How old a Vietnam vet would be today would depend on their age when they served. The Vietnam War took place from 1955 to 1975, so a Vietnam vet could be anywhere from their early 60s to their late 80s.
A Vietnam vet, referring to a person who served during the Vietnam War, would be of varying ages today depending on when they served during the conflict. The Vietnam War took place from 1955 to 1975, which means that individuals who served could be anywhere from their early 60s to their late 80s. To provide a more detailed perspective, let’s explore some interesting facts about the Vietnam War and its veterans.
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Age Range: A Vietnam veteran could have been as young as 17 or 18 when they enlisted or were drafted, depending on the year they served. Considering the war ended in 1975, the youngest veterans would be in their early to mid-60s today, assuming they joined at the age of 18.
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The Draft and Volunteers: During the Vietnam War, both conscripted soldiers and volunteers served. Many young men were drafted into the military, while others chose to enlist willingly. The age at which individuals entered service varied based on their personal decisions and circumstances.
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War Duration: The Vietnam War lasted for approximately 20 years, making it one of the lengthiest conflicts involving the United States. This prolonged duration led to different age groups being involved at different stages, contributing to the diversity of ages among Vietnam veterans today.
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Impact on Society: The Vietnam War had a significant impact on American society, leading to widespread protest and social upheaval. This sentiment is reflected in a quote by American journalist and war correspondent Morley Safer, who said, “Vietnam was a very painful war, and the veterans suffered greatly when they returned.”
In order to visually represent the possible ages of Vietnam veterans today based on their service years, let’s provide a table illustrating the age ranges:
| Year of Service | Current Age |
| 1955 – 1959 | 80s to 90s |
| 1960 – 1964 | 75 – 80 |
| 1965 – 1969 | 70 – 75 |
| 1970 – 1975 | 60s to 70s |
This table serves as a general reference, as individual circumstances, enlistment dates, and birth years can cause slight variations. Nonetheless, it provides an overview of the current age range that Vietnam vets would fall into based on their wartime service.
Note: While the information in this response is based on historical records, it is essential to consult reliable sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Vietnam War and its veterans.
See a video about the subject
In this YouTube video, two Vietnam veterans share their different experiences and perspectives on the war. One veteran emphasizes the loss and devastation he witnessed, believing that communism in Vietnam needed to be stopped to prevent further expansion by Communist China. The other veteran expresses skepticism about the war, questioning the motivations of politicians and the role of money in prolonging the conflict. Both veterans acknowledge the complexities and injustices of the war, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of its purpose. They also voice frustrations about resource allocation and question the role of the United States as the “policemen of the world.” Overall, these veterans bring attention to the complexities and controversies surrounding the Vietnam War.
Check out the other answers I found
Nearly nine million Americans served during the Vietnam War Era, and as of the 2020 Census, they are the largest cohort of veterans in America, with an estimated 6.4 million living vets at a median age of 71.
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Today, Vietnam Veterans range in age from 61 to 103 years old.
"Of the 2,709,918 Americans who served in Vietnam, Less than 850,000 are estimated to be alive today, with the youngest American Vietnam veteran’s age approximated to be 60 years old."