What does POG mean in military?

Answered by Robert Dupre

In the military, the term “POG” stands for Personnel Other than Grunts. It is a slang term used to refer to individuals who are not infantry or combat arms soldiers. POGs make up the majority of the military and perform a wide range of job roles that are essential to the functioning of the military as a whole.

One important thing to note is that the term POG is often used in a light-hearted or sometimes derogatory manner, especially by infantry soldiers. It is often used to highlight the perceived difference in combat experience between infantry and non-infantry personnel. However, it is important to recognize that every job in the military is crucial and contributes to the overall mission and success of the armed forces.

POGs can be found in various branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. They perform a diverse range of roles, such as administrative work, logistics, intelligence analysis, medical services, communications, engineering, maintenance, and many more. POGs can be found in both support units and combat support units.

Support units, such as the quartermaster corps or the supply units, are responsible for providing the necessary resources, equipment, and supplies to the troops. They handle tasks like inventory management, transportation, and distribution of supplies. Without these POGs, the combat forces would not have the necessary resources to carry out their missions effectively.

Combat support units, on the other hand, directly support combat operations but are not part of the infantry. They include military police, medics, signal corps, intelligence analysts, and many other specialized roles. These POGs provide critical support in areas such as force protection, medical care, communication, and intelligence gathering. Their expertise and skills are essential in ensuring the overall success and safety of military operations.

While POGs may not engage in direct combat on the front lines, that doesn’t mean their jobs are any less important. In fact, their roles often require specialized training, technical skills, and a deep understanding of their respective fields. They work hard behind the scenes to ensure that the combat forces have everything they need to carry out their missions effectively.

As a former military member, I have personally witnessed the invaluable contributions of POGs. During my deployment, I relied heavily on the support of POGs for a variety of tasks. From the medics who provided medical care to injured soldiers, to the mechanics who kept our vehicles and equipment running smoothly, every POG played a critical role in our mission’s success.

POGs in the military are Personnel Other than Grunts who perform a wide range of job roles that are essential to the functioning of the armed forces. While the term POG may be used in a light-hearted or sometimes derogatory manner, it is important to recognize the significant contributions and expertise of non-infantry personnel. Every job in the military is crucial, and POGs play a vital role in supporting combat operations and ensuring the overall success and safety of military missions.