Conditions of the War

Information about the conditions during the war.

Becoming a soldier
A look into the challenging conditions faced by soldiers.

Most soldiers were about 23 years old and up. They were also mostly men, but the soldiers did include some women who fought (vietnamveteranproject.org/statistics-2/.). Women also became army nurses and specialist in other areas, like operating machinery (www.pritzkermilitary.org/explore/vietnam-war/armed-forces. and news.va.gov/86001/women-veterans-bravely-served-vietnam-war/. ). During the war, soldiers often volunteered to fight but some were drafted (www.vvmf.org/topics/The-Draft/.).

On the battlefield
Life and combat during the war.

Oftentimes, the battlefield for the war was in thick jungles that were incredibly humid. In addition, the terrain was rough and uneven while insects swarmed the terrain. The equipment also created a harsh environment for the soldiers. Tanks were destroying machines that helped in the war, but they were tiny and claustrophobic for the soldiers (scholar.utc.edu/honors-theses/180/.). Letters from all soldiers were usually sent to loved ones or friends. These letters "often described confusion and guilt about their military service"(scholar.utc.edu/honors-theses/180/.).