{"id":189,"date":"2015-03-09T02:00:35","date_gmt":"2015-03-08T15:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/192.168.0.50\/?page_id=189"},"modified":"2015-06-05T00:04:30","modified_gmt":"2015-06-04T14:04:30","slug":"glossary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/vietnam-war.au\/?page_id=189","title":{"rendered":"Glossary of Terms"},"content":{"rendered":"

This website uses a lot of acronyms and abbreviations that were in use during the Vietnam War. To help visitors to the site with finding their way through this \u2018acronym rich environment\u2019 we have compiled this glossary of terms. We hope it assists.<\/p>\n

A very useful and much more comprehensive coverage of acronyms, abbreviations and terms used during the Vietnam War is to be found in Bruce Picken, Vietnam Diggers\u2019 Language: Abbreviations, Acronyms, Terms and Jargon of the Viet Nam War<\/em>, Australian Military History Publications, Loftus, 2006.<\/p>\n

A<\/strong><\/h4>\n

AK47\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A light automatic assault rifle which was the primary small arm of the VC and PAVN. Variants of the weapon included the AKM and AK50.<\/p>\n

AFV\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Australian Force(s) Vietnam or armoured fighting vehicle<\/p>\n

1ALSG\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1st<\/sup> Australian Logistic Support Group (based at Vung Tau)<\/p>\n

AN\/PRC\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The nomenclature for a military radio of US manufacture. Commonly seen as AN\/PRC-25, or AN\/PRC-10.<\/p>\n

Ap\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ambush position or ambush point<\/p>\n

APC\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Armoured Personnel Carrier (M113). Also \u2018Accelerated Pacification Program\u2019.<\/p>\n

ARCLIGHT\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 B52 strike, usually consisting of a flight of three B52 bombers<\/p>\n

ATF\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Australian Task Force (ie, 1ATF or 1st<\/sup> ATF) based at Nui Dat<\/p>\n

Armd \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Armoured (ie, as in Armd Regt)<\/p>\n

Arty\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Artillery<\/p>\n

ARVN \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Army of the Republic of Vietnam<\/p>\n

Aslt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Assault. This may be encountered as \u2018Aslt Pnr\u2019 meaning \u2018Assault Pioneers\u2019, a specialist platoon within Australian infantry battalions.<\/p>\n

AW\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Automatic weapons<\/p>\n

B<\/strong><\/h4>\n

B40\/B41\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rocket propelled grenade launcher, RPG2 or RPG7<\/p>\n

BAR\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Browning Automatic Rifle<\/p>\n

Baria\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Province capital. Location of the Province Chief and the (US) Senior Province Advisor. Also known as Phuoc Le.<\/p>\n

Bde\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Brigade<\/p>\n

Bdr\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Bombardier. Rank equivalent to corporal for an artilleryman.<\/p>\n

Bn\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Battalion<\/p>\n

Bty\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Battery \u2013 a sub-unit of an artillery regiment usually consisting of six guns.<\/p>\n

C<\/strong><\/h4>\n

CAIRS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Close Air Support. Air delivered weapons including by FGA, helicopter gunship or Spooky\/Shadow (see below).<\/p>\n

Cav\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cavalry (ie, as in 3 Cav Sqn)<\/p>\n

Centurion\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 52 ton medium tank of British manufacture, mounting an 84mm cannon (used by 1ATF).<\/p>\n

Chieu Hoi\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The program under which the GVN offered amnesty to those members of the VC or PAVN who came over to the GVN side.<\/p>\n

CIA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Captured in action or Central Intelligence Agency.<\/p>\n

CIDG\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Civilian Irregular Defence Group. Usually guerrilla or irregular forces made up of Vietnamese ethnic minorities (usually Montagnards) and led or trained by US Special Forces or Australian advisors. They mainly operated from bases near the Cambodian and Laotian border. CIDG groups were trained in Phuoc Tuy Province and references to them therefore appear in files relating to the province.<\/p>\n

Civ\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Civilian<\/p>\n

Claymore\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A command detonated mine of US manufacture. The term \u2018claymore\u2019 was sometimes also used to describe VC\/PAVN command detonated directional mines<\/p>\n

