How to Stop Using Military Jargon in Civilian Life: Communication Guide for Veterans
Military slang translation, civilian communication, adapting military language for civilians, workplace and social communication tips.
How to Stop Using Military Jargon in Civilian Life: Communication Guide for Veterans
Bottom Line Up Front
Your military jargon marks you as military instantly—not always helpful. Civilian world uses different language. It's not better, just different. Key: Maintain military values (directness, honesty, clarity) while using civilian language. You don't have to change who you are, just how you express it. Timeline: 3-6 months to adjust. Some jargon will stay forever (and that's fine).
Why Military Jargon Doesn't Translate
The Problem with Jargon
Military jargon:
- Serves a purpose (efficient communication, bonding, identity)
- Creates community (you're "in the know")
- Marks status (you speak the lingo, you belong)
- Saves time in military context (everyone knows acronyms)
In civilian context:
- Creates barriers (people don't understand)
- Marks you as different (outsider, military)
- Confuses communication (people aren't sure what you mean)
- Can seem exclusive or rude (like you're showing off)
Example: "I need to get that ASAP, no dilly-dally, roger?"
- Military: Clear, efficient, understood
- Civilian: Confusing ("roger?" what?), seems aggressive ("no dilly-dally?")
Common Jargon Translation
| Military | Civilian | Better |
|---|---|---|
| Roger that | Understood / Got it | "I understand" |
| Copy | I heard you | "I got that" |
| Negative | No | "No, that won't work" |
| Affirmative | Yes | "Yes, absolutely" |
| Dilly-dally | Waste time | "Let's move forward quickly" |
| Gear up | Get ready | "Let me get prepared" |
| All hands on deck | Everyone needed | "I need everyone's help" |
| ASAP | As soon as possible | "This is urgent" |
| Double time | Hurry | "Can we do this faster?" |
| At ease | Relax | "You can relax" |
| Suck it up | Deal with it | "I know it's hard, but we can handle it" |
| No pain, no gain | Struggle is worth it | "This is challenging but worthwhile" |
| Stand down | Stop / Finish | "Let's take a break" |
| Touch base | Connect / Check in | "Let me follow up with you" |
| Downrange | In theater / Combat | "In [country]" / "In active conflict" |
| Hurry up and wait | Inefficiency | "This process is frustratingly slow" |
Real Examples
Workplace Example
Military style: "Hey, grab your tactical gear and report to the conference room. We're executing a strategy session on the Q4 objectives. Don't be late or we're starting without you."
Civilian translation: "Hi! Could you join us in the conference room at 2pm? We're meeting to plan Q4 strategy. Hope to see you there!"
Key differences:
- Military uses orders/commands
- Civilian uses requests/invitations
- Military is formal/hierarchical
- Civilian is friendly/egalitarian
- Military creates urgency
- Civilian is collaborative
Social Example
Military style: "That event last night was unsat. Civilians were being fobits, no sense of mission focus. They were just dilly-dallying and not getting after it."
Civilian translation: "I didn't enjoy the party last night. People seemed distracted and weren't really engaging. It felt a bit unfocused."
Key differences:
- Military judges against military standard
- Civilian just describes the experience
- Military is judgmental
- Civilian is observational
How to Transition
Phase 1: Awareness (Week 1-2)
Recognize your jargon:
- Record yourself (voice memo)
- Listen back (cringe-worthy, right?)
- List the jargon you use most
- Ask people: "Do I use military terms? Which ones?"
Your top jargon is probably:
- Acronyms (ASAP, etc.)
- Military commands (Roger, Copy, Negative)
- Military phrases ("no dilly-dally," "suck it up")
- Military values language (mission, duty, honor)
- Military titles/positions
Phase 2: Adjust (Weeks 3-8)
Target your top 5 jargon words:
Pick your most-used terms and consciously replace them.
Example: Replace "Roger"
- Catch yourself saying "Roger"
- Pause
- Replace with "I understand"
- After 10-20 times, it becomes automatic
Do this for each of your top 5 terms
Timeline: Each term takes 2-3 weeks to replace. So 10-15 weeks total for top 5.
