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Military ABC

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Reference Guide – Jargon in the Swiss Armed Forces

Every year, recruit school begins for many young Swiss citizens, who will quickly become acquainted with the unique dynamics of the military. These relate not only to the relationship between superiors and the troops but also within the cadre itself.

In the process, a distinct language has developed among the soldiers that is not necessarily immediately comprehensible to everyone. For this reason, we have compiled a lexicon for new recruits to ensure that starting RS (recruit school) goes smoothly.

Help us expand this reference guide. Have we forgotten any abbreviations? Then write to us.

ABV	The abbreviation ABV stands for evening roll call (Abendverlesen) and is a fixture in the Swiss Armed Forces. The presence of the troops is checked, and information and orders for the following day are explained.
NBC defense	NBC defense is a collective term for protection and defensive measures against nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.
NBC defense troop	The NBC defense troop is a branch of service specializing in defense against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.
Abtreten (Dismissal)	This refers to saying goodbye for the weekend and thus being dismissed.
Achtung (Attention)	Basic stance and immediate reaction of individual soldiers during formal reports. In this position, the arms are held flat against the body and the feet are touching.
AdA	A future or currently serving member of the armed forces (Angehöriger der Armee - AdA).
Antibock-Mittel (Anti-libido agent)	This term originates from a myth and circulates as a rumor. A so-called "anti-libido agent" or "Hängolin" (derived from hängen / to hang) is said to be mixed into the food as a libido suppressant.
Ausgang (Leave)	Free time after duty in the evening, which is often spent in a bar.
Ausgänger (Dress uniform)	Another expression for Tenue A (grey blazer), which is worn for leave or special military occasions.
Austreten (Taking a break)	Austreten refers to a short rest break.
AV	AV is the abbreviation for morning roll call (Antrittsverlesen) and is the counterpart to ABV. The unit assembles in the morning at the start of work, and the Sergeant Major (Feldweibel) checks for attendance. This is usually followed by informing the troops about the day's schedule.
AvP	AvP stands for the medical certificate from a psychiatrist used to prove unfitness for work or leave.
Bananengas (Banana gas)	Banana gas refers to isopentyl acetate (hence the IPA test) and is used as a training gas to test the seal of the protective mask. The alternative name "banana gas" comes from its intense smell of bananas.
Beingümmeli (Trouser bands)	Beingümmelis are elastic trouser bands used to keep the uniform trousers held over the boots.
BG-4	BG-4 is the short form for readiness level 4 (BG4, C full protection). This refers to the highest level of NBC protection readiness.
BO	BO stands for career officer, formerly also known as Inschter. Career officers are military specialists in the areas of training, operational and armament planning, and doctrine.
BöFei	BöFei is the short form for "evil enemy" (böser Feind). Nowadays, however, the term "opponent" (Gegner) is used during exercises.
Bride	A bad, redundant soldier. Bride can also be used in conjunction with other terms, such as Bridenzug or Bridenpuch.
B-Taz	B-Taz is a colloquial term for Tenue B (service dress).
BU	BU stands for career non-commissioned officer. Their duties and functions include: training and combat techniques, participation in staff work, and military expertise for weapons, equipment, and systems.
BUSA	BUSA is the training center for career non-commissioned officers in Herisau.
Bürsten (To brush)	Used as a term for harassing, e.g., "to brush the newbies".
C-Alarm	C-Alarm warns of the chemical danger from chemical warfare agents. The regulations on NBC defense state exactly how soldiers must behave and what they must pay attention to.
CBA	CBA is the slang abbreviation for "chilling until rested" (Chillen bis ausgeruht) and means: resting for a long time.
CdA	CdA is the abbreviation for Chief of the Armed Forces. As of the beginning of 2020, Thomas Süssli is the current CdA.
Charlie	Along with BöFei and GroBöFei, Charlie is another term for opponent.
DB	DB is the short form for service booklet (Dienstbüchlein). It serves as a document verifying the completion of military service and military service obligations in the Swiss Armed Forces, civil service, and civil protection.
Daher (Gather round)	Daher is a command to the troops to gather in a semicircle around the platoon leader.
DD	DD stands for continuous service soldier (Durchdiener) and refers to a person who performs their entire military service in one continuous stretch.
Detachieren (Detach)	Detachieren refers to the detachment of an individual from the troop to fulfill a specific task.
DHU	DHU is the shortened form of endurance exercise (Durchhalteübung). This is a long exercise that is generally conducted at the end of RS/UOS/OS.
DR	DR is the abbreviation for the Service Regulations 04 of the armed forces. It is binding for all AdA and contains basic rules, military criminal law, powers, rights, obligations, and much more.
