List of references (Soldier)

Due to the comedic style of Team Fortress 2 and Valve's humor, the game includes references, usually in a humorous fashion. There are many sources, including games, movies, and music; even jokes that have developed within the game and its community have been included. Below are references specific to the Soldier class. Most of these references come from the military and military related media, in keeping with his character.

Achievements

Ain't Got Time to Bleed Kill 3 players with the Equalizer in a single life without being healed.

This is a famous line from the movie Predator. Louis from Left 4 Dead also uses this line. It is also a line used by the Mercenary in 'Strike Force Heroes 2'.

Backdraft Dodger Kill a Pyro who has airblasted one of your rockets in the last 10 seconds.

"Draft dodger" is a term used to refer to individuals who avoid military conscription, usually by either fleeing the country or participating in activities that would make them ineligible for military service. A backdraft refers to a combustible mixture of gases, usually in a burning building that explodes upon changing the mixture's pressure, like firefighters opening a door. Backdraft was a 1991 action-thriller film about firefighters (and backdrafts).

Banner of Brothers Buff 5 Steam friends at once with the Buff Banner.

Band of Brothers was an HBO mini-series focusing on a company of soldiers in the United States 101st Airborne Division (The "Screaming Eagles") and the events they took part in throughout World War II.

Bomb Squaddie Destroy 10 sticky bombs with the shotgun in a single life.

A bomb squad is a group of bomb-disposal experts who disarm hazardous devices for the protection of the general public, as opposed to an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, who are part of a military division. The suffix "-ie" is a diminutive, stereotypically very heavily used in Scottish speech, for example in "laddie". "Squaddie" is British slang for an enlisted soldier.

Brothers in Harms Kill 10 enemies while assisting or being assisted by another Soldier.

This is a nod to the WWII video games series Brothers in Arms, also obviously portraying partnership between soldiers.

It is possibly also a reference to the blues song Brothers in Arms by Mark Knopfler. The lyrics are mostly referencing an unnamed war, still it appears clear that the narrator is, or at least was, a soldier, with a deep sense of unity.

This could also be a reference to the earlier title given to Team Fortress 2, Team Fortress: Brotherhood of Arms.

Crockets Are Such B.S. Shoot two non-boosted crit rockets in a row.

This is a reference to a much-uttered phrase when killed by a critical rocket in Team Fortress 2. The acronym "B.S." is short for "bullshit". The nickname "Crocket", in addition to being a portmanteau word, may also be a reference to the Davy Crockett recoil-less nuclear device.

Death from Above Rocket jump and kill 2 enemies before you land.

"Death from Above" is the motto of several wings and parachute regiments of the U.S. Army.

The image of a rocket with wings is very similar to the emblem of the Special Air Service, the oldest and most elite special forces unit, a dagger with wings.

Death From Below Kill 10 opponents who are airborne with the Direct Hit.

This is a play on the phrase "Death from Above", the motto of several wings and parachute regiments of the U.S. Army.

Duty Bound While rocket jumping kill an enemy with the Equalizer before you land or just after landing.

The image of a pickaxe with wings is very similar to the emblem of the Special Air Service, the oldest and most elite special forces unit, a dagger with wings.

Engineer to Eternity Kill an Engineer as he repairs his sentry gun while it's under enemy fire.

From Here to Eternity is a 1953 drama film set in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in the days leading up to the famous attack.

For Whom the Shell Trolls Bounce an opponent into the air with a rocket and then kill them with the shotgun before they land.

For Whom The Bell Tolls is a novel by Ernest Hemingway that takes place during the Spanish Civil War. It is also the name of a song performed by the heavy metal band Metallica. Trolling is the act of posting inflammatory or off-topic messages on Internet communities with the goal of provoking an emotional response, usually rage; on gaming slang, it is the act of using certain strategies or items with the intent of enraging the victim.

Frags of our Fathers Gib 1000 people.

Flags of our Fathers is a novel about the soldiers who would eventually be made famous by Joe Rosenthal's lauded photograph of the flag raising at Iwo Jima, one of the costliest and most horrifying battles of World War II's Pacific Theater. Frags are slang for fragmentation grenades, such as the ones on the soldier's chest. However, in the context of online games, the noun "frag" is synonymous with the noun "kill" (e.g., "You stole my frag.")

