A Vietnam vet refers to a military veteran who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. In contrast, a Vietnam era vet refers to a veteran who served in the military during the Vietnam War era but may not have been deployed to Vietnam.
A Vietnam vet and a Vietnam era vet are distinct terms used to differentiate between military veterans who served during the Vietnam War. While both terms are associated with this significant historical event, they represent different experiences and roles.
A Vietnam vet typically refers to a military veteran who served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. These individuals were directly involved in combat operations, experiencing the intense and often traumatic realities of war. They faced the challenges of an unfamiliar environment, guerrilla warfare tactics, and the physical and emotional toll of conflict. Their service and sacrifices in Vietnam are recognized as a pivotal part of military history.
On the other hand, a Vietnam era vet refers to a veteran who served in the military during the Vietnam War era but may not have been deployed to Vietnam. These individuals were part of the armed forces during the time of the war but might have served in other locations or performed duties not directly related to the conflict in Vietnam. They experienced the impact of the war through its influence on military policies, society, and their fellow service members.
To provide a deeper understanding, here are some interesting facts about the Vietnam War era:
- Duration: The Vietnam War lasted from 1955 to 1975, making it one of the longest and most divisive conflicts in American history.
- Controversy and Protests: The war sparked significant controversy both domestically and internationally, leading to widespread protests and social unrest. It deeply divided public opinion and inspired the anti-war movement.
- Draft and Demographics: The Selective Service System, which implemented the draft, was used to conscript soldiers into military service. The draft disproportionately affected low-income communities and minorities, leading to social and racial tensions.
- Guerilla Warfare: The Vietnam War was characterized by the use of guerrilla warfare tactics by the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong. This posed significant challenges for the U.S. military, accustomed to more conventional warfare methods.
- Casualties and Impact: The war resulted in a staggering number of casualties on all sides, including hundreds of thousands of military deaths and civilian casualties. It also left a lasting impact on soldiers’ physical and mental well-being, as many veterans faced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other challenges upon returning home.
While facts provide a glimpse into the historical context, it’s important to remember that the experiences of Vietnam vets and Vietnam era vets are deeply personal and unique. As writer Tim O’Brien famously stated in his book “The Things They Carried”: “A true war story is never moral. It does not instruct, nor encourage virtue, nor suggest models of proper human behavior, nor restrain men from doing things men have always done.” This quote reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of the Vietnam War and the individuals who served during that era.
To help visualize the key differences, here is a table comparing Vietnam vets and Vietnam era vets:
| Vietnam Vets | Vietnam Era Vets | |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | Served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War | May have served in other locations or not deployed to Vietnam |
| Involvement | Directly participated in combat operations | Served during the war era but not necessarily involved in Vietnam-specific activities |
| Experiences | Faced the realities of war in Vietnam | Skilled era veterans, influenced by the war but in different capacities |
| Recognition | Honored for their service and sacrifices | Acknowledged as part of the Vietnam War era, but not necessarily linked to Vietnam directly |
See the answer to “What is the difference between a Vietnam vet and a Vietnam era vet?” in this video
The video discusses the different ways that veterans of World War II and Vietnam were treated upon returning home. While World War II veterans were seen as heroes and received a warm welcome, Vietnam veterans were met with hostility and ostracism. This is due in part to the ambiguous nature of the Vietnam War, with gruesome televised footage feeding growing opposition. Many soldiers actively avoided the draft, and veterans of the war had trouble accessing benefits from the Veterans Administration. It wasn’t until the 1980s that America began to properly acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans, partly due to films presenting a more nuanced view of the war.
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Vietnam era veterans are those who served during the time of the Vietnam war but didn’t set foot in the country of Vietnam. The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and it’s surrounding waters.
Vietnam era veterans are those who served during the time of the Vietnam war but didn’t set foot in the country of Vietnam. The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and it’s surrounding waters. However, the more common usage distinguishes between those who served “in country” and those who did not serve in Vietnam by referring to the “in country” veterans as “Vietnam veterans” and the others as “Vietnam-era veterans”. The U.S. government officially refers to all as “Vietnam-era veterans”.
What is the difference between a Vietnam era veteran and a Vietnam veteran? Vietnam era veterans are those who served during the time of the Vietnam war but didn’t set foot in the country of Vietnam. The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and it’s surrounding waters.
