snivel gear

n. a soldier’s equipment or clothing perceived as providing comfort beyond that which is strictly necessary, such as a poncho, a sweater, gloves, a sleeping bag, etc. Subjects: English, Military, Slang

Editorial Note: The first cite is a nonce usage unrelated to the term defined here.

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Citations: [1994 [Keith Smith] Usenet: comp.dcom.servers (July 23) “Re: help me build a modem pool”: If money is no object, I would use rack mount MultiTech modems with all the monitor snivel gear, Otherwise I would buy 2834’s or 1432’s and just stack them to the ceiling, with wall bar outlets for the transformers.] 1998 [SJSNYDR] Usenet: alt.toys.gi-joe (Sept. 26) “Re: What’s in the pack?”: As for a modern day joe, this is what I carry; couple pairs of socks, T-shirts, MRE’s, shaving kit, slepping bag, “snivel” gear (poly- pro), GPS, NVG’s, ponchos, and radio w/ extra batteries. Also have a polypad for laying on the ground. Almost forgot the most important thing! My WOOBIE!! You might call it poncho liner. It’s a lifesaver on those cold nights in the patrol base. 2000 [BMoorehrny] Usenet: rec.guns (June 21) “Re: do USMC snipers wear shooting jackets in combat?”: What is “snivel gear”?…Army slang for stuff you take to the field with you to make you more comfortable. Sweat rag, poncho liner, extra gloves etc. 2001 United States Department of Defense (FDCH Regulatory Intelligence Database) (May 15) “Army Dreams Of Grunt Of The Future”: Not having to carry extra gear, such as field jackets or rain gear, lightens the load. “Backpacks will no longer be needed except for food, extra ammo and water,” he said. “We’re actually going to carry just mission-specific items and none of what we call “snivel gear.” So we don’t have our cold weather gear, our wet weather suits, our chemical-biological protection—it’s all integrated into one suit.” 2002 Martha Brant Newsweek Web Exclusive (Dec. 19) “You’re in the Army Now”: I now put on my “snivel gear"—cold-weather clothing that makes you stop “sniveling” about the chilly Georgia mornings. 2003 Joe Katzman Winds of Change.Net (Feb. 18) “A Soldier’s E-Mail Changes Their Equipment”: SNIVEL GEAR = comfort items. 2004 Evan Wright Generation Kill (June 17) p. 21: Few virtues are celebrated more than being hard—having stronger muscles, being a better fighter, being more able to withstand pain and privation. They refer to extra comforts—foam sleeping pads, sweaters, even cold medicine—as “snivel gear” and relentlessly mock those who bring it as pussies. 2005 Company Command: Jon Whyte Army (Dec.) “The Leadership Legacy of John Whyte”: I learned that snivel gear is for when you stop moving and Soldiers sneaking snivel gear will become heat casualties in the winter.

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