Geneva Contravention Kill 3 defenseless players after a single match has ended.

This is a play on "contravention", meaning a minor crime, and the Geneva Convention, a selection of treaties which set the standards in international law for humanitarian treatment of the victims of war. One of these treaties forbids the killing of an enemy who has surrendered, which the Soldier needs to do in order to get this achievement.

Gore-a! Gore-a! Gore-a! Provide the enemy with a freezecam of you taunting over 3 of their body parts.

During World War II, the Japanese used the phrase "Tora! Tora! Tora!" as a code to indicate that complete surprise had been achieved. It was most famously used to report the outcome of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Guns of the Navar0wned Kill 5 Engineer Sentry Guns while you are standing outside of their range.

The Guns of Navarone is a World War II novel by Scottish author Alistair MacLean.

Hamburger Hill Defend a cap point 30 times.

Hamburger Hill is a 1987 war film about the assault of a group of US Army divisions (including the "Screaming Eagles") on a well-fortified position of the North Vietnamese Army.

Medals of Honor Finish a round as an MVP on a team of 6 or more players 10 times.

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is also a series of first-person shooter games set in World War II.

Mutually Assured Destruction Kill an enemy sniper with a rocket after he kills you.

"Mutual Assured Destruction", or "MAD", is a doctrine of military strategy and national security policy in which a full-scale use of high-yield weapons of mass destruction by two opposing sides would effectively result in the destruction of both the attacker and the defender, becoming a war that has no victor but only total annihilation.

Near Death Experience Kill 20 enemies with your Equalizer while you have less than 25 health.

Otherwise known as "NDE", a Near Death Experience refers to a broad range of personal experiences associated with impending death. A popular depiction of this in many films involves the individual seeing a very bright light.

Out, Damned Scot! Kill 500 enemy Demomen.

This is a reference to the quote "Out, damned spot!" spoken by Lady Macbeth in Act 5, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's famous tragedy, Macbeth set in Scotland. This is also a nod to the other Macbeth references in several of the Demoman achievements.

Project Excelsior Parachute 19.47 miles.

Project Excelsior was a series of extremely high-altitude parachute jumps conducted by the U.S. Air Force over the New Mexico desert in 1959 and 1960. This project set a jump altitude record of 19.47 miles.

Ride of the Valkartie Ride the cart for 30 seconds.

Ride of the Valkyries is a popular piece of classical music composed by Richard Wagner. It is very well-known and has been used in other media on many occasions, usually when the events of the occasion are about to reach or are at their climax. Famously, the song is played during the helicopter assault scene of the 1979 movie Apocalypse Now.

Screamin' Eagle Kill 20 enemies from above.

The 101st Airborne Division or "The Screaming Eagles", are a US Army paratrooper division trained for air assault operations. In World War II, the division was renowned for its action during the Normandy Landings and in the Battle of the Bulge.

Semper Fry Kill 20 enemies while you are on fire.

"Semper Fi" (Short for "Semper Fidelis", Latin for "Always Faithful") is well known as the motto of the United States Marine Corps, but is a commonly used slogan throughout history.

S*M*A*S*H Assist a Medic in exploding 5 enemies with a single ÜberCharge.

M*A*S*H is a film, novel and TV series based on a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (M*A*S*H) positioned in Korea during the Korean War.

Spray of Defeat Use a grenade to gib a player.

Day of Defeat and Day of Defeat: Source are multiplayer games that are also made by Valve, which take place in the European Theater of World War II.

The Boostie Boys Buff 15 teammates with the Buff Banner in a single life.

This is a play on the name of the musical group The Beastie Boys.

The Longest Daze Kill 5 stunned or slowed players.

The Normandy landings are sometimes referred to as "The Longest Day", due to the operation taking place in the middle of Summer and lasting for most of the day. A film about the landings on D-Day made in 1962 was titled The Longest Day.

Trench Warfare Kill your nemesis with a shovel.

Trench warfare is a form of occupied fighting lines, consisting largely of trenches, in which troops are largely immune to the enemy's small arms fire and substantially sheltered from artillery. This form of warfare is most well known for its use in WWI.

