Definition

To fail a qualification or test, particularly marksmanship qualification. From the lowest badge tier 'marksman' once resembling a bolo tie, though etymology debates rage on.

Example Usage

Jenkins boloed his rifle qual again—that's three times this year.

Origin

Possibly from 'bolo' badge shape or 'be on the lookout' for remedial training; origins disputed

Fun Fact

In some units, bolo-ing a qualification means wearing a special identifier or facing public ridicule, because nothing motivates like institutionalized shame.

Source: Military qualification and training terminology

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mobilisation

The British spelling of mobilization, because apparently organizing military forces requires different vowels depending on which side of the Atlantic you're on. It means the same thing—preparing and assembling forces for deployment—but using this spelling lets you sound 20% more sophisticated in international defense conferences. The extra 'i' and 's' are purely decorative.

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sorties

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