What was the Vietnam War reception like?

Answer 1

If the question is regarding the "Reception" depots/stations in RVN (Republic of South Vietnam), each branch of service had their own types of reception stations. For the US Army: Newly arrived "in country" GI's walked off of the airliners (civilian charter jets), loaded onto blue US Air Force buses, and were taken to large hanger sized buildings, equipped with bunk beds with no linen or pillows. A snack bar was inside, which was manned by Nationals (South Vietnamese civilians). There was normally, standing room only inside the building...no one was allowed outside unless on "detail" (assigned duty) or a smoke break, although everyone smoked inside the building anyway. Names would be called by a NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer-SGT), from his clipboard each hour of each day. Until the whole shipment of men was gone, and then a new batch would arrive. These were called "REPO-DEPO's" Replacement Depots. Stay in that building lasted possibly 24 hours maximum. From there men were shipped to their units, via, CH-47 Chinook helicopter, C-123 twin engine transports, C-130 transport (4 engine airplane), or 2 1/2 ton truck (deuce an a half).