"This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine." This is an often-quoted line from a Viet Nam-era film where the Marines were instructed to name their weapons with a girl's name. In our unit, at least among some of the males, we have elected to name our rifles and our sidearms.
Each Soldier will have their reasons for the names they have chosen. Some may use a mother's name, a sweetheart's name, an old flame or whatever. My rifle, a brand-spanking new fresh-out-of-the-box M4, I have named after my oldest daughter, Thalassa `Alohilani. I also have a sidearm, an M9 Berretta. That one is named Nikki, after a special friend near Dallas, TX. I didn't name my 2nd weapon after my 2nd daughter is the fact that she is married to an Airman in the U.S.A.F. Security Forces. I figure he can do her the honor of naming his weapon after his wife. This little bonding thing is just another way we deal with the everyday stresses of being away from our homes, families and friends.
