Doc Jargon: HELP! I Have To Speak Civilian

Photo By Collen McGee | Doc Jargon, cutting through the jargon that is the U.S. Army.  

FORT RILEY, KS, UNITED STATES

09.22.2023

Story by Collen McGee 

Fort Riley Public Affairs Office

Dear Doc Jargon,

I’m volunteering with a local non-profit organization and the battle rhythm is one where we meet the second Tuesday of every month. I want to ask about other battle rhythm events and realized I have no idea how to ask that in civilian terms. Can you help me change my terms from military to civilian so that I can communicate with the other volunteers?

Sincerely,
Battle Rhythm and Blue



Dear Battle Rhythm and Blue,

Sure — I’m happy to help. Civilians have several ways of referring to things, which have a regular repeating schedule. Most of them use more words than our military version of battle rhythm except one — recurring. So, you can ask about other recurring events. Sometimes the term standing appointment is used, such as saying you have a standing appointment every second Tuesday. However, battle rhythm means so much more than just a set of recurring meetings.

For us in the military, that term refers to a deliberate cycle of command, staff and unit activities, which are designed to synchronize operations now and for the future. The corporate world is starting to catch on to this term and its meaning, but translating it for your use is probably the best thing at your volunteer position.

I hope that helps and thank you for serving your community.


Sincerely,
Doc Jargon

• Date Taken: 09.22.2023
• Date Posted: 09.22.2023 12:52
• Story ID: 454066
• Location: FORT RILEY, KS, US