Soviet troops in Vietnam - What was their task? Vietnamese nightmares of American soldiers

For all the prevalence of drugs, soldiers rarely used them during combat operations, it was obvious to everyone the need to have a sober head in battle.
Thus, the American military machine as a whole suffered little from the corrupting action of drugs and alcohol, which cannot be said about its living components - soldiers and officers.
Marijuana was widespread in Vietnam by the time the Americans arrived. A study conducted by the American command in 1966 identified 29 marijuana outlets in the vicinity of Saigon alone.
For the manufacture of "jambs" used original American cigarettes, such as "Craven A". Marijuana was smoked by all sides of the conflict: the Americans, and the South Vietnamese army, and the communist North Vietnamese, and the "Viet Cong" supporting the communists.
Availability and cheapness made its use commonplace. Street vendors were constantly selling weed to passing American patrols.

The command tried to fight drugs with the methods of punishment and propaganda. But until 1968, there was no laboratory in Vietnam that could determine the presence of cannabinoids and other substances in urine and blood.
The analyzes were sent to Japan, and the whole process took 45 days. Only in the Marine Corps were they tried for the use of marijuana, in simple army units they turned a blind eye to the problem - those who took "hard" drugs were put on trial.
However, after a series of publications in the press, drastic measures were taken. Compulsory conversations were held with the soldiers about the dangers of drugs.
Arrests began, with up to 1,000 arrests a week for selling and drinking in 1968. Under pressure from the US authorities, South Vietnam banned the cultivation of hemp, the fields were destroyed by South Vietnamese units.
But, despite all the prohibitions, there was mutual responsibility in the units, which, in the conditions of low trust in the command, and the frequent change of junior officers, made the struggle unproductive.

Alcohol, as well as marijuana and hashish, became widespread. However, opioids have become the biggest problem.
In 1967, opium in Vietnam could be obtained for a dollar, and morphine for $5. Binoctal tablets cost between $1 and $5 for a pack of 20.
Demand among American soldiers gave rise to supply, already in 1970 the underground laboratories of the Golden Triangle launched the production of high-quality heroin. Moreover, its use grew like a snowball, gradually replacing lighter drugs and alcohol.
At this time, the Americans were trying to get out of the Vietnamese trap with all their might, and there was no end in sight to the war, which further undermined the morale of the troops. In 1971, the number of arrests for the use and sale of hard drugs increased 7 times compared with the previous year.
In 1971, the medical service estimated that between 10 and 15 percent of military personnel were heroin addicts. Approximately one third got hooked on it in the first month in Vietnam. Heroin was mostly smoked or snorted, and syringes were used much less frequently.

When the command was faced with a heroin problem, all that remained was to remember marijuana as childish pranks.
Here are the words of one officer: "If it helped my guys get off hard drugs, I would buy up all the marijuana and hashish in the Mekong Delta."
It is very interesting to compare data on heroin use by US troops in Thailand (1%) and Vietnam (10-15%) in the same period. Which eloquently speaks of the brutal nature of that war. The peak of heroin use occurred in 1973, then in Vietnam there were units covering the departure of the main forces.
Just over a third of American soldiers used heroin that year. It is safe to say that the drug traffickers were the losers from the end of the war. That's who exactly cried during Operation Gusty Wind.

After returning home, "G.I's" again found themselves in a relatively healthy social environment, however, they could no longer get off heroin, thus replenishing the army of drug addicts in their homeland. This gave rise to various social problems in the already troubled American society of the 60s and 70s.

Source: Article by Peter Brush "U.S. Forces in Vietnam Drug Use".

From an article by V.A. Gavrilov - retired colonel, leading researcher of the Research Institute ( military history) Military Academy of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, candidate of psychological sciences.

Some time ago, George Lepre's book Why American Soldiers Blowed Up Their Officers in Vietnam with Grenades was published in the United States.
The book is interesting in that it is the only complete study of the phenomenon of attempts by American soldiers to undermine their commanders with grenades during the Vietnam War.
The author attempts to explain the very phenomenon of attacks using hand grenades, the motivation for such attacks and the measures taken by the army to stop them or at least reduce the public outcry that accompanied them.

One of the conclusions of this book is that the cases of killing or threatening officers and sergeants of the US Army and Marine Corps with grenades or other weapons, in most cases, did not occur during combat operations, but while in the rear.
In addition, the author of the book refutes the claims of activists who protested against the Vietnam War, and some researchers and historians, that anti-war sentiment and political opposition to the American presence in Southeast Asia had a direct impact on these attempts to attack officers and NCOs.

The author admits at the outset that soldiers attacked or killed "unpopular comrades from the very beginning of the armed conflict".
As American military involvement in Southeast Asia escalated, such incidents became so frequent that the New York Times and Newsweek informed their readers that attacks with hand grenades were far from isolated, and "on average there were up to 20 such cases per month. ".

It should be said that the author contradicts himself from the very beginning when he claims that anti-war sentiments had no effect on the armed attacks by American military personnel on their comrades and commanders.
The book begins with a general explanation of how the draft system, a strong anti-war movement, student protests, and strife in American society led to the fact that by the 1970s the US Army and Marine Corps were unable to recruit the best part of the youth. .
As a result, they had to reduce the high standards of discipline that five years ago existed in both branches of the United States Armed Forces.

The author, based on a thorough study of archival materials of the military police and the courts of the military tribunal, shows that virtually all explosions or attempts to undermine took place not in a combat situation, but in rear areas.
But then what were the motives of those ordinary soldiers who tried to kill or intimidate their commanders? Several reasons emerge here.
First, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara proposed the "Project 100,000", which made it possible to recruit young people who had not previously been selected for the level of intellectual development and, accordingly, were less able to adapt to military conditions, as well as having mental problems.

Secondly, the degradation of junior sergeants caused a crisis in the ability to lead small units - inexperienced sergeants were too "kind", sought popularity among their subordinates and, accordingly, could not deal with violations of discipline.
Third, drug use (a 1971 US Department of Defense study found that 50.9% of US Army personnel in Vietnam smoked marijuana).
Alcohol abuse (beer was cheap and hard liquor readily available) also played a role, as it reduced the soldiers' ability to comprehend their actions, which in turn led to attacks on fellow soldiers.

In fairness, those who served in Vietnam are still arguing about whether the use of drugs and alcohol was a cause or a consequence of a general decline in discipline. However, no one argues that this factor played a role in cases of attacks using hand grenades.
An additional motivating factor was dissatisfaction with those officers and sergeants who demanded vigorous combat, although President Richard Nixon had already announced the withdrawal of American troops from Southeast Asia. And the motive was simple: "No one wanted to die on the last day of the war."

Finally, according to the author, racial animosity has been the cause of some hand grenade attacks involving black soldiers and white enlisted men and sergeants.
Black soldiers became increasingly annoyed by what they saw as unfair treatment and racial discrimination, especially after the shocking assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and this annoyance sometimes led to attacks on senior commanders.

The racial strife in Vietnam was no doubt spurred on by statements by high-profile black activists such as Black Panther member Eldridge Cleaver.
In his message of January 4, 1970 entitled "To my black brothers in Vietnam", for example, Cleaver called for "start killing the racist pigs who give you orders. Kill General Abrams and all his officers. Destroy food and equipment or give them to the Vietnamese ".
Although no attempt was made to assassinate Abrams or other officers of the US Military Assistance Command in Vietnam, Cleaver's calls alarmed many white officers in Saigon.
After all, the attacks with hand grenades show that they were the result of many causes, and Lepres carefully examines these causes.
Based on an analysis of military tribunal records, he concludes that "the main reason for most attacks using hand grenades was harassment and abusive attitude towards subordinates by superiors."

A separate section of the book is devoted to "attacks and anti-war activities." The author makes an attempt to prove that there was no direct connection between anti-war sentiments and these attacks.
In the study of archival materials, Lepr found only two cases where there were "anti-war and anti-government statements."
While acknowledging that the Vietnam War was unpopular among many American servicemen, as well as in American society in general, and that anti-war sentiment certainly affected conscripts (and therefore those who attacked senior commanders), the author nonetheless concludes that that there is no evidence that these attacks were part of a widespread "rebellion by the rank and file or part of a larger political struggle against immoral US policies at home and abroad."

