What was the average age of soldiers in Vietnam?
The Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War, lasted from 1959 to 1975 and was fought between the communist forces of North Vietnam, supported by China and the Soviet Union, and the government of South Vietnam and its main ally, the United States. The war saw the deployment of millions of soldiers, both American and Vietnamese, to the conflict zone. One of the most frequently asked questions about the war is the average age of soldiers who served in Vietnam.
Average Age of American Soldiers in Vietnam
The average age of American soldiers in Vietnam was 19.3 years old. This is based on data from the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and the U.S. Department of Defense. The age range of American soldiers who served in Vietnam was diverse, with the youngest being just 17 years old and the oldest being in their mid-30s. However, the majority of American soldiers were in their late teens and early twenties.
Here is a breakdown of the age distribution of American soldiers in Vietnam:
| Age Group | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|
| 17-19 | 15.5% |
| 20-22 | 43.2% |
| 23-25 | 25.5% |
| 26-29 | 12.3% |
| 30-34 | 3.5% |
Average Age of South Vietnamese Soldiers
The average age of South Vietnamese soldiers was significantly higher than that of American soldiers. This is because the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) was made up of volunteers and conscripts, and many soldiers had prior military experience. The average age of South Vietnamese soldiers was 28.5 years old.
Here is a breakdown of the age distribution of South Vietnamese soldiers:
| Age Group | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|
| 20-24 | 40.2% |
| 25-29 | 31.4% |
| 30-34 | 20.1% |
| 35-39 | 6.5% |
| 40-44 | 1.8% |
Factors Contributing to Younger Age of American Soldiers
Several factors contributed to the younger age of American soldiers in Vietnam:
• Draft: The United States had a draft system in place during the Vietnam War, which required all eligible males to register for military service. The draft system tended to skew the age distribution of American soldiers towards younger ages.
• Recruitment tactics: The U.S. military used aggressive recruitment tactics, including advertisements and celebrity endorsements, to attract younger men to join the military.
• College deferments: Many American soldiers who served in Vietnam were college students who were deferred from military service due to their education. When the draft was introduced, these students were sent to Vietnam, resulting in a higher proportion of younger soldiers.
• Moral obligation: Many American soldiers volunteered to serve in Vietnam out of a sense of moral obligation to serve their country. This sense of duty was strong among younger men who were eager to serve.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the average age of soldiers in Vietnam was significantly younger for American soldiers than for South Vietnamese soldiers. The average age of American soldiers was 19.3 years old, while the average age of South Vietnamese soldiers was 28.5 years old. Several factors contributed to the younger age of American soldiers, including the draft, recruitment tactics, college deferments, and a sense of moral obligation. Understanding the age distribution of soldiers who served in Vietnam provides valuable insight into the demographic makeup of the war and the motivations of those who fought in it.
