Vietnam Vocab

ARVN

the main fighting force of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

NVA

The army that fought against the United States in the Vietnam War.

VC Viet Cong

The guerilla force associated with the North Vietnamese Army.

DMZ

The geographical area separating North and South Vietnam where both sides agreed to withdraw forces.

Point Man

The first soldier in a group, responsible for detecting enemies and hazards.

Radio Man

Tasked with making important communications on the front lines, risking identification and targeting by enemies.

Sit-Rep

Provides updates about the unit's circumstances.

Tunnel Rat

sSearched enemy tunnels for intelligence and destroyed them afterward.

LRRP long range reconnaissance patrol

A small group gathering intelligence deep in enemy territory.

KP kitchen patrol

Less-than-favorable duties like food preparation and cleanup for junior service members.

FNG forking new guy

a newcomer to a unit, often subjected to teasing and ridicule.

LT/Butter Bar

nickname for the lowest ranking officer, referring to their yellow insignia.

Ring Knocker

officers who attended a military academy and sometimes flaunt their class rings.

Brown-water Navy

patrolled the coastal and river areas of Vietnam to prevent supply movements.

Blue-water Navy

consisted of ships that operated offshore and could not navigate shallow waters.

Bravo-Zulu (BZ)

Navy term for sending congratulatory messages, meaning 'Well Done!'.

FOB forward operating base

a smaller military base closer to the front lines.

FSB fire support base

a temporary outpost for increasing artillery coverage in specific areas.

Boonies

The 'boonies' refer to swampy or forested areas of Vietnam, often away from comforts.

Spider Hole

A 'spider hole' is a camouflaged foxhole used by soldiers for observation of enemy forces.

Bouncing Betty

This type of mine or explosive device launches into the air before detonating when triggered.

Agent Orange

A chemical herbicide used during the Vietnam War, known for its long-term health effects.

Arc Light

The code name for B-52 bomber strikes that involved extensive carpet bombing on a large scale.

POW/MIA

Prisoners of War (POW) and those Missing in Action (MIA) were significant concerns after the Vietnam War.

Hanoi Hilton

The nickname for a notorious North Vietnamese prison for US prisoners of war.

Ho Chi Minh Trail

A network of paths used by North Vietnamese forces for troop and supply movements.

Ruck/Rucksack

A lightweight backpack for infantry that could weigh up to 85 lbs when filled.

Tiger suits

Specialized camouflaged uniforms resembling tiger stripes worn in dense jungles.

Boonie hat

A wide-brimmed, camouflaged hat worn by service members to protect from the elements.

Beaucoup

A French term meaning 'many' or 'plenty' adapted by American soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Boondoggle

An operation seen as absurd or useless, often serving questionable purposes.

Spooky

The AC-47 'Spooky' was an aircraft used for close air support during the Vietnam War.

Huey

The 'Huey' was the Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, crucial for various missions in Vietnam.

Dustoff

A medical evacuation mission using Huey helicopters, typically involving a team that includes a medic.

Birds

A colloquial term for aircraft, often specifically helicopters.

REMF

A derogatory term meaning 'rear echelon mother f%#@!$', referring to those away from combat.

DAP

Elaborate handshakes developed by Vietnam service members as a sign of unity.

Donut Dollie

A Red Cross volunteer who boosted morale by visiting soldiers and distributing donuts.

Care package

A box of goods sent by family or friends to service members abroad.

Short-Timer’s Stick

A stick notched for each remaining day of a service member's deployment.

Freedom Bird

The term for the aircraft that brought service members home after their deployment.