Perceptions of Vietnamese Soldiers During the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was a conflict that spanned many complex factors and diverse perspectives. One of the most intriguing aspects is how the Vietnamese people viewed their own soldiers, especially during turbulent times. Understanding these perceptions can offer insights into the roots of the politically and socially charged environment.

The Political Environment and Military Composition

The North Vietnamese army, also referred to as the Viet Cong, was predominantly composed of communist officials and rural farmers who believed in the ideology of People's Liberation. In contrast, the South Vietnamese army (ARVN) was led by a government that leaned Catholic and was influenced by the remnants of the former French colonial government. This government resided primarily in urban areas, favoring individuals who were more aligned with European and Catholic backgrounds.

Opposition and Disconnection

This stark divergence between the rural and urban populations, along with the military personnel staffing these forces, led to a significant disconnect. Whereas the rural population was predominantly Buddhist farmers and fishermen who lived in outlying villages, the soldiers in the South Vietnamese army represented a different segment of society.

This difference alone did not fully explain the reasons for the conflict. America's role in supporting the South Vietnamese government also played a crucial part. After the end of World War II, America stopped the election of popular but Communist candidates who were perceived as a threat. Instead, efforts were made to support a minority group, specifically urban and partially European-aligned individuals, who were tasked with controlling the rural population.

Opposition to Foreign Interference

France, too, attempted to regain control of their former colony but faced fierce opposition from the Vietnamese people. This desire for independence further exacerbated the tensions that already ran high due to the aforementioned social and political divisions.

Public Sentiment and Military Morale

Given these complex layers, it is vital to understand how Vietnamese people perceived their soldiers. The sentiment was not unified or straightforward. Many rural Vietnamese peasants, who were the backbone of the North Vietnamese army, viewed the soldiers as champions of their cause – fighting for liberation from foreign influence and a government that did not represent their interests.

Conversely, in the cities, particularly among the segments supported by the U.S., there was significant hostility towards both the soldiers in the North Vietnamese army and those in the South Vietnamese army. The South Vietnamese forces, seen as puppets governed by a corrupt and foreign-influenced regime, were often met with distrust and contempt. Many city residents felt that the war was being fought by distant figures who did not share their own struggles and aspirations.

Conclusion

The perceptions of Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War were multifaceted and deeply influenced by regional, social, and political factors. While the rural population largely supported and embraced their soldiers as heroes of the revolution, the urban population often viewed them with suspicion and resentment. These divergent perspectives painted a complex picture of the perceptions of soldiers and the broader social, economic, and political dynamics of the time.