The unofficial motto of “Initial Success or Total Failure” (ISOTF) — intended to convey the life or death consequences of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) profession — has been banned by the US military.

Rear Adm. Michael Tillotson told school leaders this month that the motto could be viewed as disrespectful to the hundreds of Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians who have died in the line of duty.

Adm Tillotson went on to say that to “imply [the fallen have] failed” was “insensitive and disrespectful.”

The ordered change, which applies only to the unofficial motto in official places within the school, has been opposed by some current and former EOD technicians, particularly by those noting it was a preemptive change based on possible offense.  Supporters even created a Facebook page and Change.org petition to the President.

This was not the first motto to be changed by the military.  Given the number of “potentially offensive” mottos in the US military, it seems unlikely it will be the last.