Why did they skip it?

[SpongeJuan]

Anybody ever stopped and thought about all the companies in bootcamp?
ABCD EFGH IKLM NOP

If you stop and think about it there should be a J inbetween the I and K, and then they should bump all the rest of the letters down. Or is there a logical explanation for this?

[Vulture6]

Think about the phonetic alphabet -- as a hard charging motivated young private, do you really want to go through boot camp as a member of "Juliet" company?

[Covertness]

Aw! come on Vulture, you can do better than that.

At the onset of The War of Northern Agression, a training company "Juliette Company" held off the Rebs long enough for the base to be safely evacuated and the military stores to be destroyed. Since Juliette Company never made it to the boats they are considered still on duty and thus nobody else carries their name.

Note, I made that up but I hope the real reason is equally dramatic and heroic.

During said War of Northern Agression the Corps of Cadets from The Virginia Military Institue were thrown into the fray at the Battle of New Market. Six Cadets fell that day and the Institute remembers their names each year at the battle's anniversary.

[USMCRET6391]

Originally Posted by Vulture6

Think about the phonetic alphabet -- as a hard charging motivated young private, do you really want to go through boot camp as a member of "Juliet" company?

[Bronco1986]

I remember learning about that when i visited VMI during high school. They call out the cadets name then someone says, "Died on the Field of Honor." at least thats how i remember it.

[Hasbeen]

It's not an exact answer but...

The absence of the letter "J" as a company identifier is based on the similar appearance of "I" and "J" in pre-20th century cursive writing, and the similar pronunciation to that of "A". It was a long-standing military practice that dates back to the beginnings of the British system of regiments and lettered companies. This practice supposedly was reversed in the 20th century due to changes in handwriting and typewriters.

Sorry it isn't more dramatic. I'm not sure if this carries over to the reasoning of why its not included in Basic Companies, perhaps adhering to some sort of tradition?

[USMC Chuter]

That's as good an explanation as any.. I never really thought about it, Sponge.. Good eye.

[SpongeJuan]

Well that seemed like an extreamly good answer hasbeen. Although I am glad they don't include it, imagine having to go through bootcamp with "Juliet" company. That wouldn't sound like a tough company at all hahahahaha.