Yard is an American term meaning Montagnard. Yard is a term of endearment. The mountain tribes people of Southeast Asia do not look Oriental. Most look Polynesian, and their language sounds more Polynesian than Oriental. The Yards viewed the arrival of Orientals much as the American Indian viewed the arrival of white men.
Yards live in tribal groups.
Over twenty tribes wander the mountains of Southeast Asia. The Rhade, Sedang, Jarai, Koho, Bru, Bahnar and Raglai are indigenous to South Vietnam. They are primarily nomadic, and practice slash and burn agriculture. They also hunt with crossbows and forage the jungle. The OSS recognized the utility of using the mountain tribes to help the French fight the Japanese.