General
grid squares
What does grid squares mean?
A nonexistent supply item; new troops are sent on a fool's errand to 'go find a box of grid squares.'
"They sent the boot to supply for grid squares and chem-light batteries."
Origin
U.S. military; from the grid squares printed on a map (which cannot be gathered).
Frequently asked questions
What are grid squares in military slang?
They're a fictitious supply item; new troops get sent on a fool's errand to fetch a 'box of grid squares' that doesn't exist.
Why is it a joke?
Grid squares are just the lines printed on a map, so they can't physically be gathered, making it a classic prank on the inexperienced.
How is it used?
Someone tells a new recruit to go to supply and request grid squares, often paired with other fake items like chem-light batteries.
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