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Actually, this discussion brings to mind an OC and CSM we had once. The OC insisted upon referring to us as "Gunfighters," and worked it into his speech several times when he would address us daily. Everyone from sr privates up to WO thought it gay, and we, the cpls/jacks would beg the pl comds/pl 2ICs to ask him to stop it. It made him lose all respect from the troops, and that was bad for morale.
The CSM had us respond to these pep talks with a loud "Hooah." But, since the entire coy felt it to be gay (on a level I can only equate with a meeting of the Village People and Elton John doing a cover version of a Liberace song, while watching a Rock Hudson movie) it came out as a sort of loud, collective "hhuuuueeehhkkk." Which is incredibly depressing, when you hear it done by a 100 + troops. But, either it was never brought to their attention, or they felt that it was good for morale, or they just wanted to 'leave their mark' it didn't stop. So every coy-level parade would end with the troops making a strangled, half-gasped exhalation, and then walk away mocking the company leadership. And we couldn't stop it, because...well, because the troops were right.
Professional Canadian soldiers don't grunt, bark, shout, scream, or any of that sort of thing, and anyone who does so must realize that they have now opened themselves up for scathing and merciless harassment. And the worst part is that by doing so, they forfeit any right to defend themselves.
It is acceptable to say "hooah" or "oorah" when dealing with American Infantry, or Marines, as it creates a sense of familiarity to them, and opens communication. It's their thang and they dig it. It's no different than opening a conversation in Afghanistan by placing your right hand on your heart and saying "Salaam Aleikum." But, just as you wouldn't do that at work, don't grunt.
You want to sound professional and hard-core, speak clearly, enunciate, and say things like "Yes, Sergeant", "I understand, Sir", "No, Warrant", or "Excuse me, Cpl". No "yeah," "huh?", "hey, MCpl!". That is professionalism.
The CSM had us respond to these pep talks with a loud "Hooah." But, since the entire coy felt it to be gay (on a level I can only equate with a meeting of the Village People and Elton John doing a cover version of a Liberace song, while watching a Rock Hudson movie) it came out as a sort of loud, collective "hhuuuueeehhkkk." Which is incredibly depressing, when you hear it done by a 100 + troops. But, either it was never brought to their attention, or they felt that it was good for morale, or they just wanted to 'leave their mark' it didn't stop. So every coy-level parade would end with the troops making a strangled, half-gasped exhalation, and then walk away mocking the company leadership. And we couldn't stop it, because...well, because the troops were right.
Professional Canadian soldiers don't grunt, bark, shout, scream, or any of that sort of thing, and anyone who does so must realize that they have now opened themselves up for scathing and merciless harassment. And the worst part is that by doing so, they forfeit any right to defend themselves.
It is acceptable to say "hooah" or "oorah" when dealing with American Infantry, or Marines, as it creates a sense of familiarity to them, and opens communication. It's their thang and they dig it. It's no different than opening a conversation in Afghanistan by placing your right hand on your heart and saying "Salaam Aleikum." But, just as you wouldn't do that at work, don't grunt.
You want to sound professional and hard-core, speak clearly, enunciate, and say things like "Yes, Sergeant", "I understand, Sir", "No, Warrant", or "Excuse me, Cpl". No "yeah," "huh?", "hey, MCpl!". That is professionalism.
