6 alternate names troops have for military awards

First, recipients of all these awards should be proud of themselves. Earning one of these medals show dedication to the U.S. military and is worthy of respect. However, that doesn't stop service members making fun of their own awards.

1. Purple Heart

The Purple Heart, originally an award for merit established by General George Washington, is now given to any service member injured by enemy forces or recognized terrorist organizations. Since the award is given whenever an enemy successfully shoots an American, it's jokingly called the "Enemy Marksmanship Badge."

2. Special Warfare Insignia

Also known as the "SEAL Trident," the badge of some of America's most elite operators has a funny nickname. "Budweiser" refers to one of the classes SEALs recruits have to graduate to earn it, Basic Underwater Demolition/SEALs, or BUD/S.

3. National Defense Service Medal

The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for active duty service in the armed forces during times of war. For many recruits who receive it though, it can feel a bit hollow. After all, it's typically given to recruits when they graduate basic training. Since it's given so easily, service members have different nicknames for it.

One nickname used by the Marine Corps and Army is "Fire Watch Ribbon," since doing overnight fire watch is about as hard as basic training gets. The Navy calls it the "Geedunk Ribbon," referring to the sailors' term for items available in a vending machine. Finally, some people from across the services call it the "Pizza Stain" because of its looks.

4. Army Commendation Medal

The Army Commendation Medal can be awarded for either merit or valor, with the valor award typically being the more impressive. On the merit or combat valor side, it's one step below the Bronze Star. When awarded for noncombat valor, it's just beneath the Soldier's Medal. Soldiers call it, "The Green Weenie," especially Vietnam vets.

5. Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal

All of the branches award a Good Conduct Medal for every three years an enlisted members serves in a branch without receiving any criminal or military punishments. Most of the branches will make a joke when they give the award, saying something like, "Oh, you went three years without getting caught, huh? Must've been pretty sneaky!" The Marine Corps created its own joke by nicknaming it "The Good Cookie."

6. Basic Parachutist badge

The nickname for the parachutist badge is so widespread, that some people think it's the proper name. "Jump Wings" is pretty self-explanatory, since it's a pair of wings given to military jumpers. They're also sometimes called "Silver Wings" due to their color on the dress uniform.

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