A Closer Look at the US-Vietnamese War: Challenges and Realities

As a West Point cadet in the mid-1980s, much of our officer cadre had served in Vietnam, providing us firsthand information on the conflict. Our Military History class spent an entire semester on the Vietnam War, hoping to never see anything like it again a hope that was dashed during our invasion of Iraq again. But that's a different topic entirely.

The Horrors of Jungle Warfare

One of the most significant aspects of the Vietnam War was the landscape in which it was fought. The dense jungle presented a unique set of challenges, making it a horrible place to fight. Unlike in World War II, where we had advanced weaponry but clearer targets, in Vietnam, the distinction between North Vietnamese and South Vietnamese civilians was often unclear. There were no front lines, and ambushes and traps were everywhere. A land mine could blow a buddy's legs off without warning.

Small Unit Operations and Leadership Challenges

Vietnam was a war primarily fought by small units. Companies and even platoons were doing the majority of the fighting. This environment changed the nature of warfare, leading to a more decentralized approach. A young lieutenant (L.T.) fresh from graduation would often find himself thrust into combat within a day or two of arrival. His theoretical knowledge of tactics might not translate well into the harsh realities of small unit operations.

The Dangers of Following a Questionable Leader

Enter a situation so awful that the only thing worse is following a leader who is morally questionable or incompetent. Such a scenario created a toxic environment between non-commissioned officers (NCO) and commissioned officers. This dynamic was further exacerbated by incidents of "fragging," where untrusting soldiers would kill their own leaders if they were deemed too risky or incompetent. This led to a series of suicide attacks on officers, a phenomenon that has far-reaching impacts within the military structure.

The Role of Race in War

The Vietnam War also brought to the forefront racial tensions that had been simmering for years. In World War II, racial integration in the American military was limited, to say the least. By the time of Vietnam, these policies had changed, yet the lingering effects of racial segregation and the intensity of the Vietnam War itself led to significant racial strife within military units. The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing, and the high-stress environment of Vietnam often brought racial tensions to a boiling point.

Accounts of Racism in the Vietnam War

Several articles highlight the racial challenges faced during the Vietnam War. One such article, titled "Black and White in Vietnam", discusses how even the Army's perceived gains in racial integration were challenged by the realities of war. Another piece, "In 1969 The Military Thought It Had Eliminated Racism In Its Ranks. Then Troops Began Rioting

It's important to remember that the American military of today is not the seamless, integrated unit that some people might assume. The Vietnam War was a crucible for racial tensions and, in many ways, an extension of the broader societal issues of the time. The lessons learned from this conflict continue to shape the forces we see today.