Effects and Controversy
The Vietnam War was significant in the aspect that it was one of the most controversial wars in history. Returning veterans were stereotyped negatively instead of with respect. Many believed the war had no benefit to the U.S. and was a waste of American lives. Others argued that this was Vietnam's business. Many also believed we were fighting against the interest of the majority of Vietnam's citizens.
In other words, the war was not supported by the majority of the population. There was protest after protest, many taking place at colleges. Even veterans themselves protested the war, forming an organization against the war, called the Vietnam Veterans Against the War. This was due to an enormous number of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder cases among veterans.
Besides the debate of support, many other problems came to light during and after the war
- Heroin use skyrocketed in American troops. Medics reported that as much as 10% of GI's used heroin. After the war the use and circulation of heroin in the U.S. increased vastly, causing other problems such as sharing syringes (STD's and Hepatitis). This fact contributed to the drugged-out, homeless, psychologically-devastated stereotype placed on many veterans.
- The American use of herbicides in Vietnam has caused extreme repercussions. During the course of the war, 20 million gallons of herbicides were dumped in Vietnam. "Agent Orange" and other herbicides have been discovered to cause serious health problems post-exposure. Many veterans returning to the U.S. found they had serious diseases related to these herbicides. Others spent the rest of their lives in fear of developing them. Still today in Vietnam children are born with deformities, along with serious immune and nervous system problems. All these are related to herbicides.
In other words, the war was not supported by the majority of the population. There was protest after protest, many taking place at colleges. Even veterans themselves protested the war, forming an organization against the war, called the Vietnam Veterans Against the War. This was due to an enormous number of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder cases among veterans.
Besides the debate of support, many other problems came to light during and after the war
- Heroin use skyrocketed in American troops. Medics reported that as much as 10% of GI's used heroin. After the war the use and circulation of heroin in the U.S. increased vastly, causing other problems such as sharing syringes (STD's and Hepatitis). This fact contributed to the drugged-out, homeless, psychologically-devastated stereotype placed on many veterans.
- The American use of herbicides in Vietnam has caused extreme repercussions. During the course of the war, 20 million gallons of herbicides were dumped in Vietnam. "Agent Orange" and other herbicides have been discovered to cause serious health problems post-exposure. Many veterans returning to the U.S. found they had serious diseases related to these herbicides. Others spent the rest of their lives in fear of developing them. Still today in Vietnam children are born with deformities, along with serious immune and nervous system problems. All these are related to herbicides.
From Horse to bird
Not all of Vietnam's effects were negative. A huge leap in strategy and function resulted from the war, starting with the helicopter.
Up until the Vietnam War, many military units were still transported by horse. the concept of helicopter troop insertion was unheard of, and presumed to be ridiculous and unsuccessful. This was soon proved wrong. Huey helicopters, (seen left) often a symbol of U.S. troops in Vietnam, became a very successful method of troop transport. Other helicopters, such as "little birds" and Cobra gunships, were used cooperatively for search and destroy missions.
However, being a helicopter pilot during this war was one of the most dangerous jobs. On average, one out of five survived. I had the honor of interviewing Dave H., a retired major and ex helicopter pilot. Dave flew all three of the helicopters in Vietnam : a small scout copter, the Cobra gunship, and Hueys. He was shot down three times and physically shot three times as well. (See paragraphs 12 - 20 in the linked website below for a detailed history)
Up until the Vietnam War, many military units were still transported by horse. the concept of helicopter troop insertion was unheard of, and presumed to be ridiculous and unsuccessful. This was soon proved wrong. Huey helicopters, (seen left) often a symbol of U.S. troops in Vietnam, became a very successful method of troop transport. Other helicopters, such as "little birds" and Cobra gunships, were used cooperatively for search and destroy missions.
However, being a helicopter pilot during this war was one of the most dangerous jobs. On average, one out of five survived. I had the honor of interviewing Dave H., a retired major and ex helicopter pilot. Dave flew all three of the helicopters in Vietnam : a small scout copter, the Cobra gunship, and Hueys. He was shot down three times and physically shot three times as well. (See paragraphs 12 - 20 in the linked website below for a detailed history)
Dave on the introduction of the helicopter
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Dave on the new use of helicopters and personal experience
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