CO\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Commanding officer<\/p>\n

Comd\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Command or commander<\/p>\n

COMUSMACV\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Commander, US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (e.g., GEN Westmoreland and GEN Abrams).<\/p>\n

Courtenay \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rubber plantation on the northern border of Phuoc Tuy Province.<\/p>\n

CORDS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support \u2013 the US-run agency responsible for \u2018pacification\u2019<\/p>\n

COSVN\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Central Office for South Vietnam. The HQ of the DRVN command of the NLF<\/p>\n

Coy\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Company. Often preceded by a numerical designator, ie, \u2018302 RF Coy\u2019, meaning the 302nd<\/sup> Regional Force Company.<\/p>\n

CP\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Command post<\/p>\n

Cpl\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Corporal<\/p>\n

D<\/strong><\/h4>\n

DA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 District Adviser<\/p>\n

D&E\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This acronym is usually encountered in relation to the D& E Platoon. This was the Defence and Employment platoon within Headquarter Company, HQ 1ATF. The primary role of the 1ATF D&E Platoon was to provide security to the Headquarters but it was often used on operations outside the Nui Dat base.<\/p>\n

Dentcap\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dental Civic Action Program. Usually a visit by an Australian Army dentist to deliver dental treatment to civilians<\/p>\n

DIOCC\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 District Intelligence and Operations Control Centre. This was a District level control centre for the Phoenix\/Phuong Hoang program and a clearing house for other intelligence sources<\/p>\n

Div\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Division. A major military formation usually consisting of about 3 Brigades or Task Force-sized organizations. It is usually commanded by a Major General<\/p>\n

DRV\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Democratic Republic of Vietnam (ie, North Vietnam)<\/p>\n

DOW\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Died of wounds<\/p>\n

DUSTOFF\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Casualty evacuation helicopter<\/p>\n

E<\/strong><\/h4>\n

F<\/strong><\/h4>\n

FF\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Friendly fire (or sometimes, Field Force, as in \u2018National Police FF\u2019)<\/p>\n

FFV\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Field Force Vietnam (usually written as IIFFV, meaning 2nd<\/sup> Field Force Vietnam). This was the US Headquarters commanding operations in Military Region 4 which included all the provinces between the South China Sea and the Cambodian border surrounding Saigon and including Phuoc Tuy Province.<\/p>\n

FGA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fighter Ground Attack. An airstrike usually using bombs, napalm, rockets, or cannon fire and sometimes all four.<\/p>\n

FSB\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fire Support Base. A defended base usually including a Bn HQ, an artillery battery, mortars and other supporting weapons.<\/p>\n

FSPB \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fire Support Patrol Base. This was a term favoured by the US Army to mean a FSB that was the point from which infantry and armoured patrols emanated to cover the surrounding countryside.<\/p>\n

Friendly\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 non-enemy, usually meaning friendly military forces rather than civs.<\/p>\n

FWMAF\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Free World Military Assistance Forces<\/p>\n

G<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Garand\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A Second World War era semi-automatic rifle of US manufacture.<\/p>\n

Gnr\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gunner (rank equivalent to private for an artilleryman)<\/p>\n

GPMG\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 General purpose machine gun<\/p>\n

GR\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grid reference<\/p>\n

Gren\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Grenade<\/p>\n

Gunship\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A helicopter fitted with machine guns and rockets to deliver fire support to troops on the ground. Sometimes the term was used to apply to fixed wing aircraft like Spooky and Shadow as well.<\/p>\n

GVN\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Government of Vietnam meaning the Government of the Republic of Vietnam (ie, South Vietnam).<\/p>\n

H<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Helo\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Helicopter<\/p>\n

HFT\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Heavy Fire Team consisting of three helicopter gunships.<\/p>\n

H&I\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Harrassing and interdiction. A type of artillery and\/or mortar fire.<\/p>\n

HMG\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Heavy machine gun<\/p>\n

Hoi Chanh\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A former member of the VC or PAVN who transferred allegiance to the GVN under the Chieu Hoi program<\/p>\n

