How to Decipher Army Lingo

With a number of friends, and my husband in the military, I couldn't help but learn the lingo used by our Armed Forces. Mid-conversation you might just drop an abbreviation and get a blank look from someone outside the military. The idea for this article came to me, after an Associated Content reader wrote to me, after reading my article of care packages for soldiers. She has a boyfriend in Iraq, and was unfamiliar with some of the commonly used terms.
Please note: Terms can/will change from branch to branch of the military. Some terms are official and some are just terms the soldiers themselves make up. Occasionally, swear words are used.

ETA - Estimated Time of Arrival

ASAP - As Soon As Possible

POG - People Other Than Grunts

Poggie Bait - Slang for junk food and snacks

IED - Improvised Explosive Device

Grunt - Light infantry soldier/foot soldier

JODI- Since Jodi is a unisex name, its used as the name of the person who is "taking care" of your spouse while you are away. Soldiers use this term to rag on each other. I.e. "Hey, I hear Jodi was at your house, taking care of your wife." The term indicates your spouse is cheating.

Jodi Call - A call a soldier gets from his/her spouse telling them that its over, because of Jodi. (See above)

Dear John Letter - A break up letter, with today's technology can be via email or via snail mail.

LZ - Landing Zone

FNG - Fucking New Guy

Leave - The allotted time the military gives you to visit home.

AWOL - Absent Without Leave. This is a big No-No in the military. Going AWOL will not only get you arrested, but you can even go to jail for it.

MPS - Military Police Officers - Those who arrest a solider when they get into trouble. i.e. AWOL

JAG - Judge Advocate General - Military Lawyers

Provost Marshal - Much like the Chief of Police on the base. If you get arrested by an MP, you usually go to the Provost Marshal.

Article 15 - Written punishment causing extra duty and loss of pay.

Profile - Documented medical limitations.

Chow - Meal

PX - Post Exchange - This is where you can purchase small goods/clothing and supplies.

Commissary - Supermarket found on base.