Saying “shack” to mean “exactly” or “precisely” isn’t even intentionally slipping tactical comm into everyday conversation - it’s usually just habit from two or three decades of using “shack” to mean those very things...because that’s what the community (and everyone in it) did. And even after retirement, one’s closest friends retain the vernacular of a former career, so its use is naturally perpetuated (as is callsign use). It’s no different than saying “standby” to your wife on the phone, or “roger” to a golfing buddy establishing the bet for the round - it is habit. Who among us isn’t guilty of such gross negligence? As far as callsigns go, these guys and gals went by a particular name for decades and have often adopted it as their identity. Often times, even their closest friends could struggle to recall their actual name(s) or its proper pronunciation. I didn’t used to understand the angst against these two characteristics (use of military jargon and callsign use), but now I see it for what it often is - jealousy. And if it’s not that, it’s just one person trying to put another down to feel better about themself - psychology 101.

Good post. It does remind me of this...

“Ah, here we are
Towards the end of our session
It's been a good time
(Sure has)

Hey Trip, when we're done, why don't we go play some golf?
(Sounds good, let's do it)
Alright! Hey, I'm gonna have to cranium on over to the pro shop though, and get me a club cranium cover for my 3-wood
(So to speak)
So to speak, yeah

Unfortunately, I gotta go downtown to do it
(So to speak)
So to speak... Yeah, you know what? I'm tired of this "so to speak" stuff, sayin' "container" and "cranium" all the time, you know I used to go with the flow, 'cause hey, I thought-- you know, hey, bein' a fighter pilot, you know, chicks dig it
(Helps with the ladies)
Well, you would think. But, uhh... it's a whole new age these days
(Yeah)
Now all the ladies want is a guy who wears a suit to work, and carries a briefcase, drives a brand new Beamer, comes home at 5 in the afternoon...
(Damn shame)
It is; it's just not the same
I tell ya... You know what, Trip?
(What's that?)

I wanna say "head"
I wanna say "box"
When I leave a party I don't wanna "pull chocks"
I don't wanna say "no slugs” when I sneak a cheek
When I say "I'm goin' downtown"
I really mean it! I've got some business to take care of downtown
And I don't want anyone sayin' "So to speak"

I wanna work for IBM
And I don't wanna fight in a war
'Cause bein' a fighter pilot won't get you ***** no more

One more time!

I wanna work for IBM
And I don't wanna fight in a war
'Cause bein' a fighter pilot won't get you ***** no more

(Yeah, that was a double negative)
Yeah, well at least I don't have a small penis
(Hey, shut up!)

Dead bug!”

~ DOS GRINGOS “The Last Song on the CD”
(Spotify search it!!)

Great post.

Chugger, is that you??

Guilty.

And "affirmative". I don't say "yes" anymore.

I like to scream “Guard” at anyone who says 121.5. Sadly, it’s very rare

Who else yells “ Squawk, ident!” when trying to find your kids? Or tells them to “cease buzzer” when getting loud and out of control? 😂

the voice of a generation

Baannnzaiii!!!

Great mention! Those guys make some good beer drinking music.

From I’m a Pilot:

Well I don't even know
Where the oil filter lies
But I'll tell you "Fix it faster, god dammit"
'Cause I'm the one who flies!