Why are members of the armed forces called GIs?

Answer 1

Although this has been traced back to Galvanized Iron, the term became more popular as General Issue. Comes from a joke in WW II, having to do with the government mass producing everything from C rations to foot soldiers.

These days, it is more often associated with "gastro-intestinal" and is an acronym for the acid reflux disease.

Answer 2

G.I.
The original meaning of this term for American soldiers and their gear is somewhat obscure. It is commonly thought to stand for Government Issue or General Issue. In fact, it originally stood for Galvanized Iron. A G.I. can was a metal trash can. During WWI, German artillery shells were called G.I. cans.

Sometime during the 1930s, the idea that G.I. stood for government or general issue sprang up. During WWII, this idea took hold among the general populace and became a reference to anything having to do with the American military--especially common soldiers.

But while the origin may originally be galvanized iron, that origin lacks the humorous punch that propelled the phrase to stardom. The sardonic idea that soldiers were issued by the government instead of being born is what made the idea catch on.

this is a cut and paste from wordorigins.org

Answer 3

Stands for Government Issue

Answer 4

GI (term) or G.I., a nickname for a United States Army soldier

Answer 5

Government Issue, generally pertaining to enlisted army personell..

Answer 6

Government Issue is the answer for G.I.

Answer 7

Because all the equipment they use personally is General Issue.
That is weapons and clothing etc.

Answer 8

not in uk