Dictionary definition of “battle rattle”

battle rattle

n. (protective) military gear worn in combat situations. Subjects: English, Military, Slang

Editorial Note: An identical term dating to at least 1945 and meaning “nervousness in the face of combat” or “combat fatigue” is apparently separately derived. “Battle rattle” also appears in news, prose, and poetry as a literal term.

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Citations: 1995 Indira A.R. Lakshmanan @ Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina Boston Globe (Dec. 21) “NATO brings fresh mandate to Bosnia” p. 2: The main gate, which previously was manned by a Swedish soldier in a ribbed turtleneck, camouflage pants and felt beret, was secured by at least six American paratroopers and military police in full combat regalia, heavy body armor and helmets—battle rattle, as they call it. 2001 Greg Fontenot (July 1) “The Urban Area During Stability Missions Case Study” @ Capital Preservation Russell Glenn p. 213: Maintain the standard for the duration—full battle rattle and alert troops was our standard. 2004 [Oneguy] @ Iraq MREater (Boise, Idaho) (Oct. 8) “Spinning up”: At 0001 hrs today we started to wear our “battle rattle,” or as it’s more affectionately known, our crap.

Posted 11 Oct 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Reader comments:

Actually, a battle rattle was a device with a handle and a box which when spun would make a noise that could be heard above the sounds of battle. Used during the Civil War to inform sailors to board the opposing ship or all hands on deck to fight depending on the captain’s orders. Also used in conjunction with a gong as another signal. Clearly a sound that could be heard over the sound of battle. Device is on display in the Civil War Navy Museum, Columbus, GA.

by DuBravac 27 Aug 07, 0930 GMT