Nice Talk, GI.

About the Book

Any veteran who served on active duty during the Korean and Vietnam Wars quickly learned that the U.S. military had its own unique language. It was a combination of acronyms, technical jargon and a considerable sprinkling of vulgarities. “Nice Talk, GI,” is a compilation of terminology used, overheard, or encountered by the author during his service with the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971. An invaluable resource was the author's own “Soldier Notebooks,” kept during BCT and AIT. Also, while stationed in Korea, he served with a number of Vietnam War Veterans, and learned a significant amount of technology from them. An invaluable source was provided by access to Pacific Stars & Stripes newspaper from the era. While the work does not claim to be definitive, it is representative of terminology used by military personnel between 1950 and 1975.

About the Author

The author, a resident of Colorado, volunteered for the Vietnam War draft in 1969. Following Basic Combat Training at Fort Campbell, Ky., he earned an 11B10 (Light Weapons Infantry) MOS at Fort Polk, La., aka “Tiger Land.” He served 13 months with the 8th U.S. Army in Korea, near the misnamed DMZ (demilitarized zone). Eleven months were with the 7th Infantry Division and two months were with the 2nd Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged in 1971 with the rank of E-S5.