This conclusion raises serious doubts, since it is known that, while in custody, undoubtedly under pressure from the judicial authorities and in the face of the gravity of the charges and the severity of the punishment, the accused often try in every way to alleviate their situation.
And under these conditions, anti-war statements could only aggravate the guilt and lead to an even more severe sentence.
Therefore, the anti-war sentiments that underlay the motivation for armed attacks on superiors were most likely hidden, and the attacks themselves were motivated by completely different reasons.

It is interesting to note that, according to American experts, although hand grenade attacks rarely occur in the current American professional army, they nevertheless happen today.
Evidence of this is the trial of Staff Sergeant Alberto Martinez on charges of killing two officers with a mine planted outside their office window in Tikrit, Iraq, in 2005. Martinez was acquitted by a military jury at Fort Bragg in 2008.
In another case, Sergeant Joseph Bocisiewicz was convicted of killing two fellow soldiers after they criticized him for a series of blunders in combat in Iraq in 2008.
He was convicted by a Fort Stewart jury of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Both of these cases show that the phenomenon of hand grenade attacks in the US military is not a thing of the past.

On the whole, George Lepre's book is a fairly complete and professional study of such a phenomenon as armed attacks by colleagues on their comrades in a combat situation.
However, the author lacked, perhaps, the courage, and perhaps the depth of penetration into the essence of the phenomenon under consideration.
Hence the contradictory conclusions and ignorance of the obvious and long recognized fact that the unjust and inhumane nature of the United States aggression in Vietnam contributed to the growth of anti-war sentiment in American society and underlay both conscious and unconscious motives for armed attacks by American military personnel on their comrades and commanders.
And it is quite understandable that this happened more often not in battle, but in the rear, where discipline was weakened and alcohol and drugs began to play their role.

The Vietnam War was one of the largest military conflicts in military history. Today there are a lot of polar opinions about it. In our review, there are several facts about the Vietnam War that will allow you to learn about the unknown sides of that terrible war.

1 The CIA Hired Hmong During The Secret War

In 1965, the CIA, with the help of Air America (which it secretly owned), launched an operation that would become known as the "Secret War". By 1961, 9,000 Hmong guerrillas in Laos had been recruited. During the Vietnam War, Laos was neutral, but the NVA (North Vietnamese Army) had a strong influence in that country. In 1965, the number of Hmong partisans increased to 20,000 and then the true cause of the "Secret War" was revealed.

The Hmong were to destroy NVA supply depots, ambush cargo convoys, disrupt supply lines, and generally cause any possible damage to the NVA. When America began withdrawing troops from Vietnam, Air America was forced to leave Laos. On June 3, 1974, the airline's last plane left Laos, leaving the Hmong to fend for themselves.

Shortly after the Lao government began arresting the Hmong for their collaboration with the CIA, many guerrillas fled to the jungle, where they have lived since the end of the Vietnam War. Many of these Hmong guerrillas still hope today that the US will one day come to rescue them from the jungle.

2. Most of the soldiers were volunteers

According to official figures, three-quarters of all American soldiers volunteered for the army. More specifically, during the entire war, 9,087,000 people served in the army, and only 1,728,344 of them were called up. This is a very low number of conscripts compared to other wars. For example, during World War II, 8,895,135 Americans were drafted into the army, which was two-thirds of the total number of all Americans involved in the war.

3. Unfair call

Another controversial issue regarding the war is social inequality in conscription. In America, it was said that the racial and social status of people were guided by the call to the war in Vietnam. But 88.4 percent of the men who served in the Vietnam War are Caucasians. So, the myth that racial minorities were "cannon fodder" is simply not true. 79 percent of military personnel received higher education, and the wealth of three-quarters of all soldiers was above the poverty line, which refutes the theory of social inequality.

4. Payments to spies

The South Vietnamese spies were very important to the United States, but their work was dangerous. The problem with recruiting these spies was that many of them lived in communities where money simply didn't exist and where barter was accepted. This led to the use of rice and other goods as payment. This scheme worked for some time, after which it turned out that the "agents" did not need more rice, and they did not need other goods.

The decision was made to provide the spies with Sears catalogs from which they could choose the goods they would be paid with. The first order was for six red velvet blazers with copper buttons, each paid for 20 days' work. The spies also ordered other items of clothing, such as extra-large bras, which they used to... harvest fruit.

5. Age of soldiers

The Vietnam War caused numerous protests in American society also because young people were dying. And it was true: the average age of a soldier is 22 years old, and that of an officer is 28 years old. And the oldest person to die in Vietnam was 63-year-old Kenna Clyde Taylor.

6. Super glue

War is always death and terrible wounds. And today it seems incredible that wounded American soldiers used superglue to get a chance at salvation. The wound, filled with glue, provided invaluable time for the soldiers to get to the medical unit and wait for the operation.

7. Life after the war

At one time, it was much said that in the United States, society treated Vietnam veterans very negatively after they returned home. Allegedly, crowds of protesters met the soldiers at the airport. But in most cases, none of this happened.

8. Seeding Clouds

The United States Army did not hesitate to use sabotage and sabotage to their advantage. One of the most interesting ways that the Americans used against the North Vietnamese army was Operation Popeye. As part of this operation, the Americans conducted 50 sorties of aircraft, during which silver iodide was dispersed in rain clouds, which led to heavy precipitation in 82 percent of cases. These rains were supposed to stop the military advance of the Vietnamese in certain areas. It was also supposed, by changing the weather, to flood specific areas, causing damage to crops, which should have left the Vietnamese army without provisions.

9. US Allies in the Vietnam War

Usually, when it comes to the Vietnam War, they mostly talk about the Americans. Although the United States had the largest number of soldiers in Vietnam, it also had troops from South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand fighting on its side. South Korea alone sent 312,853 troops to Vietnam between September 1963 and April 1975.

South Korean soldiers killed 41,000 North Vietnamese soldiers and 5,000 civilians. At the same time, only 4,687 South Koreans were killed during the war. 60,000 troops came from Australia and 3,000 from New Zealand.

10. Death card

It is likely that thanks to Hollywood films, many have begun to associate Vietnam with the ace of spades. At the same time, many do not have the slightest idea about the true history of this famous symbol. The ace of spades was left on the bodies of dead soldiers as a warning. The Vietnamese were very superstitious people, and when the American troops found themselves intimidated by maps, the practice became widespread.

Fortunately, many years have passed since that terrible time, and Vietnam has become a flourishing and actively developing country. One of the attractions that attract the attention of tourists is. He is really wonderful.

The Vietnam War became an infantry war. American infantry operated everywhere, from wooded mountains to swampy river valleys. 81 infantry battalions of various types took part in the fighting.
Hundreds of thousands of American guys passed through Vietnam as part of infantry units. Soldiers of the military specialty IIB (I - fighting, I - infantry, B - light infantry) bore the brunt of the Vietnam War.
Not all foot soldiers climbed the jungle, at least not always. Many infantrymen fought in armored vehicles and even as part of air cavalry crews - helicopters.
Infantrymen also acted on the rivers in the crews of monitors and armored boats, they fell down on the enemy from the sky with parachutes over their shoulders. But still, the bulk of the infantry, like centuries ago, measured distances with their feet ...
In 1965, when the American military presence in Vietnam began to grow sharply, only a third of the army was recruited. Of the 9,087,000 people who served in 1964-1973. 2,594,000 went to Vietnam, of which there were only 1,766,910 in the army conscripts, and just under 42,700 in the Marine Corps.
In the navy and air force there were no conscripts at all (at least in Vietnam).
Each soldier received personal tokens- "Dog Tag" (dog tag). The token was a rectangle with rounded corners, which was made of stainless steel. Each was supposed to have two identification tokens, which were worn around the neck on a chain.
It was allowed to wear religious amulets around the neck, but not jewelry. In the event of the death of a soldier, the token on the long chain remained on the body, and the second, on the short chain, which was attached to the long one, was torn off for reporting.

"Dog Tag" was part of uniforms and was supposed to be worn all the time.
The surname, first name and initials were stamped on the tag, personal number, blood type, Rh factor, religion were stamped below the first name.
To tokens did not ring when colliding with each other, they were enclosed in plastic frames.
For most soldiers, the seven-digit personal number was preceded by the letters RA - Regular Army (three-year volunteer contractors), US - United States (conscripts), ER - Enlisted Reserve, NG - National Guard.
From January 1968, the letters were canceled, and instead of a personal number, they began to apply the social card number.

