The+Vietnam+Soldier

-People were afraid that they could die anywhere. "God, don't let it be a two-step snake. If it is and it bites me, two steps from now, I'm dead." -The first impression of Vietnam was a sensory experience. Strong smells of fertilizer, spicy foods cooking outdoors, no deodorant -New Combat soldiers were whisked away by truck or helicopter to a base camp or fire base in "the bush". -Jungle warfare was brutal! -Platoons were 20-40 corporals and privates led by a lieutenant or NCO (non-commissioned officer) -One Grunt had medical training - could patch wounds or administer "meds" until a helicopter could lift out the casualties. -One or two Grunts were RTO - radio-telephone operators - they were important - needed to call for support or air cover -Grunts carried PACKS and weapons weighing 35-70 pounds with water, food, cooking utensils, books extra socks, salt tablets to avoid dehydration, rope, playing cards, letters, photos and weapons (M-16 riffles, machine guns and grenades) -Cherries were new arrivals -Gungies - men who weren't afraid of going into the bush - probably a little crazy! -Platoon leaders were Gungi Mother Supreme -Experienced Grunts avoided the "Newbies" or "Cherries" because they were inexperienced and could get into dangerous situations -Humping - operation orders came from the headquarters -Orders were detailed intelligence and tactical concepts -Missions - S&D: search and destroy -Chopper: Big Green Bird -LZ: landing zone / Hot LZ: landing zone under enemy fire -Grunts suffered dehydration, dangers like heat and humidity, tropical rains, wild animals and dangerous snakes, rats -Ambushes - guerilla style warfare - sneak attacks hiding in bushes, tunnels - VC could appear out of nowhere - tunnel rats were small Vietnamese and Hispanic-American soldiers whose duty it was to find and destroy tunnels -Booby traps - hidden mines, explosives, some poisonous devices -"Kill-Ratio": success was measured in body count - enemy dead v. US & ARVN killed -Grunts were thrilled to get back to their LX for rest: beer and letters from home