The Vietnam Conflict

What was combat like in Vietnam? Discouraging The Vietnamese, both our ally and enemy, were difficult to keep separate The majority of the Vietnamese fought as civilian militia (no uniforms) Deadly Aside from combat Americans had to deal with disease, combat suicide, and terrorism

What military technology was created for the Vietnam conflict? Napalm Incendiary gel used by the military to burn dense jungle (sometimes enemy personnel)

What military technology was used in the Vietnam conflict? Guerilla tactics (used by the Viet Cong) unpredictable unconventional deceitful depriving "The enemy advances, we retreat; the enemy camps, we harass; the enemy tires, we attack; the enemy retreats, we pursue.“ – NVA general

What military technology was used in the Vietnam conflict? P.O.W. Torture Americans were knowingly tortured by the Viet Cong In retaliation the American GIs resorted to torturing Vietnamese prisoners (and sometimes civilians)

What was the result of the Vietnamese guerilla tactics? Psychological stress U.S. soldiers turned to alcohol and drugs to escape the hellish conditions of Vietnam Psychological breakdown U.S. soldiers “snapped” and performed horrific acts against Vietnamese soldiers, civilians, and prisoners Ear necklaces, scalping, rape, murder, & torture

What was the result of the Vietnamese guerilla tactics? Hatred at home Extreme actions by a few were seen as the norm for all military personnel Some soldiers were starting to be seen as baby killers, rapists, and sadists who lusted for blood and enjoyed taking lives