Tri-Splatteral Damage Kill 3 enemies with a single critical rocket.

This is a play on the phrase collateral damage, referring to damage that is unintended or incidental to the intended outcome.

This is also a play on the Trilateral Commission. The Trilateral Commission is a private organization, established to foster closer cooperation among the United States, Europe and Japan. The Trilateral Commission is also regarded as one of the prominent shadowy "secret government" organizations among conspiracy theorists.

War Crime and Punishment In a single life, kill 3 enemies who have damaged a Medic that is healing you.

War crimes are serious violations of the laws applicable in armed conflict.

Crime and Punishment is a novel by Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

War Crime Spybunal Kill a Spy who just backstabbed a teammate.

This is a play on a War Crime Tribunal, a judge or other figure of authority who adjucates on claims of war crimes.

Where Eagles Dare Get the highest possible rocket jump using jump and crouch.

Where Eagles Dare is a 1968 action-adventure film set in World War II.

Wings of Glory Kill an enemy soldier while both you and the target are airborne.

The image of a rocket with wings is very similar to the emblem of the Special Air Service, the oldest and most elite special forces unit, a dagger with wings.

Wings of Glory is a combat flight simulator computer game for MS-DOS, developed by the now defunct Origin Systems. Released in 1994, it is one of relatively few World War I simulators.

Worth a Thousand Words Provide the enemy with a freezecam of your 21 gun salute.

"A Picture is worth a thousand words" is a proverb indicating that a single still image can explain more than any amount of words could.

Weapons

Black Box

The Black Box was the name of an unreleased compilation of the new content in The Orange Box.

It is also an often-used synonym for a flight recorder.

Buff Banner

The badge on the backpack reads "Screaming Eagles" - this is a reference to the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army, nicknamed the "Screamin' Eagles".

Concheror With buff, some damage; Dished out by nearby teammates; Comes back as healing.

The symbol on the backpack and on the flag is that of the Takeda clan, a famous line of samurai warlords from the Sengoku, or "Warring States" period, whose clan head was a devotee of Sun Tzu.

Cow Mangler 5000

The name "Cow Mangler" is a reference to the association of alien contact coinciding with cattle mutilation. This originated from American science-fiction films of the 1950s in which aliens would use laser and plasma weapons to cause mutilation to livestock.

Half-Zatoichi Soldiers and Demos; Can duel with katanas; For a one-hit kill.

Zatoichi is a fictional character who appears in many Japanese films. He is a very able swordsman, despite being blind.

The "half" part of the name comes from the fact that the Demoman (who also uses this weapon) is only half blind. It could also be a reference to the fact that the Soldier, who often wears his headgear covering his eyes, also has his vision impaired.

Market Gardener

Operation Market Garden was an Allied military operation in World War II. The largest airborne operation in history, it involved the landing of many thousands of troops by parachute (and glider).

Original

The Original is styled after the classic Rocket Launcher from Quake. Most of the sounds triggered by the use of this weapon are also remastered sound effects from Quake.

Reserve Shooter

A reserve shooter is someone who provides backup for the front lines of an army should it be required.

Cosmetic Items

All-Father Throughout the history of civilization, the white beard has come to symbolize wisdom and status. Show the world it’s possible to be bearded AND stupid with this Heavy- and Soldier-specific face-nest. Shove it, civilization!

"All-Father" refers to Odin, the chief god of Norse myth and one of the folkloric origins of the modern Santa Claus figure.

Battle Bob Simple and elegant, this slimming hair helmet will bring out the natural contours of your fearsome war face.

The Battle Bob resembles the haircut of Deidranna Reitman, the main antagonist of Jagged Alliance: Back in Action.

Brain Bucket Zombie tested, braaaains approved.

This hat is a reference to the "Buckethead Zombies" from the game Plants vs Zombies.

The description is a parody of the advertising slogan for Kix cereal, "Kid tested, mother approved".

Conquistador Make Spanish history come alive with this authentic conquistador's helmet, excavated from the actual grave of a sixteenth century French cosplayer.

The term conquistador mostly refers to Spanish adventurers, who journeyed to conquer lands in America.

