Percentage of troops in Vietnam that saw combat?

Answer 1

According to the "Statistics About the Vietnam War", recommended by the History Channel; two thirds of US servicemen volunteered for the Military/Vietnam. But as any EXPERIENCED historian will tell you, "statistics (data)" can be misleading. Example: During the 1960's when a young man either enlisted or was drafted into the US Army (the army was the most common), his friends would jokingly say to him, "...remember John, Don't Volunteer for nothen!" Or "...remember John, NEVER volunteer!" This was an old joke from the WWII fellows, passed on down to the Korean War veterans, then onto us Vietnam guys. When entering the US Army, stateside or overseas it went like this: "I need three volunteers...you, you, and you." The Sgt then reports to the LT or Captain and says, "I got your three volunteers sir!" On paper, and for historians there's your three volunteers. During the Vietnam War, draftees served 2 years on active duty, with 4 years inactive reserve, OR 6 years Active Reserve/National Guard duty (today it's 8 years). US for a draftee was stamped on his dog tags. RA (Regular Army) was stamped on a volunteer's dog tags. ALL (or most) RA's enlisted for 3 or more years. So how did 2 year RA's get RA stamped on their dog tags? They were drafted and offered the opportunity to volunteer. On paper, and for historians, there's your 2/3% of volunteers in Vietnam. There were TRUE volunteers in Vietnam and the Army. Those figures would have to come from the 3 years or more enlistments. Those are the true volunteers. But those numbers won't be as high; so............................

Answer 2

Volunteering for the Army: The website; "Statistics about the Vietnam War" will give those figures. However, be advised, that "statistical data" although accurate, can be misleading. Men drafted during the Vietnam War were often given an "option to volunteer." Meaning: instead of having US (Conscripted by US Government) stamped on their dog tags, they'd have the letters RA (Regular Army-which meant he volunteered for the Army) stamped on their dog tags. Translation: He wouldn't have volunteered if he hadn't been drafted in the first place. Drafted men accepted the option of "enlisting" (volunteering) in the hopes of obtaining a better job or duty station...than Vietnam. Volunteering for Vietnam: After entering the US Army; the Army issued a "dream sheet", where he could write down where he would like to be stationed. This form allowed the serviceman to volunteer for Vietnam. When looking at the statistics for "volunteers" the student historian WILL have to consider the TWO categories of "volunteers." Data for volunteering in the Army & data for volunteering for Vietnam. Note* More than A LOT of drafted men volunteered for Vietnam. There attitude was, "Heck...they've got me! Might as well as go there...get it over with!"

Answer 3

For US personnel: US Navy Riverine crewmen; US Aircrewmen; US Marines; US Army; approximately 25% (1 out of 4 men). It takes an "average" of five men to support one fighting man: 1. Administration (pay, records, etc.) 2. Mechanical (repairs) 3. Medical 4. Supply (food, uniforms, ammunition, fuel, oil, parts) 5. Transportation (truck drivers, aircrewmen flying transportation fixed wing & rotor wing aircraft)

Answer 4

88.4% Less than 30% per Michael Kelley, Myths and Misconceptions: Vietnam War Folklore, 1998.

Answer 5

See website: Statistics About the Vietnam War

Answer 6

74% are glad they served in the war.

Answer 7

20 percent