Casual or work a uniform olive green, better known as "fatiques", was meant to be worn daily. Spacious a uniform It consisted of shirts, which refueled in trousers . Trousers refueled at boots .
A uniform colors khaki sewn from 100% cotton. She needed to starch strongly and carefully iron the folds. Three pleats at the back: one in the center and two parallel to the center from the shoulders. The ironed uniform looked only a few hours, after which it looked as if they had slept in it.
Tropical later appeared a uniform made of woolen fabric (TW), much more practical than a cotton uniform. The winter set was sewn from 100% woolen fabric and was loved by the soldiers.
The helmet - "steel pot", "piss pot", "brain dome" (steel pot, urine pot, brain dome) - was worn on a liner. During basic training for helmets did not wear camouflage covers, simply - "bald" helmets olive green. During the advanced training course helmets dressed in reversible camouflage covers .
The helmet with accessories weighed 3.5 pounds, but the soldiers got used to such weight in just a week.
Unpopular field kepi or " baseball caps were worn out of order. The headgear was supposed to be removed indoors.

A uniform And equipment infantrymen in Vietnam were very different from the authorized ones.
The recruit was issued three sets of tropical combat uniforms, two pairs of tropical combat boots, five olive green T-shirts and shorts, and two towels.
Baseball cap at will, you could buy yourself in the military store.
Spacious with many pockets a uniform for the jungle, "fatikees" was probably the most popular uniform in the army. Comfortable, lightweight, it was easy to wash and had a practical design.
Lightweight, fabric upper, tropical boots had good ventilation and were also popular among the soldiers.
Until 1968, as insignia were used chevrons, then stamped insignia which were worn in buttonholes. Also in 1968 were introduced shoulder straps .
Until 1970, while the transition period lasted, there were insignia both old and new samples, sometimes in a mixture.
Wearing regulations in Vietnam uniforms were not strictly observed. The reason for this was the climate, primitive living conditions and war.
Sleeves of shirts were often rolled up above the elbows, and around the neck, so that sweat from the head did not flow onto the body, a towel or scarf was tied. Mikey not worn under shirts at all.
Wearing steel helmets in the field, over time, it became almost an inborn habit. Camouflage case usually worn with the green side out. On the covers of helmets, soldiers wrote all sorts of things with fountain pens, from the names of their units, the names of girlfriends to outright obscenities. At all, covers sometimes completely covered with graffiti. Elastic nets were used to fix branches and grass on helmets for camouflage purposes. More precisely, nets were supposed to be used for this, but the soldiers stuffed cigarettes, matches, lighters, newspapers, marijuana and other useful little things in everyday life.
There were local variants of the Vietnamese production of the standard military tropical panama with fields. Panama often worn in the field, even in reconnaissance.
The use of parachute slings was considered practical as boot laces. One of the identification tokens was tied to the shoelace, sometimes both, one on the left boot, the second on the right.
A pair of universal bandoliers (ammo punch) was attached to the waist pistol belt in front, first aid kit first aid and plastic flask on one side and a small combat kit (bull or ass pack) at the back.
A pair of belts were thrown over the shoulders, they were attached to the waist belt. On each shoulder strap were attached two pouches for 20 natrons each for an M14 rifle and small pouches for grenades.

Lid from flasks served as a glass for coffee or cocoa, and was also used for shaving - water was poured into it. If necessary, a sapper shovel was worn on the left thigh, more precisely, a “trench tool”.
This "tool" was taught not only to dig trenches, but also to kill the enemy. The possibility of attaching a bayonet-knife was provided for the shoulder blade.
The M1956 kit was the base kit for Vietnam. Even the nylon kit that appeared in 1967 repeated the M1956 kit in design.
Three things distinguished "Vietnamese" equipment from "statutory" in the first place:
1) the soldiers took dry rations for several days;
2) according to the charter, the standard ammunition load for the M14 rifle consisted of five 20-round magazines, and nine 20-round magazines were supposed to be for the M16 rifle (modern 30-round magazines were not used at that time).
This ammunition was not enough to conduct an intense battle, and usually the soldiers tried to take two to three times more cartridges.
3) Water is another vital necessity. Under normal circumstances, it was supposed to have one flask, but in Vietnam it was typical to have four to six flasks.
Officially, due to the high temperature, the soldier's load was limited to 65 pounds and was supposed to have only one C-ration (lunch ration).
Most unnecessary things in Vietnam were excluded from the wearable equipment (sleeping bag, gas mask, bayonet, fork), but absolutely necessary things were included: additional flasks with water, dry rations, ammunition, grenades, mosquito nets. We often slept on air mattresses.
small backpacks in the conditions of Vietnam they turned out to be impractical, everything they needed did not fit into them. Instead, they began to use tropical backpacks on lightweight aluminum frames.
IN backpack loaded rations for at least three days, at least a gallon of water in large flasks, ammunition, including Claymore mines.
Cartridges for the M16 rifle were placed in canvas bandoliers for seven magazines each. Usually each took two bandoliers. All pistol accessories turned out to be superfluous, pistol belt did not take at all, but flasks placed in a backpack.
Also, on the field trip, the soldier took with him personal hygiene items (a toothbrush with toothpaste, soap, a towel, a razor, a shaving brush), several pairs of socks.
The soldiers went home in brand new uniform class A in green with all awards and distinctions.
The army paid for travel home, including airfare.

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Metal helmets, widely used in the armies of the world long before our era, lost their protective value by the 18th century due to the massive spread of firearms. By the period of the Napoleonic Wars in European armies, they were used as protective equipment mainly in heavy cavalry. Throughout the 19th century, military headdresses protected their wearers at best from cold, heat or rain. Returning to service steel helmets, or

Unlike the armies of Old Europe, until the second half of the 20th century, there were practically no special developments in the field of creating camouflage clothing in the United States, traditional military colors were used, which were familiar to almost any army of that time. It is possible to talk about the appearance of American developments only starting from the late 70s - early 80s. Woodland Camouflage Pattern Woodland Designed for the US Army over thirty years ago, this type of camouflage is by now

Marine Corps Corps United States Marine Corps - USMC one of the five branches of the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard of the US Armed Forces of the US Armed Forces, relatively few in number as of 2005 180,000 active and 40,000 reservists less than only the Coast Guard , but, nevertheless, outnumbering the armed forces of most major countries in the world. The body, being a universal element adapted to a variety of combat operations,

Blackhawk SOLAG Kevlar US Army Kevlar Assault Gloves Blackhawk SOLAG Kevlar US Army Kevlar Assault Gloves Ergonomic and curved design follows the contours of a relaxed hand for greater dexterity and a better grip. Dual-layer fabric on the palms and fingers greatly improves grip and is highly durable. Genuine DuPont KEVLAR branded materials and premium treated leathers won't melt or get wet.

Private recruit badge for field camouflage uniform of the ACU of the US Armed Forces Private badge of rank for the field camouflage uniform of the ACU of the US Armed Forces The rank of private, in this case called a recruit, i.e. untrained soldier. This badge is attached to the chest with Velcro. Mostly recruits do not use this patch. Parameters Width 50mm. Height 50mm. Chest sign

West Point Military Academy cadet hat badge Reserve Officier Training Course ROTC cadets hat badge Glider Infantry hat badge WW2 obsolute Officiers hat badge WW2 paratrooper Paratrooper garrison cap badge obsolute US Army Women's Army Corps Dress Hat Cap Badge WAC Women's Army Corps Dress Hat Emblem US Army t.m. twist

Survival, Evasion,Resistance and Escape SERE school instructors beret badge Special Operations Training unit PJ school Air Force Special Operations Weather Technician beret badge US Airforce Tactical Air Control Party TACP beret badge Pararescue beret badge PJ Combat Controlier Team Special Operation Abn composition of the US Air Force Cockade emblem on the front

Cap emblem US COAST GUARD MASTER CHIEF PETTY . Parameters Width 32mm. Height 45mm. Cap emblem US COAST GUARD SENIOR CHIEF PETTY OFFICER . Parameters Height 53mm. Cap emblem US COAST GUARD CHIEF PETTY OFFICER . Parameters The emblem on the cap of an officer of the auxiliary forces of the BO. Parameters The emblem on the headdress of an officer of the US Coast Guard BO Officer Parameters Width 73mm. Height 62mm.

