This study of the US Army infantryman in Vietnam takes the reader through the stages of the soldier's training and acceptance, including his experiences at the Armed Forces Induction Center and his initial introduction to Vietnam's varied conditions of service, whilst detailing developments in weaponry, clothing and equipment. Using first-hand accounts, it examines the harsh and brutal service in Vietnam, from day-to-day routine in the field such as search and destroy missions, night ambush, rocket attacks and airbome engagements through to the gruelling work of building bunkers, along with delving into the culture of service in Vietnam and the struggles faced by the average infantryman on his return to a somewhat hostile homeland.

Author Biography

Gordon L Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969-70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments until retiring after 26 years. He was a special operations forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Centre for 12 years and is now a freelance writer. Kevin Lyles is a talented illustrator of 20th-century military subjects. He has illustrated several books for Osprey over the years, and has also written titles on the US Army in Vietnam, a subject in which he has a long-standing interest. He lives and works in Hertfordshire, UK.