A typical tour of duty in Vietnam lasted about 12 months for most American soldiers. However, some troops were assigned for shorter periods, especially during the later years of the conflict.
A typical tour of duty in Vietnam for most American soldiers lasted about 12 months. However, the duration of service could vary depending on factors such as military branch, role, and the stage of the conflict. While 12 months was the standard tour length, there were exceptions where troops were assigned for shorter periods, particularly in the later years of the war.
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. military implemented a policy called the “Vietnamization” strategy, which aimed to shift more combat responsibilities to the South Vietnamese forces. This led to a reduction in troop numbers and an accelerated withdrawal of American soldiers. Consequently, some soldiers were assigned for shorter tours, lasting around 6 or 9 months.
To provide a more nuanced understanding of tour lengths and the experiences of soldiers, here are some interesting facts:
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Normal Tour vs. “Short-Timer”: The 12-month tour length was referred to as the “normal tour” in Vietnam. Towards the end of their service, soldiers would often display a countdown on their helmets — a visible symbol of their remaining time, highlighting their eagerly awaited return home. These soldiers were known as “short-timers.”
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The Average Soldier’s Experience: Many American soldiers spent an entire year in Vietnam, enduring the challenges and dangers of a hostile environment. They faced an extensive range of combat operations, including jungle warfare, ambushes, and guerrilla tactics.
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Impact on Soldiers: The long duration of the typical tour had a significant impact on soldiers’ physical and mental well-being. Exposure to combat, harsh living conditions, and homesickness took a toll on their overall morale.
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Voluntary Extensions: While 12 months was the standard, some soldiers willingly extended their tours beyond their required service, motivated by a sense of camaraderie or a desire to complete a specific mission. These voluntary extensions varied in duration.
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Changes in Policy: Throughout the course of the war, the U.S. military adjusted tour lengths and policies. At times, they experimented with shorter tours to boost morale and retain experienced personnel. However, these changes were not uniform, and some soldiers still completed the full 12-month tour.
While it is essential to note that every soldier’s experience varied, these facts provide a glimpse into the duration and nuances of tours of duty in Vietnam. As author and veteran Tim O’Brien eloquently stated, “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 the things men have always done. If a story seems moral, do not believe it. If at the end of a war story you feel uplifted, or if you feel that some small bit of rectitude has been salvaged from the larger waste, then you have been made the victim of a very old and terrible lie.”
Below, you can find a table highlighting the different tour lengths during the later years of the Vietnam War:
| Year Range | Tour Length |
|---|---|
| 1965-1967 | 12 months |
| 1968-1969 | 12 months |
| 1970 | 12 months |
| 1971-1972 | 12 months |
| 1972-1973 | 6-9 months |
Note: The table above represents general trends but might not capture individual variations or exceptional cases.
Watch related video
This video provides insights into the Vietnam War experience from a combat marine’s perspective. The speaker showcases various equipment and shares stories of camaraderie among soldiers in the midst of a polarized political climate back home. The veteran also reflects on the negative portrayal of soldiers and the lack of support they received upon returning home. Additionally, the efforts to build a replica wall of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in South Vietnam are highlighted, aiming to educate visitors about the history of the war.
More answers to your inquiry
A tour of duty in Vietnam for most ground forces lasted one year. Becoming “short” by having less than 100 days left in a tour of duty was a cause for celebration. It also required a countdown calendar on which each day was crossed off until only the “wake-up” – the last morning in Vietnam – remained.
A tour of duty in Vietnam for most ground forces lasted one year. Becoming “short” by having less than 100 days left in a tour of duty was a cause for celebration.
The Army rotated soldiers through Vietnam on one-year tours. Officers also spent a year in country, but only six of those months were in a troop command.
The Army rotated soldiers through Vietnam on one-year tours. Officers also spent a year in country, but only six of those months were in a troop command.
More interesting on the topic
How long was an Air Force tour of duty in Vietnam? 12 months
The “tour of duty” in Vietnam was 12 months. Air Force Manual 39-11 provided an authorization of 4 days for 1 day credit for personnel deployed to short tour areas in excess of 60 days.
Secondly, How many tours did a soldier do in Vietnam?
The career Army officers each served two tours. Their first deployments began as the war ramped up — Gillem arrived in 1965 and Wright in 1967. They returned a few years later to a changed landscape. The U.S. was withdrawing troops.
Who served the longest tour in Vietnam? The reply will be: Floyd James "Jim" Thompson (July 8, 1933 – July 16, 2002) was a United States Army colonel. He was one of the longest-held American prisoners of war, spending nearly nine years in captivity in the forests and mountains of South Vietnam, Laos, and North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Bergenfield, New Jersey, U.S.
Similarly, How long is a standard tour of duty? Answer will be: As of 2018, typical tours are 6-9 or even 12 months‘ deployment depending upon the needs of the military and branch of service. Soldiers are eligible for two weeks of leave after six months of deployment.
How long was the Vietnam War tour of duty? He earned 38 military decorations during his career, and has been called the most decorated U.S. soldier of the Vietnam War. How long was a tour of duty? In the Army, the tour of duty could last anywhere from six months to 12 months and up to 15 months.
Secondly, How much R&R did the US military get in Vietnam? All US military personnel serving in Vietnam during hostilities there were eligible for one R&R during their tour of duty (13 months for marines, 12 months for soldiers, sailors, airmen). What was the 13 month tour in Vietnam?
Correspondingly, How long are UK soldiers on tours of duty? In reply to that: In the UK, tours of duty are usually 6 months. In 2014, UK army tours in Afghanistan were extended to 8 months. Army doctors accompany their regiments on tours of duty for up to six months every two to three years.
Also asked, How long is a military tour?
Answer will be: For most of its personnel as the steady build-up progressed, Army eventually established the in-country tour length at12 months. This required tour length applied to both enlisted men and commissioned officers, and equally to Regular, Reserve and National Guard soldiers.
Similarly one may ask, How long was a Vietnam War Tour?
Answer: Back in the days of the Vietnam War, Army forces served a 12-month tour. It should be noted that Officers completed twelve months tours, with only six months spent in combat in charge of troops. The Marines served 6-month tours, but were given incentives to served 13-month tours. The Navy and Air Force had similar tour lengths.
How long is a tour of duty in the Army?
In the Army, the tour of duty could last anywhere from six months to 12 months and up to 15 months. A soldier who has a family will experience a tour of duty that lasts 36 months, if accompanied by the family. What unit saw the most combat in Vietnam?
Correspondingly, How much R&R did the US military get in Vietnam?
Response: All US military personnel serving in Vietnam during hostilities there were eligible for one R&R during their tour of duty (13 months for marines, 12 months for soldiers, sailors, airmen). What was the 13 month tour in Vietnam?
Simply so, Why did the Army send 24,000 soldiers back to Vietnam?
Response to this: U.S. Defense Department officials announce that the Army and Marines will be sending about 24,000 men back to Vietnam for involuntary second tours because of the length of the war, high turnover of personnel resulting from the one year of duty, and the tight supply of experienced soldiers.