Describe Strength and weakness of Vietnamese?

Answer 1

There was a difference between Northern Vietnamese and Southern Vietnamese military men during the Vietnam War. The Northerners had been toughened by over 20 years of constant fighting; first with the French, then with the US. The Northerners had fought WITHOUT the use of helicopters, proper medical aid, proper food re-supply, and massive air power (tactical fighter bombers and B-52's). They had to march wherever they went, and fight it out even if attacked by allied tanks and planes. They had few options, run and die, or die in place. So they often died fighting...as there was little other choice. As a consequence, the NVA (North Viet Army) was generally considered a TOUGH OPPONENT. His South Vietnamese counterpart had been "softened" by the helicopter transporting, readily re-supply of medical aid and food and water on battlefields, and the support of MASSIVE fighter bomber and B-52 bomber strikes. The southerner knew he could be extracted by helicopter, he knew his fight could be replaced with a massive air strike, so if cornered he COULD and often WOULD retreat. Something his northern cousin could not do, at least safely. So the North Viet serviceman was generally considered tougher and more determined than the South Viet serviceman. With the exceptions of the South Viet Rangers and Marines who were considered just as tough and determined as the NVA.