Naval Cadet Corps USNSCC Parameters Width 54mm. Height 60mm. Maritime Academy Maine. Parameters Width 49mm. Height 54mm. Cap emblem Chief Petty Officer. Possibly an earlier version. Fastening - a pin. Cap emblem US navy cadet. Parameters Width 32mm. Height 47mm. Cap emblem Chief Petty Officer. Parameters Width 29mm. Height 45mm. Cap emblem Senior chief petty officer

Headgear emblem of the United States Marine Corps. Presumably in WWII. Parameters Width 40mm. Height 40mm. Headgear emblem of the United States Marine Corps. Muted option. Brass. Black paint. Parameters Width 41mm. Height 41mm. Headgear emblem of the United States Marine Corps. Brass. Gilding. Parameters Width 41mm. Height 41mm.

The 357 Air and Missile Defense Detachment Patch. US Army Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Description A shield shaped embroidered device 3 1 4 inches 8.26 cm in height by 2 5 8 inches 6.67 cm in width overall edged with a 1 8 inch .32 cm yellow border, consisting of a scarlet shield with three yellow piles and a scarlet demi-burst of nine points issuing from the top, all counterchanged. Symbolism Scarlet and yellow are associated with Artillery. The three piles represent searchlight beams,

Patch of the 108 US Army Training Command. Description On a red seven-sided polygon one side up of 1 5 16 inches 3.33cm circumscribing radius, a yellow griffin passant. Symbolism The seven-sided figure is representative of the seven states within which the Division was activated, while the griffin is symbolic of striking power from the air and strength on the ground. Background The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 108th Airborne Division on 10

US Army Operational Reserve Command Patch US Army Reserve Command Patch Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Description Centered upon a yellow regular pentagon one point up, 2 13 16 inches 7.14cm in height overall, a silver gray globe gridlined teal blue between four teal blue stars, and standing in front of the globe upon center base a dark blue Minuteman detailed silver gray all within a 1 8 inch .32cm dark

Patch of the 15th US Army Group Patch of the 12th US Army Group Description An inverted pentagonal figure 2 1 2 inches 6.35 cm in height and 2 inches 5.08 cm in width consisting of a trapezoid 1 inch 2.54 cm in height between its parallel sides with 1 inch 2.54 cm upper base and 2 inches 5.08 cm lower base which is coincident with the base of an inverted blue isosceles triangle 1 1 2 inches 3.81 cm in height the trapezoid divided horizontally

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Description A blue oriental blue arrowhead shaped device 3 inches 7.62 cm in height and 2 1 2 inches 6.35 cm in width overall bearing two yellow goldenlight lightning flashes pilewise, superimposed by a black griffin's head erased with a white eye and brow, pupil black. Symbolism The arrowhead recalls the historical lineage and association as part of the 36th Infantry

Patch of the Multinational Corps - Iraq Description A white oval edged with a 1 8 inch .32 cm red border 2 inches 5.08 cm in width and 2 1 2 inches 6.35 cm in height overall consisting of two blue wavy bars in base, below a green palm wreath, surmounted by a black pheon spear, point up, rising from base throughout. Symbolism Red, white and blue are the national colors. The blue wavy bars allude to the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers and Iraq s title of the land of

Navy engineers SEABEES enlist badge Navy engineers SEABEES officier badge Surface warfare insignia for officier UDT underwater demolition team enlist badge UDT underwater demolition team officier badge SEAL badge for officers SEAL badge for enlist personel

278th Armor regiment Tennessee Army National Guard 75th Ranger regiment special troop battalion STB Airborne Special Operation Command Africa Special Operation Command Europe Special Operation Command Pacific Special Operation Command 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team National Guard 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team National Guard Special Operation Command South Airborne Special Force Group Airborne 225th Engineer brigade

Eagle Industries CIRAS land the land version of the Eagle Industries most famous product. The difference between MARITIME LAND versions is the front panel, and the QR system placement. Eagle Industries CIRAS maritime Combat Integrated Releasable Armor System modular protective vest designed for US Special Operations Forces by Eagle Industries. The vest features PALS webbing, making it MOLLE compatible and allowing the attachment of various pouches or accessories. Two

Helmet for crews of military equipment DH-132 AS of the US Armed Forces Helmet for crews of military equipment DH-132 AS of the US Armed Forces DH-132 AS helmets are specially designed by GENTEX Corporation for use by command and control personnel of military armored vehicles. Combat vehicle crew helmets, which are made in accordance with MIL-H-44117 standards. Helmets are available in several configurations for certain types of tasks. Three basic helmet configurations

Sapper tab pocket badge for Parade dress uniform ASU ASU Glider badge prototype Glider badge obsolute Air Assault badge Senior Parachutist Three Combat jumps Senior Parachutist Two Combat jumps Combat Infantryman Badge CIB 3rd award Combat Infantryman Badge CIB 2nd award Combat Infantryman Badge CIB Expert Infantryman Badge Combat Action Badge CAB 2nd award

46th FA battalion obsolute 42nd FA regiment 20th FA regiment 19th FA regiment 12th FA regiment Field Artillery FA school 552nd FA group 469th FA regiment 333rd FA regiment 212th FA brigade 197th FA regiment 128th FA regiment 112th FA regiment 40th FA brigade 26th FA regiment 22nd F.A. regiment 118th Field Artillery 775th FA bn 441st FA bn 157th FA regiment

400th Infantry regiment 310th Infantry regiment 290th Infantry regiment 201st Infantry regiment 178th Infantry regiment 164th Infantry regiment 110th Infantry regiment 89th Infantry regiment 249th Infantry regiment 553rd Armor Infantry 346th Infantry regiment 306th Infantry regiment 369th Infantry regiment 104th Intantry division training 110th Infantry regiment 42nd Infantry Division ID

11th Armor Division service coy 70th Armor bn 25th Recon bn 321st Cavalry regiment 332nd Cavalry regiment 192nd Cavalry regiment 91st Cavalry regiment 16th Cavalry regiment 27th Cavalry regiment 6th Cavalry bde 4th Armor Division NCO school 2nd Scout battalion 25th Tank bn 61st Tank bn 320th Cavalry regiment 297th Cavalry regiment 108th Armor cavalry regiment 67th Armor 16th

135th ADA bn 741st ADA bn 519th ADA bn 75th ADA bn 31st ADA bde 88th ADA bn 717th ADA bn 40th Air Defense Artillery 27th ADA 57th ADA 51st Air Defense Artillery ADA 205th ADA regiment 94th ADA regiment 55th Air Defense Artillery ADA regiment 633rd ADA regiment 283rd ADA regiment 60th ADA regiment 44th ADA regiment 41st ADA regiment 30th ADA brigade 7th ADA

42nd MP brigade 37th MP company 772nd MP battalion 30th MP battalion 105th Military police battalion Military Police school 728th MP battalion 519th MP battalion 385th Military Police MP battalion 503rd Military police MP battalion airborne part of 16th MP bde 168th MP bn 505th MP bn US Army criminal investigation unit Military Correction Command 759th MP bn MP command

378th Engineer bde 245th Engineer bn 211th Engineer bn Ordinance school 969th Engineer bn 832nd Engineer bn 521st Engineer group 485th Engineer bn 178th Engineer bn 138th Engineer bn 130th Engineer bn 197th Ordinance battalion 739th Ordinance bn 70th Ordinance bn 231st Engineer bn 107th Engineer bn 814th Engineer coy 1901st Engineer battalion 589th Engineer battalion

305th MI bn 500th MI bn 701st Military bde US Army language school 741st MI bn 502nd MI bn th MI bn 524th MI bn 1635th MI bn 15th Military intelligence battalion 2nd Military Intelligence battalion 224th Military Intelligence MI battalion 313th

3rd Psychological Operation Battalion Airborne 8th Psychological Operation battalion Abn 5th Psychological Operation group Office of Strategic Service Operational groups obsolute PSYOP command 4th PSYOP group 6th PSYOP group 1st PSYOp group 13th PSYOP battalion

XVIII Airborne Corp HQ 507th Parachutist Infantry regiment 25th Medical detachment of 82nd Airborne Division Vietnam war 505th Parachutist infantry regiment 2version 515th Parachutist Infantry Regiment obsolute 550th Parachutist infantry regiment obsolute 309th engineer battalion of 84th Airborne division obsolute 127th engineer battalion of 11th Airborne division ob Solute 159th Combat Aviation brigade part 101st Airborne Division

