What is NAM?

Answer 1

GIs in South Vietnam hardly ever used the word Vietnam, too long of a word (GI sarcasm). And they certainly never (most didn't even know about it) called North Vietnam or the NVA any of the long confusing names that today's generation uses...such as (guessing at this) Peoples Democratic Republic. If someone spoke like that in the jungle while on patrol in the dusty, mosquito ridden heat of the day, the men would've looked at the fellow and said, "someone medivac this man quick...he's lost it already!"

Men were men, career men were lifers, Vietnam was Nam, the army was the green machine or the OD (Olive Drab), or the Green Wh--ny. New men arriving in "the Nam" (arriving in country) were FNGs (F---ing New Guys). M113 Armored Personnel Carriers/Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicles (ACAVs) were "Apes", "Cars", "Ponies", "Aluminum Coffins", "Tracks", or just "113s." Patton tanks were "Big boys", "Varsities." Helicopters were "Choppers", but mostly called "birds." The US high command (the big brass) were referred to as "higher." Example: "Higher Higher says do it now, over!"