Shang, I was engaging in some sarcasm there. Perhaps I would be clearer to say that military terms sometimes have clear and accurate meaning only in a specific context. They can mean very different things in different branches, different nationalities, and other changes of context. In the context of people inside the organization, they're expected to learn the current and applicable definitions, to take them seriously and with an obedient and respectful attitude, and not to question them or complain if they conflict with other contexts. For example, jokes about "lower halves" of admirals would sometimes not be officially appreciated.
PvK