Why Can’t You Say "Repeat" in the Military?
The military is known for its precision and attention to detail, and one of the reasons for this is the standardized use of language. Despite its seemingly simple nature, the military has a vast array of rules and protocols when it comes to communication. One of the most fascinating and often misunderstood is the prohibition on using the word "repeat" in military communication.
So, Why Can’t You Say "Repeat" in the Military?
It’s a Matter of Clarification
The first and most obvious reason why you can’t say "repeat" in the military is that it’s confusing. In military communication, the word "repeat" can be easily misheard or misinterpreted, especially in noisy or chaotic environments. For example, when a commander gives an order, they might say something like, "Take Position Alpha, REPEAT". In this context, saying "repeat" instead of actually repeating the order might lead to confusion and delays. By avoiding the word "repeat", military personnel can ensure that orders are clear and concise.
The Alternative: " Roger That"
So, if you can’t say "repeat", what can you say instead? Military personnel use a variety of phrases to confirm understanding or clarify orders. One of the most common is "Roger That", which is a phrase that ensures the recipient understands the message correctly. This phrase originated from the early days of radio communication, where pilots would respond with "Roger" to indicate they understood the message. Today, "Roger That" is widely used in all branches of the military, from the Army to the Navy.
Other Key Phrases
Here’s a list of other common phrases used in military communication:
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Roger | I understand |
| Roger That | I understand and will carry out the order |
| Affirmative | Yes, I will carry out the order |
| Negative | No, I will not carry out the order |
The History Behind "Roger That"
But why did "Roger" become the standard phrase? The answer lies in World War II, when aircraft radio communication was still a relatively new technology. Military pilots would use the term "Roger" to respond to messages, and "That" was added later to confirm understanding. Since then, "Roger That" has become synonymous with military communication.
Why "Repeat" Has a Bad Reputation
You might wonder why "repeat" became such a notorious word in the military. One reason is that it’s often associated with chaos and confusion. In the heat of the moment, when orders are being given and received in a high-pressure environment, using the word "repeat" can lead to delays and misunderstandings. Add to that the fact that "repeat" sounds similar to other words like "report" or "respond", and it’s easy to see how it can cause confusion.
Conclusion
In summary, the military prohibits using the word "repeat" due to its potential for confusion and misinterpretation. Instead, military personnel use phrases like "Roger That" to clarify and confirm orders. The prohibition on "repeat" might seem trivial, but it’s a small aspect of a much larger tapestry of standardized communication practices that ensure the military operates efficiently and effectively.
Next time you’re watching a military movie or TV show, pay attention to how the characters communicate. Chances are, you won’t hear anyone saying "repeat" – but you might hear "Roger That" a few times!