Duro	Duro stands for the all-terrain military vehicle Mowag Duro. This is frequently used for transporting troops.
EBU	EBU encompasses the three concepts: Establishing, Operating, and Maintaining (Erstellen, Betreiben und Unterhalten). For example: EBU of a site.
EF	EF means "fulfilled" (erfüllt).
Eff-Tasche	The Eff-Tasche is the officially designated equipment bag 04 (Effektentasche 04). This refers to the green shoulder bag.
Einbooten (Embark)	Einbooten means boarding (disembarking: exiting) a military vehicle, especially armored personnel carriers, trucks, and Duros.
EKF	EKF stands for electronic warfare and describes military measures that utilize the electromagnetic spectrum to defeat the opponent.
Erstellen (To set up/prepare)	To return something to its original state. The term is also used for packing (e.g., to pack one's gear).
Fak-Ausgang (Optional leave)	Fak-Ausgang - actually Fak-Nachtessen (optional dinner) - refers to a long free evening without a mandatory dinner in the barracks.
Fass	Fass is derived from Fusil d’assault and means assault rifle in French.
Fax nach Bern (Fax to Bern)	The term "Fax to Bern" refers to the destruction of files and data carriers.
Feldcoiffeur (Field hairdresser)	Feldcoiffeur means scout and stems from the troop badge featuring two crossed sabers, which resembles a pair of scissors.
Feldi	Feldi is a short form for Sergeant Major or Chief Sergeant Major (Feldweibel / Hauptfeldweibel). They are responsible for the maintenance of the troops.
Feldtelefon (Field telephone)	The field telephone is an old telephone that, by turning the hand crank (generating ringing current), makes the other end ring.
Figgen	Figgen is used as a term for harassing (see also: Bürsten).
Figgermutz	A way of wearing the headgear often seen among superiors (low in the front, high in the back).
Figger-PD	Daily equipment maintenance (see PD), which is carried out under supervision and combined with exercises (push-ups, running, etc.).
Fisch (Fish)	The rain cover for the Tenue A dress uniform is also referred to as a "fish".
Flauschi	Flauschi is the removable sleeping bag inner liner made of fiber fleece.
Foufou	Foufou is the colloquial term for Quartermaster (Fourier). They are a senior non-commissioned officer whose duties include accounting and provisioning the troops.
Füsel	Füsel is derived from Füsilier (today an infantryman: foot soldier).
Gamelle	Gamelle refers to the three-piece metal cooking and eating mess kit used in the field.
Gnägi	Gnägi is the term for the turtleneck sweater, which was introduced under former Federal Councilor Rudolf Gnägi when he was Minister of Defense.
Greni	Greni is the short form for grenadier and is used especially for infantry grenadiers or armored grenadiers.
GroBöFei	GroBöFei is an abbreviation for the expression "Big Evil Enemy", an escalation of BöFei.
Gst	Gst is the abbreviation for General Staff.
GTE	The basic load-bearing equipment is abbreviated as GTE. It is a component of the basic gear consisting of pouches, straps, and belts.
Hamburger	Hamburger is the term for a newcomer to refresher courses after recruit school. There is also a "Hamburger baptism," a ritual for admitting newcomers, often involving dares and alcohol.
Häsibe	Häsibe stands for the expression "staying ready" (Hält sich bereit).
Hiba	Hiba is a shortened version of obstacle course (Hindernisbahn).
Hülselen	Hülselen describes collecting cartridge cases on the shooting range.
Hülsensack (Cartridge bag / Recruits)	The term "Hülsensack" is generally used for a simple soldier as an example.
HV	HV means main roll call (Hauptverlesen). This is where the troops assemble before going on leave.
i Gst	i Gst is the abbreviation for "on the General Staff" and is the official designation for a General Staff Officer (e.g., Colonel i Gst).
ID	ID is the abbreviation for internal service, which includes maintenance of personal equipment, cleaning of accommodations, and personal hygiene.
IKEA	If everything is not in perfect order during a room inspection, "IKEA" means that the entire contents of the room must be carried outside. The affected person must then establish the correct room order there.
IVP	IVP stands for individual first-aid kits. Medical supplies and gauze are kept in vacuum-sealed bags.
Johnny, John Wayne	Johnny or John Wayne are synonyms for canned meals issued in the military. These come in various flavors like chili, spaetzli, and curry.
KA	KA is the abbreviation for infirmary (Krankenabteilung).
Kadi	Kadi refers to the commander of a unit (company, battalion, battery, column).
Kampfzigi 90	The Kampfzigi 90 is a cigarette that can be smoked quickly within 90 seconds.
Kanugi Rapport	A Kanugi report is a coffee and nut-pastry report: a briefing where there is coffee and nut pastry.
