Some of the soldiers on our FOB (Forward Operating Base) rarely or never leave it. These soldiers are called Fobbits. Fobbits use the term freely, perhaps a bit sheepishly, because there is a certain amount of machismo in going outside the wire. Soldiers who do go out regularly also use the term Fobbit, but a bit more pejoratively.
Of course, whether you leave the FOB or not is usually not a matter a choice. Plenty of soldiers would be happy to change circumstances and leave, or never leave, depending on what they’re doing now. A soldier told me he goes out almost every day, and the novelty wore off for him a long time ago. He’d prefer not to leave the safety of the FOB. His platoon has lost a soldier to an IED. Also, soldiers who never leave the FOB support those who do. Without the support Fobbits, the mission here would not get done. We all know that.
A FOB Bra is the pistol holster worn around the shoulders and neck. Many consider it more comfortable than the leg holster. However, if you wear the Bra, you can’t wear the body armor over it, which implies that you don’t ever use body armor, that you never leave the FOB. Thus, FOB Bra, worn by girley men. Watch news reports and photos, and you’ll see lots of soldiers – sans body armor – bearing a brown leather or black canvass Fob Bra. You’ve ID’d a probable Fobbit.
Update:
Here's a pic of a Fobbit wearing a Fob Bra.
2 comments:
This is the winner for most intriquing post title of the day.
Most intriguing post title of the month is more like it. LOL! I'll be looking at the news reports more carefully now.
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