359th Signal group 307th Signal battalion 198th Signal battalion 151st Signal battalion 141st Signal battalion 112th Signal battalion 528th Sustainment bde Abn 111th Signal battalion 72nd Signal battalion 58th Signal battalion 54th Signal battalion 11th Signal Group 11th signal battalion 10th signal battalion 9th signal command 7th Signal command 7th Signal brigade Signal Regiment corp

53rd Support battalion 31st support battalion 29th Support battalion 26th Support battalion Army support command EUROPE 169th support battalion 118th Support battalion 27th Maintenance battalion 544th Maintenance battalion 124th Maintenance battalion 503rd Support battalion 101st Support battalion of 101st Airborne Division 12 3rd Support battalion 39th Support battalion 705th Maintenance battalion

158th Financial bn 501st Financial battalion 267th Financial battalion 153rd Financial battalion 9th Financial group 9th Financial battalion Army Financial school 266th Financial command Financial Command 126th Finance battalion Airborne

53rd Transportation battalion 615th Transportation battalion 479th Transportation battalion 180th Transportation battalion 28th Transportation battalion 27th Transportation battalion 10th Transportation battalion Army transportation school 35th Transportation battalion obsolute 31st Transportation battalion obsolute 159th Transportation battalion 125th Transportation bat talion 39th transportation battalion

US Army Test and Evaluation Command 1999- present US Army Test and Evaluation Command 1991-99 307th Medic bn 250th Medical detachment airborne 541st Medical detachment Abn 240th medical detachment Abn Armor committee group 1st Armor bde U.S. Army Alpha Supply and Distribution Base Beret Patch Beret patch of the Supply and Distribution Base of the Alpha Land Division

Special Operation Command South Special Operation Command Center Special Operation Command Europe Special Operation Command North 3rd bn 75th Ranger regiment airborne 1st bn 75th Ranger regiment Airborne obsolute 160th Special Operation Aviation regiment SOAR 617th Aviation detachment of Special Operation Airborne 5th Special Force group 112th Signal battalion 528th Sustainment bde Abn

161st Engineer coy of 27th Engineer bn 39th Engineer bn 37th Engineer bn 29th EOD company battalion Airborne 84th Engineer company Airborne 30th Engineer battalion Airborne 6th engineer battalion

4th Air Defense Artillery Airborne 319th Field Artillery 3bn 319th Field Artillery 2bn Beret patch, 1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, US Army Beret patch, 1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery, US Army Beret patch, 1st U.S. Army Field Artillery Detachment Beret Patch of the 1st U.S. Army Field Artillery Detachment

Patch of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the US Army Description On a disc 2 5 8 inches 6.67 cm in diameter a white-edged blue triskelion with lower leg vertical between three white five-pointed stars on a green background all enclosed by a 1 8 inch .32 cm white border. Symbolism The green background with three stars refers to the hickory tree crest of the Tennessee Army National Guard. The wavy blue three-armed partition represents the coming together of the Holston and the

Patch of the 352nd Brigade for Liaison with the Civil Administration and the Population. US Armed Forces Patch of the 353rd Civil Liaison Brigade. Patch of the 357th Brigade for Liaison with the Civil Administration and the Population. Patch of the 354th Brigade for Liaison with the Civil Administration and the Population. Civil Affairs Command with ERROR Patch of the 360th Liaison Brigade for Civil Administration and the Population.

Southern European Task Force Airborne Elements 35th Signal bde 23rd coy6th engineer bn 3rd Maneuver Enhancement bde US army parachutist team Golden Knights 20th Engineers bde 44th Medical bde 6th battalion 2nd Engineers bde 108th Air Defience Artillery bde 18th Field Artillery bde 18th Aviation bde 4th Brigade Combat Team 25th Infantry division Allied Airborne Command 71 36th Airborne bde 80th Airborne

99th Infantry battalion obsolute Patch of the 648 US Army Combat Support Brigade Description On a vertical rectangular embroidered item coming to a 90-degree angular point at base, divided into three equal parts, green, cobalt blue, and red, bearing a silver gray compass rose throughout, with grebe gray shading, surmounted by a diagonally placed silver gray lightning bolt edged black and a sword with the blade divided silver gray below and at top black, the point

Patch of the Command of the Special Operations Forces. US Army Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Description On a black oval with a 3 16 inch .48cm yellow braided inner border and a 1 8 inch .32cm overedge outer border, 2 5 8 inches 6.67cm in width and 3 1 4 inch 8.26cm in height overall, a yellow final spearhead with three yellow bands issuing from base. Attached immediately above as an integral part of the insignia, a black arc tab 1 1 16 inches 2.70cm in width

SAPPER school Tab US Army Corps of Engineers Patch in Europe US Army Corps of Engineers Patch in Vietnam 926 US Army Engineer Brigade Patch Description On a white square 2 1 4 inches 5.72 cm on each side point up with a 1 8 inch .32 cm white border, a scarlet square voided of the field bearing a scarlet saltire, superimposed by a yellow castle tower. Symbolism Scarlet and white are the colors traditionally used by

US Army Manning Command 10 Patch Description On a dark blue shield with a 1 8 inch .32 cm white border, 2 1 2 inches 6.35 cm in width and 3 inches 7.62 cm in height overall, a red saltire surmounted by a yellow vertical sword. Symbolism Dark blue and scarlet are the colors traditionally associated with Personnel units red, white and blue are our National colors. The saltire or crossbuck represents strength and support while simulating

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Description A white seven pointed star 2 1 4 inches 5.72cm in diameter with one point up pierced by a similar figure 1 1 16 inches 2.70cm in diameter with one point down, all on a dark blue disc background 2 1 2 inches 6.35cm in diameter. Symbolism The design is arbitrarily selected to represent the 7th Corps Area Service Command. White, being a mixture of all colors, has been

Patch of the US Army 230th Combat Support and Logistics Brigade Description A shield-shaped embroidered device, arched at top and edged with a 1 8 inch .32 cm Buff border blazoned as follows Per chevron Azure and Gules, a chevron Argent, overall a sword erect Buff, in chief three mullets in chevron of the third. Overall dimensions are 2 5 8 inches 6.67 cm in width by 3 1 2 inches 8.89 cm in length. Symbolism Red and buff are the colors traditionally used by Sustainment

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Description A vertical rectangle arched at top and bottom, 3 inches 7.62 cm in height and 2 1 4 inches 5.72 cm in width overall, having within a 1 8 inch .32 cm yellow border a field divided per saltire of yellow and scarlet and between two yellow decrescents at center, two black vertical arrows conjoined, their points upwards. Symbolism Scarlet and yellow

US Army 22nd Logistics Command Patch Description On a blue shield 3 inches 7.62 cm in height and 2 inches 5.08 cm in width overall, two yellow quills vertically, side by side, one curved to the left and one to the right, with their points touching two yellow arrowheads in base, within a yellow 1 8 inch .32 cm border. Symbolism The quill is used in heraldry to represent calm, willing performance and was used in ancient times

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Description On a silver gray disc 2 1 2 inches 6.35 cm in diameter overall with a 1 8 inch .32 cm border a blue fleur-de-lis superimposed by a golden yellow horizontal voided lozenge. Symbolism Silver gray and golden yellow are the colors traditionally associated with Finance units. The blue fleur-de-lis reflects the unit's heritage and area of ​​operation while the lozenge recalls the

US Army 8 Medical Brigade Patch Description On a maroon octagon 2 1 2 inches 6.35 cm in height overall bearing a white Greek cross surmounted by a yellow crown of seven points, six points extending beyond the cross all within a 1 8 inch .32 cm white border. Symbolism The Greek cross, a symbol of aid and assistance is used to represent the 8th Medical Brigade. The crown alluding to New York referred to as the Empire State was suggested by the Statue of Liberty

449 US Army Aviation Brigade Patch Description A rectangular embroidered device 3 inches 7.62 cm in height and 2 5 16 inches 5.87 cm in width overall and bowed at top and bottom edges consisting of an ultramarine blue field charged with a white antique sword point down between two golden orange wings upraised and two white lightning flashes issuing from each side, their points meeting in base below the sword tip, all within a 1 8 inch .32 cm golden orange

