The Vietnam War A Long History of U.S. Involvement, 1940s-1975.
HERITAGE OUTREACH PROGRAM The Vietnam War. Vietnam War Overview U.S. involved from 1955 to 1975 The...
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Transcript of HERITAGE OUTREACH PROGRAM The Vietnam War. Vietnam War Overview U.S. involved from 1955 to 1975 The...
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