Orion Figures 1/72 US Infantry in Vietnam (Middle War) # 72070

The middle phase of the Vietnam War was marked by intense combat operations, significant troop deployments, and substantial changes in tactics and strategy for the U.S. Infantry.

During this period, the conflict transitioned into a war of attrition, with U.S. forces aiming to weaken the enemy through continuous ground operations and large-scale battles.

Composition and Structure
The U.S. Infantry units in Vietnam were primarily composed of young conscripts and volunteers.

The standard infantry unit was the platoon, typically consisting of around 40 soldiers, further divided into squads and fire teams.

These units were part of larger formations such as companies, battalions, brigades, and divisions. Key divisions included the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), the 25th Infantry Division, and the 101st Airborne Division.

Tactics and Operations
The middle war period saw a shift to more aggressive tactics, characterized by search-and-destroy missions, aimed at finding and eliminating Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces.

These missions involved patrolling, ambushes, and direct engagements.

Helicopters played a crucial role in these operations, providing rapid mobility and air support, a tactic known as "airmobile warfare."

Challenges and Conditions
U.S. Infantry soldiers faced numerous challenges in Vietnam, including:

Difficult Terrain: Dense jungles, swamps, and mountainous regions made movement and combat difficult.
Climate: The hot, humid climate and monsoon rains created harsh living and fighting conditions, contributing to illnesses and affecting equipment.
Guerrilla Warfare: The Viet Cong and NVA used guerrilla tactics, such as ambushes, booby traps, and underground tunnels, making it hard to engage them in conventional battles.
Morale: As the war dragged on, morale among U.S. troops began to wane due to the high casualty rates, unclear objectives, and growing anti-war sentiment back home.

Equipment and Weaponry
U.S. Infantrymen were equipped with a range of weapons and gear:

M16 Rifle: The standard-issue rifle, which was lightweight and had a high rate of fire but initially suffered from reliability issues.
M60 Machine Gun: Used for suppressive fire in both offensive and defensive operations.
M79 Grenade Launcher: Provided infantry units with explosive firepower.
Personal Gear: Soldiers carried rucksacks with essentials, including ammunition, grenades, food, water, and medical supplies.

Key Engagements
Several significant battles and operations occurred during this period, including:

The Tet Offensive (1968): A massive, coordinated series of attacks by the Viet Cong and NVA across South Vietnam, which caught U.S. forces by surprise and marked a turning point in public perception of the war.
Battle of Khe Sanh (1968): A protracted siege where U.S. Marines defended the Khe Sanh Combat Base against a large NVA force.
Operation Junction City (1967): One of the largest airborne operations of the war, aimed at disrupting Viet Cong supply lines and headquarters.

Legacy
The middle phase of the Vietnam War was crucial in shaping the overall trajectory of the conflict.

The intense combat and significant losses experienced during this period had a profound impact on U.S. military strategy and public opinion.

The challenges and experiences of the U.S. Infantry in Vietnam led to changes in military training, tactics, and policies in the years that followed.