Additionally, "conquistador" translates literally from Spanish and Portuguese as "conqueror".

Dr's Dapper Topper

The eponymous Cat in the Hat in the famous children's books by Dr. Seuss wore a hat virtually identical to this.

Dumpster Diver

Dumpster diving is the act of rooting through commercial garbage (often contained in dumpsters) in efforts of finding food, valuables or other items.

Hat With No Name A nameless hat for a nameless man.

The hat's name references The Man with No Name, a stock character typically used in western films.

The description of "A Nameless Man" refers to the Soldier. The name he gave in the WAR! Update, Jane Doe, is used as a (female) placeholder name in a legal action, case or discussion when someone's true identity is unknown.

Honcho's Headgear This hat has mean written all over it. (Note from Legal: This hat has nothing written on it.)

This hat is based on the one worn by General MacArthur, head of command in the Pacific during World War II. His pipe was originally part of the hat but was later removed.

Idiot Box

"Idiot Box" is a slang term for a television.

Kringle Collection Do the snow-pants dance with this stylish holiday ensemble from famed Arctic designer Kristoff Kringle.

Kris Kringle is an American nickname for Santa Claus, whose outfit this item is based on.

Lord Cockswain's Novelty Mutton Chops and Pipe

Lord Cockswain is an incompetent and over-confident hunter of otherwordly big game, and a recurring character on Dr. Grordbort's website.

"Mutton chops" are slang for sideburns.

Lord Cockswain's Pith Helmet

Lord Cockswain is an incompetent and over-confident hunter of otherwordly big game, and a recurring character on Dr. Grordbort's website.

Lumbricus Lid

Lumbricus is the genus for the earthworm family.

The worm design on the helmet is the "Steal" weapon icon from Worms: Reloaded. The Holy Hand Grenades which replace the Soldier's usual grenades on equipping this hat are also weapons from Worms.

The Holy Hand Grenade is a reference to the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, specifically a scene involving the main characters' use of the Holy Hand Grenade to blow up the Rabbit of Caerbannog.

Pocket Medic Keep little healing man close.

"Pocket Medic" is a term coined by the community to refer to a Medic who exclusively heals one patient, never taking his heal beam off him. A Medic may tend to stick to a Heavy or Soldier due to their high health and damage output.

Salty Dog Get all of a boat captain's respect without the crushing responsibility of actually captaining a boat or the enormous amount of ongoing maintenance a boat requires!

Salty dog is nautical slang for an experienced sailor.

Sergeant's Drill Hat This hat is a handy replacement for profanity-filled ranting when you don't feel like shouting yourself hoarse.

This hat resembles Sergeant Hartman's hat from the film Full Metal Jacket, which the description references. The Soldier's voice and general demeanor are a very close reference to Sergeant Hartman, who popularized the "hard-as-nails drill sergeant" archetype which has carried over to aspects of the Soldier such as his insistence on calling people "maggots" and his ability to spontaneously spout colorful insults on the fly.

Shoestring Budget

A shoestring budget is a very small or limited amount of money to spend on something.

Soldier's Stash This hat does not in any way, shape or form, promote smoking or gambling.

The playing card worn on this helmet is a reference to the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army, which popularized the use of playing cards as helmet decorations to indicate the regiment to which the soldier belonged.

Team Captain Our lawyers say 'YES! YES!'

The appearance and description of this hat is a reference to the Street Fighter series main villain M. Bison. "YES! YES!" refers to the Street Fighter cartoon which is also a widely spread Internet meme.

Tin Soldier

The item set's name is a reference to the fairy tale The Steadfast Tin Soldier. A "tin soldier" is also an insult slung at someone who enjoys "playing" soldier but lack any actual military experience.

Taunts

Equalizer/Escape Plan

The name of the Soldier's Kamikaze taunt refers to the suicide attacks carried out by Imperial Japan's military aviators against Allied shipping towards the end of the Pacific campaign of World War II, by crashing their planes into warships. Kamikaze literally means "divine wind".

Shotgun

The 3-volley salute is a ceremonial act performed at military and police funerals as part of the drill and ceremony of the Honour Guard. It consists of a rifle party firing blank cartridges into the air three times.

