Vietnam War Tactics
Guerrilla Tactics
In December 1965, Ho Chi Minh and the North Vietnamese leaders wanted a change in the way war was fought in the South. The Vietcong would try to avoid as many battles with the Americans as possible, unless they know for sure it was in their favor. To counter the American build-up, Vietcong would send more troops to the South of Vietnam. Following the example of Chinese guerrillas, they created very safe base areas. There were training grounds, logistics centers, and headquarters. The Vietcong built an enormous systems of underground tunnels to avoid the American spotter planes everywhere. These tunnels were mostly use as fighting bases that were capable of providing continuous support for troops. Each villager was order to dig three feet of tunnel a day. Their biggest tunnel systems were in the Iron Triangle and the Cu Chi District, only 20 miles from Saigon.
In December 1965, Ho Chi Minh and the North Vietnamese leaders wanted a change in the way war was fought in the South. The Vietcong would try to avoid as many battles with the Americans as possible, unless they know for sure it was in their favor. To counter the American build-up, Vietcong would send more troops to the South of Vietnam. Following the example of Chinese guerrillas, they created very safe base areas. There were training grounds, logistics centers, and headquarters. The Vietcong built an enormous systems of underground tunnels to avoid the American spotter planes everywhere. These tunnels were mostly use as fighting bases that were capable of providing continuous support for troops. Each villager was order to dig three feet of tunnel a day. Their biggest tunnel systems were in the Iron Triangle and the Cu Chi District, only 20 miles from Saigon.
Cu Chi
Cu Chi was a vast network with almost 200 miles of tunnels. There were underground access in the conference room and also training area. Hidden trapdoors led below, past guarded chambers, to long passages. Some openings were concealed beneath the waters of streams or canals. The tunnel was their biggest success. They kept weapons, rice, water supply, and a hospital in the tunnel. They also had kitchens with long, carved-out chimneys designed to diffuse cooking smoke and release it some distance away. Near the kitchens were the guerrilla's sleeping chambers, where they could survive for weeks at a time if need to be. Most importantly, there were many tunnels that led to 100 of hidden firing spots for defense base.
Propaganda
Both the Vietcong and the non-communists started using propaganda to gain support. They made propaganda in a way which brought people attention to the Vietnam War. They claimed to always be ready to take over, and if these kids and women are supporting and getting involve in the war then should any other guys who have the capabilities.