@sneakypete is my go-to source for information about Vietnam. He's been there as it happened and I have not. @txradioguy is my similar source for the GWOT and what is going on in the Army today for the same reason.
@GtHawk @Cyber Liberty There is nothing special about my knowledge of VN. The thing is I was in SF,and unlike the regular army we take classes and read books about the history and culture of any country we are going to be deployed to,and we are also briefed by others who have served there. Understanding a little about the history and culture of a place you are going to be living and working for a year or more gives you a HUGE advantage over those going there with no real understanding of the people and nation where they will be serving. For one thing,it helps you to avoid the whole "Ugly American" thing that so many Americans were guilty of,and it helps you to quickly make friends with the locals and avoid that sort of trouble.
This knowledge included how the FFL operated there against the Viet Minh,as well as the unique problems they faced as soldiers in the French Army who were not French,and who had damn near zero support from the French at home. Coming as a surprise to no one,the French labor unions were controlled by communists,so there were always strikes happening to make sure the FFL didn't get resupplied with ammo and other items needed when the Viet Minh were planning attacks. Some weapons supplies were pilfered with and useless when they got there due to missing detonators or other parts. Often reinforcements/replacements from France would be delayed as the Communists held up approval or financing for them to go.
It's damn hard to win a war when you are at war with an armed enemy,and your own people are at war with you on the homefront.
The FFL had pretty much the same problems in Algeria later on.
Still,to this very day when the natives in Africa get restless,they seem to calm down a lot when the FFL shows up in their areas and starts foot and jeep patrols.