Karusa	Karusa is a colloquial term for the combat backpack.
Kebab-Chef, Kasernen-Clown, Kafi-crème	Kebab-Chef is an alternative term for the officer of the day and is derived from the "KC" (Kontrolle / Contrôle) lettering on their armband.
KD-Box	The short-distance box, abbreviated KD-Box, is a shooting facility used in refresher courses and recruit courses for shooting exercises at short distances.
KKK or ZZZ	KKK (Command, Control, Correct) is the motto of the troops during the training period. The alternative is ZZZ (Show, Watch, Tell off).
KNP	KNP stands for chemical agent detection paper (part of the NBC individual protection kit), which was developed to identify chemical warfare agents.
KP	KP is the abbreviation for command post, which usually refers to an office.
KS	KS is the short form for combat boots. You can find a large selection of field-ready combat boots in our shop.
Küsche	Küsche refers to the head chef or cook.
Lefti	Lefti is an alternative term for an officer with the rank of Lieutenant.
LBA	LBA stands for the Logistics Base of the Armed Forces.
Lilö	Lilö is the short form for "Lichter löschen am Abend" (lights out in the evening).
Liegen	In the long form it is called "Liegestützen machen" (doing push-ups) and in the short form "Liegen".
Liegen lang	The expression "Liegen lang" has nothing to do with push-ups, but rather with simply lying around.
Lüga	Lüga stands for "Leuchtgamasche" (reflective gaiter). This is a band that reflects light at night, which is worn around the left leg above the boot.
Mat	Mat is the short form for "Material" (equipment).
Matmag	The place for storing equipment is also called Matmag or equipment depot.
Matkontrolle	Matkontrolle refers to the equipment inspection, which also represents a time-consuming exercise.
Maus/Müsli	The term "Maus" or "Müsli" is used for the labeling of personal equipment. This is a small round plastic disc.
Mägi	An alternative name for the magazine of the assault rifle or pistol is Mägi.
MP	Military Police is abbreviated as MP.
Munmag	Munitionsmagazin (ammunition depot), abbreviated Munmag, is a location for the storage of ammunition.
Muschi	The term Muschi is derived from "Mutterschiff" (mothership) and is a common expression for the roller suitcase 04.
Mutz	Mutz is used to refer to the field cap or peaked cap, a hallmark of the AdA (member of the armed forces).
Mützen	A short rest, usually after lunch, or simply napping.
Nebel	When an officer approaches, "Nebel" (fog) is frequently used as a warning expression among soldiers.
NEF	NEF is the abbreviation for "nicht erfüllt" (not fulfilled) and states that the required performance could not be met.
Of	Of is the abbreviation for Offizier (officer).
Oberlefti	The short designation for Oberleutnant (first lieutenant) is Oberlefti (see Lefti).
Obli	Obli is used as the short form for the compulsory shooting duty.
OS	OS is the abbreviation for Offiziersschule (officer candidate school).
PA	PA refers to the personal equipment, everything that the AdA takes home with them.
Pamir	Pamir is also the name for the hearing protection device worn during shooting exercises. By the way, we offer many high-quality hearing protection items in our shop.
Pavian	When the buttocks are irritated after an exercise, it is also referred to as "Pavian" (baboon).
PD	PD (Parkdienst/maintenance service) is a reconditioning activity in the Swiss Armed Forces and includes the maintenance of weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and equipment. The care of army animals is also part of this.
Pflock	A stupid soldier or superior can also be referred to as a "Pflock" (literally a tent peg).
Picasso	Picasso is an alternative term for the graphic representation of the weekly schedule.
Pimpeln	"Pimpeln" means doing nothing or hanging around, which occurs especially during idle times without supervision by superiors.
Pisa	Pisa is the short form for the army's Personal-Informations-System (personnel information system).
Polenta-Fraktion	"Polenta-Fraktion" is a derogatory term for AdAs (members of the armed forces) from the Ticino region.
Puch	Puch refers to an off-road vehicle (military jeep), which is currently being gradually replaced by Mercedes G-Class jeeps.
QM	The abbreviation QM refers to the Quartermaster, the specialist superior of the Fourier. His area of responsibility is accounting.
Retablieren	"Retablieren" (reconditioning) describes the restoration of the original state after an exercise.
Riegeln	Practicing the manipulation of weapons is referred to as "Riegeln".
Rep-Etikette	The repair tag is a label for equipment that needs to be repaired or exchanged.
RS	Rekrutenschule (recruit school) is abbreviated as RS.
RSG	The abbreviation for the Reizstoffsprühgerät 2000 (pepper spray device) is RSG.
Ruhn	"Ruhn" (stand at ease) is the basic position during a formation: arms are folded behind the back and feet are placed shoulder-width apart.