Patch of the Joint Staff of the Oregon National Guard, US Army Description On a blue shield with a 1 8 inch .32 cm blue border, 3 inches 7.62 cm in height and 2 5 8 inches 6.67 cm in width, consisting of a yellow demi-sun superimposed by the black silhouette of two diagonally crossed bayonets and at base a white wavy bar, all below a white stylized profile of Mount Hood. Symbolism The colors blue and yellow gold are adapted from the State Flag of Oregon gold

US Army Transportation Brigade 425 Patch Description On a brick red disc with a 1 8 inch .32 cm golden yellow border 2 1 4 inches 5.72 cm in diameter overall, a central yellow circular band conjoined with four yellow diagonal bands saltirewise throughout bearing eight black billets saltirewise. Symbolism Brick red and golden yellow are colors used for Transportation. The yellow rim with diagonal bands joined by a ring in the center simulates a steering wheel and refers

Patch of the 7th US Army Signal Brigade Description A shield arced at top and base 3 inches 7.62 cm in height and 2 inches 5.08 cm in width overall divided chevronwise blue ultramarine and white, a seven orange stepped area one step in center and three on either side issuing from base onto the white area, in chief two orange diagonal electric flashes with both ends pointed emitting from the top step of the orange stepped area, all within a 1 8 inch .32 cm white border.

71 Ordnance Group Patch. US Army Shoulder Sleeve Insignia Description A cloth insignia 3 1 4 inches 8.26 cm in height and 2 1 8 inches 5.40 cm in width with a 1 8 inch .32 cm Red border, a shield blazoned Sable fimbriated Gules below five mullets arched in chief Gules an aerial bomb descending of the like fimbriated and detailed Or. Symbolism Black represents the asymmetric threat EOD Soldiers are faced with on the battlefield. The red border represents the EOD Soldiers who have

Patch of the US Army Military Police Command in Panama Patch of the Military Police Command in Hawaii Patch of the 333rd US Army Military Police Brigade Description Description On a yellow axe-head shape 3 inches 7.62 cm in height and 2 3 4 inches 6.99 cm in width overall with a 1 8 inch .32 cm green border, a green oak leaf surmounted by a yellow sword, hilt down. Symbolism The ax-head shape of the insignia symbolizes

Patch of the 113th US Army Field Artillery Brigade Description On an oblong scarlet shield arched at top and base, 3 inches 7.62 cm in height and 2 inches 5.08 cm in width overall, a gold cannon barrel slanted left with breech to lower right between a pyramid of six black gunstones and a white hornet striking at the top, all within a 1 8 inch .32 cm gold border. Symbolism Scarlet and yellow are the colors used for Artillery and recall the predecessor's designation. The

US Army Intelligence Team 902 Patch Description An embroidered shield-shaped item blazoned as follows Per fess Sable and Celeste, in chief a sphinx Or and in base a demi-globe of the second, edged and gridlined of the first issuant from the line of division, overall a dagger erect Proper all within a 1 8 inch .32 cm Yellow border. Overall dimensions are 2 1 2 inches 6.35 cm in width and 3 1 8 inches 7.94 cm in length. Symbolism Oriental blue is the color

Fort Leonard Wood US Army Engineer Training Center Patch Description On a scarlet lozenge with rounded corners, 2 inches 5.08cm in width and 3 inches 7.62cm in height, a torch surmounted by a castle, all white. Symbolism The colors scarlet and white are traditionally used for the Corps of Engineers. The castle is taken from the Corps of Engineers Insignia. The torch represents the training mission. Background The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved

US Army 36 Corps Patch Description On a blue trefoil, 1 1 4 inches 3.18cm circumscribing radius a geometric figure composed of six rays, three short ones forming a triangle , 1 2 inch 1.27cm circumscribing radius, and three long ones, 1 1 8 inches 2.86cm circumscribing radius, alternating, each divided on its radial axis white and red. Symbolism The above described insignia is of arbitrary design, the three parts of the trefoil and the six points of the geometric Among the camouflage used in the armed forces of the United States of America, the uniform of the USMC Marine Corps stands out. The fact is that the Marine Corps is a separate branch of the military, technically it is subordinate to the Navy and has nothing to do with the land army. And although the Marine Corps is the smallest in terms of the number of personnel, it has its own individual camouflage colors, its own unique cut of the uniform and other equipment features that

Our civilization is full of bloody wars and tragedies. People still do not know how to live in peace on one small planet lost in cold space. War is increasingly becoming an instrument of enrichment for some at the expense of the grief and misfortune of others. In the twentieth century, the assertion that force rules the world was once again confirmed.

In early September, in the year of the final surrender of fascism, the creation of the second people's state in Asia, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, was proclaimed. The power in the country was in the hands of the communist leader Ho Chi Minh, which radically changed the geopolitical situation in the region. However, the Europeans did not intend to leave their colonies, and soon a new bloody war broke out. British troops under the leadership of General Gracie created favorable conditions for the return of the French colonists instead of the promised help to expel the Japanese aggressors. The Allies openly violated the provisions of the Atlantic Charter, which stated that all countries that fought against fascism would receive their long-awaited freedom. Soon, French troops landed on the territory of Vietnam in order to restore their former influence in the region. However, Vietnam by this time was experiencing an incredible rise in national spirit, and the French met with fierce resistance.

At the initiative of the Soviet Union, at the end of April 1954, a document was signed in Geneva recognizing the independence of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as restoring peace in the region. As a result, two parts of the country were formed, separated by a conditional border: North Vietnam, led by Ho Chi Minh, and South, headed by Ngo Dinh Diem. If Ho Chi Minh was a leader with real authority among the local population, supported by the countries of the socialist camp, then Diem turned out to be an ordinary puppet of the West. Soon, Diem lost even the appearance of popularity among the people, and a guerrilla war broke out in South Vietnam. The democratic elections scheduled by the Geneva Act turned out to be completely unfavorable for the Europeans, since it became clear that Ho Chi Minh's victory was predetermined. It should be noted that the communists from the DRV played an important role in the development of the partisan movement. Soon the United States intervened in the conflict, but the lightning-fast conquest of the country did not take place.

The southern part of Vietnam was almost completely covered with impenetrable jungle, in which the partisans successfully hid. Military operations, customary and effective in Europe, were not applicable here, the communist North provided significant support to the rebels. After the Tonkin Incident, the US Air Force bombed North Vietnam. Black phantoms were sent to Hanoi and, exerting a psychological impact on the population, destroyed mainly military facilities. The air defense system in the underdeveloped country was almost completely absent, and the Americans quickly felt their impunity.

Help from the USSR followed immediately. To be more precise, Soviet support for the young people's state was carried out a year before the famous meeting in 1965, however, large-scale deliveries of military equipment began after the official decision was made and the issues of transportation through China were settled. In addition to weapons, Soviet military and civilian specialists, as well as correspondents, went to Vietnam. In the famous movie "Rambo", American directors cover the fierce battles between the "hero" and notorious thugs from the "Russian special forces". This work concentrates all the fear of the Soviet soldiers, who, according to US politicians, fought with their valiant half-million army. So, if we take into account that the number of soldiers from the USSR who arrived in Hanoi was only six thousand officers and about four thousand privates, it becomes clear how exaggerated such stories are.

In fact, only officers and privates were present on the territory of North Vietnam, called to train local military personnel in the management of Soviet equipment and weapons. Contrary to the expectations of the Americans, who predicted the appearance of the first results of such training only in a year, the Vietnamese entered into a confrontation after only two months. Perhaps such an unexpected and unpleasant circumstance for the American command gave rise to suspicions that Soviet pilots, and not at all local soldiers, were on the side of the enemy. Legends of Bolsheviks with machine guns hiding in the impenetrable jungle and attacking American civilians in Vietnam are still popular in the States today. If you believe these stories, then you can conclude that only ten or eleven thousand Soviet soldiers were able to defeat the half-million American army, and this is really incredible. The role of hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese in this approach is not at all clear.