HQAFV\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Headquarters Australian Forces Vietnam (based in Saigon)<\/p>\n

Hy\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Heavy \u2013 as in \u2018hy arty\u2019 meaning heavy artillery.<\/p>\n

I<\/strong><\/h4>\n

ICAP\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Integrated Civic Action Program (incorporating civic action and intelligence gathering).<\/p>\n

Int\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Intelligence<\/p>\n

INTREP\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Intelligence report<\/p>\n

INTSUM\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Intelligence summary<\/p>\n

IO\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Intelligence officer<\/p>\n

Iroquois\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u2018Huey\u2019 helicopter<\/p>\n

J<\/strong><\/h4>\n

J\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (or jay) Jungle.<\/p>\n

K<\/strong><\/h4>\n

K54\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Semi-auto pistol used by the VC and PAVN. Usually carried by senior people.<\/p>\n

KBA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Killed by air\/killed by artillery (usually meaning that following an airstrike or artillery strike, what appeared to be bodies were observed from the air)<\/p>\n

KIA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Killed in action. May be seen as \u2018KIA (BC)\u2019, or \u2018KIA (poss)\u2019, meaning killed in action (body count) and (possible) respectively. \u2018Body count\u2019 signifies that the remains of the victim have been seen and counted. \u2018Possible\u2019 signifies that significant body parts (but no body) have been sighted, or that the enemy was observed to have carried motionless bodies judged likely to have been killed, from the battlefield.<\/p>\n

L<\/strong><\/h4>\n

LFT\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Light Fire Team. Two armed helicopters<\/p>\n

LMG\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Light machine gun<\/p>\n

LO\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Liaison officer, often an Australian officer attached to an ARVN, US or Thai unit.<\/p>\n

Long Hais\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mountain feature to the east of Vung Tau. Known to the VC\/PAVN as the Minh Dam Secret Zone.<\/p>\n

LT\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lieutenant (2LT means Second Lieutenant, junior to a LT). Lt may also mean \u2018light\u2019, as in \u2018bridge capable of carrying lt traffic\u2019.<\/p>\n

LTCOL\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lieutenant Colonel<\/p>\n

LZ\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Landing zone. A clearing or open area suitable for a helicopter to land in.<\/p>\n

M<\/strong><\/h4>\n

M1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sometimes M1 carbine, or M2. A light automatic rifle of US WWII vintage often used by VC.<\/p>\n

M16\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Light automatic rifle firing a bullet of 5.56mm calibre, also a \u2018jumping jack\u2019 type anti-personnel mine of US manufacture.<\/p>\n

M18A1\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Claymore mine.<\/p>\n

M26\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fragmentation hand grenade<\/p>\n

M72\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 66mm anti-tank rocket<\/p>\n

M79\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 40mm grenade launcher<\/p>\n

M113\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Armoured Personnel Carrier<\/p>\n

MAJ\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Major<\/p>\n

MATT\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Military Assistance Training Team. Often expressed as \u2018Mat team\u2019, these were small groups of US or Aust soldiers attached to ARVN (especially RF\/PF) organizations to assist with training.<\/p>\n

Medcap\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Medical Civic Action program. Usually an Australian medical team delivering medical support to civilians.<\/p>\n

MG\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 machine gun<\/p>\n

Minh Dam\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Long Hai mountains. Sometimes this appears as Minh Dam Secret Zone.<\/p>\n

Mor\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mortar<\/p>\n

MP\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Military Police<\/p>\n

MPC\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Military Payment Certificate<\/p>\n

N<\/strong><\/h4>\n

NLF\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 National Liberation Front. A coalition of nationalist and communist elements dedicated to the overthrow of the government of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The NLF is sometimes referred to as the Viet Cong or VC (see below), but this term may also be used to describe the military arm of the NLF rather than its civilian political components.<\/p>\n

NP\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 National Police<\/p>\n

NPFF\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 National Police Field Force<\/p>\n

