General
slick-sleeve
What does slick-sleeve mean?
A service member with nothing on the sleeve — no chevrons, no rocker, no rank stripe at all. In the US Marine Corps and Army that means a basic Private (E-1), straight out of boot, the very bottom of the food chain. Said with a mix of pity, ribbing, and 'remember when we were that green'. Sometimes also used for any new arrival who hasn't earned anything yet.
"Two slick-sleeves just checked in from MCT — get them on working party."
Origin
US military slang, literal — the sleeve of an E-1's uniform carries no insignia.
Frequently asked questions
What is a slick-sleeve?
It's a private with no rank insignia, the lowest rung in the ranks.
Why is it called a slick-sleeve?
Because the sleeve is "slick," meaning bare of any rank stripes or insignia.
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