in the vietnam war what does sw2 us navy stand for

The Vietnam War was a tumultuous and transformative period in American history, marked by intense conflict and widespread social change. For those who served in the war, particularly in the United States Navy, certain designations held significant importance. Among these was the designation SW2, which is often asked about - what does SW2 US Navy stand for?

In the context of the Vietnam War, SW2 referred to a specific classification system used by the US Navy to categorize its personnel. The system was based on a letter-grade scale, with SW2 representing those sailors who were deemed unfit for military service due to medical reasons.

During the war, the US Navy used various methods to classify its personnel, including the 4-F classification. This designation was given to those who were deemed unfit for military service due to physical or mental health issues. In contrast, soldiers with a 1-A classification were considered fit for duty and were sent to the front lines.

The SW2 designation was particularly significant because it indicated that the sailor was not only unable to serve in combat but also could not perform other duties within the Navy. This was often due to medical conditions or injuries that rendered them unable to participate in military activities.

In addition to the SW2 designation, sailors and soldiers during the Vietnam War used various slang terms to refer to their experiences and the equipment they used. For example, the 'hatchet man' referred to a sailor who worked on board ship, while the 'grunt' was a term used to describe an infantry soldier.

The Sixties Project at the University of Virginia provides access to primary and secondary sources related to the Vietnam War era, including military terminology and slang. The project's Glossary of Military Terms & Slang from the Vietnam War A-C offers valuable insights into the language and culture of the war period.

Overall, the SW2 designation in the US Navy during the Vietnam War represented a classification system that identified sailors who were unfit for military service due to medical reasons. Understanding this designation provides valuable context for those interested in learning more about the experiences of American sailors during the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War.

In the vietnam war what does sw2 us navy stand for