How to Write in Military Jargon
Writing in military jargon requires at least a basic understanding of how members of the military communicate. If you are writing a story, play or book about the military, adding this jargon will make the story seem more authentic.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Learn how to write military time and dates. For example, most people would write, "The articles are due at 9 p.m. on January 5, 2010." However, in the military, the sentence would be "The articles are due at 2100 on 5 January 2010." To determine military time, calculate the hours that have past since midnight, with midnight being 0000. So, 1:00 p.m. is actually 1300. Always order dates: day of the month, month, then year.
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2
Learn the jargon for one branch of the service. Some terms are used universally, however, many are branch specific. If you use jargon for more than one branch when you write, it won't seem authentic. For example, in the Navy, a job is called a a "rate," but in the Army, it is called a "MOS" (military occupation specialty).
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3
Be prepared to explain your writing. If you write a sentence that is chock full of military jargon, you may find that explanations are requested. Take the following sentence, for example: "Belay my last, Sailor. You are being stationed on the USS Neverdock for the condition of the deck in the head and the condition of your dixie cup." In regular terms, that means: "Forget what I just said, Sailor. Your shore leave is being revoked because of the condition of the floor in the bathroom and the condition of your uniform hat."
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4
Use military jargon sparingly. Servicemen and women use the jargon in the course of regular conversation so that it sounds natural. If you overuse the jargon in your writing, it will seem forced.
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