Army Speech and the Future of American English

Abstract

SINCE THE FIRST WORLD WAR, the military has figured with increasing importance in the lives of many of us. During the First World War some 4,3 55,000 Americans saw military service. In the Second World War this number passed 16,ooo,ooo. During the Korean 'police action' almost i,6oo,ooo men and women served in the U. S. Army alone.1 At present, the problems of coexistence make it apparent that for an indefinite time to come most (if not all) young men will experience some sort of military life. With these considerations in mind, it is pertinent to ask how much influence Army speech will have upon American English in the years ahead of us. Army lingo in its manifold aspects exerts a charm that does not end with the receipt of a discharge certificate.2 Its spell, or that of a kindred slang, has been described by a former conscientious objector who for his felony was interned at the United States Disciplinary Barracks (for military criminals) at Fort Leavenworth:

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