GI (military) facts for kids

GI or G.I. is a common nickname for a member of the United States armed forces. It can also refer to their gear or supplies. You might hear it used to describe soldiers, sailors, or airmen.

What Does "GI" Mean?

Many people think that "GI" stands for "Government Issue." This means something made or provided by the government. However, this is not where the term actually came from.

The Real Story of "GI"

The term "GI" actually started with something called galvanized iron. This is iron that has been coated with zinc. The zinc protects the iron from rust.

In the U.S. Army, many items were made from galvanized iron. These included things like metal trash cans. On official lists and records, these items were often marked with "GI" for "galvanized iron." Over time, the letters "GI" became a way to describe anything related to the Army, including the soldiers themselves.

Images for kids

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  G.I.s from the 25th Infantry Division in the jungle of Vella Lavella during Operation Cartwheel (13 September 1943).

See also

In Spanish: GI para niños