However, the more common usage distinguishes between those who served “in country” and those who did not serve in Vietnam by referring to the “in country” veterans as “Vietnam veterans” and the others as “Vietnam-era veterans”. The U.S. government officially refers to all as “Vietnam-era veterans”.
[1] The term has been used to describe veterans who served in the armed forces of South Vietnam, the United States Armed Forces, and other South Vietnam–backed allies, whether or not they were stationed in Vietnam during their service.
Also people ask
What is the Vietnam-era veteran?
Response: (1) Veteran of the Vietnam era means an eligible veteran any part of whose active military, naval, or air service was during the Vietnam era. (ii) A person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.
Do Vietnam-era veterans get VA benefits?
The answer is: VA Benefits for Vietnam Veterans
Vietnam Veterans may be eligible for a wide-variety of benefits available to all U.S. military Veterans. VA benefits include disability compensation, pension, education and training, health care, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and burial.
Secondly, What does not a Vietnam-era veteran mean? N. Not a Vietnam-era veteran. Employee may or may not be a veteran, but is not a veteran of the Vietnam era (i.e., employee did not serve during the period August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975).
Keeping this in view, What is a war era vet? The reply will be: If you served on active duty during the time frames listed below you have wartime Veteran status: WWII: Dec 7, 1941 through Dec 31, 1946. Korean War: Jun 27, 1950, through Jan 31, 1955. Vietnam War: Aug 5, 1964 (Feb 28, 1961 for Veterans who served “in country” before Aug 5, 1964), through M ay 7, 1975.
What is a Vietnam veteran vs Vietnam era veteran?
Answer will be: In regards to the Vietnam Veteran Vs. Vietnam Era Veteran. Let’s drill this down here. The US Government does not accept the term Vietnam Vet. The correct and only legal term is Vietnam Era Veteran and was codified into law in 1974. (Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (or VEVRAA, 38 U.S.C. § 4212)
Then, Do Vietnam Veterans of America accept Vietnam Veterans?
Response to this: The Vietnam Veterans of America group recognize, welcome and label anyone who served during the Vietnam era as a Vietnam veteran. Groups like VFW won’t accept us since we didn’t serve in a combat zone where most who were in country were subjected to the hazards of war.
What is a Vietnam era reservist?
As a response to this: Vietnam era veterans are those who served during the time of the Vietnam war but didn’t set foot in the country of Vietnam. The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and it’s surrounding waters. You might be interested: FAQ: What Is A Veteran Service Number? Are Vietnam era reservists considered veterans?
Considering this, What is a Vietnam vet? The answer is: The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and it’s surrounding waters. Vietnam veterans who set foot in country are entitled to presumptive agent orange benefits, otherwise the benefits are pretty much the same. I served from 1967 to 1970 and I was assigned to a hospital in Germany…I’m a Vietnam era vet.
What is a Vietnam veteran vs Vietnam era veteran? In regards to the Vietnam Veteran Vs. Vietnam Era Veteran. Let’s drill this down here. The US Government does not accept the term Vietnam Vet. The correct and only legal term is Vietnam Era Veteran and was codified into law in 1974. (Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (or VEVRAA, 38 U.S.C. § 4212)
Herein, Do Vietnam Veterans of America accept Vietnam Veterans?
Response will be: The Vietnam Veterans of America group recognize, welcome and label anyone who served during the Vietnam era as a Vietnam veteran. Groups like VFW won’t accept us since we didn’t serve in a combat zone where most who were in country were subjected to the hazards of war.
Similarly one may ask, What is a post Vietnam era veteran?
The response is: Post-Vietnam-era veteran. A veteran whose service began after the Vietnam era (i.e., after May 7, 1975). Vietnam-era veteran. A veteran who served any time during the Vietnam era (i.e., from August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975). 8 values found, displaying all values.
Besides, What is a Vietnam vet? The answer is: The Vietnam vet is one who was assigned within the combat zone of the country and it’s surrounding waters. Vietnam veterans who set foot in country are entitled to presumptive agent orange benefits, otherwise the benefits are pretty much the same. I served from 1967 to 1970 and I was assigned to a hospital in Germany…I’m a Vietnam era vet.