BASIC TRAINING VIETNAM ERA Part 1

Do you remember when you took basic training?

This is a 3-part documentary about army basic combat training during the Vietnam era. In those days, the military draft was still around, and every young man had to serve unless he got a deferment. I recall that my company was a lot tougher than the one shown here, but the activities that the soldiers engage in were about the same.

This was filmed at Fort Ord, CA, but because of the massive buildup for the Vietnam War, basic training was actually carried on at a great number of military installations throughout the U.S. After graduation from basic training, many men received a two-week leave, and then were transferred to another post or unit for advanced training (AIT).

Perhaps this will bring back some memories for you!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• basic
• combat
• training
• bct
• war
• army
• the
• men
• draft
• soldiers
• recruits
• troops
• veterans
• wooden
• barracks
• billets
• boot
• camp
• induction
• infantry
• rifle
• range
• u.s.
• us
• physical
• arms
• ait
• m16
• m14
• tank
• hill
• fort
• ord
• ft
• jackson
• bliss
• polk
• dix
• chaffee
• lewis
• stewart
• sill
• benning
• gordon
• knox
• mcclellan
• leonard wood
• 1940s
• 1950s
• 1960s
• 1970s
• 1980s
• ww2
• wwii
• korean
• vietnam
• iraq
• afghanistan
• era
• gi
• g.i.
• mos
• m.o.s.
• deja vu
• military
• history

[Ward1997]

Thank you some much for the post my Dad was a Drill Sergeant during this time at Ft. Ord so I grew in the 70's with a Drill Sergeant Dad Hooah :o)

[dwtpa97]

Thanks to your Dad, Ward1997, and for your comment. We appreciate the service people like your Dad who gave so much to our nation's defense.

[hojoleon]

i wonder how many of these ppl in this video got killed in vietnam

[dwtpa97]

Since around 2% of the guys who went to Vietnam wound up being killed, that might mean that 1 or 2 of the guys in this basic company perhaps didn't make it. I hope they did all make it through ok. Thanks for your post, hojoleon, and especially to all of the soldiers who lived and died for us in Vietnam.

[Atritionist]

It's interesting to see what my dad had to do

[dwtpa97]

Yes, Atritionist, imagine your dad as a young man, newly enlisted, and not knowing what lay ahead for him. He took on that responsibility, and deserves our respect and appreciation for his service. Many thanks to him.

[Melendr3z]

too bad most of these ppl didnt wanna be there

[dwtpa97]

Thanks, GregoryMcIver - Appreciate your comment and your service.

[GregoryMcIver]

Been there, done that Fort Ord 1974 A-5-3

[dwtpa97]

That is cool, GWS21449! So this is like your own personal video record of your basic training. Not very many people can say that.

This video was recorded from The Pentagon Channel. Perhaps they can provide you with a hi res copy of the film. I can provide you with a DVD copy recorded off the TV, but it won't be any higher resolution than what you are seeing on YouTube.

Thanks GWS21449 for the very interesting story and for your service to our country.