Nui Dat\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The term Nui Dat is most often used to describe the location of the 1ATF base. Occasionally it may be used instead of, or to imply 1ATF. In Vietnamese it means \u2018small hill\u2019. There were several features in Phuoc Tuy marked as \u2018Nui Dat\u2019 on military maps. \u2018Nui Dat 2\u2019 may sometimes be encountered. It was a small hill north of the Long Tan rubber plantation and about 7 kilometres east of the Nui Dat base.<\/p>\n

NVA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 North Vietnamese Army. This term was used mainly by South Vietnamese and US forces to describe the PAVN. The term \u2018NVA\u2019 implied invasion from the north. The more correct term, \u2018PAVN\u2019, was seen by the NLF and the DRV as representing the people of a united Vietnam and therefore implied unified resistance to its enemies in the south. However, soldiers of the PAVN were recruited from and underwent initial training north of the DMZ. After heavy Viet Cong losses in the Tet Offensive of 1968, many VC units were reinforced with PAVN troops. The distinction between the two types of enemy force became increasingly blurred from that point.<\/p>\n

O<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Obsn\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Observation<\/p>\n

OP\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Observation post.<\/p>\n

P<\/strong><\/h4>\n

PAVN \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 People\u2019s Army of Vietnam. Regular North Vietnamese army personnel, sometimes operating as formed units and formations within SVN, but often operating as individuals within Viet Cong (ie, NLF) units.<\/p>\n

Pers\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Personnel<\/p>\n

PF\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Popular Force. A militia organization of the South Vietnamese Government. A series of platoons lightly armed and trained to provide security to villages. The PF was under the control of the village Chief.<\/p>\n

Phoenix\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A program run by US aimed at the elimination of VCI or Viet Cong Infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Phuong Hoang \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The phoenix program as administered by the GVN. It is sometimes expressed as \u2018Phoenix\/Phuong Hoang program\u2019.<\/p>\n

Phuoc Le\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 See Baria.<\/p>\n

PIOCC\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provincial Intelligence and Operations Control Centre. A province level clearing house for intelligence information at the Province level and below.<\/p>\n

Pl\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Platoon<\/p>\n

Possum\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Light observation\u00a0helicopter used by 1ATF for aerial recon and liaison duties.<\/p>\n

PRU\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Provincial Reconnaissance Unit. A lightly armed, locally recruited force for the collection of intelligence and the elimination of VCI.<\/p>\n

PSA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Province Senior Advisor. An American LTCOL (equivalent) who was the adviser to the Vietnamese Province Chief. In Phuoc Tuy Province, the PSA and the Province Chief shared a headquarters in the Provincial capital, Baria.<\/p>\n

PSDF\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Popular Self Defence Force. A village based militia for the provision of security. Lightly armed and poorly trained and generally consisting of young boys and elderly men.<\/p>\n

Psyops\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Psychological operations<\/p>\n

Ptl\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Patrol<\/p>\n

PW\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prisoner of war. May also be rendered as POW.<\/p>\n

Q<\/strong><\/h4>\n

R<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Rallier\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A former member of the VC or PAVN who has rallied to the GVN side.<\/p>\n

RAR\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Royal Australian Regiment. Often preceded by a numeral (eg, 7RAR) indicating a specific battalion (in this case the 7th<\/sup> battalion) of the Regiment.<\/p>\n

RDC\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sometimes written as RD Cadre. This was the Revolutionary Development Cadre of the South Vietnamese Government. It was organized into teams of about 30 but note that its organization changed during the course of the war. Its purpose was to politically mobilize the people in support of the government and to encourage beneficial economic development.<\/p>\n

Recce\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Reconnaissance<\/p>\n

Recon\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Reconnaissance. This was the abbreviation favoured by the US military.<\/p>\n

Regt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Regiment.<\/p>\n

RF\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Regional Force. A militia organization of the South Vietnamese Government organized into companies and under the command of the Province Chief. Better trained, better equipped and more mobile than the PF.<\/p>\n

ROE\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rules of Engagement.<\/p>\n

RPD\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Light machinegun used by the VC\/PAVN<\/p>\n

