In the military, a POG is a member of the support staff who is not considered a combatant. Pogs perform a variety of functions, from clerical work to cooking and cleaning. They are an essential part of the military machine, but their jobs are often thankless, and their work is often unseen.
In this blog, Guardyourhealth will introduce you to the term “POG means” in the military.
What Is POG?
“POG” is a military word. It is both an adjective and an abbreviation for Person Other Than Grunt.
Back then, the meaning of POGs was…
It was derived from the Gaelic word “pogue,” which means “kiss.” The origins of this may be traced back to the American Civil War when service soldiers referred to non-service members as “pogues” because they were allowed to stay at home and get all of the ladies’ kisses.
The military now uses an abbreviated form of it—POG—to refer to anybody who is not physically active in battle. As a result, the “Grunts” in “POG” refers to infantrymen battling on the battlefield.
During the Vietnam War, the term “POG” had a pejorative meaning. As a result, it was used to mock and ridicule noncombat people. By the same token, it has now been regarded as a pejorative phrase.
Meaning of POGs Today…
Today, however, most people use it as a joke, and there are no harsh feelings.
POGs are often supported units that provide food, ammunition, meals, info, transportation, and so on. They are required for soldiers to combat effectively on the battlefield.
As a result, military members understand that all people, including POGs, are valuable. If you’ve realized you’re the “POG,” don’t be embarrassed. You do make a difference!
Perks of POGs
Being a POG has many benefits. For starters, you get the same compensation and benefits, with the exception of some incentives, for half the risk. Second, you receive extensive training in transferrable skills that you will undoubtedly require once you complete your service, such as documentation training.
Living circumstances are frequently superior, and you tend to advance faster because you spend the majority of your time with top officers and commanders. Your contribution is instantly apparent, and you do not need to rely on your squad sergeant to persuade others of your abilities.
Third, you are under less pressure to thrive in physical training and demonstrate battlefield skills. Even though this does not entitle you to slump on the bench and watch others workout, you only need to meet the minimal qualifying conditions. Of course, #notallPOGs, but this disparity in expectations cannot be overlooked.
Is Being a POG Military a Bad Thing?
While employees in POG-related MOSs may receive some jokes, the duties POGs do are important.
For example, soldiers would struggle to complete their tasks without pushing paperwork, access to medical, or upkeep on gear or equipment.
Furthermore, the abilities learned in a POG MOS are highly valued in the civilian sphere.
Plus, I’m sure there are plenty of troops who appreciate having a decreased danger of combat-related injuries and death, as well as access to air conditioning.
To keep the jokes impersonal, all service personnel should realize the significance of everyone’s contribution to the grand picture of military duty.
After all, every grunt will enjoy a POG serving out a cooked supper after surviving on MREs for days.
Should I Be a POG?
If you’re reading this before registering for the military, you could be thinking about becoming a POG. Don’t be concerned about others calling you names. Also, do not be coerced into signing for battle just because of the POG name.
The military is essentially a giant team, and an ideal squad includes varied individuals that support and compensate for one another. Imagine a soccer squad. Your members cannot all be strikers.
The military requires POGs just as much as infantrymen. So, don’t be misled by others. Never believe the myth that POGs are ineffective or that being a POG is unrespectable.
5 Reasons Why ‘POG’ Isn’t a Slur
1. This does not rule out the possibility of war.
Any motor transport operator who served in Iraq between 2003 and 2008 will tell you that there is no assurance of safety afforded by your professional specialty.
2. Infantry is useless without them.
This one may cause some conflict, but any unit that believes it can survive without food, drink, supplies, and ammunition is delusory.
There are no infantry leaders who don’t appreciate their logistician colleagues.
3. It is a truth, not a state of being.
You are a POG whether you work behind a desk at the main side headquarters or as an explosives ordinance disposal specialist removing enemy IEDs. The only persons who do not have a 03 or an 11B on their occupational specialization.
4. POGs get valuable skills for future jobs.
Unless you want to be a security guard or security contractor, the abilities learned by infantry are not particularly useful on the outside.
Of doubt, leadership and the capacity to function under high stress are valuable talents, but they are not limited to the infantry.
5. Your work does not make you tough.
Every grunt has a story about a person who shouldn’t have been in the army, and those same grunts will have POG buddies they consider brothers. Your work does not make you difficult; you do.
So, get that chip off your shoulder and accept who you are, whether you’re a grunt or a water purification specialist; we’re all important cogs in the machine.
FAQs
1. Why is POG an insult?
Hence, the “Grunts” in “POG” points to infantry soldiers who are out fighting on the battlefield. During the Vietnam era, “POG” had a negative connotation. So, it was used to insult and make fun of noncombat personnel. By the same token, it has since been deemed a derogatory term.
2. How do you become a POG?
6 ways for a POG to be accepted by grunts
- Don’t act like your job is more important
- Learn how to wear your gear properly
- Learn basic infantry tactics
- Set yourself to grunt standards
- Don’t act like your rank gives you experience
- Take a joke
3. Are special forces POGs?
N.A.Gs. These are the POGs of the Special Operations community. The acronym stands for Non-Action Guys. They may be assigned to the command and be around the hub of activity during operations, but they aren’t going to be on aircraft or vehicles during said operations.
Conclusion
Please share this post if you found it helpful so that others might see its contents as well! Thank you for reading!