The music that plays during this taunt is a shortened version of Taps, sometimes known as Butterfield's Lullaby. It is often played during flag ceremonies and funerals, generally on a bugle or trumpet.

Responses

Dominating a Pyro

"How do you like that, All-Quiet-On-The-Western-Front?"

All Quiet on the Western Front is a novel about a German Soldier on the Western front during World War One. It is also a reference to the Pyro's speech impediment.

"I just tore you a new chimney, Smokey Joe."

Smokey Joe was a steam locomotive toy that was popular with children in the 1960s created by Hornby Railways.

Killing a Demoman

"Godspeed, you magnificent bastard."

In the movie Patton, the titular character refers to his enemy as a "magnificent bastard"

Dominating an Engineer

"I will eat your ribs, I will eat them up!"

This is similar to a famous line in There Will Be Blood, the 2007 drama film set in California during the Texas Oil Boom. Ribs are the cut of meat most often used in US barbeque, of which Texas is a famous centre.

Dominating a Medic

"Ich bin I just kicked your ass!"

This is a reference to President John F. Kennedy's infamous quote "Ich bin ein Berliner," which means "I am a Berliner", which would turn into a major joke because 'Berliner' sounds like 'jelly doughnut". Someone (most likely a U.S.S.R. member) knew this, and made it seem the President's supposed intent translates as "I am a [jelly] doughnut."

Dominating a Sniper

"You just got dominated, Bilbo Baggins!"

"You just got dominated, Balbo Biggins!"

"You just got dominated, Bablo Bravins!"

"You just got dominated, Barble Bapkins!"

"You just got dominated, Basbo Bibbins!"

"You just got dominated, Bulbo Buttons!"

The Hobbit is a fantasy novel by J.R.R. Tolkien that follows the quest of home-loving hobbit Bilbo Baggins to win a share of the treasure guarded by a dragon. The Soldier likens the Sniper to Baggins because he sees him as something of a coward, opting to fight from a distance rather than close-quarters: Tolkien's hobbits are not very warlike but are skilled with their favoured weapon, the slung or hand-thrown stone.

Also a possible reference to the film, as well as the Lord Of he Rings trilogy being filmed in New Zealand. Soldier possibly getting confused between Sniper's origins as Australia and New Zealand are close together geographically and share almost the exact same accent and slang. Although Sniper was born in New Zealand but raised in Australia by adoptive parents.

"Aww, am I too violent for you, cupcake?"

"Your country did not prepare you for the level of violence you will meet on my battlefield!"

This is a reference to the release of Left 4 Dead 2, when the Australian government forced Valve to censor the gore. Ironically, Australia is depicted in the TF2 universe as a leading producer of creative weaponry and other murderous gadgets.

Dominating while wearing the Magical Mercenary

"Friendship is magic, creampuff."

This is a reference to the 2010 television series My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

Dominated by a Spy

"They can bury you in the 'Tomb of the Unskilled Soldier!'"

A Tomb of the Unknown Soldier refers to a grave which contains the remains of a soldier unidentified or thought impossible to identify, who serves as a symbol for all the unknown soldiers wherever they fell. There are several examples of these tombs around the world.

Other Responses

"Pain is weakness leaving the body." - at the start of Sudden Death

This is an inspirational slogan used commonly by the United States Marine Corps. 'Pain is' would end up becoming infamous among the community.

"Are you all trying for a Section Eight?" - at the start of Sudden Death

Section 8 refers to a discharge from the United States military for being mentally unfit to serve.

"Hooah!" - after destroying an enemy building

"Hooah!" is a US Army battle cry. It is used by soldiers to imply a positive reaction to a question or statement, and to express gung-ho.

"Screamin' Eagles!" - after destroying an enemy building or taunting with the Buff Banner, Battalion's Backup, Concheror, Righteous Bison, or Saxxy active.

The 101st Airborne Division or "The Screaming Eagles", are a US Army paratrooper division trained for air assault operations. In World War II, the division was renowned for its action during the Normandy Landings and in the Battle of the Bulge.