Russe	"Russe" is a derogatory expression for soldiers from the Romandie (French-speaking Switzerland).
SABTA	SABTA is the abbreviation for the following leadership principle: "Selbstsicheres Auftreten bei totaler Ahnungslosigkeit" (confident appearance despite total cluelessness).
SAMSUKA	SAMSUKA describes a defined sequence of the following steps: Put on protective mask Pass on alarm Decontaminate personnel Inject antidote if symptoms occur Put on protective overgarment Decontaminate contact points Continue work.
Sackbefehl	"Sackbefehl" refers to items that a soldier must always carry with them. This list varies depending on the assignment.
Sani	Sani is the short form for Sanitätssoldat (medical soldier).
SBG (SKA)	SBG (SKA) means: "Suchen bis gefunden" (search until found), otherwise no time off.
SE79	If there is no radio, the cell phone or alternatively the SE79 is used.
Schlampenstein	"Schlampenstein" (slovenliness stone) refers to a soldier's harassment. If they are not wearing their uniform correctly, they must carry a large stone.
Schnauze tief	A colloquial request to someone to be quiet: "Schnauze tief" (shut your mouth).
Schoggistich	Another form of soldier harassment is called "Schoggistich". Here, the assault rifle is set up with the barrel pointing towards the ground. The result is a time-consuming cleaning of the weapon.
Schuko	The area of responsibility of a "Schuko" (school commander) lies in the recruit school.
Schuma	Schuma is the abbreviation for the word Schutzmassnahmen (protective measures), but is also frequently used for the word Schutzmaske 90 (gas mask 90).
SE-079	Cell phones are also referred to by the term SE-079. The number sequence 079 originates from the Swisscom area code.
Sechseinhalber	"Sechseinhalber" (six-and-a-halfer) is the short form for reporting form 6.005 (formerly 6.5), which is used to forward notices, complaints, and statements to superiors.
Splischu	Splischu is the abbreviation for Splitterschutzweste (fragmentation protective vest).
Taz	Taz is the short form for "Tarnanzug": the uniform with green camouflage patterns.
Tenue	The umbrella term "Tenue" is used for the various types of uniforms of the Swiss Armed Forces.
Tenue A	Tenue A is the name for the dress uniform.
Tenue B	The camouflage uniform Tenue B is the service uniform, which is worn with a beret.
Tenue C	The variants of the work uniform are called Tenue C and include a cap.
Tenue korrigieren	"Tenue korrigieren" means wearing one's uniform properly (all buttons are buttoned and zippers closed).
Tenueschlampe	The derogatory term "Tenueschlampe" applies to soldiers who repeatedly do not wear their Tenue (uniform) correctly.
UOS	UOS is the short form for Unteroffiziersschule (non-commissioned officer school).
UT	"Untauglich" (unfit for service) is abbreviated as UT.
VBA	VBA refers to Verbandsausbildung (unit training). Tongue-in-cheek, it also stands for "Versuch beschäftigt auszusehen" (attempting to look busy).
Verschieben	All movements of the company/platoon. For example, moving from the barracks to the shooting range.
wAdA	wAdA is the shortened term for weibliche Angehörige der Armee (female members of the armed forces).
Wegtreten	"Wegtreten" (dismissed) is a command from a superior after an AdA has reported or received their task.
WEMA	WEMA stands for: "Wiedererstellung der Einsatzbereitschaft des Materials im Ausbildungsdienst" (restoration of material operational readiness during training service). It includes cleaning and returning the equipment at the end of training.
WK	WK is the abbreviation for Wiederholungskurs (refresher course).
Wolf	A "Wolf" consists of unpleasant chafing between the thighs. One gets this after marching for a long time. You can find the appropriate anti-chafe protection for prevention in our assortment.
XMV	XMV is the short form for "Xunde Mänscheverstand" (common sense).
ZM	ZM is the abbreviation for Zeitmilitär (professional military personnel). This term refers to officers or non-commissioned officers who work for the military for a certain period of time.
ZS	ZS means "Zusammenschiss" (a dressing down/reprimand). You receive a ZS if you have done something wrong.
Züghüsler	A "Züghüsler" works in the Logistics Base of the Armed Forces.
Zwipf	Zwipf is derived from "Zwischenverpflegung" (mid-meal snack) and is now its official abbreviation. It usually consists of a basket or box filled with fruit, cookies, or chocolate. You can, of course, find the original biscuits, chocolates, and the emergency rations in our shop.
ZZZ	ZZZ: "Zeige, zueluege, zämeschiisse" (show, watch, reprimand) is the jocular form of KKK: "Kommandieren, Kontrollieren, Korrigieren" (command, control, correct).