RR\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Recoilless rifle<\/p>\n

Rung Sat\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Extensive mangrove swamp to the NW of Vung Tau. An area criss-crossed by numerous narrow waterways used by the VC to infiltrate supplies into Phuoc Tuy Province.<\/p>\n

RSSZ\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rung Sat Special Zone.<\/p>\n

RVN\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Republic of Vietnam (ie, South Vietnam).<\/p>\n

RVNAF\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces<\/p>\n

S<\/strong><\/h4>\n

SA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Small arms<\/p>\n

SAA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Small arms ammunition<\/p>\n

SAS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Special Air Service<\/p>\n

Sect\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Section. In the infantry, this organization consisted of\u00a010 men\u00a0usually equipped with one GPMG M60, two M16s and seven\u00a0SLRs. However, on operations,\u00a0the number of men and\u00a0the weapons they carried varied considerably. The rifle section was\u00a0\u00a0commanded by a Corporal.<\/p>\n

Sgt\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sergeant<\/p>\n

Shadow\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 USAF AC-119 \u2018flying boxcar\u2019 aircraft fitted with multiple 7.62mm miniguns to provide fire support to ground operations.<\/p>\n

SKS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A semi-automatic rifle used by the VC and PAVN and firing the same round of ammunition as the AK47. It is sometimes rendered as CKC.<\/p>\n

Smk\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Smoke (as in \u2018smk grenade\u2019)<\/p>\n

Spooky\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 USAF Douglas AC-47 \u2018Dakota\u2019 aircraft fitted with 7.62mm miniguns and a searchlight to provide fire support to ground operations.<\/p>\n

Sqn\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Squadron<\/p>\n

SLR\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Self-loading rifle<\/p>\n

SMG\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sub-machine gun<\/p>\n

T<\/strong><\/h4>\n

TF\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Task Force<\/p>\n

Tp\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Troop (ie, as in 2 Tp, 3 Cav Sqn)<\/p>\n

Tk\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tank<\/p>\n

TSMG\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thompson sub-machine gun<\/p>\n

U<\/strong><\/h4>\n

UH1H \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Iroquois utility helicopter often called a\u00a0\u2018Huey\u2019.<\/p>\n

USAF\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 United States Air Force<\/p>\n

V<\/strong><\/h4>\n

VC\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Viet Cong. This term was used to refer to the coalition of nationalist and communist elements dedicated to the overthrow of the government of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) known as the National Liberation Front or NLF (or sometimes NLFSVN). It was also used more specifically to refer to the military arm of the NLF. The Viet Cong were locally recruited South Vietnamese as distinct from those who served in the People\u2019s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) who were, in the main, recruited and trained in the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam). \u00a0Particularly after the Tet Offensive of 1968 many VC units were reinforced with northerners but retained their VC nomenclature. The distinction between the two forces became blurred.<\/p>\n

W<\/strong><\/h4>\n

WIA\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Wounded in action. This may be seen as \u2018WIA (BT)\u2019 or \u2018WIA (poss)\u2019. \u2018BT\u2019 means that a blood trail was seen. \u2018Poss\u2019 means that a person was possibly wounded, signifying that although there is no evidence at the site of the battle, the enemy were observed to help an apparently wounded soldier from the field.<\/p>\n

WO\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Warrant Officer (class I or II)<\/p>\n

X<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Y<\/strong><\/h4>\n

YS\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prefix to a grid reference. The \u2018YS\u2019 refers to a specific set of map sheets covering Phuoc Tuy Province.<\/p>\n

Z<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Z\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Refers to a time zone. It is often seen in documents in the form of a date\/time group (eg, 031230z).<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This website uses a lot of acronyms and abbreviations that were in use during the Vietnam War. To help visitors to the site with finding their way through this \u2018acronym rich environment\u2019 we have compiled this glossary of terms. We hope it assists. A very useful and much more comprehensive coverage of acronyms, abbreviations and terms used during the Vietnam … Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-189","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","no-post-thumbnail"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-war.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/189","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-war.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-war.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-war.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-war.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=189"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-war.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/189\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1184,"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-war.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/189\/revisions\/1184"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnam-war.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=189"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}