle.
The third and final step involves capturing what’s in that rifle: the round in the chamber. That round is the “bullet with your name on it.” If a Marine captures this bullet, superstition says that they cannot be killed by gunfire on the battlefield because no one there has the bullet that is destined to kill them.
The bullet is then separated from the cartridge and used as a necklace, representing the tooth of a real hog. This symbolizes the Marine’s status as a “Hunter of Gunmen.” All other members of a Scout Sniper platoon who have not graduated as a HOG are considered PIGs or “Professionally Instructed Gunmen.”
Examples Of Other Animal-Based Military Slang
Apart from the term “Pork,” there are many other animal-based military slang terms that are used within the armed forces. Some of these include:
1. Bullet Catcher/Bang-Bang: This is a term used to refer to an Army infantryman. The term implies that infantrymen are often the first to engage in combat and are therefore more likely to catch enemy bullets.
2. Skedaddle: This term was used during the Civil War to describe a hasty retreat by Union troops. The term comes from the Spanish word “esca-dar,” which means “to scatter.”
3. Ginormous: This word was coined by the military and is a combination of the words “gigantic” and “enormous.” It is often used to describe large objects or situations.
4. Beak: This is a derogatory term used to refer to a Navy officer, specifically a commissioned officer who is not a pilot or aviator.
5. Squid: This is another derogatory term used to refer to Navy personnel, particularly those who work below deck.
6. Zoomie: This is a term used to refer to Air Force personnel, particularly pilots and aircrew.
7. Jarhead: This is a term used to refer to Marines, often because of their distinctive haircut, which resembles the shape of a jar.
These terms are just a few examples of the many animal-based military slang terms that are used within the armed forces. They serve as a way for service members to communicate with each other in a unique and often humorous way, while also reinforcing bonds and camaraderie within their units.
The Importance Of Slang In Military Culture
Slang and jargon play a crucial role in military culture. They are not just words, but a way of communicating that helps to create a sense of identity and belonging among service members. Military slang is often born out of shared experiences and hardships, which creates a bond between those who use it. The use of slang and jargon helps to ease communication between officers and men as it indexes power, enhances solidarity, facilitates inclusion (and exclusion), and promotes varied military subcultures.
In addition to creating a sense of camaraderie, military slang also helps to reinforce discipline and work ethics. It is a language of discipline and shared suffering that produces a tough human epoxy, the industrial strength social and emotional glue that binds military comrades and builds military units. The use of military jargon also aids in the bonding of service members, as each branch of the armed forces has its own unique language.
Furthermore, military slang has eased its way into common usage among civilians, becoming part of the fabric of American and even international culture. It creates an “us” vs. “them” dynamic where “them” is not only the enemy but also the civilian population back home who cannot fully access the world of the fighting man.
How Slang Can Help Build Camaraderie And Teamwork In The Military
Slang is a common language in the military, and it can help build camaraderie and teamwork among service members. Using slang terms like “Pork” creates a sense of belonging and identity within a particular unit or community.
When Marines attend the Scout Sniper School, they are put through rigorous training that tests their physical and mental limits. The use of slang terms like “Pork” helps to create a bond between those who are going through the same experience. It also helps to promote teamwork and mutual support among the Marines.
In addition, using slang terms in the military can help to establish a sense of hierarchy and respect. For example, the term “HOG” is a title that is earned through hard work and dedication. Those who have earned this title are respected and admired by their fellow Marines.