Afghan War Jargon

Just as in the Iraq War of 2003, the Fourth Afghan War which saw British troops withdraw in 2014, generated its own jargon.

The BBC compiled a lexicon of jargon from the war which included the following:

Terry - to describe the Taliban opposition, as in "Terry Taliban" (cf also Jerry for Germans in WWII)

IED - Improvised Explosive Devices, roughly made explosives hidden under tracks and roads

Lash Vegas - for Lashkar Gah, the British headquarters (cf Wipers for Ypres in WWI)

Ally - any troops who looked or behaved individually, such as wearing a beard or carrying "fashionable" equipment. Rhymes with Sally. n impressive piece of kit was a "Gucci"

FAC - Forward Air Controller

Merts - Medical Emergency Response Team (cf WWI "VADS" or voluntary aid detachment)

Crap-hat - army unit considered inferior

Butlins - Camp Bastion (ironic reference to a holiday camp)

Badmin - poor personal organisation (blend of bad - admin)

You can find here a lengthier US lexicon for the Afghan War.