Phase 3: Normalize (Weeks 8+)
By month 3, you should:
- Naturally use civilian language
- Occasionally slip into military jargon (that's fine)
- Understand the difference
- Be able to code-switch (military slang with vets, civilian language with civilians)
What You DON'T Have to Change
Military Values Stay
Direct communication: Keep it.
- Military value: Tell the truth, fast
- Civilian translation: "I need to give you some feedback" instead of "You messed up"
- You're not changing value, just delivery
Accountability: Keep it.
- Military value: Ownership and responsibility
- Civilian translation: "That's my responsibility" instead of "That's my mission"
- Same meaning, different words
Integrity: Keep it.
- Military value: Honesty, keeping your word
- Civilian translation: "I'll do what I said I would" instead of "Mission complete"
- Same commitment, different phrasing
Work ethic: Keep it.
- Military value: Hard work, dedication
- Civilian translation: Show through actions, not words
- Let work speak for itself
Slang That's Actually Okay
Some military slang is fine:
- Using it with veteran friends (perfectly fine, even good)
- Occasional slips (normal, people understand)
- Using it to explain military experience ("When I was downrange...") — fine in context
Others to avoid:
- Using it constantly with civilians (marks you as unable to adapt)
- Using it to exclude non-vets (comes across as mean)
- Using it to seem tough/cool (reads as insecure)
- Using acronyms civilians don't understand (confusing)
Practical Tips
Tip 1: Pause and Translate
When you're about to say military jargon:
- Pause for 1 second
- Translate to civilian
- Say civilian version
Example:
- Thought: "Roger that"
- Pause
- Translation: "I understand"
- Say: "I understand"
After 2-3 weeks, this becomes automatic.
Tip 2: Ask for Feedback
Ask trusted coworker: "Hey, do I use military terms? I'm trying to adjust to civilian communication. Can you let me know when I do?"
Most people will appreciate your awareness and help you.
Tip 3: Listen More
Notice how civilians communicate:
- Pay attention to word choice
- How do they give feedback?
- How do they give orders/requests?
- How do they celebrate success?
- Copy that style
Tip 4: Code-Switching
Understand context matters:
- With military friends: Military jargon is fine (actually preferred)
- With civilians: Use civilian language
- In mixed groups: Default to civilian (safer)
- In professional settings: Definitely use civilian
This is healthy. Everyone code-switches (you just didn't realize it).
FAQ
Q: Will I ever stop using military jargon? A: Probably not completely. Some will stick forever. That's normal. Just reduce it for civilian contexts.
Q: Is using military language unprofessional? A: In civilian workplace, yes. But small amounts are forgiven. Constant jargon reads as unable to adapt.
Q: Should I hide that I'm military? A: No. You can be visibly military without using jargon. It's not about hiding, it's about adapting communication.
Q: What if civilians don't understand military terminology? A: That's exactly why you should avoid it. Communication is about being understood.
Q: Is it wrong to use military jargon? A: Not wrong, just less effective in civilian context. Think of it like language—speaking Spanish in an English-speaking country isn't wrong, just harder to communicate.
Action Plan
Week 1: Awareness
- Record yourself or ask people: What military terms do I use most?
- List top 5 military jargon words you use constantly
Week 2: Study Alternatives
- Look up civilian translations for your top 5
- Practice saying them
- Get comfortable with civilian versions
Week 3-6: Replace One at a Time
- Pick #1 military jargon word
- Replace it for 2-3 weeks
- Move to #2, then #3, etc.
Week 6-12: Normalize
- By now, civilian language should be automatic
- You'll occasionally slip into military jargon (fine)
- Most people won't notice anymore
Month 3+: Maintenance
- You can code-switch (military with vets, civilian with others)
- Enjoy being bidialectal (speaking two ways based on context)
Bottom Line
You're not losing your military identity by using civilian language. You're learning to communicate effectively in a new environment. Your military values (integrity, directness, accountability) stay. Just the words change. Most people won't even notice after a few months. You'll adapt, and it'll be fine.
Resources:
- Military slang dictionary: Urban Dictionary (search "military slang")
- Communication books: "How to Talk So People Listen" by Julian Treasure
- TED Talk: "How to Speak So That People Want to Listen" by Julian Treasure