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To: gemoftheocean
Okay, I’m not in the military

Obviously.

— but this rhyming name business sounds plain stupid, and frankly dangerous to me.

Did you read the article? This is simply the unit nickname, kinda like 3rd Infantry Division (of which I was a part) was the Rock of the Marne, or my brigade was the "Sledgehammer" brigade. It's just a nickname, nothing more.

There’s a reason why the military uses such things as “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” You’d want things to be clearly understood in time of battle. You’d say “Delta company” instead of “D company” lest someone thing you meant “B” company. You don’t need extra time clarifying: “Did you want ‘b’ company or ‘d’ company to attack? “b” — no “D” you idiot, “D” like “Delta.”

On this, at least, you are correct. It's called the phonetic alphabet. However, think about what you're saying -- on the radio, is it any different to call for "Alpha 6" (the commander of Alpha company) or "Animal 6"? Of course not. Neither one will be mistaken for another letter or unit.

By that time the stupid Indians would all be dead. Sheesh. Whatever, morons.

India has a fine martial history in its own right. They are fierce and loyal fighters, proven over and over again in battle. You might want to re-think your position a bit.

13 posted on 02/19/2010 7:51:17 AM PST by Terabitten (Vets wrote a blank check, payable to the Constitution, for an amount up to and including their life.)
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To: Touch Not the Cat

meow!


16 posted on 02/19/2010 7:53:05 AM PST by HiTech RedNeck (I am in America but not of America (per bible: am in the world but not of it))
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To: Terabitten
On this, at least, you are correct. It's called the phonetic alphabet. However, think about what you're saying -- on the radio, is it any different to call for "Alpha 6" (the commander of Alpha company) or "Animal 6"? Of course not. Neither one will be mistaken for another letter or unit.

I've often wondered why they didn't select letter names that start with the letter sound.

Able Baker Charley Delta vs Able Beetle Ceiling Delight. Can't be done with every letter, but why not do it where it can?

20 posted on 02/19/2010 8:03:37 AM PST by null and void (We are now in day 393 of our national holiday from reality. - 0bama really isn't one of US.)
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