Fobbit is a derogatory term used by coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan to describe base working personnel at a Forward Operating Base (FOB). It derives from the mixing of the acronym FOB, with the name Hobbit from J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" universe. The implication of the term is that the individual is scared to leave the relative safety of the FOB, by way of analogy to Hobbits that had no inclination to leave the Shire and face danger.
The term can be used to describe Department of Defense personnel or Department of Defense contracted employees. The word is generally used by combat oriented troops that perform combat, combat support, or combat logistical operations outside of the FOB.