A little-known term used in the U.S military, typically used in the U.S. Marine Corps which stands for Strategically Taking Equipment to Another Location. It is a term used to justify taking something that doesn't really belong to you when questioned by a superior who feels the action is immoral. STEALing most likely oocurs while on deployment to a far away country.
Situation dictates use:
1) A marine STEALing toilet paper from another unit's bathroom (head) in order to meet his unit's hygenical needs= Good
2) A Marine STEALing a DVD player from the (PX) Post Exchange= Shoplifting,which is bad (unless there is an acronym for "SHOPLIFT" which would justify taking something from a place where people normally purchase goods in exchange for money)
Situation dictates use:
1) A marine STEALing toilet paper from another unit's bathroom (head) in order to meet his unit's hygenical needs= Good
2) A Marine STEALing a DVD player from the (PX) Post Exchange= Shoplifting,which is bad (unless there is an acronym for "SHOPLIFT" which would justify taking something from a place where people normally purchase goods in exchange for money)
Marine to battle buddy: "After that unit over there leaves their tent for duty, I'm going to S.T.E.A.L. a sleeping bag to make up for the one that was taken from me." (Remember, there is only one thief in the Marine Corps; Everyone else is trying to get their shit back)
by MIchael Reschke (Former U.S. Marine) June 15, 2006
The act of Strategically Transferring Equipment to an Alternate Location. Usually done by the U.S. Military and it's many branches, mainly the U.S. Navy and Marine corps, however any nation, sovereign or otherwise, can do this.
The United States of America is able to S.T.E.A.L. a lot of equipment due to their insane defense budget and vast stupidity that usually works.
by Astral_Starfall November 21, 2023