" Shave tail " was a term
originally used in the 19th century among U.S. cavalry regiments. Newly assigned cavalry troopers were given horses with a shaved tail, to let other troopers know that the rider was dangerously inexperienced, and should be given extra room to maneuver during training. " Louie " is a nickname for lieutenant, the lowest ranking, and least
experienced, rank among U.S.
Marine Corps officers."