BASIC TRAINING VIETNAM ERA Part 2

Do you remember when you took basic training?

This is a 3-part glimpse of 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!

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[rustyschackleford100]

I wonder if any of these guys died 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 all right. Thanks for your post, rustyschackleford100, and to all of the soldiers who lived and died for us in Vietnam.

[centurion180ad]

M14 is an excellent weapon, much better than M16 in every catagory except weight.

[dwtpa97]

Yes, and there was a lot of jamming with the M16 during the early phases of the war. Thanks for your comment, centurion180ad.

[zgomer1]

They look like kids...

[dwtpa97]

They were kids for the most part. The draft age was 18, and many young men facing the draft went ahead and volunteered in order to have a choice in assignment. (It wasn't a guaranteed choice, as many found out.) I haven't seen the age figures for today's military, but I suspect the average age today is several years older than during Vietnam. Thanks for your post, zgomer1 -

[nakanmbytbudallenjt]

70's the era of Kung-Fu lol. Great video it's allways good to watch vintage videos. Today they use personal cellphones and cameras. These unvoluntary draftees in the video were probably deployed to Vietnam right after bootcamp where so many died FOR NOTHING for a war to road "Nowhere".

The survivers became the biggest hippies and drug addicts of our time.

Although spoiler, the bootcamp today is so much higher in both standards and training. Not just anyone can join, have to be smart

[dwtpa97]

Technology has certainly reduced the isolation of war. Combat patrols in Vietnam frequently went weeks without any contact with the outside world, under the harshest of conditions. When they finally received something, it was just a simple letter. Today's troops are tops when it comes to their professionalism and conditioning, and they deserve our appreciation. But there's no denying they have it easier in the area of communication with home. Thanks for your post, nakanmbytbudallenjt.

[Melendr3z]

Dude i freaking love his ascot

[RMBELARDO]

@centurion180ad I agree with you. I trained with the M-14 when I was drafted in Dec. '65. It was a great rifle. 

[Doug19752533]

i keep expecting to see GnySgt Hartman yelling at Pvt Pyle lol!

[dwtpa97]

Amen, sgtcrab1, those things will be burned into our memories forever. (Along with a few other things from basic!) Thanks for your post -