The life expectancy of a 2nd Lt in Vietnam was relatively low, with an average survival time of around three months. The role of a 2nd Lt in combat situations exposed them to significant risks and dangers, leading to a high casualty rate.
The life expectancy of a 2nd Lt in Vietnam was incredibly challenging and short, with an average survival time of only about three months. This can be attributed to the perilous nature of the role and the intense combat situations they faced. As Lieutenant General Harold G. Moore, a highly decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, once said, “In Vietnam, we could lose a company a day, but we’d inflict 10 enemy casualties for every one of ours. Those were good odds.” These words serve to emphasize the stark reality faced by 2nd Lts on the battlefield.
To provide more context and depth to this topic, here are some interesting facts related to the life expectancy of 2nd Lts in Vietnam:
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Risky assignments: Second Lieutenants often led platoons of soldiers into dangerous combat zones, exposing themselves to enemy fire and ambushes. Their presence on the front lines made them particularly vulnerable.
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Guerilla warfare tactics: The Vietnam War saw the widespread use of guerilla warfare tactics by the Viet Cong, making it exceedingly difficult for American forces to combat the enemy effectively. This further added to the dangers faced by 2nd Lts.
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Limited experience: Many 2nd Lts were fresh out of officer training school, lacking the extensive combat experience and knowledge that higher-ranking officers possessed. This lack of experience put them at a disadvantage while making critical decisions in the heat of battle.
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High casualty rates: The intense combat environment in Vietnam resulted in a high casualty rate among 2nd Lts. They were often the target of enemy snipers and booby traps, adding to the already significant risks they faced.
To provide a visual representation of the relative survival time of a 2nd Lt in Vietnam compared to other ranks, here is a table showcasing the average life expectancy:
| Rank | Average Life Expectancy |
| 2nd Lt | Around three months |
| 1st Lt | Around six months |
| Captain | Around one year |
| Major | Around two years |
| Lieutenant Colonel| Around three years |
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific unit, location, and individual circumstances. Nonetheless, they offer insight into the challenges faced by officers, particularly those in lower ranks, during the Vietnam War.
I found more answers on the Internet
Then I learned that second lieutenants in the artillery routinely served as forward observers with a life expectancy of about 20 minutes.
The average life span of an Army Second Lieutenant in the field in Vietnam was under 4 days. According to one source, the average life expectancy of a second lieutenant in Vietnam War was 16 minutes, meaning for every 2nd Lieutenant that survived a year (525,000 minutes), 30,000 or so would have to die in 1 minute.
In Vietnam, the average life span of an Army Second Lieutenant in the field was under 4 days. !
All that mattered to the lieutenant was to survive for six months. What was the life expectancy of a second lieutenant in Vietnam War? For the average life expectancy to be 16 minutes, it would mean for every 2nd Lieutenant that survived a year (525,000 minutes,) 30,000 or so would have to die in 1 minute.
Video answer to your question
In this video, the court-martial trial in the movie “Rules of Engagement” reaches a verdict, finding Colonel Terry L. Childers guilty of breach of peace but not guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer and murder. The sentencing will be determined later. Colonel Childers then makes a request to be taught how to fly fish, but his lawyer informs him that they will be pushing for charges related to the Carlow incident from 30 years ago. They discuss the challenge of finding witnesses, and Colonel Childers strikes a deal with his lawyer. If he can recall the life expectancy of a second lieutenant in Vietnam in 1968, he will share his memories about Kahu. Colonel Childers responds with “16 minutes,” highlighting the grim reality of the short life expectancy in the war.
More interesting questions on the issue
Over 10% of Vietnam casualties were helicopter crew members, and most of those were the door gunners that protected the helicopter, its crew, and its transports, from their exposed position. The average lifespan of a door gunner on a Huey in Vietnam was just two weeks.