"Come with me if you want to live. With me. In my apartment. I need a roommate."
"I cannot be bargained with! I cannot be reasoned with! I do not know where I am! I am a robot, I don't understand anything!"
"I will never feel pity, or remorse, or fear, or comfortable - in this costume."
- dominations while the Tin Soldier set is equipped

These lines reference the 1984 film, The Terminator.

"The best part of you ran down your motherboard."
"I will open up your chassis and use you all as a latrine!"
- in Mann vs. Machine mode

These lines are similar to some of Sergeant Hartman's insults in Full Metal Jacket.

"I am not trapped in a facility full of robots. You are all trapped in here with me!" - in Mann vs. Machine mode, when the Soldier's teammates are all dead

This is a reference to Rorschach's line, "I'm not locked up in here with you. You're locked up in here with me", from the graphic novel Watchmen.

"TAAAAANK!" - in Mann vs. Machine mode, when a Tank appears

A warning shouted by the Survivors in the Left 4 Dead series when a Tank is spotted.

"Never forget; always remember. Pepper fie." - after winning a Mann vs. Machine mission

A parody of the United States Marine Corps motto "Semper Fi."

"I am not afraid of no ghosts! I refuse to be afraid of no ghosts!" - looking for Merasmus

This is a reference to the line "I ain't afraid of no ghosts" from the Ghostbusters theme song.

"Oh hello Merlin, the famous magician! Nooo, I have not seen Merasmus. What's that? Nooo, I can't think of anyone who'd want an autograph." - looking for Merasmus

A reference to the wizard, Merlin, from Arthurian legend.

"Oh hello Gundorf! Where's Blasbo Babbins? Oh there he is! Everyone's here! Labalos, Gimpy, Dumpy, Snoopy...umm... Man, I wish Merasmus was around to see this magical turn of events!" - looking for Merasmus

Mispronunciation of the characters Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins, Legolas, and Gimli from J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.

"Oh look it's Houdini. What's that Hougenie? You looking for a new best friend? Too bad there's no wizards around... get out here Merasmus!" - looking for Merasmus

Harry Houdini was a renowned escape artist in the early 20th century.

"Wizard! You shall not hide!" - looking for Merasmus

This is a reference to Gandalf's line, "You shall not pass!", from J. R. R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring.

Media

Meet the Soldier

"If fighting is sure to result in victory then you must fight! Sun Tzu said that."

Sun Tzu really did say that: the full quote reads "If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight, even though the ruler forbid it; if fighting will not result in victory, then you must not fight even at the ruler's bidding." Sun Tzu is the honorific title bestowed upon Sūn Wǔ, the author of The Art of War, an immensely influential ancient Chinese book on military strategy.

"Then, he used his fight money to buy two of every animal on earth, and then he herded them onto a boat..."

Noah's Ark, according to the text of the Book of Genesis, was a large vessel built at God's command to save Noah, his family, and a stock of all the world's animals from a mighty flood. This, of course, has nothing to do with Sun Tzu; other than that by confabulating the Noah story with Sun Tzu (rhymes with zoo), Soldier sets up the pun "... any time a bunch of animals are together in one place it's called a 'zoo'!" Zoos and beating up animals also happen to be the bases of the fallout between Saxton Hale and his mentor-cum-nemesis, Charles Darling.

The music that plays during Meet the Soldier and sometimes on the main menu is titled The Art of War. This is another reference to Sun Tzu's book, The Art of War.

Meet the Sandvich

"You cannot hurt me, I do not have time to bleed! *Cracking noise* My schedule has just opened up! Aaaohhww, my God!"

This line was recorded for Meet the Sandvich and was improvised from the movie Predator. It was not used in the final script.

"You do not frighten me! Pain does not hurt! *Cracking noise* I stand corrected! Arrrrggghhgh!"

This is a line from the movie Road House. It was recorded for Meet the Sandvich, but was not used in the final script.

Bio

The Soldier's motto, "I'm a Rocket Man", is a reference to the song Rocket Man by Elton John.

The Soldier's job title "Shock and Awe" is an actual military doctrine which is based on the use of overwhelming power, dominant maneuvers, and spectacular displays of force to paralyze an adversary's perception of the battlefield and destroy its will to fight.