How did the Viet Cong survive?

The Vietcong had a hidden system of tunnels stretching over 200 miles. There were hospitals, armouries, sleeping quarters, kitchens and wells underground. These tunnel systems could hide thousands of Vietcong which helped them fight their guerrilla war.

What made the Viet Cong so successful?

They were extremely successful because they had very good and vital knowledge of the forests and jungles and were able to protect their supplies from damage by using the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Why was the Viet Cong difficult to defeat?

The Vietcong had an intricate knowledge of the terrain. They won the hearts and minds of the South Vietnamese people by living in their villages and helping them with their everyday lives. Their tunnel systems, booby-traps and jungle cover meant they were difficult to defeat and hard to find.

How did Viet Cong soldiers usually fight back?

For the most part, the Viet Cong fought essentially a guerrilla war of ambush, terrorism, and sabotage; they used small units to maintain a hold on the countryside, leaving the main population centres to government authorities.

Who were the Viet Cong afraid of?

The destructive effects of American planes dropping napalm bombs—the Vietcong are terrified of them—are very great, and the insurgents have no answer to them.

Vietcong Guerilla (Vietnam war)

Why did the Viet Cong wear sandals?

Made from recycled tires, these sandals were part of a distinctive “uniform” worn by Viet Cong (North Vietnamese) soldiers. They were inexpensive to make, provided tough protections for the soles of the feet, and proved practical for the humid climate of Vietnam.

Did China support the Viet Cong?

There's no evidence that the Soviets had advisers in Vietnam or gave the Vietnamese materials. On the contrary, the Chinese starting in 1950 sent political and military advisers, weapons, and supplies to the Vietnamese to help them with their war against the French.

What was the average age of a Viet Cong soldier?

His unit was one of the first "main force" squadrons of Viet Cong sent from the north, and the average age of its soldiers was 35. These regular units, who operated throughout South Vietnam, were supplemented by local Viet Cong groups composed mostly of teenagers who stayed within certain areas of operations.

What 4 tactics did the Viet Cong use?

They would frustrate the Americans by simple tactics: retreating when the enemy attacked; raiding enemy camps; attacking the enemy when they were tired and pursuing the enemy when they retreated. The Vietcong made sure they picked battles they would be able to win.

How difficult an enemy were the Viet Cong?

The Viet Cong is a tough enemy but no tougher than his opponents. He is not a superman, nor is he invincible. It is impossible to predict how long it will take but the Republic of Vietnam and the United States are committed to stopping his aggression.

Why couldn t the US win Vietnam?

There were a couple of reasons for this. First, the Americans were an invading force, and the Vietnamese were fighting on their own soil. Second, the Americans were not willing to make an all-out commitment to win.

Do the Vietcong still exist?

In 1976, the Viet Cong was disbanded after Vietnam was formally reunited under communist rule.

Has the US ever lost a war?

The US lost the War of 1812, Powder River Indian War, Red Cloud's War, Formosa Expedition (Paiwan War), Second Samoan War, Russian Civil War, Korean War, Bay of Pigs Invasion, and the Vietnam War.

How did Viet Cong win?

Tunnel systems and traps

The Vietcong had a hidden system of tunnels stretching over 200 miles. There were hospitals, armouries, sleeping quarters, kitchens and wells underground. These tunnel systems could hide thousands of Vietcong which helped them fight their guerrilla war.

How well trained were the Viet Cong?

Some Viet Cong soldiers were uniformed and highly trained, however, most were volunteers and reservist farmers who received only occasional training, if any at all. 3. The Viet Cong used Chinese and Soviet-supplied weapons but also relied on makeshift explosives and booby traps.

Did the Viet Cong ever win a battle?

The Viet Cong won its first military victory against South Vietnamese forces at Ấp Bắc in January 1963.

What did the Viet Cong call themselves?

Collectively the United States often called them the Viet Cong. It was commonly shortened to VC, which in military alphabet code was spoken as Victor Charlie. It was further shortened to just Charlie. American soldiers called them Charlie, they called themselves liberators.

What was Viet Cong fighting style?

The Vietcong successfully utilized guerrilla warfare to fight against the United States and South Vietnamese forces. Guerilla warfare is a type of fighting that utilizes ambushes, raids, and mobility to fight a traditional military.

What guns did the Viet Cong use?

In the summer and fall of 1967, all Viet Cong battalions were reequipped with arms of Soviet design such as the AK-47 assault rifle and the RPG-2 anti-tank weapon. Their weapons were principally of Chinese or Soviet manufacture.

How tall is the average Viet Cong?

The average Vietnamese man is 162.1 cm tall and the average woman 152.2 cm, far shorter than their Asian peers like Chinese, Singaporeans, Japanese, and South Koreans. The averages are 170.7 cm and 157.4 for South Korean, 169 cm and 158 cm for Chinese and 172 cm and 158 cm for Japanese.

Who was the youngest US soldier in Vietnam?

Why didn't China intervene in Vietnam?

China militarily supported North Vietnam by fighting South Vietnam and the United States in the Vietnam War. However, with the failure of the North Vietnamese and Chinese negotiations in 1968, the PRC began to withdraw support for the sake of preparing for a clash with the Soviets.

Did Russia supply Vietnam with weapons?

Vietnam had been relying on Russia for over 70% of its imported weapons, and most of its large equipment is made in Russia. The two countries have maintained close defense ties since the era of the Soviet Union and the Cold War, when Moscow assisted North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

Who supplied the Viet Cong with weapons?

Although most of their weapons, uniforms, and equipment were provided by the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China, the North Vietnamese also carried arms captured from the French and even the Japanese in the earlier Indochinese wars. North Vietnamese Army (N.V.A.)