However, it cannot be denied that the Americans had reason not to trust the assurances of the USSR about the exclusively advisory mission of military specialists. The fact is that the majority of the population of North Vietnam was illiterate. The vast majority were starving, people were exhausted, so ordinary fighters did not even have a minimum margin of endurance and strength. Young men could only endure ten minutes of combat with the enemy. There was no need to talk about skill in the field of piloting on modern machines. Despite all of the above factors, during the first year of confrontation with North Vietnam, a significant part of American military aircraft was destroyed. MiGs outperformed the legendary phantoms in maneuverability, so they successfully evaded pursuit after the attack. Anti-aircraft systems, thanks to which most of the American bombers were shot down, were difficult to eliminate, since they were located under the cover of dense tropical forests. In addition, intelligence worked successfully, reporting fighter sorties in advance.

The first months of work of the Soviet rocket scientists turned out to be extremely tense. Completely different climatic conditions, unfamiliar diseases, annoying insects have become far from the main problem in fulfilling the task. The training of the Vietnamese comrades, who did not understand the Russian language at all, took place through a demonstration, with the involvement of translators, who were often in short supply. However, Soviet specialists did not participate directly in the battles, since there were very few of them, and they were too valuable. According to the testimony of direct participants, they did not even have their own weapons.

North Vietnamese PT-76, shot down in the battle near the Benhat special forces camp. March 1969

The American command strictly forbade shelling Soviet ships and transport, since such actions could provoke the outbreak of the Third World War, however, it was the Soviet military-economic machine that turned out to be opposed to the Americans. Two thousand tanks, seven hundred light and maneuverable aircraft, seven thousand mortars and guns, more than a hundred helicopters and much more were supplied by the USSR as gratuitous friendly assistance to Vietnam. Almost the entire air defense system of the country, later assessed by the enemy as impenetrable for any type of fighter, was built at the expense of the USSR, by the forces of Soviet specialists. The armament of the belligerent state took place in the most difficult conditions of constant bombing and open robbery by China. Over 10,000 Vietnamese were sent to the Soviet Union for military training and training in handling modern Soviet technology. According to various estimates, the support of friendly Vietnam cost the USSR budget from one and a half to two million dollars daily.

There is an opinion that the Soviets sent obsolete weapons to help the belligerents. In refutation, one can cite an interview with the chairman of the MO OR veterans in Vietnam, Nikolai Kolesnik, a direct participant and eyewitness to the events under study. According to him, modern MiG-21 vehicles were put into service, as well as Dvina anti-aircraft guns, the shells of which, according to the Americans, turned out to be the deadliest on earth at that time. Kolesnik also notes the high qualification of military specialists, and the incredible perseverance of the Vietnamese in learning and striving to master the science of management as quickly as possible.

Despite the fact that the US authorities were well aware of the provision of military assistance to North Vietnam, all specialists, including the military, were required to wear only civilian clothes, their documents were kept at the embassy, ​​and they learned about the final destination of their business trip at the last moment. Secrecy requirements were maintained until the withdrawal of the Soviet contingent from the country, and the exact numbers and names of the participants are not known to this day.

Relations between the USSR and Vietnam were based on the conditions of "unequal friendship". The Union was interested in spreading its influence in the region, which is why it provided such generous and disinterested assistance. Vietnam, on the other hand, cooperated with the Soviets solely for reasons of profit, successfully speculating on the position of a country fighting for independence and freedom. Sometimes help was not asked, but demanded. In addition, direct participants often describe cases of provocations by the Vietnamese authorities.

International relations with this tropical country are being built today by Russia as the immediate legal successor of the Union. The political situation is developing in different ways, but the local population has retained a sense of gratitude for the Russian soldiers, and the heroes of that secret war are still proud of participating in it.

Documentary investigation. Russian secrets of the Vietnam War

Around 6360 Soviet officers worked in Vietnam as military advisers - they allegedly only helped repel American air raids with the support of air defense missile systems. Officially, 13 people were declared dead. Every day of this nine-year war cost the USSR 2 million dollars.

The Americans knew very well where the Soviet camps were located, so until there were active hostilities, they were tolerant of the Russians. Occasionally, leaflets were dropped from flying planes indicating the time of the bombing and suggesting that the Russians leave the danger zone. The feeling of complete impunity ended with the shock of the Americans on July 25, 1964. It was the first battle of Soviet anti-aircraft gunners with American aircraft. On this day, three aircraft were destroyed near Hanoi by three missiles. The Americans experienced such horror that they did not fly for two weeks. The Vietnamese shamelessly speculated on help from the USSR and even jeopardized Soviet ships.

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The reasons why America started the war with Vietnam, in general, was the confrontation between the two political systems. In an Asian country, communist and Western democratic ideologies clashed. This conflict became an episode of a much more global confrontation - the Cold War.

Prerequisites

In the first half of the 20th century, Vietnam, like other countries in Southeast Asia, was a colony of France. This order was broken by World War II. First, Vietnam was occupied by Japan, then supporters of communism appeared there, speaking out against the imperialist French authorities. These supporters of national independence received strong support from China. There, immediately after the Second World War, the power of the communists was finally established.

Leaving Southeast Asia, the French recognized the government of South Vietnam as legitimate. The north of the country was under the control of the communists. In 1957, an internal confrontation began between the two regimes. It was not yet America's war with Vietnam, but it was during that period that the United States first intervened in the situation in the region.

Just then, the Cold War was in full swing. Any administration of the White House with all its might opposed the establishment of another communist regime in any country in the world, whether it is supported by the USSR or China. Under President Eisenhower, the Americans openly sided with South Vietnamese Prime Minister Ngo Dinh Diem, although they themselves did not yet use their own army.

The approach of war

Ho Chi Minh was the leader of the Vietnamese communists. He organized the NLF - the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam. In the West, this organization became commonly known as the Viet Cong. The supporters of Ho Chi Minh waged a successful guerrilla war. They staged terrorist attacks and haunted the government army. At the end of 1961, the Americans sent their first troops to Vietnam. However, these units were small. At first, Washington decided to limit itself to sending military advisers and specialists to Saigon.

Gradually, Diem's ​​situation worsened. Under these conditions, a war between America and Vietnam became more and more inevitable. In 1953, Diem was overthrown and killed in a coup by the South Vietnamese army. In the following months, power in Saigon chaotically changed several more times. The rebels took advantage of the weakness of the enemy and took control of all new regions of the country.

First encounters

In August 1964, the American war with Vietnam became an order of magnitude closer after the battle in which the American reconnaissance destroyer Maddox and NLF torpedo boats collided. In response to this event, the US Congress gave permission to President Lyndon Johnson to launch a full-scale operation in Southeast Asia.

The head of state for some time adhered to a peaceful course. He did this on the eve of the 1964 elections. Johnson won that campaign precisely because of the peace-loving rhetoric, the opposite of the ideas of the "hawk" Barry Goldwater. Arriving at the White House, the politician changed his mind and began to prepare the operation.

The Viet Cong, meanwhile, captured more and more rural areas. They even began to attack American installations in the southern part of the country. The number of US military personnel on the eve of the full-scale deployment of troops was about 23 thousand people. Johnson finally decided to invade Vietnam after the Viet Cong attacked the American base in Pleiku.

The entry of troops

March 2, 1965 is considered the date when America's war with Vietnam began. On this day, the US Air Force launched Operation Thunderclap, the regular bombing of North Vietnam. A few days later, American marines landed in the southern part of the country. Her appearance was caused by the need to protect the strategically important Danang airfield.

Now it was not just the Vietnamese Civil War, but the US-Vietnam War. The campaign years (1965-1973) are considered the period of greatest tension in the region. Already 8 months after the start of the invasion, there were more than 180,000 American troops in Vietnam. At the peak of the confrontation, this figure increased three times.

In August 1965, the first major battle between the Viet Cong and US ground forces took place. It was Operation Starlight. The conflict flared up. A similar trend continued that same autumn, when the news of the battle in the Ia Drang valley spread around the world.

"Find and destroy"

The first four years of the intervention until the very end of 1969, the US military waged a large-scale offensive in South Vietnam. The strategy of the US Army was in line with the "search and destroy" principle developed by Commander-in-Chief William Westmoreland. American tacticians divided the territory of South Vietnam into four zones, called corps.

In the first of these regions, located directly next to the possessions of the communists, the marines operated. The war between America and Vietnam was waged there as follows. The US Army entrenched itself in three enclaves (Phu Bai, Danang and Chulai), after which it began to clear the surrounding areas. This operation occupied the whole of 1966. Over time, the fighting here became more and more complicated. At first, the Americans were opposed by NLF forces. However, then on the territory of North Vietnam itself, the main army of this state was waiting for them.

