The+Vietnam+Soldier

Vietnam Reading

-Horrible conditions (Booby traps, snakes, mines, bombs, punji stakes) -"Doughboys" fought the wars i trenches. World war II GIs fought massive invasion battles in North African, Europe, and the South Pacific. -U.S army soldiers in Vietnam were often on patrol. Searching for enemies. These infantrymen were labeled "Grunts" -Most soldiers had volunteered for the army and were 21-22 years old. About 10-12 % of these young men were AFrican American, and made up 20% of the combat deaths -New recruits were trained in boot camps at places like Fort benning, Georgia or Fort Braggm North Carolina. -The soldiers first impressions of Vietnam were not pleasant, the heat and humidity overwhealmed them. -Soldiers were sent by truck or helicopter to a base camp or firebase. This is where they spent most of their time. -From these camps, helicopters shuffled platoons furhter into the interiot, dropped them off for days, and returned to camp. -Platons consisted of 20-40 corporals and privates. -At least one grunt in each platoon had some medical training. -One or two grunts were trained as a raidotrlephone operator (RTO) -Without the RTO a platoon was unable to call for artillery support or air cover, killing the RTO becams the goal of the enemy. -A typical grunt's pack weighed 35-70 pounds -It included items such as, water, food, cooking utensils, books, extra socks, salt tablets, rope, playing cards, letters and photos -Primary weapon - m-16 rifle. Some carried machine guns, and other portable weapons included grenades, and claymores. -The grunts frequently saw rats which feasted on the residues of uneaten grunt meals and dead bodies -The grunts were lucky if they saw where the bullets or mortar was coming from -VC/NVA built elaborate tunnels. Some of the complexes included hospitals and fuel storage tanks. Some even had multi level furnished kitchens and bedrooms. There were an estimated 125 miles of tunnels by 1975. -Not only faught enemies but heat and dehydration - Point men were in large danger leading the way in the forest covered in booby traps and snakes