HERITAGE OUTREACH PROGRAM

The Vietnam War

Vietnam WarOverview

• U.S. involved from 1955 to 1975• The U.S. began rapidly deploying

soldiers in the mid 1960’s• The U.S. deployed roughly

3,500,000 soldiers during its involvement

• 9,200,000 men served in the military from 1964 to 1975

• One of the most unpopular wars in our nation’s history

Vietnam WarDraft

• Selective Service• Due to the size of the war, we

turned to a draft• Roughly 2,215,000 soldiers were

drafted during The Vietnam War

Vietnam WarHome Front

• First time a war was visually shown to the U.S. public

• Media portrayed the war in a negative manner

• Anti-War Protestors sometimes consisted of war veterans themselves

Vietnam WarCauses of the War

• The U.S. feared the spread of communism

• If one Country fell into communism then it would spread throughout the world

• Communism was highly feared during the Cold War Era

Vietnam WarSides of the War

• The United States and South Vietnam fighting against North Vietnam and the Viet Cong

• The war seemed as a discreet conflict against the U.S. and Russia

Vietnam WarNorth Vietnamese Army

• Also known as the NVA

• Very disciplined soldiers

• Were a uniformed Army

Vietnam WarViet Cong

• Usually not found in uniform

• Militia type military in South Vietnam, fighting against south Vietnam and the U.S.

• Used Guerilla tactics• Could easily blend into

regular people

Vietnam WarThe American Soldier

• Wore solid olive green uniforms or tiger stripped uniforms during the war

• Combat tours would last one year

• Combat experienced leaders

Vietnam WarTactics and Technology

• Jungle Warfare• Guerilla Warfare• Modern Warfare• NVA and Vietcong

would dig massive tunnel systems

• American Soldiers usually lived on small firebases or outposts

Vietnam WarTactics and Technology

Vietnam WarWeaponry of the War

• The U.S. started out with the M14, but it was unable to compete with the AK-47

• The U.S. quickly switched to the M16

• The M16 was insufficient in the jungle conditions and was modified to the M16A1

Vietnam WarWeaponry of the War

• American soldiers also carried the M60 Machine Gun

• The M79 Grenade Launcher (Thumper) was also commonly carried

Vietnam WarWeaponry Of the War

• The AK-47 was the standard, preferred weapon of the enemy

• Very effective weapon for jungle conditions

Vietnam WarWeaponry Of the War

• Punji Sticks and booby traps were commonly used by both sides

• Booby traps made Soldiers fearful of every step

Vietnam WarWeaponry Of the War

Vietnam WarWeaponry Of the War

Vietnam WarLiving Conditions

• When the Soldiers were not out on a patrol, they would live on a small base known as a “Fire Base”

• Soldiers would commonly go on patrols for days at a time and sleep in the Jungle

• Leeches• Snakes• Bacteria• Malaria

Vietnam WarJungles

• Common to find near villages

• Landmines could be placed in the water

• Landmines in rice paddies are still an issue to this day

Vietnam WarRice Paddy

Vietnam WarSoldier’s Equipment

• Soldiers would carry a small, metal framed ruck sack

• Suspenders and a pistol belt would make up the Soldier’s “LBE”

• Tents and sleeping bags were usually not carried with the soldiers

Vietnam WarSoldiers Equipment

• Flak vests were supposed to be worn but were commonly left behind

• Helmets were not bullet proof

Vietnam WarSoldier’s Diet

• C rations were the standard field rations

• C rations were a great improvement from previous wars

• Hot meals were available on base

Vietnam WarSoldiers Routine

• Receiving mail was a luxury that came only once or twice a month

• On larger bases, soldiers could have the opportunity to call home

• While not on a patrol, soldiers would spend much of their time training, training new soldiers, or improving their base