Sometimes I read about Marine Corps terms, this one may have already been put out there, but I am sure that some of the younger people may not have heard it.
“BREAKING STARCH”
In case you're not familiar with the term, 'breaking starch' refers to the act of putting on a fresh military uniform, pushing your arms and legs through the heavily starched shirt sleeves and pant legs with knife-sharp creases, literally breaking the starch.
As I age, I enjoy remembering things I did years ago, why… because I can't remember what I had for breakfast. LOL
Semper Fi
Ron Morneault
Superheat Double Nuts
Guess I'll jump on the call sign bandwagon with the ones I remember. Chu Lai, RVN in 1965-1966. I was Aviation Ordnance 6511/S&C Clerk Typist 0141. Also performed duties of mail clerk and operated the squadron radios (PRC-6s and PRC-10) and squadron telephone switchboard. Our squadron VMA-224 call sign was “Oaktree” and the MAG-12 was “Oxwood” .
Others I remember from being on the switchboard were “Blade Switch” and “Iron Hand Charlie”.
One of the other squadron's call sign was “Miss Muffett” and of course, “Black Sheep”. Later, at MCAS Yuma, Weapons, Our base radio was “Keyport Attire”, and the two air weapons ranges were “Rakish Litter” and “Panel Stager”. Visiting squadrons remembered were “Baker Boy”, “Packsaddle” and “Jackstay”. I also recall a Group commander whose A4 tail number was 00. His call sign was “Superheat Double Nuts”. All good memories.
Frank Everett
Sgt. USMC 1963-1967