Shavetail is a slang term used in the United States to refer to a newly commissioned or inexperienced officer. Synonyms for shavetail include greenhorn, rookie, novice, neophyte, tyro, newcomer, fledgling, apprentice, and trainee. All these words denote someone who lacks experience or who is a beginner in a particular field. While shavetail is often associated with the military, these synonyms can be used in a wide variety of contexts, such as sports, business, and the arts. Regardless of the context, these synonyms all convey the same idea of someone who is just starting out and has a lot to learn.