U.S. Navy Slang In U.S. Navy jargon, gouge is the essential piece of information; the heart of the matter; or outstanding test-preparation material (such as an old test copy). A person who is tired of hearing all the extraneous information surrounding a problem might exclaim "Just give me the gouge!" Originated at the U.S. Naval Academy and introduced from there into the wider navy, where it sees less frequent usage.
Gouge definition
Whomever wrote that last sentence has never been to a squadron. Everyone wants the 'gouge'.