Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 9/3/2008

Question
My daughter wanted to know what was the nickname given to an army soldier other than G.I. or G.I. Joe? (for example marines are referred to as jarheads)

Answer
Dear Carla --

Depending on the specialty a Soldier has in the Army, they may be called "Legs" (actually LAIG from Light Assault Infantry Group, but that's old history).  Cavalry Soldiers are often called "Troopers."  Artillery Soldiers are often called "red legs."

In general, the ground Soldiers (non-aviators) are "grunts" the Army equivalent of the Marine Corps "jarhead."