Belief Among Vietnam Veterans: A Personal Perspective

In this article, I share my personal insights into the beliefs of Vietnam veterans during their service. As an advisor to the South Vietnamese, my perspective was one of pursuing what I believed to be the right course of action, despite the complexity and controversy surrounding the conflict.

Personal Experience in Vietnam

Despite the divisiveness of the war, my own belief in the mission was a pivotal factor in my actions and outlook. Operating in the Delta region, my primary adversaries were the Viet Cong, not the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). The South Vietnamese, with whom I worked, were committed to fighting the Viet Cong and protecting the population. Several social and agricultural projects, aimed at improving the living conditions of the rural communities, were initiated. From my vantage point, I saw the war as a necessary endeavor to support the people and combat the spread of communism.

Disagreements Among GI's

However, disagreement among GI's was a common phenomenon, both within Vietnam and back home in the United States. Daily debates on the legitimacy of the Vietnam War took place, particularly on military bases. Congressional testimonies highlighted these discussions, and there was no censorship over the mail or access to books and publications which kept soldiers informed about the anti-war movement stateside. Although some combat troops were reticent to express their dissent, the core belief needed to sustain the mission manifested strongly in others. My estimate is that around two-thirds of GI's in Vietnam during 1969-1970 sincerely believed in the cause.

Deeper Understanding of the Mission

Some veterans might have believed they were fighting to slow the spread of communism, a common narrative among the American public at the time. There were other, perhaps less obvious, reasons for the conflict that were less publicized. For instance, a surprising reason came from German military advisors. The Luftwaffe had a training school at Fort Bliss, where they were providing assistance in defense missile systems. A couple of these instructors even speculated that the battle in the Fulda Gap was being fought in Southeast Asia (SEA).

Unity Amidst Disagreement

Despite personal beliefs and ideological differences, GI's needed to coalesce for the collective good, much like a large family navigating a shared predicament. Even those who did not concur with the war's objectives understood the necessity of working together for the safety and morale of all. This unity was crucial in ensuring the mission's success, an indispensable element that kept the troops motivated and cohesive.

Conclusion

While the exact percentage of veterans who believed in their mission may be difficult to determine, it is clear that a significant majority did so. The Vietnam War was as much a conflict of ideologies as it was of military strategy, and this duality profoundly affected the perspectives and actions of those who served in it.