Operation Ranch Hand

Operation Ranch Hand was a U.S. military operation during the Vietnam War, involving the spraying of herbicides from aircraft to defoliate the dense tropical rainforest that provided cover for Viet Cong forces. The operation took place from 1962 to 1971.

Pronunciation

Operation Ranch Hand: /ˈɒpəˌreɪʃən ræntʃ hænd/

Etymology

The name "Operation Ranch Hand" is derived from the U.S. military's code-naming system. The term "ranch hand" typically refers to a person who works on a ranch, tending to livestock and performing other tasks. In this context, it was used metaphorically to describe the operation's goal of clearing the land.

Related Terms

• Agent Orange: A powerful herbicide and defoliant used extensively in Operation Ranch Hand.
• Vietnam War: The conflict during which Operation Ranch Hand took place.
• U.S. military: The organization that conducted Operation Ranch Hand.
• Herbicides: Chemicals used to kill plants, used extensively in Operation Ranch Hand.
• Aircraft: The means by which the herbicides were dispersed during Operation Ranch Hand.
• Rainforest: The type of environment that was targeted in Operation Ranch Hand.
• Viet Cong: The forces against whom Operation Ranch Hand was directed.

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