One of Adm. Mike Mullen's first moves as new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff apparently is to banish the use of the phrase "global war on terrorism."

Here's the e-mail that went out Thursday to all hands (we're learning to speak Navy) in the Joint Staff's J-5 section - the strategic plans and policy shop.

From: Pitman, William B LtCol JCS J5
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2007 6:10 PM
To: J-5 All (w/o GO/FO)
Cc: J-5 All GO/FO
Subject: *REMOVE ANY REFERENCE TO GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR" OR "WAR ON TERROR" FROM ALL CORRESPONDENCE*

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

J-5,

Today, we have received clear direction from Adm Mullen (incoming CJCS) regarding the phrase "Global War on Terror". He does not like this reference and we are not to use this in any future correspondence. Review your letters, orders, JSAPs, and presentations to ensure this reference is removed.

Ensure strict compliance.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

R/S,
LtCol Pitman

This raises a whole host of questions. For instance, now what do we call the Air Force one-star on the J-5 staff whose job title is "deputy director for the war on terrorism?"

And what about all the guys who have been decorated with that GWOT expeditionary medal?

Join in the fun at Castle Argghhh!, where they're having a contest to come up with a suitable new name.