6 Terms
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Vietnam War
A war in the country of Vietnam between the United States and the communist forces of North Vietnam. The U.S. was attempting to keep South Vietnam free from communism. The North Vietnamese eventually won, forcing the United States to withdraw.
Industry: Military
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Vietnam War
john wayne
Military; Vietnam War
A can opener. Also used as a verb to describe the actions of someone who exposes himself to danger. For an example of what some GIs though of John Wayne, see Robert Flynn's essay, "John Wayne Must ...
reconnaissance in force (RIF)
Military; Vietnam War
A heavy reconnaissance patrol. Later, RIF came to mean reduction in force; an administrative mechanism for retiring career soldiers prior to the end of their twenty year term.
Regional and Popular Forces (RF/PF)
Military; Vietnam War
The South Vietnamese National Guard-type units. Regional Forces were company-size and protected district areas. Popular Forces were platoon-size and guarded their home villages.
tanglefoot
Military; Vietnam War
Single-strand barbed wire strung in a meshwork pattern at about ankle height. A barrier designed to make it difficult to cross the obstructed area by foot. Usually placed around permanent defensive ...
District Mobile Company
Military; Vietnam War
The major Viet Cong fighting unit organized within each district in Vietnam. The District Mobile Company was assigned to carry out various assignments from direct offensive operations to sabotage and ...
harassment and interdiction (H&I)
Military; Vietnam War
Artillery bombardments used to deny the enemy terrain which they might find beneficial to their campaign; general rather than specific, confirmed military targets; random artillery fire.
dap
Military; Vietnam War
Handshake and greeting which may last up to ten minutes and is characterized by the use of both hands and often comprised of slaps and snaps of the fingers. Used by black soldiers, highly ritualized ...
