New Phrases and Words

Agent Orange

Agent Orange is a herbicide and defoliant chemical, one of the "tactical use" Rainbow Herbicides. It is widely known for its use by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971. Short-term exposure to dioxin can cause darkening of the skin, liver problems and a severe acne-like skin disease called chloracne. Additionally, dioxin is linked to type 2 diabetes, immune system dysfunction, nerve disorders, muscular dysfunction, hormone disruption and heart disease.

Early Out Program

The early out program gave soldiers serving a one year tour in Vietnam extend for 46 to 62 day extra in order to get discharged immediately after they came back. The soldiers who didn't take advantage of the early out program served 1 year in Vietnam but then also had to stay at a base in the US or be in the reserves for up a year.