Acronyms Divide

Acronyms Divide: There is definitely a learning curve for both those in the military and civilian world when interacting. Our military jargon doesn’t always translate, particularly when we are building our resumes and seeking new employment. Maybe we should champion eliminating all acronyms ?

Lost in Translation: The Tale of Military Jargon and Civilian Confusion

Transitioning from the military to civilian life is a bit like trying to explain the rules of football to someone who only watches chess. Sure, there’s strategy, but good luck getting them to understand the Hail Mary or why you need 300-pound linemen.

For us veterans, the real struggle comes when we try to write civilian-friendly résumés. Let’s face it: our military jargon doesn’t translate too well. In the military, we were warriors. But in the civilian world? We’re suddenly “team-oriented problem solvers.” It’s like trying to take an Apache attack helicopter and rebrand it as an “airborne mobility solution.”

Take Sergeant Mike, for example. Mike spent 10 years in the Army, where he led a platoon, carried out night raids, and managed logistics for over 200 soldiers. When he sat down to translate this for his résumé, the confusion began.

His first draft? “Platoon Sergeant for Infantry Company conducting high-risk operations in hostile environments, responsible for coordinating CAS, ISR assets, and deconflicting airspace. Proficient in C4ISR.”

The HR manager’s response? “Uh, you’re good with… computers?”

Mike sighed. Time to make it “civilian.” He rewrote it: “Team leader for 50-person department overseeing special projects. Managed air support and communications systems integration.”

Better. But let’s be real, it still didn’t capture the time Mike had to navigate terrain with people shooting at him while also coordinating close air support. Somehow “managing air support” sounds like he was waving in planes at a regional airport.

Then there’s the alphabet soup of acronyms. The military loves acronyms more than a kid loves candy on Halloween. Ever tried explaining to a civilian what a “SITREP” or “OPORD” is? You might as well be speaking Klingon.

In Mike’s first job interview, he said, “I handled a lot of AARs and made sure the SOPs were in place for the FTX.”

The interviewer blinked. “I’m sorry, but… what are you talking about?”

Mike realized right then and there: civilian ears don’t decode our military acronyms. It’s like we’re walking around with a secret code only we understand. And let’s not even start with military time. Saying you’re available at 1500 just makes civilians think you’ve been teleported from the year 1500.

Maybe it’s time to champion a new cause: eliminating all acronyms! Picture it—no more confusing civvies with “FOB,” “MRE,” or “AWOL.” Instead, we’d say, “I was stationed at a forward base, eating military rations, making sure no one abandoned their post.”

Wait… that still doesn’t sound great.

Maybe the key isn’t getting rid of acronyms—it’s just learning how to speak “civilian.” So instead of saying, “I conducted tactical mission planning,” we say, “I planned stuff… really important stuff.”

In the end, transitioning from military to civilian life is all about adaptation. We went from a world of shouting acronyms and salutes to a land where “synergy” and “corporate wellness” reign supreme. But hey, if we could make it through basic training, we can certainly figure out a few buzzwords.

And who knows, maybe one day, when a veteran says they’re “taking a SITREP,” the HR manager will finally nod and say, “Ah, a status report! Got it!”

Baby steps, right?

If you like Acronyms Divide, check out the awesome selection of military-themed shirts, mugs, and posters at The Frontlines Shop—and don’t miss all the great stuff we’ve got on sale right now! Plus, believe it or not, some of the comics I whipped up during my 20-year military career have actually been published! These funny and sometimes edgy reflections are inspired by amazing mentors, great friends, and a deep appreciation for sarcasm. You can find them on Amazon The Frontlines

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