A big headache for the Americans was the DMZ (demilitarized zone). Through it, the Viet Cong transferred a large number of people and equipment to the south of the country. Because of this, the marines had, on the one hand, to unite their enclaves on the coast, and on the other hand, to contain the enemy in the DMZ area. In the summer of 1966, Operation Hastings took place in the demilitarized zone. Its goal was to stop the deployment of NLF forces. Subsequently, the Marine Corps concentrated entirely on the DMZ, placing the coast under the care of fresh American forces. The contingent here increased without stopping. In 1967, the 23rd US Infantry Division was formed in South Vietnam, which sunk into oblivion after the defeat of the Third Reich in Europe.

War in the mountains

The tactical zone of the II Corps affected the mountainous areas adjacent to the border with Laos. Through these territories, the Viet Cong penetrated the flat coast. In 1965, the 1st Cavalry Division began an operation in the Annam Mountains. In the area of ​​the Ya Drang valley, she stopped the advance of the North Vietnamese army.

At the end of 1966, the US 4th Infantry Division entered the mountains (the 1st Cavalry moved to Bindan Province). They were assisted by South Korean detachments, who also arrived in Vietnam. The war with America, the reason for which was the unwillingness of Western countries to tolerate the expansion of communism, also affected their Asian allies. South Korea experienced its own bloody confrontation with North Korea back in the 1950s, and its population understood the cost of such a conflict better than anyone else.

The fighting in the II Corps zone culminated in the Battle of Dakto in November. The Americans managed, at the cost of heavy losses, to thwart the Viet Cong offensive. The 173rd Airborne Brigade took the brunt of the blow.

Guerrilla actions

America's protracted war with Vietnam could not be stopped for years because of guerrilla warfare. The nimble detachments of the Viet Cong attacked the enemy infrastructure and freely hid in the rainforests. The main task of the Americans in the fight against the partisans was to protect Saigon from the enemy. In the provinces adjacent to the city, the III Corps zone was formed.

In addition to the South Koreans, the Australians were US allies in Vietnam. The military contingent of this country was based in the province of Phuoctuy. Here lay the most important road number 13, which began in Saigon and ended at the border with Cambodia.

In the future, several more major operations took place: Attleboro, Junction City and Cedar Falls. Nevertheless, the guerrilla war continued. Its main area was the delta. This territory abounded in swamps, forests and canals. Its characteristic feature, even during the hostilities, remained a high population density. Thanks to all these circumstances, the guerrilla war continued for so long and successfully. The United States with Vietnam, in short, lingered much longer than Washington had originally thought.

new year offensive

In early 1968, the North Vietnamese began to lay siege to the US Marine base of Khe Sanh. Thus began the Tet Offensive. It got its name from the local new year. Usually in Tet, the escalation of the conflict was reduced. This time it was different - the offensive swept the whole of Vietnam. The war with America, the cause of which was the intransigence of the two political systems, could not end until both sides had exhausted their resources. Launching a large-scale attack on enemy positions, the Viet Cong risked almost all the forces available to them.

Numerous cities were attacked, including Saigon. However, the communists managed to occupy only Hue - one of the ancient capitals of the country. In other directions, the attacks were successfully repulsed. By March, the offensive had fizzled out. It never achieved its main goal: the overthrow of the government of South Vietnam. Moreover, the Americans recaptured Hue. The battle turned out to be one of the fiercest during the war years. Vietnam and America, however, continued the bloodshed. Although the offensive effectively failed, it had a significant effect on American morale.

In the States, the large-scale attack of the communists was perceived as a weakness of the US army. Mass media played a significant role in shaping public opinion. They paid much attention to the siege of Khe Sanh. Newspapers criticized the government for spending huge amounts of money on a senseless war.

In the meantime, in the spring of 1968, the counteroffensive of the Americans and their allies began. To successfully complete the operation, the military asked Washington to send more than 200,000 more soldiers to Vietnam. The President did not dare to take such a step. Anti-militarist sentiments in the United States became an increasingly serious factor in domestic politics. As a result, only small reinforcements were sent to Vietnam, and in late March, Johnson announced an end to the bombing of the northern part of the country.

Vietnamization

As long as the American war with Vietnam was, the date for the withdrawal of American troops was inexorably approaching. At the end of 1968, he won the presidential election. He campaigned under anti-war slogans and declared his desire to conclude an "honorable peace." Against this background, communist supporters in Vietnam began to attack American bases and positions in the first place in order to hasten the withdrawal of US troops from their country.

In 1969, the Nixon administration formulated the principle of the Vietnamization policy. It replaced the "search and destroy" doctrine. Its essence was that before leaving the country, the Americans needed to transfer control of their positions to the government in Saigon. Steps in this direction began against the backdrop of the Second Tet Offensive. It again covered the whole of South Vietnam.

The history of the war with America could have turned out differently if the communists did not have rear bases in neighboring Cambodia. In this country, as well as in Vietnam, there was a civil confrontation between supporters of two opposing political systems. In the spring of 1970, the power in Cambodia as a result of a coup was seized by officer Lon Nol, who overthrew King Norodom Sihanouk. The new government changed its attitude towards the communist rebels and began to destroy their shelters in the jungle. Dissatisfied with attacks behind Viet Cong lines, North Vietnam invaded Cambodia. The Americans and their allies also rushed to the country to help Lon Nol. These events added fuel to the fire of the anti-war public campaign in the States themselves. Two months later, under pressure from a disgruntled population, Nixon ordered the withdrawal of the army from Cambodia.

Last battles

Many conflicts of the Cold War in third countries of the world ended with the establishment of communist regimes there. The American war with Vietnam was no exception. Who won this campaign? Viet Cong. By the end of the war, the morale of American soldiers had fallen greatly. The use of drugs spread among the troops. By 1971, the Americans had stopped their own major operations and began to gradually withdraw the army.

According to the policy of Vietnamization, the responsibility for what is happening in the country fell on the shoulders of the government in Saigon - in February 1971, South Vietnamese forces launched Operation Lam Son 719. Its purpose was to prevent the transfer of soldiers and weapons of opponents along the partisan "Ho Chi Minh trail." It is noteworthy that the Americans almost did not take part in it.

In March 1972, North Vietnamese troops launched a major new Easter Offensive. This time the 125,000-strong army was assisted by hundreds of tanks, weapons that the NLF had never had before. The Americans did not participate in ground battles, but assisted South Vietnam from the air. It was thanks to this support that the onslaught of the communists was contained. So from time to time the US war with Vietnam could not stop. The contagion of pacifist sentiment in the States, however, continued.

In 1972, North Vietnamese and US representatives began negotiations in Paris. The parties almost came to an agreement. However, South Vietnamese President Thieu intervened at the last moment. He persuaded the Americans to set unacceptable conditions for the enemy. As a result, negotiations broke down.

End of the war

The last American operation in Vietnam was the North Vietnamese series at the end of December 1972. She became known as "Linebacker". Also, the name of the “Christmas bombings” was assigned to the operation. They were the largest in the entire war.

The operation began under direct orders from Nixon. The president wanted to end the war as soon as possible and decided to finally put pressure on the communists. The bombing affected Hanoi and other important cities in the northern part of the country. When the Vietnam War with America ended, it became clear that it was Linebacker who forced the parties to iron out differences in the final negotiations.

The U.S. Army withdrew completely from Vietnam in accordance with the Paris Peace Agreement signed on January 27, 1973. By that day, about 24,000 Americans remained in the country. The withdrawal of troops ended on 29 March.

The peace agreement also implied the beginning of a truce between the two parts of Vietnam. In fact, this did not happen. Without the Americans, he turned out to be defenseless against the communists and lost the war, although at the beginning of 1973 he even had a numerical superiority in military force. Over time, the United States stopped providing economic assistance to Saigon. In April 1975, the Communists finally established their power over the entire territory of Vietnam. Thus ended the long-term confrontation in the Asian country.

Perhaps the United States would have defeated the enemy, but public opinion played its role in the States, which did not like America's war with Vietnam (the results of the war were summed up over the course of many years). The events of that campaign left a significant imprint on popular culture second half of the XX century. During the war years, about 58,000 American servicemen died.