How do Vietnam vets feel about Afghanistan?

“I think a lot of parallels are being drawn between those two eras [Afghanistan and Vietnam], especially given all of the uncertainty with the drawdown and the consequences of that,” said Betsy Clark, local recovery coordinator and psychologist with the South Texas VA.

How were the veterans of the Vietnam War treated?

Some people who opposed American involvement in the Vietnam War treated U.S. soldiers and veterans poorly. These stories added to the soldiers’ resentment of the antiwar movement. Rather than being greeted with anger and hostility, however, most Vietnam veterans received very little reaction when they returned home.

How can you compare and contrast the Vietnam War and the Iraq war?

First, in size and scope, the Vietnam War simply dwarfs the war in Iraq. Second, Vietnam began as an insurgency and escalated into a conventional war; in Iraq, the war started as a conventional invasion and deteriorated into a guerrilla war. The strategies used in both wars also differ dramatically.

What was different about the Vietnam War compared to the US previous wars?

The Vietnam War was different than any other war that the United States had fought to that point. This was largely because it was not mainly a war between armies. The major enemy for the US was more of a guerrilla organization that did not fight traditional battles.

What war is the Vietnam war similar to?

In both wars, American forces were teamed up with local troops to help combat their common enemy. Many Vietnam and Afghanistan War vets have noted that their “friendly” counterparts often appeared distant and were known to have even protected the enemy at times.

How are veterans reacting to Afghanistan?

In reaction to current events in Afghanistan, Veterans may: Feel frustrated, sad, helpless, grief or distressed. Feel angry or betrayed. Experience an increase in mental health symptoms like symptoms of PTSD or depression.

How was the war in Iraq and Afghanistan different from Vietnam?

As compared to Vietnam, our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan were more openly affected by death, by the sudden, permanent absences in their ranks. We fought more carefully in Iraq and Afghanistan than in Vietnam. The consciousness of death and of a precious life lost was more acute.

Was the war in Afghanistan worth fighting?

Nearly 18 years since the start of the war in Afghanistan and 16 years since the U.S. invasion of Iraq, majorities of U.S. military veterans say those wars were not worth fighting, according to a new Pew Research Center survey of veterans. A parallel survey of American adults finds that the public shares those sentiments.

Are US civilians now more supportive of Iraq Veterans?

In contrast, US civilians are now more supportive of the Iraq veterans. Washington State University’s Alair MacLean studied the way that US service members came back from battle, showing that World War II veterans fared better upon their return than those who served in Vietnam.

What is the difference between IEDs in Vietnam and Iraq?

The proportion of overall IED injuries was higher (60\%) in Iraq and Afghanistan than in Vietnam (15\%). However, this was due to fewer overall casualties. IEDs accounted for about 3,000 deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan, versus 8,000 in Vietnam.