Civilians and peace time military personnel can set up a daily routine. In the "traditional wars" from Vietnam back; in which there were NO cell phones, computers, GPS systems, mini-TV's, equal opportunity employment, environmental bullets, advanced safety military protection gear (face shields, knee pads, night vision goggles attached to the protective headqear), etc. etc. GI's in the Vietnam War, had to do pretty much what his forefathers did in the Korean War, WWII, WWI, Spanish-American War of 1898, the US Frontier Wars, the US Civil War, etc. And that was (for the men in the field): Sleep when ever possible, because there was NO daily routine. Shooting or explosions could come at any time, from any direction. Or "movement". If anyone saw or heard any "movement", action could commence at any split second. Sleep (or rest) was always wanted. Food and drink, was a constant, especially food. The army only supplied "C" rations in the field (canned food) could be heated (we found other sources to cook our food), army issued "heat tablets" took to long, wouldn't light using a cigarette, and put out eye burning fumes when used in a bunker or inside an armored vehicle. "C" rations had to be eaten COLD at night time because of "night discipline"...lights get shot at during the night, and worse they could draw mortar fire. Then your buddies will be very upset with the GI who showed the light. Other than sleeping, eating, a cold beer (or soda) was excellent entertainment. Cigarettes were part of life. Inside of each "C" ration meal was factory Marlboro, Salem, Pall Malls, Camel cigarettes. SP (Sundries Paks) came Viceroy, Pall Malls, Marlboro, Salem, by the carton! Reading paperback books, and playing cards was common (Gambling). Fishing in rivers was popular, some GI's hunted deer and other small game (no fishing/hunting license REQUIRED!).
shunned the soldiers
In Vietnam, for the first time in US history each and every US fighting man possessed a fully automatic rifle. During WWII, each and every US fighting man possessed a semi-automatic rifle (the M1 Garand).
Smoke mad blunts
500,000 men were maintained in Vietnam during it's height. Rotations from the US maintained that level, allowing for 1 year rotations (one year tours, at least for the US Army). The half of a million men consisted of marines, soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Coast Guardsmen.
When soldiers were not engaged in battles, they often passed the time by participating in various activities to alleviate boredom and maintain morale. Common pastimes included playing games, writing letters to loved ones, and sharing stories around the campfire. Some soldiers also engaged in physical training or drills to stay prepared, while others took the opportunity to rest and recuperate. Additionally, many turned to crafting, reading, or forming friendships with fellow soldiers to foster a sense of community.
No. Turkey was not involved in the Vietnam War. However, Turkey did contribute soldiers to the Korean War (which made that war the first time that Turks and Greeks fought on the same side in any conflict).
shunned the soldiers
In Vietnam, for the first time in US history each and every US fighting man possessed a fully automatic rifle. During WWII, each and every US fighting man possessed a semi-automatic rifle (the M1 Garand).
They just said, "I did my time."
At the time of the Vietnam War their was about 2 million. Now their is roughly 760,000.
They were busy fighting and surviving - there was no time for entertainment.
Night time was heavily used.
A time to remember our soldiers, for fighting for our country.
Cambodia.
Smoke mad blunts
To pass the time, what did soldiers in the civil war do?
What the war in Vietnam was... it was a SHAME. Our troops were involved in a conflict that is no different than the conflicts in Afghanistan or Iraq. The brave young men and women fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq are seen as heroes; the brave young men and women who fought in Vietnam were seen as trash, killers, and every other imaginable degrading name. The main difference between these conflicts... the American news media. Please, when you meet a Vietnam Vet, take the time to thank them for their service and tell them how sad America should be that these brave soldiers were treated the way they were.