Wasn't sure where to post this question, so here goes. Why are military vehicles given acronyms that are sometimes backwards...? ie: LVT, LCAC, etc.

Why not ..Tracked Landing Vehicle..? AIr cushioned Landing Craft...?

There are many more, just picked 2 for now.

Just curious is all...

I seem to recall having read once that military vehicles and craft were classified by type first, and then by subcategory. So, CV, CVL, CVE and carrier vessels, designated light and escort. LC is landing craft, with suffix of VP for vehicle/personnel or T for tank, and so on.

One naming convention is to name things starting with the general and then adding the more specific names, such as "Tractor, Fully Tracked, Diesel, Earthmoving, D7" or "Charge, Block, Composition C4, 1.25 lbs", or one of my personal favorites "Mine Clearing Line Charge" aka MCLC. The US military somewhat sorta follows this convention. The US Navy then takes this further and names systems in an acronym of the full name.

I've also seen this in naming of parts in manufacturing (at least welding and cutting products).

Jeff is correct. The reason for starting with the general catagory, then adding the specific is due to the use of the National Stock Number (NSN) system that the military uses to manage, order, and track parts and supplies. I had to learn all of this when I was assigned as the Battalion S-4 (logistics officer).

not just vehicles go thru the naming process

all military equipment is the same also in the australian defence force as we also use a Nato Stock Number(NSN) to classify equipment

e.g. cup canteen steel- metal cup

pack field large- large pack

suspenders webbing- webbing harness

just to name a few

You guys are missing the point, the best ones are most amusing:

Cheese Filled Pretzles (pretzel flavored combos)
Cheddar Cheese Snack Crackers (cheeze-its)

and

Sugar Cookie, with round chocolate coated discs (M&M cookie)